CarComplaints.com Notes: The Dodge Stratus, Intrepid & other Chrysler sedans are infamous for oil sludge problems with the 2.7L V6 engine. If someone offers to sell you a 2.7L V6 model, it's only worth the price of the scrap metal it's going to shortly turn into.
NOTE: Only the 2.7L V6 has the oil sludge problem. Our "Avoid like the Plague" designation is ONLY for models with the 2.7L V6 engine. All other available engines are very reliable with no major problems.
Even with regular maintenance, the oil sludge defect eventually destroys the 2.7L engine typically around 80,000-100,000 miles. The only true fix we know about is to put in the larger 3.2L engine, which has a great reputation. Also the 2.4L engine doesn't have the oil sludge problem.
This issue was never deemed a safety defect by the Feds, so there was no recall. In the end, Chrysler got away with FOUR YEARS worth of defective 2.7L V6 engines in their sedans.
I turned my 2000 Dodge Stratus 2.4l SE car off and could not restart it, checked and listened to hear nothing the fuel pump did not make a sound. I dropped my tank and removed my fuel pump to find the pigtails inside my tank on my fuel pump would not come apart without great force to find the pigtails were melted together somehow to cause my vehicle not to restart and wonder how I my tank did not explode or cause great injury to myself and passengers to which one a 5 year old child. I think no mater what place in ownership I am or mileage I should be compensated for the damage to my vehicle due to a factory faulty pigtail wiring plug, which risks my life and others.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I turned my 2000 Dodge Stratus 2.4l SE car off and could not restart it, checked and listened to hear nothing the fuel pump did not make a sound. I dropped my tank and removed my fuel pump to find the pigtails inside my tank on my fuel pump would not come apart without great force to find the pigtails were melted together somehow to cause my vehicle not to restart and wonder how I my tank did not explode or cause great injury to myself and passengers to which one a 5 year old child. I think no mater what place in ownership I am or mileage I should be compensated for the damage to my vehicle due to a factory faulty pigtail wiring plug, which risks my life and others.
- Larry M., Allentown, PA, US