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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
107,761 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Stratus SE. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed and inspected by a local mechanic. The mechanic advised the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Stratus. The contact was diving 65 mph when the engine stalled. The vehicle restarted after the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who confirmed the failure was caused by a failing fuel pump. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the VIN qualified for recall NHTSA campaign id number:06E088000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump), but the mileage was over the limit. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was unknown.
2000 Dodge Stratus, had a leakage in the fuel line, in June 2009 and had it repaired, than transmission was going out, needed a new engine, car wouldn't go past 50mph without jerking and still was a gas-hogger, cost more to fix the car so had to have it salvaged couldn't afford the repairs, and my friend also had a Dodge Stratus same year and had the same problem I did and she also had to salvaged her car.
2000 Dodge Stratus, brought vehicle in for repair, it needed the gas filler neck replaced. Unable to find a replacement anywhere, auto repair place could not even find one anywhere in the country. I was also told they are on back order and will not be available anytime in near future. I have emissions test not to mention I have 2 kids that ride in the vehicle. This is shameful and bad business. And not to mention dangerous.
The fuel filler neck on a 2000 Dodge Stratus broke away from the body. It was noticed while refueling and the gas was spilling onto the ground instead of going into the tank. That was in November and the car has not been fixed yet because the part has been backordered. I am not complaining because of the inconvenience of not having a car for almost three months, but rather because if the part has been backordered for months then this appears to be a common problem, and since it"S related to the fuel system, a dangerous one.
- Palatine, IL, USA
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: the contact stated upon parking the vehicle, there was smoking flowing from under the hood. The contact raised the hood, and extinguished the fire. The dealership sent a representative, who determined the fire started in the fuel line.
Fuel pump failure. Vehicle stalled and failed to restart. Had vehicle towed to Mr. Tire but they were unable to determine problem and recommended to take it to my Dodge dealer. Dodge dealer service department determined the fuel pump failed and had to be replaced along with fuel filter. Dealer unable to provide cause except that it failed. Mentioned that my research showed that a number of NHTSA fuel pump failure complaints pointed to the connection. Was advised that fuel pumps don't normally fail. $700 repair because warranty expired 5 months ago.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Nottingham, MD, USA