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:
56,500 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.

2000 Dodge Stratus miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2000 Dodge Stratus:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2000 Dodge Stratus Owner Comments

problem #4

Dec 152015

Stratus

  • 151,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving my car when the ball joint assembly snapped in half, the entire tire almost came all the way off.

- Williston, ND, USA

problem #3

Jul 012005

Stratus 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles
Approximate date shown below. Rust along front edge of hood. Clear finish peeling off of spoiler.

- Bear, DE, USA

problem #2

Aug 182005

Stratus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While car was parked at mcdonalds someone came in saying a gree car was on fire in the parking lot. It was my 2000 Dodge Stratus. Fire was in the engine compartment. Fire department was called and they put out the fire. Noone was in the car at the time. It is believed that the car is a total loss.

- Helendale, CA, USA

problem #1

Sep 232003

(reported on)

Stratus 4-cyl

  • miles
Repairs totaling $2,017 for 2000 Dodge Stratus. The part was bad.

- Osceola, WI, USA

Not what you are looking for?