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.
1.7
hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
99,582 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.
Have had this 2000 Dodge Stratus which daughter has driven for 5 years now it is on it's fourth transmission since purchasing and numerous other repairs, all soft plugs replaced, originals were made from pot metal, replaced with brass. Numerous alignment problems. But just last month daughter was driving and noticed a severe scrapping noise all of a sudden, she thought it might be brakes wearing out. Upon inspection it was the lower control arm rubbing against the inside of the front passenger side wheel. Lower ball joint had given away and the entire control arm was now resting inside of the wheel. 2000 & 2001 Dodge Stratus unsafe at any speed.
- Omaha, NE, USA
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- Omaha, NE, USA