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.
My ac/heater stopped working except for on high. It only cools every once in awhile and not for long then. When it is a 100 plus outside it is horrible. Really for me when it is 80 outside. I can't stand the heat. Can't go to church or anywhere in the summer bc I get ringing wet before I get where I am going. Any help out there that doesn't cost a fortune.
I have had to replace the resistor 3 times over the life of the car (I am original owner). Happened in early 2005, 2006, and 2008. Car has low mileage (even now in March 2010 mileage is only up to around 45,000 miles). Every time the result was the heat only worked on high, which sucks when it's barely above zero degrees outside!
The lowest setting on my AC/Heater stopped working after having the car for only 1 year. The other 3 settings work, but it now takes a while for the car to cool so 4 is the recommended setting to get cool air within 5 minutes. It is no comparison to a 2000 Montero Sport I used to own which gave me instant heat or instant AC upon cranking it on the first setting.
- darknpurtydc,
District Heights, MD, US
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I had this problem with my 2001 Stratus. The problem is the resistor for the fan is burned out. On high, the fan will bypass the resistor, so everything works. But all other settings use it, so they will not work.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My ac/heater stopped working except for on high. It only cools every once in awhile and not for long then. When it is a 100 plus outside it is horrible. Really for me when it is 80 outside. I can't stand the heat. Can't go to church or anywhere in the summer bc I get ringing wet before I get where I am going. Any help out there that doesn't cost a fortune.
- Wanda C., Nettleton, MS, US