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.
The check engine light came on one day and would not go off. I had two different mechanics check it and could not find any codes, and could not reset the computer so the light would go out, but could not get it to reset. Now every time the car is running, the check engine light stays on. What can I do to find the problem. Someone told me that there might be a toggle switch under the dash that would shut it off, but where is it located if it is there.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The check engine light came on one day and would not go off. I had two different mechanics check it and could not find any codes, and could not reset the computer so the light would go out, but could not get it to reset. Now every time the car is running, the check engine light stays on. What can I do to find the problem. Someone told me that there might be a toggle switch under the dash that would shut it off, but where is it located if it is there.
- Albert S., Elsberry, MO, US