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.
4.6
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,333 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.
I have 2001 Dodge Stratus that has a electrical problems. Took it to 1 dealer said that it was the battery change the battery and $179 later still have the same problem dash board light are not working the battery light and seat belt light stay on. You can not tell the speed or see how much gas you have. Try to go to dealer his shop closed for good. When to another dealer said it was a closter and after $800 still have same problem. Took it back to have him fix it right they decline to fix it. What do I do? this is my daughter car and it is a danger to drive.
Automatic transmission failed @70,000 miles cost $1800 to rebuild. Dash lights flicker constantly. Radio works for anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour before it shuts itself off. Wont come back on till car has been sitting for at least 12 hours, only to start all over.
Car has been in 19 times in 18 months for 15 separate issues. Motor seems to have finally blown. Took 4 tries to pass state inspection. Chrysler keeps ignoring me, my dealership keeps ignoring me visit my site at members.tripod.com/~go_grl/Dodge.html for full story. No return calls from Chrysler thru today 10/30/2002 bill day, general manager at dealership ignoring issue long enough. Now no car we'll see what they do to remedy this issue.
- Austin, TX, USA
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- Verona, NJ, USA