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.
2.9
hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,924 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.
Noticed my car seemed to be losing performance. Failure started when my car would shut off while I was driving when I turned on the heat. This happened 4 times in one day and the fourth time I almost had an accident on interstate 5. I did have Firestone check the vehicle and they could not find the cause. I search this site for recalls and found recall number 00V299002 which states " prolonged wiring harness contact with the heat shield will cause the wiring insulation to wear and eventually to ground out. This could cause the engine to die out, increasing the risk of a crash" which is exactly what I'm experiencing when I drive. I have kept up the maintenance on this vehicle with jiffy lube and Firestone, so there should be no reason why this is happening other than a manufactures defect. I called the local Dodge dealer and manufacturer and they both stated there is no recall for my Dodge Stratus 2001 for this problem. I was in shock to think that NHTSA is aware of the problem and the people responsible for there products are not. Hopefully, this complaint will spark the manufacturer to make this a recall and prevent myself and others from being seriously injured in a car accident, due to no fault of our own.
While drivining consumer's son fell asleep and knocked water off cup holder onto floorboard. Started to smell wires burning, and heard crackling noises. Contacted fire department, and was informed that wires under front seat were exposed and causing the noise. Indicated to let wires dry before using vehicle. After drying started vehicle nd crackling noise was still heard until fuse was removed. Contacted manufacturer, and informed consumer that it was not their problem, it was owner's fault.
- San Antonio, TX, USA
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- Olympia, WA, USA