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.
Ok, well I understand all used cars have their own problems, but I didn't expect this problem to get this bad. I start my car, and can drive it for awhile, but when it warms up, it will start to smoke from the back of the engine, and a little from the front. I've been told it could be many problems (From head gasket seals to valve covers) I just don't know. I am 16 and this is my first car. If someone could please help me it would be greatly appreciated.
I OWN A 2001 DODGE STRATUS ES. CURRENTLY THE CAR HAS 109,000 MILES AND NEEDS A NEW ENGINE COSTING $5000,00. INITIALLY THE HEATER CEASED TO WORK. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE CAR RAN HOT WITHOUT WARNING AND NOW THE CAR NEEDS A NEW ENGINE COSTING MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH. IS THERE A REMEDY? THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED AT NO EXPENSE TO THE OWNERS. WHAT A TRAGEDY!!! THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AUTOMATICALLY KNEW THE TYPE OF ENGINE I HAVE, TELLS ME THE COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN TOO NUMEROUS TO COUNT.
I will never buy a dodge again I bought it in McKinney TX where there were good owners and service people, since then they have changed and it was pathetic. Never called and informed me it would take longer than promised. The paper had promise date different than told. I got my car back and said that water pump leaking into engine and valve problems. Ok I paid when I checked under the hood just because I am a female does not make me ignorant. I know what my car looked like and now I said that there were two caps missing and he told me to bring it back to see if he had them. Then made me wait a good 15 min and brings another dodge showing that it had none. Why would on the phone he said he knew what I was talking about and kind of humiliated me by saying some have them and some don't well Hello I would just make that up? How would I know some did and some didn't? I know and it mad me really pissy that I had to pay 90.00 for diagnostic and then 2142.60 to have it fixed and not like it was. NEVER BUY A DODGE FROM THEM
- guera3,
Allen, TX, US
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Ok, well I understand all used cars have their own problems, but I didn't expect this problem to get this bad. I start my car, and can drive it for awhile, but when it warms up, it will start to smoke from the back of the engine, and a little from the front. I've been told it could be many problems (From head gasket seals to valve covers) I just don't know. I am 16 and this is my first car. If someone could please help me it would be greatly appreciated.
- Noah P., Hollister, MO, US