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.
3.0
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,134 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.
2001 Dodge Stratus SE has issues with the rear strut mount. Consumer states that there is a back order on the upper strut mounts. The consumer stated the blower resistor stopped working and two days later, the vehicle would not start. The consumer had to purchase a fuel pump. The consumer then started to hear a knocking noise in the steering. The consumer was informed the knocking noise was due to the fact that the steering column was too large for the components. The thermostat broke into pieces and the transmission stopped shifting gears.
Driver would hear a rattling noise continuously when turning the steering wheel in either direction, left/right. Also, while driving at 10 mph, the rattling noise made a loud snap as if something inside the column was broken. However, the vehicle performance has not been effected. Also, the air bag light has come on and the horn and the cruise control is also inoperative. Provide further details.
I purchased a used 2001 Dodge Stratus in February 2003. The car had a total of 48702 miles. Within the first week, the car was taken back to the dealer for brake problems. The front brakes was missing some type of brakes clips. This was repaired by the dealership. Their was also a noise from the steering column. The dealership stated that their was no problem located and that it was just the tires rubbing the pavement when turning. Within 85 days, the car lost speed while driving and would not move. It took one hour to coast 2.5 miles to home. I later had the car towed to the dealership. They called the next day to tell us that we need a complete overhaul of the transmission and needed to replace the pump and converter. A cost of $2000. I have never had any problems with any other brand of used cars even with high mileage. This car was driven less than 90 days. The dealership said that had the car malfunction with the first 60 days, then they would have repair it. The car has 55225 miles as of today's date. This is a major repair that is well documented as a problem with Dodge/Chrysler vehicle. We called the Chrysler consumer services hotline and was told that we had to work something out with the dealership as to the repairs. The dealership is currently working with us to resolve this problem at our expense. We are not agreeing to this arrangement and is waiting for higher management to intervene..
- Thomasville, GA, USA
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- Saint Clair Shores, MI, USA