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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
50,000 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.
- the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Stratus that he believes should be involved in NHTSA recall 06V001000, concerning steering: Hydraulic power assist: Hose, piping, and connections. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the street it caught on fire beneath the hood. Everything underneath the hood melted, and the windshield cracked. The contact spoke with manufacturer about having the vehicle covered under the recall, but they stated that the fire was not caused by the same failure as the recall. The current mileage and failure mileage were 100,000. The contact can provide pictures if needed. Updated 03/30/07.
2002 had to replace power steering pipe, manufactured to lean on the interior auto body, in which engine vibration rubbed hole in it. 2002 front right wheel makes continuous loud high pitched whistle noise, still does. Dealership discounted it and didn't know why it sounded like that. 2002-2006 engine dies while driving, odometer goes crazy up and down 2006 clock spring keeps breaking, no power to air bag or horn.
- Knotts Island, NC, USA
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- Oakland Park, FL, USA