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.
3.4
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,986 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 purchased my vehicle in July 2005. The vehicle was okay until Feb-2006, the transmission stopped shifting. This caused the vehicle to jerk very hard and loose power. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist 3 times and still was not repaired. I was told that he could not fix it. The vehicle is still doing the same thing and on top of it losing power, it cuts off. This is very unsafe and can cause an accident.
Consumer was shifting the gears and a clanking noise was coming from the front. Vehicle was unable to move. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and mechanic placed vehicle on the diagnostic machine. Afterwards, dealer informed consumer that no codes were found. Also, could not be duplicate the problem.
Check engine light came on at about 74K miles and went into "limp" mode. Found out the transmission sensor was bad. Replaced sensor at cost of $682.25. Car has run poorly since that day. Dodge says "nothing wrong with the car" but the car has not ran smoothly from that first repair day. Next...while in Pennsylvania on military duty, the car leaked all the transmission fluid out. Found out the solenoid pack and fluid lines were leaking. Another $530+ dollars. Both of these parts are listed on auto zones website as recalls with daimler Chrysler for my vehicle. One has a NHTSA number. Daimler Chrysler denies that there are any recalls on my vehicle but does state that other "similar" models and cars are covered for those parts. When we asked daimler Chrysler who we could contact to complain and if there was a national body who looks at vehicle complaints (knowing full well who NHTSA was and how to get in touch with them) daimler Chrysler customer service stated "I don't think there is anyone!"....wrong answer.
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.
- Okawville, IL, USA
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I have constantly taken my car in for the same reasons. The car jerks, the whole car vibrates when it rains, if it's cold out the car refuses to start in the morning. There have been numerous transmission and piston problems.
While driving the automatic transmission went out. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop. The transmission had to be replaced. The transmission lasted for only 1 and a half years.
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..
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA