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.
My heating and air conditioning has not worked properly since my heater core was repaired in 2005. My repair was done at the dealership I purchased the car from. It was not a Chrysler/Dodge dealership. My A/C is now all heat and my heat is like the North Pole, frigid. My other complaint is with the paint job. My car is slate blue not black and I have the same issue with my paint fading and my clear coat peeling. If I could afford to trade the car I would, but I can't. I will have to drive mine in this torturing heat this summer and in the freezing cold this winter. If anyone has advice on how to fix this issue, please feel free to let me know.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My heating and air conditioning has not worked properly since my heater core was repaired in 2005. My repair was done at the dealership I purchased the car from. It was not a Chrysler/Dodge dealership. My A/C is now all heat and my heat is like the North Pole, frigid. My other complaint is with the paint job. My car is slate blue not black and I have the same issue with my paint fading and my clear coat peeling. If I could afford to trade the car I would, but I can't. I will have to drive mine in this torturing heat this summer and in the freezing cold this winter. If anyone has advice on how to fix this issue, please feel free to let me know.
- dlg0922, Little River, SC, US