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.
1) STARTER
2) BATTERY CABLES (both positive and negative)
3) BATTERY
4) TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
5) 1 TRANSMISSION MAIN FUSE (which isn't labeled as such..its under the air bag fuse--assholes!)
Who knows what else is to come...
It will start fine some times, then refuse to turn over, turn over super slow like its out of battery juice, then start fine and sometimes click and do nothing...
this car is a nightmare and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This car has left me stranded twice so far
What I have replaced:
1) STARTER 2) BATTERY CABLES (both positive and negative) 3) BATTERY 4) TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR 5) 1 TRANSMISSION MAIN FUSE (which isn't labeled as such..its under the air bag fuse--assholes!)
Who knows what else is to come...
It will start fine some times, then refuse to turn over, turn over super slow like its out of battery juice, then start fine and sometimes click and do nothing...
this car is a nightmare and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
- Greg L., Belchertown, MA, US