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.
This is a pain in the ass, since you have to remove the whole upper intake plenum to do the rear plugs and then route the plug wires around like snakes. Also when your in there, you need to do the cap and rotor (which you would think even at that time, would be obsolete) ANOTHER FAIL!...and of course when you get a misfire code, its either the cap and rotor (which requires the remove of the battery at minimum and may require the intake be removed to put new wires on)
I've done this 3 times already in 130k. Twice for maintenance and once for a misfire. This is far more involved then it should be... My truck takes an hour total for 8 plugs and wires....expect 4-6 hours for 6 plugs and wires (for a moderate ability mechanic) .. And you cant just get the plenum gaskets.. they come as a whole gasket set
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This is a pain in the ass, since you have to remove the whole upper intake plenum to do the rear plugs and then route the plug wires around like snakes. Also when your in there, you need to do the cap and rotor (which you would think even at that time, would be obsolete) ANOTHER FAIL!...and of course when you get a misfire code, its either the cap and rotor (which requires the remove of the battery at minimum and may require the intake be removed to put new wires on)
I've done this 3 times already in 130k. Twice for maintenance and once for a misfire. This is far more involved then it should be... My truck takes an hour total for 8 plugs and wires....expect 4-6 hours for 6 plugs and wires (for a moderate ability mechanic) .. And you cant just get the plenum gaskets.. they come as a whole gasket set
- Greg L., Belchertown, MA, US