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 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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 am so dissatisfied with my 2002 Dodge Stratus SE. Ever since I bought my car in Jan 2003, I have had more problems with this car than any other. My car leaks fluids constantly, my breaks don't work when applied, my car hesitates in all weather circumstances, my windshield makes a crackling noise, my doors squeak along with my trunk lid. Not to mention that I get anywhere from 10-15 miles per gallon for gas. I drive for about 40 min and half of my gas is gone!!! this vehicle is a hazard to the road and anyone or thing it comes in contact with :-( I never recommend my car to anyone and am ashamed to say it's mine. Dodge is definately one dealer that I wil never ever ever buy another car from!!!!!
Drivng approx 40mph when engine just shut off like it ran out of gas (full tank-only 25 miles on that tank used). Would not restart, sounded like it wanted to catch, but couldn't. towed to dealer-nothing found. 8 hours later, car idling in driveway when it sputtered and died. Restarted after a few minutes, taken to dealer, nothing found. Nlm
- Venetia, PA, USA
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- Massena, NY, USA