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.
Basically I now have no light to see a darn thing when I back up, I am also aware of a few other people having the same problem I was having. The sensor that went out is about an 80 dollar part and it is located in the console by the gear stick. It is next to impossible to get to. I am also of the opinion that once I do get to it, the console will rattle for the rest of its existence.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Basically I now have no light to see a darn thing when I back up, I am also aware of a few other people having the same problem I was having. The sensor that went out is about an 80 dollar part and it is located in the console by the gear stick. It is next to impossible to get to. I am also of the opinion that once I do get to it, the console will rattle for the rest of its existence.
- sammo, Lathrop, MO, US