CarComplaints.com Notes: The Dodge Intrepid, Stratus & 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.
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.
The electrical system went out while driving, lights, radio, windows, and finally the car shut off, I then had to get the car towed off the freeway, then the next morning the car started right up as if nothing ever went wrong.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The electrical system went out while driving, lights, radio, windows, and finally the car shut off, I then had to get the car towed off the freeway, then the next morning the car started right up as if nothing ever went wrong.
- Darryl K., Los Angeles, CA, US