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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
85,874 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.

2000 Dodge Intrepid electrical problems

electrical problem

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2000 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments

problem #13

Nov 042015

Intrepid

  • 176,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid bought almost a year ago.had a short in the ignition had to wiggle key to get somethings to kick on.then a mth ago.I was at a stop light started to take off it vibrated really bad and now it's stuck in low gear.then it had a problem starting, something drains the battery.check engine light on.2 machinics looked my car it won't read diagnostics because there's a short in electronical system.

- Stanford, KY, USA

problem #12

Feb 242015

Intrepid

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. While driving at 55 mph, there was a burning odor. In addition, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise when turning in both directions and all lights, meters, and gauges on the instrument panel failed to function. The contact also stated that the rear lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

- Reeds Spring, MO, USA

problem #11

Feb 242014

Intrepid 4-cyl

  • 166,124 miles
Every time I go to slow down I stall. I have taken it in to be serviced. I'm not sure what part they changed but it's still doing it. I'm afraid to drive the car. I bought it because I was told it was a good family car. I can't even see my grand kids I'm to afraid to drive it. When I say it stall all the time I live 13 miles from work and I will stall 6 times before I get there.

- Silver Springs, FL, USA

problem #10

Dec 312010

Intrepid

  • 158,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving vehicle on exit 73 in lisbon, md. When acceleration halts and car will not accelerate over 60mph and was steadily decreasing. As I pulled off the exit, the car stalled and the battery light came on, then the engine light and then the transmission light, proceeding was all lights in the car blacked out and the car was only drifting off the exit. As the car stopped and I put it in park, I noticed black smoke and fire submerging in the front of the car with force. I then heard a pop to realize my tires popped from the burning heat of the fire. I exited the vehicle with nothing in tow and in fear of my life in addition to my passenger whom we both left valuable items in the burning car. This seems to fall under a form of defect in which I would like to have investigated and a claim filed as this was a very traumatic experience which I would not want to happen to anyone else. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Martinsburg, WV, USA

problem #9

Jun 202008

Intrepid

  • 122,541 miles
Had mild tapping sound from engine a few months ago, took vehicle to the mechanic and that is where I learned the reputation of the 2.7 liter engine. He advised that we should look for another vehicle before we became the latest victim. Unfortunately, on the way home from work one afternoon the engine started developing an even more pronounced clattering, knock and vibration; as if it were about to tear itself apart. Pulled over to avoid subjecting engine to even more damage. Had to have it towed home. Will not spend another dollar on this vehicle until Chrysler hands me a check from a lawsuit settlement.

- Suwanee, GA, USA

problem #8

Jun 142006

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles
: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the driveway for 2 hours it caught on fire. The fire started in the engine compartment spreading thought out the entire vehicle. There was a fire report filed at the scene. There were no prior problems with the vehicle. The dealer was alerted and determined an inspector would need to inspect the vehicle. A letter received from the manufacturer stating there was no need for an inspection. Updated 7/11/2006 - the consumer contacted the manufacturer and was told not to contact their office again as the fire was not their problem. Per the crd chief used the most current incident date (internet voq request).

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #7

Aug 032005

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

(1) dashboard lights occasionally flickering. (2) ABS brakes engaged on freeway at 70 mph without stepping on brake pedal. Had battery tested. It was bad. (3) traded vehicle in for a new car two days later. Did not drive car any more at freeway speeds.

- Tempe, AZ, USA

problem #6

Nov 112002

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Interior lights turned on and off intermittently which often scared and distracted the driver from the road, increasing the chance of a crash. Taken in for repairs three times, but the problem recurred. The consumer stated that the interior lights go on an off while the vehicle is not running. The consumer stated that the control module was replaced at total of 4 times. The consumer stated that the rear door lock has a buzz noise in it. The horn and alarm goes on and off.

- Warren, MI, USA

problem #5

Jul 182004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles
Downshiffted during course of driving. Rpms went to 3500. Upon slowing down, motor shut off. All accessories turned off. No warning. Re-started vehicle to drive off the street. All systems shutdown again. Finally restarted motor long enough to pull into a nearby parking lot. Had tow truck deliver vehicle to home.

- Citrus Heights, CA, USA

problem #4

Jun 102003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles
The engine failed while driving between 55-60 mph. There was a knocking noise in the engine and the vehicle lurched forward, then slow down. The vehicle did this for about a mile, afterwards, it stalled. This was due to an oil sludge build up which was caused by a design flaw. The vehicle had a variety of electrical problems throughtout three years.

- Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA

problem #3

Aug 152003

(reported on)

Intrepid 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Door will not unlock manually or with the alarm keypad.. the consumer stated rear occupants had to go through the front doors to exit the vehicle.

- Hammond, IN, USA

problem #2

Apr 042002

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,200 miles
Intermittent flickering of all interior lights. Problem will occur anytime of the day or night. Causes a distraction that could be dangerous.

- Dillsburg, PA, USA

problem #1

Jan 152003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,300 miles
Front automatic door locks/switches spontaneously and intermittently stopped functioning, and created inability to even manually unlock or open driver and passenger doors, trapping driver and/or passenger in car (including mechanic who test-drove car to determine source of problem) electronic power source to locks ultimately had to be disconnected for safety.

- Holyoke, MA, USA

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