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.

9.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,040
Average Mileage:
101,450 miles
Total Complaints:
61 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (25 reports)
  2. replace the engine (23 reports)
  3. replace the engine with a 3.2l (6 reports)
  4. junk it & buy a chevrolet (3 reports)
  5. replace all 24 lifters and supports (2 reports)
  6. fixed engine knock for ~$95 (1 reports)
2000 Dodge Intrepid engine problems

engine problem

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2000 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #21

Nov 052007

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,678 miles

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

I had 0 prior problems with the car, rode smooth, looked nice,I had over 170,000 miles on the car so my oil was being checked regularly. I Added 2 quarts of oil,which was the usual amount after neglect of oil entry after a month. I got on the highway and about 35 miles down the road the car started making a loud knock, then its rpm's shot down to zero and the car died. I pulled off to the side of the road, put the car in park and instinctively went to start it. No luck. It almost sound like the cars battery was dead because it just wouldn't turn over. I then checked under the car and i was leaking oil. I had the car towed to a nearby shop and they said it would cost about 2,900 to replace the engine. The Kelly Blue book for a 2000 dodge intrepid in great condition is 1,500.. I'm in college and i spent Every dime i earned from saving up from 2 jobs purchasing the car from an auction. Now i have nothing..

- brucep, Muskegon, MI, US

problem #20

Aug 262007

(reported on)

Intrepid ES 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

I really am not a Dodge boy, but for one gleaming moment I had this opportunity to buy a 2000 intrepid cheap from an elderly couple who complained of the car picking up a knock in the engine. They limped it to a dodge dealer and they charged this couple 350.00 to look at it and indeed there was a problem!! But it would cost 850.00 to open up the motor and find the problem the people were shocked at the way the dealership handled it and told the folks they didnt take good enough care as in proper oil changes so chrysler was not at fault. The couple would not throw good money after bad so they limped the car home and parked it, this is where I come in. They sold the car to me for 700.00 After dollying the car home I put a battery in it and fired it right up! as it warmed up I heard the knock. Recognizing the sound I shut it off and decide to replace all the bottom end rod bearings. some were worn but no. 3 was wiped out and no.4 had scrapes on the bearing. while it was apart I opened up the top end valve covers I quite litteraly could not see any of rotating parts they were encased in about 2 inches of sludge in all my years around engines I have never seen any thing like this. I hydrosprayed the entire top end and flushed out the oil passeges ( with the oil pan off of course) I cleaned it till it looked new. then I replaced the bearings and put in castrol syntec oil 5w-20 started her up and it ran like a new one. I was impressed and of course was thinking that I could scarf up all these bad engine intrepids and make a million at it. My wife drove this car appx, 1500 miles by the way I should say these little intrepids are a pleasure to drive! to bad about the motor. anyway my son was on the interstate to take his girlfriend to dinner and the same exact rod spun the bearing again. I arranged to pick up the car and never looked under the hood again. I sold it that week for 1000. so I made 300. lost some on the parts. Since then we have stuck with fords but my wife still misses the intrepid with its sporty looks and caddilac ride. I am now thinking of re entering the chrysler circle but I think it will be 3.2 concorde. bottom line.. after speaking with a source in the industry on annonymity the problem is in the cooling features of the motor and the poor design of crankcase ventilation which results in the sludge build up. If your 2.7 is approaching 80000 miles sell it and soon. or have it rebuilt before it blows. thanks for my chance to vent!! Bob in Pennsylvania

- Robert S., Duncannon, PA, US

problem #19

Aug 292007

(reported on)

Intrepid ES 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I truly wished I had better knowledge on Dodges. This will be the absolute LAST I will ever buy. I still make monthly payments for a car that just sits there at my house doing nothing. I wish I new what could be done. Anything that has to do with Dodge now in my eyes is just TROUBLE.

- Sara H., Ewa Beach, HI, Pacific Islands (US)

problem #18

Oct 092007

(reported on)

Intrepid ES 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

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

Noticed engine noise, took to Chrysler dealership to get fixed. They REFUSED to tell me what the problem was, but changed my battery for the sum of 175$. Engine failed 10 miles down the road from the dealer, and I was stranded on the middle of the interstate. Even though I was 10 miles from the dealer, and they refused to provide any help. The general manager refused to compensate in anyway, corporate office refused to help. I ended up getting a partial refund two months after the incident, after many many phone calls. Will never buy anything branded Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep again. I am left with nothing.

- eastsidaz987, Ooltewah, TN, US

problem #17

Aug 212007

(reported on)

Intrepid 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

The car is a piece of crap. It knocks so loud I am to scared to drive it. I took it in and was told it is sludge and if not taken care of it will result in the car not running.

- Arianna C., Fresno, ca, US

problem #16

Jul 232007

(reported on)

Intrepid ES 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

This was the first time I had engine problems with this car. The engine was knocking. Told me it was oil sludge.

- John V., Rockford, MI, US

problem #15

May 262007

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

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

Knocking in the engine. This car belongs to my 17 year old son.

I was told that Dodge did a crapy job on the Intrepid. What cam we do. I say we find a lawyer that will handle this and we have a class action. I have put to much money in this car and It seems to continue to have problems.

- Tiffiney D., Avondale, AZ, US

problem #14

Apr 272007

(reported on)

Intrepid LX 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

Well lets see it is a piece of crap... The engine knocks like non other and it is not worth fixing unless you change it to a 3.2l L or a 3.5l... WHATEVER YOU DO DONT GET A 2.7L ENGINE!!!

- Jamie W., Mooresville, IN, US

problem #13

Mar 202007

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

I have a 2000 dodge intrepid I've only had the car for 6 months and I'm still making payments. One morning i went to start my car it started making this loud knocking noise. i called my mechanic to come look at my car and he told me i need a engine flush and an oil change to get all of the sludge out of the engine or else it will blow. So i went to get an oil change and a engine flush from the service station the noise stopped. The next morning the car did it again so I went to the auto part store and got my own oil and did an oil change and it stopped after letting it run for 10 minutes. Just to see if the service stations oil was the problem i went and got another oil change from the service station and the same knocking noise came back. So besides dodge making those garbage 2.7 engines that are to advanced for their own good you only can put the top shelf oil in a intrepid or else you will have the same problem. I changed the oil myself again and i have not heard the noise again yet but i know it will came back soon. Use any good anti sludge oil and it should prevent the problem. After all this trouble i will never buy another dodge again.

- Jerrell J., Orlando, FL, US

problem #12

Mar 242007

(reported on)

Intrepid ES 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

I have started the process of complaints. I have to make a major decision because I owe $4,000 and I just sunk $1,000 into repairs and now the engine is knocking.... sounds like I have the dreaded sludge problem. Do I spend another $8,000 and for an engine and transmission(they go too)and owe $12,000 or should I throw in the towel????? I am not going to do it without a fight! Contact Chrysler, NHSA, MA Attorney General, Local News consumer advocate, and anyone else. Good luck all!

- Richard L., Weymouth, MA, US

problem #11

Jul 182006

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • 83,000 miles

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

I purchased this car for my son to travel back and forth from college in 2003 he has put only 6000 miles on the engine and just last week he called and said that the engine was making a knocking sound. I currentley have the car in the shop being looked over. I am not sure what too do, I have been reading on the internet about all the problems with this 2.7 engine. Can someboby PLEASE lead me in the right direction to get in on this class action law suit. I am affraid that with everything I am reading I will be replacing a engine soon. I hope Someboby can help. Thanks

- Curt B., Green Bay, WI, US

problem #10

Jan 072007

(reported on)

Intrepid SE 2.7 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

As with me as it has been with everyone here. my car with a little over 84,000 miles on it with regular 3000 pennzoil performed oil changes is now sitting parked behind my dad's garage with aprrox $3500.00 still owed on this piece of no good hunk of metal. it started knocking a couple months ago. had 5 or 6 mechanics look at it. all where surprised to find out that trying to find a GOOD engine replacement for this vehicle was next to impossible to find. I wrote my attorney general and left message with him to get on chryslers ass and do something for all of us. of course in pennslyvania the lemon law only pertains to new vehicles, 12 months/24,000 miles has to have the SAME problem three times and car has to be in shop for longer than 30 days.

- Chris W., W. Alexander, PA, US

problem #9

Dec 162006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

I decided to try to "baby" this for a few more years while I have 2 kids in college... just sank $1000 in it for major tune up, fuel system cleaning, tires, brakes. Six weeks later there's a serious sounding knocking... Pep Boys says it sounds like the pistons are hitting the head... will need a new engine installed ($6000)!!!! I am original owner, I KNOW I took good care of this car! I am so mad right now I don't even know what to do. I wish someone would have to told me to dump it before I put all that $$$ and work into it! NOW I hear that this is not unusual for Intrepids... piece of crap.

- Mark D., Etters, PA, US

problem #8

Dec 152006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

My 2001 Dodge Intrepid has reached approximately 73,000 miles I maintain my vehicle and sludge was found in the oil. The vehicle now makes a pinging sound. The car is paid for. I am a single mom with a daughter in college. Because I have replace nearly everything under the hood in order to maintain the car. I now am afraid to drive the car and have to ask for rides to work and home. I hope I don't have an emergency and can't leave my home for fear of the engine quitting. Dodge needs to do something about this............ I would like to speak to someone regarding legal action

- reaganaz, Tucson, AZ, US

problem #7

Sep 182006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7

  • 64,000 miles

I Bought my Dodge Intrepid in February 2006 for $5,000 dollars. All that I had!!! In June the piece of sh*t broke.... It started knocking, so I drove it to my dad's (he's a mechanic, thank god). He took a look at it... I replaced about $1000 worth of parts in the engine...Come to find out it was the timing belt that caused the problem... I am a single mother and no other means of transportation... I was in a big bind... I decided to get a different size motor.. A 3.2, and since June I haven't had anymore problems yet!! I'm waiting on the transmission to konk out next!!! If anyone starts a lawsuit up on it... I would love to join in.... I don't see why with all the complaints and problems they don't do something about this... THAT'S BAD BUSINESS...

- Suzanne B., Columbia, SC, US

problem #6

Jul 012006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 113,000 miles

Purchased with 110000 miles. Started knocking after oil change to synthetic. Parked it 7/05. Pulled apart found timing belt streched and guides shot. Heads full of sludge!

- Leonard V., Raleigh, NC, US

problem #5

Jul 052006

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • 70,000 miles

My engine started knocking one day. I took it into the dealer to have it checked. They said they fixed the timing chain. A couple of days later the same thing was happening so we took it into Smitty's, a local repair shop, and they told us that the engine was completely shot and would have to be replaced. $6000 it would cost us, more than the blue book value of the car. I have always kept that car well maintained and never had a bit of trouble with it until this. The worst part is that I had just paid the car off. I didn't even get one week of driving it after the payments stopped. I'm really upset and I have a dead car sitting in my driveway.

- Richard W., Holland, OH, US

problem #4

Jun 012006

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • 72,118 miles

no warning at all just quit working.. I only owned this car three months, total piece of sh*t

- Lee B., Florence, SC, US

problem #3

Jun 012006

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • 100,000 miles

I had just made the decision to keep the car for another 100,000 miles, so I took it into my home town Chrysler dealer and had the 100,000 mile check up done to the tune of $ 700. The very next oil change that I had done on it, I was informed that there was a knock in the engine and that it was using oil. It was recommended to me to have the engine replaced. When I pursued that course, I was informed that the 2.7 L engine was a piece of crap, and just to find one would be $2500 or more. I was completely disgusted.

- Linda O., Cooperstown, ND, US

problem #2

Sep 012004

(reported on)

Intrepid ES

  • 35,000 miles

Well, it all started one early morning. I turned my car on and herd the engine knocking at start up. It knocked for a few seconds every time I turned it on every next day. This problem made me nervous, because I know what piece of crap V-6 Dodge enigines are. I dont know if anyone has noticed that in Dodge commercials they never advertise the Dodge Intrepid. They never do it (I think they're well informed how the Intrepid really didn't work out for them). Everybody who reads this don't buy a Dodge Intrepid ES. Please dont, you'll regret it later trust me.

- Alex L., Lynwood, CA, US

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