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.

3.8

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
32,800 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 lights problems

lights problem

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2000 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments

problem #5

Mar 252008

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

The specific reference I have is a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. The issue is the plastic cover for the headlamps have undergone a material failure"they have a series of micro-structured cracks throughout the entire plastic cover that scatters a significant portion of the light from lamps preventing normal function and good vision for the drivers. Plastics do not crack on their own and this event is not from an accident or other unique event on this car. I have a ph.D. in chemistry from harvard university and my expertise is in micro/nano-technology. This education which is unique has enabled me to investigate the reason of a ?hazy? headlamp cover. The dealership mis-diagnosed the problem and initially sold a ?costly" ($50 plus labor) cleaner kit. Micro-cracks cannot be fixed but such a method and when I called the dealership back to explain the this was not dirt or a haze but cracks; they admitted they did not look closely at the problem and did not know what to do and suggested calling Chrysler directly. I contacted customer service at Chrysler who basically ignored my comment, said that they would do nothing about such a claim, and told me since the car was too old I had to pay all expenses out of my pocket. I turn to you because I do not have the resources to see if this is a larger problem; which from my experience with materials believe it has to be. Unlike with brake pads or other consumable/wear-down items in a car, the plastic covers for lights should not fail over time. Since the car still runs and the lights are technically on although the visibility is greatly diminished, they might not realize their safety is at risk with diminished visibility. I also believe that crash investigators do not look at the quality of the plastic covering the headlamps and the possibility of micro-cracks limiting visibility before the accident occurred. Thank you for your time in reading my comments. Sincerely, adam winkleman, ph.D.

- Brookline, MA, USA

problem #4

Jan 182007

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
- the contact stated that in approximately January of 2006 he developed a crusty, foggy film on both head lights of his 2000 Dodge Intrepid. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The contact stated that this inhibits the amount of light. The dealer said this condition came from the heat on the headlights and they have a process to clean the headlights. The contact stated he would have to pay for the repair and does not feel that this is reasonable.. updated 2/16/2007 -the light output has been reduced by about 50% of the original output and continues to get worse over time.

- Zebulon, NC, USA

problem #3

Nov 232005

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
I have 2000 Intrepid, the headlights are badly discolored almost as if the lens are melted. I have seen a number of other Dodge vehicles with the same problem, Intrepid, mini vans etc. This is such a problem that driving without the high beams at night is nearly impossible due to lack of light coming through the defective lens. I also own a 2004 Dodge durango that was resently rolled over, the roads were snow covered. I was traveling 15 mph max when the durango slide sideways off the road and the back end started to slide over a small embankment and then rolled over, I do not feel that it was steap enough that the durango should have overturned. Luck is no one was hurt.

- Midland, PA, USA

problem #2

Jan 012004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles
Headlight lenses became discolored. This caused poor visibility when driving at night. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer that the headlight lenses were not covered under a recall.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #1

Jan 032003

Intrepid

  • 32,000 miles
When driving at night in fog head light beams projects off a bright light. The light is so bright that it causes the driver to have poor visibility. Ts. headlight beams project off a bright light. Light beams are reflected up directly in front of vehicle. The light iluminates the fog, and visibility is greatly reduced.

- Clovis, CA, USA

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