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.
7.3
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,940
Average Mileage:
115,900 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (4 reports)
replace engine (1 reports)
replace water pump replace all 3 timings (1 reports)
I too got screwed by the Intrepid 2.7L engine. I bought the car used with 105,000 miles.
Did all my oil changes on time with synthetic oil.
I had heard the horror stories so I was always on the look out. Finally it happened. I pulled in my Garage and noticed it was overheating.I was lucky, because I caught the water pump failure before any real damage was done. It cost just over a thousand dollars JUST TO REPLACE the water pump because it sprayed oil and gas mixture throughout my engine PLUS it is a difficult part to change in this lemon. No lights ever came on.
Just know that at the FIRST sign of any over heating......get it in the shop.
they are the biggest pieces of junk i have ever owned will never own another one I'm a single mom and have no car have to walk ever were my child has basketball games and soccer games and cant go and see her
Our Intrepid has been a headache one after another. Always leaks oil. tranmission has had problems. It went to protected mode on the gears one day with no warning. Check engine light has been coming back on everytime I get the diagnosis fixed. Now water pump has gone and oil was in the coolant when it dumped on ground. I cannot afford a $1500 job that isn't guaranteed, so its time for a car loan and no more Dodges.
WATER PUMP WENT OUT YOU HAVE TO REPLACE ALL 3 TIMING CHAINS TEAR 1/2 THE MOTOR DOWN TO DO IT AND THE PIECE OF SH*T HAS PLASTIC PISTONS IN IT SO HOPE YOU DON T GET IT TO HOT WHAT KIND OF ENGINEER WOULD DESIGN THAT ( A JACKASS )
took the car in for a light on dash board, after using the scanner (did not show any negatives) the mechanic gave me a list of items needed to be repaired almost $3000 worth. prior to light no problems, well maintained car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I too got screwed by the Intrepid 2.7L engine. I bought the car used with 105,000 miles.
Did all my oil changes on time with synthetic oil.
I had heard the horror stories so I was always on the look out. Finally it happened. I pulled in my Garage and noticed it was overheating.I was lucky, because I caught the water pump failure before any real damage was done. It cost just over a thousand dollars JUST TO REPLACE the water pump because it sprayed oil and gas mixture throughout my engine PLUS it is a difficult part to change in this lemon. No lights ever came on.
Just know that at the FIRST sign of any over heating......get it in the shop.
- Lewis W., Saint Paris, OH, US