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.

6.2

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
74,950 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. Replace computer (1 reports)
2001 Dodge Intrepid electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Dodge Intrepid:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2001 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments

problem #8

Jun 132011

Intrepid ES 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,337 miles

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

The battery light comes on, all the lights start flashing, the tranny shifts to neutral or doesn't shift when it should, and sometimes the car stops and will not start. It may restart after charging the battery (battery 6 mo old). The dealership had the car for a week, then charged us $120 to put on diagnostic machine. They said it was either the computer or an alternator but "the assigned mechanic went on vacation. They can reassign it in another week but that mechanic would have to do his own diagnostics and charge us another $120 an hr." They gave us no diagnostic codes. We had guessed ahead of time that either the alternator of computer may be the problem but we had the diagnostics done to give us an answer.

- Lawrence W., Hilo, HI, US

problem #7

Jul 102003

Intrepid SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Driving down the road at night, the lights will flicker for no apparent reason! This could be really dangerous, especially if you are driving in city traffic. This is VERY annoying

- Jared P., Pembroke, VA, US

problem #6

Mar 022007

Intrepid V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

I ask the car dealer if the car had been in an accident.. the answer was no. Later I paid on -line for the history of the car found out it had been in a fender bender. Starting have electrical problems.. I would close the door and the lights would stay on sometimes in to the next day, also problems with the power windows had to pay to repair both problems. The lights are still a problem and not shutting off. I have learned by now to do research on a used car (hopefully last used car) the car dealer don't give you the true history of a car research yourself 1ST.

- jcedwards, Modesto, CA, US

problem #5

Aug 062006

(reported on)

Intrepid ES

  • 40,000 miles

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

while i am driving the interior lights flash on and off

- ryanosik, Airdrie, Alberta, Canada

problem #4

Aug 052006

(reported on)

Intrepid LE

  • 78,000 miles

I have noticed my light flickering also, in addition to that I also had a problem with my headlights not wanting to shut off. One evening I started my car and noticed that the daytime running lamps were not on but the high beams were on with the switch in the off position upon my return to home I shut my lights off and the light minder bell continued to sound. I checked the light switch to make sure I had indeed shut the lights off. I waited for about 10 minutes and finally the lights went out on their own. My concern is that I may not have any lights in the middle of a night trip.

- kkuta11, La Porte, IN, US

problem #3

Jul 242006

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • 151,119 miles

Well,_ it all started when the #*$@ OBD light came on... and stayed on for more than a few days I read my owners manuel from cover to cover.. resulting in me taking it to get a complete diagnostic test on my own dime, this lead to me finding out that my PCM Internal Contoller was showing failure... that means it shows that my car has a problem when it really doesnt... resulting in a possibilty of loosing function in my electrical controls.. such as the ablity to control lights... such as flickering and the possibilty of steering or stand offish take off... So I need to replace my PCM as soon as possible..... before I I have flickering lights... the end result an estimate for $779.99.. Money that I will reluctantly spend... but I will because I love my car. the smoothness of the ride , the comfort and the style.. Only preventing the problem before it gets to a bigger more dangerous one. The dealer is not going to do all the work for you. All cars need work at some point. I Love My Dodge Intrepid.

- tladyframer, Corpus Christi, TYexas, US

problem #2

Feb 082006

(reported on)

Intrepid SE

  • 56,000 miles

All headlights, including dome and dash lights, flicker intermittenly while driving. Had to the dealer 6 times with no solution. Dealer has refused further investigation to this problem. Very dangerous while driving as cars in front and on coming cars feel we are flashing our lights at them plus it is difficult to concentrate on driving while your headlamps and dash lights are flickering. We found on internet similar complaint from Larry B of Richmond MO, USA and was wondering if he has found a solution to the problem. Please advise.

- Gerry H., Cambridge, Nova Scotia, Canada

problem #1

Feb 092003

(reported on)

Intrepid SE

  • 10,000 miles

All the lights from the headlights to the dome and dash lights flicker intermittenly and the dealer says he has no fix and its just the light's characteristic of being sent out in pulses. I have had cars pull over in front of me because they think I'm flashing my lights at them and you cant take your eyes off watching the lights at night waiting on them to flicker, you cant keep your mind on driving for watching for them to flicker.

- Larry B., Richmond, MO, US

Not what you are looking for?