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 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
67,135 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.
A noise was heard coming from the front while driving. Then, vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic informed determined that the engine needed to be replaced......old engine was removed and a new one was installed at cost of $5,309.96.
While driving at approximately 65 mph the motor ceased to function. It began by making a noise. Then the vehicle lost power. There was no power steering or power brakes. Consumer had the vehicle towed to dealer, and was informed that the timing chain blew apart, and there was no compression in the cylinders. Vehicle never indicated that it was running hot.
I was driving at 20 mph. The steering wheel locked up. Could not brake or speed up. One mechanic said it was the timing chain. And I would need a new motor. Estimate was 4900- 5500. Cant afford it.
The engine in my auto( 2001 Dodge Intrepid) failed----regular oil and filter changes took place----engine would cutoff without notice while driving------chrsler would not acknowledge warranty but would repair at cost-----research indicates that this engine would develope a sludge buildup problem as my auto did-----my engine had to be replaced at a cost of over $5,000.
While driving 40 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer was not able to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The motor had locked and threw a rod. The consumer would changes regularly.
The vehicle would accelerate no more then 30 mph, the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the consumer that the problem was due to sludge build up in the engine.
Had a noise coming from the top of my engine that started on my way to work one morning. Drove it home and then took it to the Dodge dealership to have it looked at. They said the engine was bad due to sludge and needed replaced. The timing chain had not broken yet so they said if didn't replace the engine, I should replace the timing chain and get rid of the car.
My wife was traveling on highway 65 and stopped at the light.the engine suddenly shutdown withhout warning and smoke came out from under the hood. My wife was terrified and stuck in the middle of the road for about 20 minutes until the highway patrol pushed the car to the side. The estimated repair cost from a shop is $7,500.
While driving 30 mph, the consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the vehicle. Suddenly the vehicle jerked. The vehicle was taken to a garage for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge in the engine.
While driving, the engine shut down. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the engine was found to be defective. The consumer stated he could not find anyone to work on the vehicle.
While driving 55 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and it was towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the engine blew out and needed to be replaced, and replaced it three times.
My car began to make a loud knocking sound. I took it straight to a service center. After looking at the car, they said I needed a new engine. I had it towed to another service center for a second opinion, they, too, said I needed a new engine. The chain tension spring broke causing my car to get out of time and basically the engine self- destructed. I still owe almost $8000 on my car and a rebuilt engine will cost me nearly $7,000. I called Dodge and voiced my complaint with no compassion from them. I don't know what to do. I have a car that I love and had no problems with until all of this. I will never buy another Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep vehicle. I can't believe they didn't issue a recall on the chain tensioner. After much research I have found hundreds of complaints about the 2.7 engine claiming the same problem. Just what is the average middle class person supposed to do with a car like this?
I was driving my 2001 Dodge Intrepid and came to a four way stop and my engine failed. Two gentlrmen assisted with pushing my vehicle off the side of the road to avoid any injuries.
While driving at any speed consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Suddenly vehicle jerked and vibrated. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge inside the engine.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Statesville, NC, USA