engine problem
9.7
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$4,588.00
Average Mileage:
87,247 miles
Number of complaints:
110 complaints
Most common solutions:
- never buy a Chrysler again (54 reports)
- replaced with a used/rebuilt engine (25 reports)
- not sure (14 reports)
- bought a new car that's not a Dodge (7 reports)
- replace with a 3.2L or 3.5L engine (5 reports)
- traded in for a new car (3 reports)
2008Apr 21
Intrepid SE 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 99,730 miles
I owned the most beautiful 01 Intrepid, loved driving it, loved the space in it, never had a problem with it, just put on new tires, battery, all new brakes , rotors, calipers have spent over $2000.00 over the past couple of months to keep my car forever and then it just stalled in the middle of an underground parking lot. There was coolant in the oil. Had to pull it out and tow it to a dealer who told me that I needed a new motor which would cost $7300.00 and I wasn't suppose to be done paying for it until Oct. 08. Teeth on the timing chain sprocket had worn out which did major internal engine damage. Now what single mom no car no money out a great car, only to find out that this is very very common to this 2.7L engine in Intrepids. If you own one with this 2.7L engine get rid of it asap so you are not in my position.
2008Apr 06
Intrepid
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
So it's Easter Sunday and I hadn't driven all day. When I went to give my mother a ride home that night I heard a funny noise at the first stop sign. As I'm driving I feel a loss of power. About 4 miles into our ride she just DIES, smoke comes pouring out and the engine is TOAST. When I got home later that night there was massive amounts of oil on the street where I'd sat for less than a minute to adjust my seat, the driveway had been spotless? about 75,000 is all that was on it and I took it every 3000 miles to have it serviced. The repairs were going to cost $9,000! Up until this point the car had never given me much problem at all. I couldn't even sell it at that point so ended up donating it for a tax write off. I'm pretty certain I will NEVER buy a Dodge again.
2008Apr 25
Intrepid
- Automatic transmission
- 102,315 miles
I was looking on the internet to see if there was a recall with this problem and didn't see where there was, I came across this site and was glad I found it. We have had our 2001 Dodge Intrepid for almost 4 yrs. now, never had a problem until my husband was driving home from work at the busiest time of the day, he felt there was a problem and turned off the busy street, our car just stopped, started smoking, he opened the hood and saw that something was leaking. He was right by a Brakes Plus and pushed it with some help. They put it on a diagnostics test come to find out we need a new engine because of a sludge oil problem. Of course we cannot afford a new engine, the new engine costs more then what we owe on the car. I want to Thank the people for all the info on this site. We will never buy another Dodge. Let's take this all the way and get what is owed to us!!!!
2006Mar 01
Intrepid ES 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
Had I known that the Dodge/Chrysler 2.7L engines were notorious for suddenly crapping out, I would not have bought this car! I kept the vehicle in pristine condition and changed the oil every 3000 miles, yet it died at 68,000. My parents bought me a rebuilt engine, but unfortunately, the car was totaled in an accident. I haven't even paid them back for the engine yet!
2008Feb 23
Intrepid SE 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 127,000 miles
I can't understand how a company can stand behind their product and offer assistance when it fails.
2008Mar 26
Intrepid ES 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 144,000 miles
I have the same freaking problem with oil sludge and timing chain. does just getting a new timing chain tension fix the sound? or problem? and what was the cost? I'm really ticked off, is there a recall????
2008Mar 18
Intrepid SE 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
while driving with my 2 yr old son, the engine started to make a clicking sound that immediately got louder and then sounded like a rod had broken inside the engine and the car started to buck wildly. After it was towed to a shop, the mechanic informed me of the problems with the 2.7 liter motor. Why am I always the last to find out? A new motor installed costs 6500.00 dollars, 3700.00 for a used motor on a car that has a blue book of roughly 4000.00 dollars. I did not buy this car brand new, and I still owe on it. I don't know what to do. Is there anyone that can direct me to the class action lawsuit case that I have heard so much about? I will do my best to help spread the word about how badly Chrysler has dropped the ball on this and that they don't give a rats ass about the customer or the safety of any person unfortunate enough to have taken possesion of these disposable,useless, piece of garbage products. NO MORE CHRYSLER OR DODGE PRODUCTS FOR ME!
2008Mar 21
Intrepid SE Dead
- Automatic transmission
- 123,000 miles
Hi All,
Just like everyone else here, I lost my engine due to the sludge/timing chain issue TO THE TUNE OF $4500. I really don't understand why this isn't covered if this is a known issue with the engine. I try to buy the little guy to keep the employment up,but good God, $4500?? That WAS going to be tuition money for me. Thanks Dodge! I am now zero for two on your vehicles! E-mail me if anyone know of any action against Chrysler/Dodge. I'm in! Mark
2005May 13
(reported on)Intrepid SE
- 82,000 miles
we were driving the car and then the motor starting to lose power then made a noise in the motor. So the next day we take it to the shop. The shop told us it was the motor. The oil was slushed up and the only way to fix it was to put a different motor in it. A cost about $ 6000.00 to get fixed. The shop said it is common to see this in these cars. So if I were you I would not BUY ONE ever again. I hope this will save people money, by not buying one.
2007Jun 21
Intrepid SE 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
Bought this car used with very low miles to use as a commuter car, car ran beautifully until one day as I was merging onto the freeway, I heard a really loud knock start. No lights came on and the noise quieted down, so I continued to drive home. Checked oil, which was just changed 2 weeks prior and it was very dark. I took it to my mechanic that told me the engine was toast, I forgot that I had bought the extended warranty so it sat for a couple of months while I tried to decide what to do. Once I realized I bought the extended warranty, I towed it to the Dodge dealer and they have had it for about a month now. Since the fix is $9,000+, the warranty people told them to find a rebuilt/used one with no more miles than the original engine had, so far the dealership has been unsuccessful. I am very disappointed with the engine, I love the interior room and the ride of the car, too bad Chrysler stuck such a poopy engine in it. Guess I will wait and see what the warranty people will do if we can't find a used/rebuilt engine. Even if they do, it will quickly go up for sale.
2007Nov 07
Intrepid ES 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 46,590 miles
ok so I've discovered that the 2.7 V6 engine made by Chrysler Dodge was a lemon
but to discover it after I had the vehicle 6 yrs.
I was driving through Madison WI when it happened, there was no noise prior and no
red lights, just a plume of blue smoke and I noticed the temperature gauge go right
off the chart. When I got her pulled off on the shoulder I opened the hood and noticed
dripping oil from the bottom of the engine, what a sickening feeling I had, that this
was not good. It was towed to a local dealership off the interstate, even the tow truck
commented about the 2.7 V6 engines causing a lot of problems. Only 74,980 km
or 44,988 miles unbelievable. When all was said and done the service rep said that
the engine threw a rod and that they don't recommend I get it fixed, but advised me
that Chrysler sells a new engine for almost $8,000. US or a rebuilt engine for almost
$6,000. still too for my blood. The manufacturers warranty expired March 2006, I
knew I had purchased an extended warranty from Bay King Motors in Hamilton Ont
where I bought the car April 2003 called Driver Assured and it was Bumper to
Bumper. but they had no record of such extended warranty. which I couldn't under
stand if they had the warrnaty information on a Canadian car why would the
extended warranty been registered as well. As I didn't have my records on me
I couldn't verify as all my records were on the moving truck somewhere in
Saskatchewan on it's way to British Columbia where I live now. I discovered after
fact that my extended warranty was good till April 2008 for 112,000 kilometers or
or 67,200 miles, but because of the problems with this engine Driver Assured small
print on the contract stipulated that it depended on whether there were manufacturers
known problems with any of the vehicles power train and engine.etc so the extended
warranty wouldn't have been honored anyway as the contract wasn't worth the
paper it was written on. I had spent almost a $1,000 getting in ready for this trip.
And if there was an engine problem no one at the Bay King Dealership Service Dept
made any mention of it or indicated I was going to have a problem.
I can't believe Chrysler would do that,sell cars knowing of major defects with
their 2.7 V6 engine and not make any attempt to recall them,to remedy the problem
what were they thinking? that they could just bury their heads in sand and the
problem would go away? that's appalling behavior. and even sell me an extended
warranty knowing full well if something went wrong that had a history of going wrong
the contract would be null and void. You would think a reputable dealership
like Bay King Motors in Hamilton Ontario would have the integrity of informing their
clients of these potential problems rather than wait till something happened and just
say "Oh well Tough Luck"
After I discovered the extended warranty expiration date I phoned the dealership in
Madison WI and told the service rep that we were dealing with of the extended
warranty and to see if he could locate the car from the Wholesaler., not much help
here. and I called Bay King several times and left messages and never once got
a reply,several e mails and no reply. So I'm right in saying they are "Burying their
heads in the sand, hoping that I'll go away.
Unfortunately I don't own the car anymore as I said the car was wholesaled in
Madison, and I rented a vehicle to drive the rest of the way, cheaper than spending
$6,000 to $ 8,000 but not gratifying.
So I have to swallow my pride and "bite the bullet" as they say and move on.
I now own a Ford a l994 Ford Taurus that has 190,000 kms 14 yrs old as compared
to a 6 yr old car with less kms. Go figure? All I can say GOOD RIDDANCE TO
CHRYSLER, DODGE,AND ALL THEIR PRODUCTS, If I was a very rich man I would
take them to court and sue them to the point of bankruptcy or receivership, which
is were they are now. No wonder DAIMLER - DUMPED CHRYSLER
I'LL NEVER OWN ANOTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLE AGAIN.
GO TO HELL CHRYSLER
..
2007Sep 05
Intrepid SE 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Car started knocking with 65k miles, replaced rod bearing and noted engine sludge, next day engine seized.
2007Apr 13
(reported on)Intrepid ES V6
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
I bought the 2001 Dodge Intrepid used with 15,000 miles on it.
I had the oil changed regularly and after 60,000 miles the engine began leaking oil. I had it checked out and the mechanic told me to SELL THE CAR IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!! I didn't listen and kept the car and had a few estimates to repair it which were all over $1500.00 Needless to say, I had just paid it off in 12/2006 when the engine light began turning on. I took it to two different shops and they couldn't find anything wrong with it except for the fact that the engine was still leaking oil and had heavy sludge throughout the engine. I paid over $2000.00 to have the oil leak repaired. After 112,000 miles on the car the engine blew. It is just parked for now because I can't afford to replace the engine. DON'T BUY THIS MODEL AND IF YOU HAVE ONE SELL IT IMMEDIATELY!!!!!! OR GET READY TO BUY ANOTHER ONE.
I WISH I HAD SEEN THIS WEBSITE BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR......
2007Dec 27
Intrepid SE 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
What does a consumer do when the dealer tries to encourage you to consider fixing a 2.7L engine that they ALREADY know is a failing engine and that oil sludge is a problem, EVEN if you consistently changed and maintained your engine properly. Well I can tell you that I am not playing that game and not trying to repair the engine. I am looking diligently for a buyer of a 6 year old car with just over 100,000 miles on it that will still start but is knocking because the top of the engine is not getting oil to pump to it....guess what I am finding? Not even the salvage yard is interested in such a vehicle since they too know ALL ABOUT the Dodge nightmare engines...what is wrong with business today that they so graciously blame all of the consumers that are experiencing this engine issue....shame shame shame.
2007May 23
Intrepid 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
Son was driving the car home from a dance with friends.Encountered knocking and smoke from under the hood. Had to pick him and friends up. Left car til next day. Loss of power and knocking. Checked oil, proper level. Towed to dealer, they wanted over 9000.00 to replace! Towed home, and had replaced in the private sector. Went back to my Chevy's...
2007Dec 02
Intrepid SE 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
Really awful does not begin to describe this nightmare.
I am a widow on a low income. I have $3100 left to pay on this car and now I am adding another $4000 to the price.
MY late husband was a huge Mopar fan. When I met him he had a 71 satellite Sebring plus. Beautiful car. So when I brought home my very first new/used car from the Chrystler lot I was thinking how pleased he would have been. A beautiful car, handled well a real pleasure to drive.
Then within one year the TCI module goes cost $300
A year later the Whole AC system blows out when tye compressor froze. Cost $2000 but mostly under warranty. Little did I know.
Two years ago I find Dodge talk.com am all excited to be able to discuss this car only to find that I am driving a time bomb. Oh no not me it won't happen to me! I run out and get the oil changed to full synthetic, make sure the oil is changed frequently and pass the 60k mile mark, then 70k Ok, I am hoping maybe this won't happen. Until one day....
I get in the car and go to church no prob, notice the car does not accelerate like normal. Come home hear a little tick tick tick. Get back in go to stable do my work. Get back in that night....
rattle rattle rattle BANG.... bye bye timing chain
I find out several days later that my engine is a paper weight. It will cost me $3000+ to repair. Like I have that kind of money lying around. I have no family I have no way to get or even make payments on another loan to fix this car. I have no way to get to work, If not for my friends I'd have no job, no car, nothing.
Thanks a lot Chrysler. I'm glad my Husband did not live to see a company he so loved do this to his wife.
2007Apr 10
(reported on)Intrepid 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
I have not even payed my car off yet and the engine blew up in it. I have been with out my car since December 28, 2006 due to my mechanic having to send two used motors back due to they were not good. I believe that the dealership should have to pay for all of this hardship it has put on me. I have to bum a ride from everyone. I will never own another Dodge vehicle again. I know that this car was starting to blow up along time ago due to every time I cranked it smoke would come out of my tail pipe. It makes me very angry that people are so dishonest in this world that they would make and sell junks like this. I do not have a lot of money to keep putting in this car. Maybe if every one will keep complaining enough the dealership will do something about these problems.
2007Oct 16
Intrepid LX 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
solution to 2.7 engine failure - first u have to find a complete 3.2 liter motor when i say complete i mean complete. u will need the a/c compressor with the a/c hoses and lines, the throttle cable, wire harness, the power steering pump ,starter, alternator, radiator and radiator hoses, the power steering pump reservoir. u can reuse the computer from the 2.7. the exhaust has to come with the 3.2 from the manifolds past the muffler. u will need the motor mounts. like i said before u will need the complete assembly. the motor assembly should cost u between $1500 to $2000 dollars and labor should cost u approx $750 plus fluids
i have heard that replacing the timing chain assembly before 70,000 miles and having ur engine desludged at every oil change that this is another solution (unverified)
so if u want to keep ur car put in the 3.2 engine assembly. i have done several and have not had any problems yet. yes the 2.7 liter V6 is the biggest piece of junk
good luck everyone
2007Nov 04
Intrepid SE 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,655 miles
I purchased my Intrepid 2 years ago and have loved it. I've never had a problem with my Intrepid until now. In fact all my hard core Chevy lovers in my family are always giving me shit about my Dodge "why would you ever buy a Dodge?" It has been great...never had problems starting it, never had a single, not even minute problem with the car. I have always had my oil changes done within the recommended time frame.
6 weeks ago, I started hearing a slight ticking noise. I immediately scheduled my oil to be changed the next day AT A DEALERSHIP, as always. 6 weeks later on my way to a meeting, my engine light came on while sitting at a stop light next to a gas station...I pulled in and shut my car off. I checked my oil and it was a little low, I added enough oil to bring it back up to the max line and the engine light went off. I drove about a mile and half up the rode when I all the sudden heard a loud bang and very loud fast ticking. I pulled over and had my vehicle towed to a dealership where it is still sitting unfixed. Chrysler will not cover this under my warranty even though they are very well aware of this problem in the 2.7L engine. I have always had very positive feelings about Chrysler and now I don't know what to think. They need to make this right to me and I can't even get them to listen to anything...they are so incredibly cold hearted and really truly don't care at all. I still owe $5,000 on this car and can't drive it. The dealership is telling me it is going to be close to $8,000 to fix. The dealership is also telling me this is a big problem with the 2.7L engine. The engine builds up oil sludge and can't circulate causing a lack of lubrication. He said Chrysler is very aware of this and is not helping anyone in this situation. They actually quit making this engine due to the problems and have now redesigned the 2.7L to put it in the 2008's again. Chrysler needs to step up to the plate and help all of us who are now stuck in this shitty situation.
2007Aug 27
(reported on)Intrepid 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
The sludge was apparently bad enough that my mechanic recommended selling the car ASAP. It was a lease vehicle, oil changed every 5000 miles.
2007Nov 06
(reported on)Intrepid 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
I purchased the car it had 65,000 miles. It now has 106,000.00 I change the oil on a regular bases. The car started to overheat about a month ago but when I turned on the heater it would cool off so I am thinking I need someone to check the air condishing. I was told that Dodge had a problem with the cooling system and sometimes air pockets got in the engine. I had the oil changed and the air pocket was fixed. 3 weeks later a hear a tick. 3 days after the tick the engine freezes up. Come to find out I have sludge in the engine cause from a problem with the cooling system. I know have a car that is not paid for I owe $800.00 plus $275.00 to tow it and find out it will take a rebuilt motor $3800.00 or a new motor$5800.00 to fix. I do not have that money. My Mechanic told me that when he went to price a new engine he was asked a lot of questions about what was wrong with the engine almost as if Dodge knows something is wrong and want to cover them selfs.
We all deserve help with this problem
2007Oct 18
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
I've been a MOPAR lover and buyer ever since I was legal to drive. My first car was a 72 Cuda, then 73 Road Runner, 75 Cornet, 78 charger, 80 Horizon, 82 Omni, 88 Caravan, 1995 Intrepid and the last one I'll own a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. All of them new except for the 95 Intrepid which was a beautiful loaded car. I traded it for a Ford conversion van but never heard the end of it from my wife who loved the car even though it had 196,000 miles on it.
One day she came home and said she bought another intrepid all by herself to drive to work. The car was very nice and I thought it should be just as good as the last one. It ran great up to 96000 miles then one day she came home and said the oil light flickered when the car idled. I took it to my mechanic and he said he could not find any thing wrong and it would not flicker for him. Same thing happened 2 more times so he changed the sending unit. A month later a light ticking noise started. Took it in again and it would not do it for him. Took it home and it did it again. Then it stopped for a week.
Then it started and would not stop.
I took it to the mechanic who ended up tearing the motor down. It was full of sludge. He said it looks like you let the oil go to long between changes. I pulled out the oil change record and showed him every oil change was less than 2900 miles. Any long trip, oil was changed before the trip and after.
We both did a little research and found the problem is the oil return ports in the block castings. They are too small. The high heat of these new engines cook the oil to a sludge and then it starts to block off these return ports. The cam chain tensioners are hydraulic and need oil pressure to keep them tight. These are the first to starve. Then the timing chain gets loose and lets the valve hit the zero tolerance pistons or the crank bearings run out of oil and seize up.
My local Dodge dealer said they would not repair because it was way out of warranty and he would not acknowledge they knew it was a problem. I told him I would never be back to buy another car. He didn't seem to care.
I toyed with fixing it but instead put it beside the highway with a sign that says Dodge is a Crook. Stop and read why. I put the sad story taped inside the window. Two or three people a week stop to read it. Some want more details- usually because they are driving an Intrepid. My wife wants me to move it because it brings too many strangers around the place but I think its good advertisement. The place I work used to have , about 60 Dodge vehicles in the parking lot. On the private message board at work I've been posting the saddest letters I see here each week. Now there is less than 20 Dodge vehicles out of 165 people that drive there every day. And we were bought by a bigger company so I'm transferring to a bigger plant where I hope they have a message board too.
If Dodge is listening. Hear this. I'm making it my goal in life to let everyone I meet know how you treated your customers who put the bread on your table. I've talked three people out of buy new Dodge trucks, not because they're bad vehicles but bad customer service. Just admit you made a bad motor and make it right. People can't trust you with their hard earned money.
It's really to bad. It was a great car otherwise. To announce that you would fix all those engines would be the best PR you could ever get.
2007Oct 04
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
Loved the car at first. Drove it for about 4 months, it had 63000 miles on it when I got it. I had to replace the Transmission Control Module, that was over $100. Two weeks later engine started knocking (light at first), but being in the military it's not like I make alot of money to get it fixed. Since it was still running good what was the problem.
Well driving to see my son, the engine decided to take a dump on me, while driving down the interstate at 80mph. Didn't seize up but for all the noise it was making it might as well have. Needless to say trying to get off the road as quickly as possible on I-75 is never a fun or safe thing to do.
Needless to say I had to get the car towed. First $100 aout of pocket cost. My mechanic told me it needed a bottom engine rebuild. Also known as a $3500 minimum repair job. If it had to be bored out it would cost another $2000 on top of that. Was told the best to fix the problem form ever happening again was to get a Jasper rebuild, $7000 repair bill.
OK! So got the car towed from the garage to my home (another $100 tow bill), and there it sits. I still owe $4500 on the boat anchor and nobody will take it as a trade. Push, pull or drag sales laugh at me when I tell them what I have. Junkyards won't take it without the title. I am so lucky to have bought this car. I never would have found out just how much money you can throw at car for it to not work. $7000 for car. $200 for new alternator. $1000 for new TCM. $600 a year for insurance. All for a car that would work better as an artificial reef.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH MOPAR.
2007Sep 30
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 77,772 miles
2001 Dodge Intrepid, which was purchased 2006, was well maintained and never abused. it was making a knocking noise in the engine. The mechanic who look at the car said you have an oil pump problem. I never got it fix because i am a college student and dont have the time or money to get it fix, But if anyone find a way to fix this problem for under $1000 or put together a lawsuit, contact me using the Send Commend link below. Thanks
2007Sep 24
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 191,000 miles
I purchased the 2001 Intrepid in March of 2002. It had 19,000 miles on it. At 94,000 the car just died. Left me stranded making a right hand turn onto the onramp. No warning, no lights, no noise ever came from the engine. Thankfully I had purchased the extended warranty and the engine was replaced. NO ONE at the Dodge dealership told me anything about a faulty oil pump. Then when the 2nd engine hit 93,000 it did it again. This time the temp gauge went all the way to C and the car lost power and as I pulled it off to the side, it began to smoke and just died. Again leaving me stranded only this time I was 200 miles away from home. Yah, nice tow bill that was. I no longer had a warranty on the car so knowing I didn't have the $5,000 to fix it I parked it in the driveway and went and purchased a foreign car. Vowing NEVER again to own another American Car. ESPECIALLY A DODGE!!!!
A few months later I decided to put a used engine in the engine. Why continue to pay for something that didn't run and at that time I still owed on it for another 2 years. The mechanic who put the used engine in the car became aware of the oil pump problem and called Chrysler. Their response? Part was never recalled so it wasn't their problem. Well guess what.. the car didn't make it another 2000 miles before dying once again. 3 engines have ben in this car and I have only had it for 5 years. I have keep it very well maintained with the routine oil changes and a new gas pump and whatever else the car needed. It is in excellent condition body and interior wise. By looking at it you were never know that there were so many miles on it. Before the car went for the 3rd time I had just purchased 4 new tires for it and replaced the battery. Now, because the car has been sitting for 2 years the tires are sun rotted and the battery is no longer any good. I am still paying the monthly payments on it and because there is a loan I have to carry full coverage on the car even though it is not driveable.
I have written to dodge complaining about the situation and how I feel that they should be responsible for their mistakes. I am out thousands of dollars! I hope a lawyer reads this and takes all of these complaints and pursues Dodge. I feel that they should not be allowed to get away with this and something must be done. If a class action suit isn't worth it then everyone needs to go after Dodge individually. I am. I am looking for a lawyer who will go after them and fix the car. I'm tired of looking at it.
2007Sep 19
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
How is it that car manufacturers can remain immune to lawsuits? With all these complaints, how can they say it's not their fault? I had my oil changed regularly AT THE DEALERSHIP. If this is so obvious a problem, why is nothing being done? My lawyer friend says there's no advantage to participating in a class action law suit because the lawyers get all the money. Does everyone need to sue them individually? Has anyone been successful? My 2001 Intrepid is sitting dead in a pizza parking lot! Can't even find an engine because so many other people have had to replace theirs!
2007Sep 12
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
Our 2001 Dodge Intrepid, which was purchased new in 2001, was well maintained and never abused. A week ago, my daughter said that the car was making a knocking noise in the engine. we told her to see a mechanic and drive it only to the mechanic. He told us the sound was the "Knock of Death" and that the engine would not last a month. It barely made it back home.
We have had several estimates for replacing the engine with a rebuilt or used engine and none have come in under $4500. The car resale value is only $5500 so it is probably not worth fixing at this point. Now after seeing this site and all of the complaints against this engine, it appears that this has been a known issue with this engine for years (check out intrepids going back to '97) and dodge/chrysler needs to step up to the plate and take responsibility for this. I am seriously considering starting a class action lawsuit against the company and will certainly repost if I decide to go forward with it. Also, anyone looking at this site needs to also look at the year's surrounding their own make and model to see if this is a recurring issue or not. This engine sludge issue has been a problem for years and Dodge has somehow avoided ownership of it.
2007Jun 03
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,500 miles
so Here is my beef.. June of 2006 I noticed my oil light was staying on while the car was in idle at stop lights, signs, etc. I have my oil changed regularly. but took it to a mechanic who there informed me about the problem with these shitty engines. At that point he did a fix to it and I haven't had any problems with the light again, so I figured so far so good, just hold out till Nov of 2007 so I can pay it off and trade it. HAHAHA RIGGGGHHHT last night i get a call from my husband 11:30pm at night on his way home from work stating the car took a flying shit. Oil light came on for 15-30 seconds and then the car just died. The valve cover gasket kinda exploded and exposed the timing chain... which still looks intact at this point. But I am smart enough to know that I am gonna need to replace this shitty engine, and the dodge folks know this problem exists from all the complaints I have read on this site. I have no warranty on the car, will be paid off this November and I am due to have a baby in July... PERFECT DAMN TIMING EH? I wonder if i can go after them if this causes me pre-term labor from stress of their shitty engine? Just waiting to see what a mechanic says come monday so I can flip out at that point. I won't buy another dodge EVER if i replace the engine i will go with another kind of engine, I like the car for its size etc.. but damn the engine these bastards put in it. Crooks
2007Aug 21
(reported on)Intrepid 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
My husband is serving in the US Army and purchased this car early in 2006. We are currently stationed over in Germany and we brought the car with us. In early February (not even a year of having the car) the engine suddenly blew. We have always taken good care of our cars, changing the oil even 3000miles and just keeping it clean. It caught us very much off guard. We have been trying to save up for 6 months to fix it but its so expensive to do, especially over here. One place quoted us 15,000 euro to fix it! With the exchange rate currently being $1.70 to each euro and the dollar value dropping that is insane! We still owe on the car otherwise we would just junk it and never look back. We have to finish paying it off to get the title and we can't ship it back to the states without it running. My husband has just been deployed to Iraq so I am left to figure out what to do with the piece of you know what. Its really quite sad because the body is almost in perfect condition.
2007Jun 09
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
We bought the Intrepid in July 2004. we were expecting our first child and the car was an awesome size and had plenty of room for baby stuff in the trunk. It is now june 2007 and the car only has about 63000 miles on it and it is now junk. The first of May the engine started making a knocking noise so we took it back to the dealership where we bought it and an extended warranty. We were told that the estimate was $7000 for a new engine and it was not covered by the warranty due to lack of maintenance (which is crap because even though this is my husbands car I took it in for oil changes) so we took it to a local mechanic that my brother knows who could replace the engine for $2500 but told us if we fix it get rid of it immediately. As of April we owed about $8000 but thanks to a tax refund, some money in savings and overtime that my husband we will pay it off this week. Now our concern is saving for a new car since we can't trade this one in. Luckily my brother has loaned us a car for now.
2007Aug 04
(reported on)Intrepid 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
A year ago they told us about the oil sludge. They made us feel like we could make a quick fix for $800 or replace the engine for $5000 or more. They even tried to make the "Time to Trade" speech. We decided to good the cheapest. One year later we have the same problem but worse. No choice except to park it or put in a new or used engine. We don't have the money for a new car and need this car for work. We had no idea that there were website designated to the exact problem we are experiencing. We appealed to Chrysler and they said since we did not follow the advise of the May 06 problem (Replace the engine) they could not help us. We asked if there were others who had complained of this problem and they said "We deal in a case by case method... we won't be able to compare you with others". Basically we are being treated as if we are the only ones to ever make a complaint on these engines. I feel that we have been taken advantage of by Chrysler and our local Chrysler dealer who just wants to collect the money. If we replace with a used engine we will only have the same problem it seems. Chrysler needs to recall the engine.
2007Jul 29
(reported on)Intrepid 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
Another engine failure resulting from oil sludge.... Car was very well maintained with regular oil changes (3,00 miles) and only had 69,000 miles on it. The body is in excellent shape but it is now useless. I will never buy another Chrysler again!A local car service garage said they have seen 3 Intrepids with this engine failure in the last 6 months.
2007Jul 23
(reported on)Intrepid SC 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
I changed the oil regularly. Now I was told by 3 different auto shops that the 2001 Dodge Intrepid se wasn't worth fixing . It is a 2.7L motor. I was told that it was a default oil pump that came from the manafactory. I think that the people that made my car should be the one that pays for my car. I still owe the bank on it.
I will never buy a Dodge again. I have a nice car body with a screwed motor. Who do I talk to that might help me get the Dodge company to pay for my car?
2007Apr 30
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I owned a 99 Dodge Intrepid and felt it saved my life when I hit a deer (Nov of 2005) and rolled the car four times. I walked away and unfortunately went and purchased a nice looking 2001 Intrepid with less than 80,000 miles. Ten thousand miles later, the 2001 ES sits in my dads front yard with another one marked up for the history books - sludge engine failure. The car's previous owner had furnished all maintenance records at the time of purchase and I thought I was getting a well maintained car. I guess we really know why they stopped making the Dodge Intrepid car line. Needless to say this is the last Dodge product I'll ever purchase. I'll have it paid for in another year or so. The best price I've been offered for it at the scrap yard is $300. Most of them will not even make me an offer. It does not make sense to purchase another engine that has design defect(s) from a company that doesn't care about my safety.
2007Apr 14
(reported on)Intrepid LX 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
As many of the other complaints, I purchased this used car in 2004 (even had it checked out before I signed on the dotted line). Had no problems initially, applied regular oil changes, tune-ups. Noticed a loud noise coming from the enging in 2006, had it checked out. Mechanics initially thought I was not changing my oil on a regular basis, but proof showed them that was not the issue. One place I took the car to was DODGE. The head mechanic mentioned he had FIVE OTHER INTREPIDS WITH THEIR ENGINES SCREWED UP AS WELL. The issue is CHYRSLER/DODGE manufacturing bad engines, banking off of hardworking folks, and enjoying it. I am a single parent, two children and a grandchild. I DIDN'T NEED ISSUES LIKE THIS, I have enough on my own. I WILL "NEVER" BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER/DODGE VEHICLE. I WILL DEFINITELY PASS THE WORD AROUND TO THOSE I KNOW WHO HAVE NOT SEE THIS SITE TO TAKE NOTICE. The car was paid off in 2006 and now for the past 4-5 months, I have been catching rides through family and friends, even riding the city bus. This is a drastic change for me and will cost at least $3,000 to fix. I HOPE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WILL SOON TAKE OFF WITH THIS AND FILE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THEM. THIS IS JUST WRONG, JUST WRONG.
2006Sep 25
(reported on)Intrepid LE
- 50,000 miles
I have regularly maintained the vehicle, which we bought from the local Dodge dealer as a "program car" in 2002. In 2003 after having the oil changed, I heard a tapping noise and checked the oil and it was full and clean. I checked with several people who told me it was carbon on a valve or a bent valve and to try an oil additive. I used an oil additive and it lessened the noise but it was still there. It ran for a day or two, but trying to start it one day I heard a loud bang and then nothing. I had it towed to a shop and found out my timing chain had broke (the Bang noise) and I had black oil sludge build-up due to a faulty oil pump had resulted in a lack of lubrication. It cost me $3,500 to rebuild the engine. I never got an oil light or check engine light or even an overheating of the car, so I did not think it was as big a problem as it turned out. When we get enough complaints for a class action suit, count me in I kept the sludge oil and all my paperwork from what I had to pay (minus interest fees for the loan).
2007Apr 06
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I paid off my 2001 Dodge Intrepid SE in Sept. 06 after buying it brand new 5 years ago. My mileage is only 64,000 and aside from constantly having to change the brake pads, (almost every 8 months) I never had any problems with it. In late Nov. 06 I began hearing knocking and got it checked out by my uncle who is a mechanic. To my surprise the engine was filled with sludgy oil. I know that this shouldn't have been the case because I faithfully have my oil changed EVERY 3,000 mile at Jiffy Lube. They maintain a history of every time you take your car there and I had just had it done a month earlier. I'm sure they would have told me that something was wrong with the oil that they removed if they saw something. There was NO indication that this was going to happen. No dash lights, nothing! My uncle and a few mechanics who work with him then told me about the Chrysler 2.7L engine and what a piece of crap it is. THEY told me to get rid of the car. Imagine that. Just paid it off and can't drive it. I sure wish that I would have seen this site sooner. I'd have traded it in. I have a car that's been sitting for 5 months with a blown engine. I see all of these posted complaints but are any of you trying to organize a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT against these thieves? You can call the U. S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Institute at 1-888-327-4237 or visit their web site at www.nhtsa.gov and file a complaint and hopefully if enough people complain there will be a recall or Chrysler will have to show some accountability! Anything is better than them getting away with millions/billions of our hard earned dollars and no responsibility for their DEFECTIVE ENGINE! Needless to say, I won't be buying a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep ever again!!!!!
2007Mar 28
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
I PURCHASED A 2001 DODGE INTREPID ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO THE VEHICLE HAD REGULAR SERVICE APPOINTMENTS AND NOW THE ENGINE HAS FAILED COSTING $3000 TO REPAIR THIS HAS ME VERY UPSET BECAUSE I JUST DON'T HAVE $3000 WAITING AROUND TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE. SOMETHING REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT DODGE. CLASS ACTION REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE QUICKLY. THIS IS A VERY BIG PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES.
2007Mar 20
(reported on)Intrepid 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
I too am a victim of Dodge-Chrysler greed and know beyond a shadow of a doubt I will never own another one. Be sure that I will tell everyone to stay clear of their products.
The fair and decent thing would have been for them to acknowledge the problem and take steps to correct. How many of us who trusted them have been abused by their greed?
Does anyone know of any legal recourse? I would like to see them pay for their duplicity!
2007Mar 18
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Problem started about 6 months ago. Regular oil changes, and the service tech always told me about the sludge problem. Engine tappet noises that would come and go. Took car out on the highway for a regular run and as I came into a curve, the engine light came on, and the engine died. After towing back home, I had a mechanic look at it. He showed me how the timing chains had cut through the valve covers and also no movement when engaging the starter. Minimum 4000.00 to repair or replace engine. I will never buy another Chrysler product and will always warn friends and family about how Chrysler knew about this problem, but did not tell the customers who put faith and money into this Company. Buyer beware, stay away from this Company.
2007Mar 19
(reported on)Intrepid SX 2.7
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Heard of the Intrepid engine problem and now it happened. Driving down the highway, all gauges are good, no overheating, just had oil changed, and bang! Engine light comes on, dead engine. Had it towed home, and mechanic tells me that the engine blew. Timing chains are broken, and I need to replace the engine. What a bunch of BS. Chrysler knew all about this, but did not let the buyers know anything.
2007Mar 16
(reported on)Intrepid 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 116,000 miles
Yes folks another one bites the dust or sludge as the case may be.
I say if a class action suit doesn't happen soon we need to band together and complain to our Government officials about this problem!
After all they are the one reaping the lobbyist monies to let Chrysler off so far on this one!
This is an outrage!Never even consider another american car EVER if this situation is not resolved as it should be.
2007Mar 12
(reported on)Intrepid ES 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 188,000 miles
Let me first start by saying that i loved my car. It was my first car that i owned, that i paid for and took car of. So to lose my car in this way is a pure pain in the back end. I was lucky that i did not make it onto the highway yet and that the traffic was light as i was comming down the escarpment when my car decided to go turn over. Its truly a great car and was perfect for me in that i did not have to pack a few things for myself and four other people and drive. I love long car trips, and to know that i can drive for hours without getting out to stretch ( i have a bad left knee that needs to be strechted every once in a while) was beautiful. Knowing that i can make a trip that normally would take over 6 hrs to just under 5 was great. handled like a gem and the acceleration was perfect. Knowing that i can beat modified civic from light to light was nice to ( even when my car was full of guys). To find out that this is an issue is heart breaking. That Dodge/Chrysler knew that this is a problem is a shame. it hurts more then loosing someone close to you. I miss my car.. but unless i win the lottery i dont think i will have my old friend back. Ive always supported dodge this whole time and am looking forward to the challenger when it comes out but if it will end up as my intrepid then whats the point. To anybody at dodge that may be reading this.. you guys are crooks and you are really making it hard for me to buy anything from you guys again. You should be better then this and offer any kind of support for people like me that loved the car and lost if because of a flaw or defect in your design. Face up to your mistake and correct this.. because if you dont.. you lose more then just money.
2006Oct 10
(reported on)Intrepid
- 129,000 miles
I am among the apparent hoards of car owners experiencing this problem. Wow, who knew I was
part of such a large club. I just feel fortunate that my engine failure didn't occur while driving 70 down the highway or while driving in heavy traffic.
2006Oct 09
(reported on)Intrepid SE
- 121,000 miles
today i was driving down the road when i noticed my engine started making a ticking noise, i pulled over at the next gas station i saw and pulled in. Thinking fluids could be low, i went through and checked all the fluids in the engine and they were fine. But, when i got back in the car to start it, it just sputtered, so i figured it was my fuel pump that was out . . . i got home that night and as i pulled in my driveway smoke started pouring out from under my hood. I immediately opened the hood to find flames coming from the engine . ., so i did some research and if enough people complain to ------- If your Chrysler or Dodge engine failed while driving immediately call 1-800-424-9393 ------ U. S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Institute, we may be able to get the 2.7 recalled, but the only way it'll work is if everyone calls
2006Jun 07
(reported on)Intrepid
- 56,000 miles
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A LOYAL DODGE FAN, INFACT I JUST PURCHASED A 2006 CHARGER RT EVEN THOUGH MY INTREPID BLEW UP. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM QUIT A BIT AND ALL THESE 2.7L MOTORS ARE BLOWING UP. WHY SHOULDN'T CHRYSLER HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. IT ISN'T LIKE JUST ONE OR TWO ARE GOING. ALL OF THEM ARE AT LOW MILEAGE. I STILL OWE ON MY CAR AND THE MOTOR IS SHOT SO I COULDN'T EVEN TRADE IT IN. NOW I HAVE TWO CAR PAYMENTS. ONE ON A DEAD HORSE. PIECE OF SHIT.
2006May 30
(reported on)Intrepid
- 120,000 miles
this car is not even paid for and it died without warning after being regularly and carefully maintained. First, the transmission died and was replaced at a cost of 1700 dollars. Then, as my son was driving it on the freeway one week later, the engine died. The mechanic we towed it to declared the engine dead. There had been no previous warning. It appears to be a case of enging sludge and now the car sits parked out front undrivable.
2006Oct 10
(reported on)Intrepid ES
- 82,000 miles
I really want to just scream, this was a bad deal all around. I purchased this vehicle less than a year ago for my daughter, who was involved in an accident with her escort. She was not at fault but her car was totaled and she only received enough for a 3,200 down payment on this piece of crap( 2001 intrepid). We purchased this vehicle with a 5 year payment plan and she has had it less than a year. It was in the dealership the first month because of the oil light on for no reason. She had regular oil changes on it. She started hearing little knocks in the engine and had it checked out and was told the engine was gone. She is a single mother, was going to school and has no way to pay for an engine, pay the monthly payments on the car/ I called the dealership, Fitzgerald and told them the situation. They took no ownership for the problem and gave me the number to call Chrysler. In the meantime, the car was sitting on the street in front of my daughter's apartment building. My husband and I were working to get the car towed to our home about 35 miles away. The day were were getting it towed, the police had it towed to an impound lot. Today, we are now faced with a $510 towing and impound fee, plus still paying insurance and the loan balance of $4500, for a vehicle that is absolutely worthless. A mechanic told us he can replace the engine for $3500 but he can guarantee that 6 months down the road, we will face the same problem. I am totally pissed!!! That car had no business being on a lot for sale. It is a useless piece of SHIT! I will do whatever I have to do to go after Chrylser and the dealership and i do not care how long it takes. Honest hard working people always get the wrong end of the stick. Even if I don't get a dime and the engine replaced by Chrylser. I will put the word out there about this company, and the dealership that sold that junk! I might be stuck, but i will work hard to stick it to them. Car payments and Insurance have been kept current on this car and just today the lien holder called and said I have to pick up that car from the impound lot and pay the $510 or they will pick it up and ruin my credit. What in the HELL can I do. I do not want this to happen to anyone else. Let's fight this together.
2006May 16
(reported on)Intrepid ES
- 78,000 miles
I can't believe that Dodge knows there is a problem and is downplaying it to get out of a recall!!!!!! I will NEVER buy Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006May 15
(reported on)Intrepid SE
- 80,000 miles
This car engine is a piece of shit. I recommend nobody ever buys anything from chrysler again. They have really put people in a predicament with not recalling this problem. As of today, there are 9,587 people trying to get a class action lawsuit against them. I have to replace the whole engine in my car. If you have the same problem, i recommend that you convert to the 3.2 which is more expensive but at least you know the damn thing isn't going to blow up. Keep checking for more complaints on this engine and it will blow your mind when you see how many people have the same problem. Do you know that chrysler recalled all of 1998 and 1999 Intrepids for this but they won't recall 2000 or 2001 even though they know that our 2.7 engines were origianally trial engines. I hope Chrysler goes bankrupt because they are not consumer friendly. I'll never purchase another thing from that company, nor will any of my friends or family after seeing there customer satisfactory rating. Shit on them.
2007Feb 27
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 148,000 miles
I bought my second Dodge Intrepid. My first one has a 3.3L motor that I have had no problems with. So when I purchased my second Intrepid I thought it was a good car. That was before it died on a busy intersection! I was able to get a car carrier and tow it home. I put the car in the garage and pulled the dipstick. It looked like there was molassis on the stick. So i knew this was more than I wanted to tackle. I decided I would take it to a friend, who is a mechanic. Before looking at anything, He told me to junk it. I was not to excited to hear his response. He told me that the 2.7L motor was one of the biggest piles of sh-- on the market. I asked why He said this and He told me of 13 other 2.7L
Intrepids that he sent packing on their final ride to the junk yard. He said a used motor is way over priced ($1800 and up)And you are buying more junk. He said your best bet was to get a remanufactured motor ($4000) and up plus labor. So I owe $2300 dollars yet to the bank and adding another $5000 dollars was not an option. Scrape yard motors are not an option. So I have a car that I spent $3200 used from a car lot, I put another $1500 hundred in shocks struts and drive linkages. Only to be able to look at it sitting in my yard. I would say this was the biggest piece of sh-- I had ever bought. I would take my old Pinto over another Dodge with the 2.7L or any other Dodge product.
I went out and bought a $50 dollar Geo Metro and have put on more milage than the Dodge. Dodge must have had a wizard design that motor!!! NOT!!!!!!!!!
2006Oct 16
(reported on)Intrepid
- 95,000 miles
The car went into the shop to replace the EGR valve which had caused the check engine light to come on. When we got the car back, it started acting up. The engine sounded like the valves were out of adjustment (tick tick tick) and two days later, the car died. When it started up, it sounded like a rattlesnake. We had it towed to the same place that replaced the EGR valve and they said that the engine was shot. We cannot afford to fix the car and now we are stuck paying for a car that won't run for another two years. Chrysler needs to make it right for the consumer. I have three of their vehicles and am now waiting for something to happen to the other ones. Pretty scary.
2005May 18
(reported on)Intrepid
- 53,000 miles
When my car first starting making a noise in the front end, I was told it wasn't the engine not to worry. Then it got so loud my 9 and 4 year old were embarrased and afraid to ride in it. I took it to the Dodge dealership I bought it from and they told me it needed a new engine, at 53000 miles who would have thought that. They told me it was because the oil wasn't changed at 2500 miles, that it was an extremely high maintenance car. Wich someone would have told me that one. I thought, well me being a woman they were trying to take me, so I took it to 2 more garages. The final verdict is it does need a new engine because of oil problems and apparently Chrysler know of the engine problem they have created. The oil galley is too small and that causes the oil to gum up. No one wants to correct the problem, but buddy if you owe them something they are the meanist and nastiest of people. My car can sit and rot in my yard. I will not pay 6000.00 to put in an engine that will go out again and I will not trade for another chrysler product. I will not sell to anyone either, they do not need a lemon of a car, that is just wrong. They need to take each engine made and junk them. Redesign the engine and replace each and everyone of them. What has happened to the people in this country when you cant get a fair shake out of anything out there? Just take the money and who cares if it puts the person in the poorhouse. That is what they are doing to people by not correcting the problem and telling them, well you bought it its yours.
2006Dec 10
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
last week it started the terrible knocking , took it immediately to a mechanic and he gave me the bad news about these engines
The 2.7 liter engine on my 2001 Dodge Intrepid failed at 120,000 miles. I have regularly maintained this vehicle, and the costs of the repairs are ($ 4000 estimated)--and I would still be stuck with the same 2.7 liter piece of garbage.
"I agree with everyone that there should be some type of class action lawsuit against Dodge. I mean from all across the nation anyone with this Model and year that has anything close to 75,000 to 120,000 miles on it has to change the engine."
2007Feb 20
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
I maintained this vehicle perfectly, changing the oil every 3000-4500 miles. Last fall, car engine began making noise and I took it in to be checked. Mechanic told me he had seen this quite a bit on this engine, and it was only a matter of time before engine blew. Well, he was correct. Chrysler should be embarrassed as they obviously know the engine design is of poor quality, yet their mgmt doesn't have the decency to do the right thing and pay for repairs. I currently own my second Grand Caravan minivan, but will never purchase another Chrysler product again given Chrysler's position in this matter. And they wonder why so many people are buying Toyotas and Honda. Chrysler's integrity has been lost.
2007Feb 19
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
Engine light would come on at idle. Car was fine Saturday morning, very slow response when stepping on the accelerator Saturday pm, knocking started. Checked oil, but none, but check engine light never stayed on. Dealership said it doesn't/wouldn't stay on as long as there is oil pressure, but I don't know how you can have oil pressure with no oil? Dealership denied any knowledge of problem. Spent $4000 to have engine rebuilt at an independent repair shop (cheapest of 3 estimates). Highest estimate was dealership. Mechanic I used had already rebuilt several others. Other mechanic I got estimate from had two out back of his shop with the same problem that owners could not afford to fix. I was lucky that mine was paid off. Borrowed $ for repairs. Five months later (less than 4,000 of "new" miles) someone pulled out in front of my son and totaled the car. The car did hold it's value, though, and insurance paid very fairly. My son is convinced that the car protected him, though. He had two small bruises, one on his shoulder and one on his hip from the seat belt. He was doing 55 mph. Both airbags deployed but he was the first to call 911 and needed no medical attention. The guy in the other car had to be cut out of his Honda. I hate the fact that the car's engine failed, but if I wouldn't have gotten it fixed he would have been driving an older Beretta (smaller car) and I don't know if we would have been as lucky. Not really interested in purchasing another one, but am looking for something the same size with like-kind safety features.
2007Feb 15
(reported on)Intrepid SE 3.2
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
feb-15-2007 I have a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. I started my car up this morning and it was fine, i went to work, came outside to start it back up it wouldnt start. i have had the oil changed in it took care of my car. My dad came out and looked at my car there was all this sludge and build up like tar in my car, well now i have to replace the whole engine @ 4800 and i am a single mother of 3 i have had my car 1 year and i owe 9000 on it yet. i just got my nursing license so im not making big money yet so i can't afford to buy a new engine, there are so many complaints about the intrepid i dont think its fair that chrysler wont take the responsibility to fix them!!! Now what?? its going to sit in my driveway for a long time after i pay the tow bill to bring it home and keep paying on a vehicle that i dont get to drive why, BECAUSE THE PIECE OF SHIT WONT RUN!!!!!
2006Oct 26
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
The Dealership and two independent mechanics were not surprised--AT ALL--to discover the engine had sludged. Was told that I should scrap the car--there's nothing left to do. It's only 5 years old and less than 62k! I JUST finished paying it off, and there's no one to help! The dealership said that they have that problem all the time! Well, . . . . ?!?!
Thanks.
2007Feb 01
(reported on)Intrepid LX 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Started with the water pump going out and sending fluid into the oil pan...37k miles. Before I made it home from that the chain snapped along with the spool that holds the belt in place. Then the oil sensor has gone out 3 times since, along with crank positioning sensor and cam positioning sensor. Now the engine has become sluggish and with no time to spare it locked up. Now with 3k left to pay I have a 5K repair bill, and for what??? so I can get the same engine with the same problem???
2007Jan 27
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Same thing just happened to me. Engine totally blown, all mechanics saying need a new one for 5500-6000$$. Oil light came on, pulled over immediately, was told it was sludge build-up, waited 2 hours for oil change, engine flush, etc., paid, left - then 30 miles and 30 minutes later, oil light came on, engine died!! Towed back to shop, and told the horrific news. Now what? After reading all complaints here, don't know if I should pay for a re-built engine or not??!! What else can I do to get rid of the car?
2007Jan 24
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I got this car in july of 2006, i was very excited that this is my first car and i'm going to pay for it with my own money. That I worked hard for. I'm 19 yrs old and the first car that i ever bought is a pice of crap i only had it for 4 months and it started doing a knocking noise and then i was on my way to work on I-70 thats a big highway in the middle of rush hour, and the car just decided to take a brake, lol well since that day it hasn't started and now i still have to pay $3,600.00 and I lost my job because I couldn't even get to work. I don't think that's fair. I'm trying to better my life and then you sell me a product that doesn't even work, whats the deal with that? I'm supposed to start school next fall and have no way of getting there. My mechanic is telling me that im looking at around 3,000 dollars for a used engine and labor. Where am I gonna get that kind of money? I would like for your company to take me into consideration because i realy feel like i got took and I did, what do you think this sucks, all i wanted was to better my life and you just screwed me more thanx alot! Please at least be a man and say sorry, but i would like a hand written letter so that i can feel like you really care for the people that buy your product. Thank you and enjoy driving your car beacuse i can't...
2006Aug 01
(reported on)Intrepid
- 67,000 miles
At about 67,000 miles my car stranded me on the side of the road with a blown up engine. Left me with an expensive problem. I had to buy a new engine and finish paying for the original loan. I do not make that much money to be able to have two car payments and need some way to get to work. I will never buy a Chrysler or Dodge product again.
2007Jan 20
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
USE SEAFOAM PEOPLE!!! its a $5 fix. When put in the PCV valve it burns the sludge up, there is occasionally some smoke from the exhaust. Myself and friends have used this on multiple cars (dodges and non-dodge) and all run great afterward. When used on dodge do it every 5000 miles or so and it should be fine. I am using this until i am able to afford a 3.5. I have used this method on an old police crown vic with excess of 150,000 miles on it. And now the car runs like new without touching one bolt on the motor. My intrepid runs and starts perfect every time now.
2007Jan 04
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7 LITRE
- Automatic transmission
- 119,215 miles
I purchased this car from a used car lot on 12-21-06 and started having problems on 12-29-06. Engine began gurgling and knocking. I took it to a mechanic and he said the engine needed to be replaced. The lowest est. was $4900. I work full time and go to school part time. I am a single parent with two children still at home. I don't have that kind of money. I only paid $2500 for this piece of crap.
2007Jan 05
(reported on)Intrepid LX 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Add me to the list..... started having problems with my intrepid, my mechanic flushed the oil lines which helped for about 2 weeks, and guess what happened next! She locked up. My mechanic informed of the problems with this engine, saying that the valve where the oil enters the motor was made to small (easily clogged) even stated that chrysler knew of the problem, but would not consider it a defect. Chrysler says its a owner problem for not doing proper maintenance on the car. BULLSHIT!!!!! And here is another kick in the balls, just paid the damn thing off last month.
2006Dec 13
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
This is the email I sent to chrysler and what i got back. Dear Carol:
Thank you for contacting the Chrysler Group Customer Assistance Center.
Your concerns, particularly in view of the expense and inconvenience
involved in this issue, are understandable. However, your request for
consideration in this matter must be declined, because the vehicle in
question has exceeded the time or mileage limitations of the
manufacturer's warranty at the time the expense was incurred.
Although a more favorable reply could not be provided, sharing your
concern with us is appreciated.
Thank you again for your email.
Sincerely,
Wayne
Senior Staff Representative
Chrysler Group Customer Assistance Center
For any future communications related to this email, please refer to the
following information:
REFERENCE NUMBER: 15771975
EMAIL CASE NUMBER: 1620329
REPLY LINK: http://www.chrysler.com/wccs/brand_forms/us/reply. jsp?trk_ID=KMM4513555I25261L0KM&
Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Recall Information - Dodge Brand Site
Brief Description:
Engine Failure 2.7 ltr dodge intrepid 2001
Comments:
I am very concerned. I bought a 2001 Dodge Intrepid in January. I have
been very consistent in my upkeep of the vehicle and am now concerned when
suddenly there is a knocking noise. I have taken the care to my
mechanic who is indicating there is a engine rod knocking and there appears to
be some sludge. There should be no reason for a vehicle of this milage or
upkeep to be doing this. I was very alarmed when I put this in google
and find there are many others like me in this situation. Please respond
with your companys questions. Also your intentions to seek to remedy this
situation for the customers like me. Who trusted in your brand to and
bought an engine with mechanical design proplems. I recently bought a
Dodge Durango because I believed in your name. I hope you all hold true
to this and try to find a way to help in a problem you helped to create.
2007Jan 07
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I am a single mother who managed to pay the entire car off, just to have turn around and put more money into three months later after paying it off. While on my way to work two week before christmas, I hear this loud sound coming from the car. I managed to get the car to my office parking lot and called my boyfriend to come a take a look at it. Well the car started up with no problem, like nothing never happend. We decided to go ahead and drive it home, well it didn't make it very far when it cut off. I had to call a towing company to come and pick us up. I then had the car looked at just to be told I need a whole new engine which would cost me about $4000. Hell no, the car is now sitting in my drive way. I had to spend some of my chistmas money just to rent a car for the next three week until I could find another car. I did - a pontiac sunbird. I hope they slam dodge with fixing everyone's car. I have always been true to dodge and brought only dodge cars. NEVER AGAIN IN LIFE.
2006May 03
(reported on)Intrepid
- 69,000 miles
I was driving my car to work about 8:30am, when I started a funny knocking noise. I got to work and thought maybe the car needed some oil. On my lunch hour I had a co-worker take me to buy some oil. I returned put half a quart in the car and realized it had plenty of oil. I had had an oil change done 4 weeks previously. I tried to start my car but to no avail. My son-in-law is a mechanic and he checked over my car and to my horror informed me I needed a new engine. I had not realized that these engines had known problems. My car is not paid off and I can not afford $2500.00 for a new engine.
James Bennett
2006Dec 15
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I purchaced a 2001 Dodge Intrepid with 60000 miles on it and in less than 1 year, the engine blew up. I was driving home from work and a knocking started. I came to a red light and noticed smoke so I pulled into a gas station, called a friend to come and get me and when he got there, he was shocked to see the problem. He pulled the oil stick out and it looked like green slime. I had blown a head gasket. The temp. light never came on. The oil sludge had glued my thermostat shut and no coolant could get to the engine. I now have a serious problem. I still owe $9000.00 on this piece of crap and can not afford $5000.00 to put a new engine in it. I priced the 3.2 because there is no way i'd put that 2.7 piece of shit back into the car and it fail and then be stuck in the same boat. I think Chrysler should take FULL credit for this situation since it is such a popular incidence. Seriously, how coincedental that all of us have the EXACT same problem but it's "supposedly" the owners fault due to bad upkeep. I hope Chrysler feels the squeeze of consumers not buying their products anymore because they are getting away with robbing their customers. I had to buy a 1996 Grand Marquise for $500.00 and that is what i am driving right now. It's sad to say that an old $500.00 car with 170,000 miles on it runs better than a 2001 with only 80,000 (and alot less in the complaints below). Chrysler should be ASHAMED.
2006Dec 13
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
It has cost me inconvenience to get back and forth to work . Pay for an extended warranty that was no good money down the drain. Chrysler does not want to fix the problem. Which I think is not right. I am still paying for a car that's not running. Had the car for one year before it started acting up. I feel that someone should be be held accountable for this. A $16,000 car that is not running and I still have to pay for just not right.
2006Dec 07
(reported on)Intrepid ES 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
My daughter's 2001 Intrepid with 2.7L motor began making a knocking noise with approximately 60,000 miles on it. The dealer said that the timing chain guide had failed. The dealer said that without even checking they could tell me that sludge build up in the engine had caused the failure, and that the engine needed to be replaced. They quoted me a price of approximately $6,000.
After doing some research and finding that this was an extremely common defect I asked the dealer to arrange a meeting with the district representative from Chrysler. The dealer refused to arrange a meeting and referred me to Chrysler's 800 number.
I spent several hours in Chrysler voicemail system, being put on hold, transferred from department to department, and being disconnected. Eventually I was able to reach someone and they told me that the car was out of warranty and that they were not aware of any timing chain/sludge build up issues with the 2.7L motor. When I offered to give them the address for several web sites that detailed the problem they told me that they were not interested.
At the time I was planning to purchase a new Chrysler 300C for approximately $42,000. I made it clear that I didn't expect them to replace the motor for free, and that if they would pay $2,000 towards the repair of the Intrepid I would buy the 300C. They told me that they were not willing to do anything - period.
I have owned several Chrysler/Dodge cars in the past. We have four cars in the immediate family and drive over 100,000 miles per year between the four cars. If Chrysler had helped me in any way I am sure that there would be many new Chrysler cars in my future. As it stands I will never buy another Chrysler product and so far I have successfully talked four different people out of buying a new Chrysler/Dodge. I go out of my way to let people know what a POS the Chrysler/Dodge 2.7 L motor is and what kind of service that I received from Chrysler.
Instead of the new 300C I purchased a new BMW and I have been very pleased with the car and even more pleased with the level of service that BMW provides.
I seriously wonder how Chrysler can stay in business with such a complete disregard for their customers.
2006Nov 09
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
I purchased a 2001 Dodge Intrepid from the dealer which had approximately 9,000 miles on it. For the first 2 years, it was driven very little but the oil was changed on a regular basis. Over the last 3 years, the car was driven approximately 30,000 miles, again with regular oil changes. Two days ago, while my wife was driving the car, she heard a loud thump, then a ping. Following that, a "knocking" or "rapping" noise is coming from the front of the engine. We took it to the Dodge Dealer and they informed us it would need a new engine - after a total of 45,000 miles. After checking the internet, I have found several complaints of the same thing - engine failure at low miles. I can truthfully say I am going to spread the word about the junk Dodge is selling. I can also say this was my first Dodge and will be my last.
2006Oct 31
(reported on)Intrepid SE 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
Just talked to the mechanic - oil pressur
2006Jun 20
Intrepid ES 2.7L
I got this car in mid 2005 and loved it. It was comfortable, roomy, and reliable (or so I thought). At the time its blue book listed value was around $4,000 and I was able to get it for $3,000. What a steal I thought. The car had previously been a company car and was very well maintained. The glove box was still full of Jiffy Lube receipts. That eased my worries of it having so much mileage on it. I kept the tradition of excellent maintenance going throughout my ownership of the car. One day the engine just started knocking on me. Immediately, I went and had the engine flushed and got another oil change, even though I had just had one two weeks before. This remedied the problem for all of about a week, then the knocking came back louder than last time. I drove to the gas station came out and tried to start the car and it wouldn't even turn. I took it to a friend of mine who is a mechanic at which point he told me this engine is toast. I replaced the engine at a cost of about $4,000 for a rebuilt one.
Timothy B.
Wichita, KS, USA
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