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.
2.5
hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,607 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.
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. When purchasing the vehicle, the dealer would not allow the contact to inspect its undercarriage. Afterwards, the contact had the vehicle inspected and a mechanic informed him that all of the mcpherson struts, the windshield wiper switch, the brakes, and all four rotors needed to be replaced. He further stated that there was excessive fluid in the transmission, which caused the vehicle to shift hard and drive roughly. The failure mileage was 54,000 and current mileage was 73,000. Updated 03-27-08 the brake lights stayed on when the vehicle was shut off. There was a problem with the wiring for the parking lights and headlights. Updated
Transmission failed when vehicle accelerated. Rpms got very high, and vehicle stalled. Consumer took vehicle back to the dealer, and was told that the problem could not be duplicated. Dealer put the vehicle on the diagnostic machine yet they were unable to diagnose the problem. The brakes failed 7 times. Updated 02/06/06.
Problems brake rotors and odometer on 2002 Dodge Intrepid ES. The vehicle made an unusual noise and then shut down. The dealer indicated that the start-up alarm system needed to be regulated. The dealer made the repairs but the problem continued. A few days later the noises continued, the odometer stopped and the vehicle didn't indicate what gear it was in. The vehicle was taken to another dealer who corrected the problem. The consumer later learned that the vehicle needed new rotors and brake pads on all four wheels. The vehicle was returned to the sales dealer who was no longer in business. After contacting Chrysler, she was told there was nothing they could do. The consumer doesn't think the rotors should have failed within four months or ownership.
- Brooklyn, NY, USA
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- Elmira, NY, USA