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.

7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$580
Average Mileage:
79,500 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. i believe its my transmission solenoid (2 reports)
2002 Dodge Intrepid transmission problems

transmission problem

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2002 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments

problem #6

Dec 012011

Intrepid ES 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

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

This Dodge Intrepid, as well as many other complaints I have read, will "jerk" then the car slows down to 20 mph. After starting at a stop the RPM's will raise along with the speedometer. If I go 50 mph the cars RPM's will be 5000. I will then pull of along side of the road and stop and restart the car and it will run fine until I slow down to 20 mph and it will do the same thing. It is starting to kill at a stop occasionally now. I would really like to know what is wrong with this car. I have taken it to Dodge dealers and they think I'm making this up. I would like to know what is wrong with this car!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Lisa M., Mazomanie, WI, US

problem #5

Sep 082011

Intrepid LE 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

TRANSMISSION STARTED GOING INTO WHAT I LEARNED WAS LIMP HOME MODE.TRANSMISSION AFTER SEVERAL MILES WHEN COMING TO A STOP WOULD UPSHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR.IF YOU CONTINUE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION ENGINE RPM WOULD GO HIGH WITH SLOW SPEED GAIN.STOP TURN IGNITION OFF.TRANSMISSION GOES NORMAL,ONLY TO HAPPEN AGAIN.THIS IS A JOB FOR A SKILLED TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST TO REPAIR.MY TRANSMISSION REQUIRED A SOLENOID PACK REPLACEMENT.FLUID PAN WAS INSPECTED FOR WEAR DEBRIS FOUND OK.REPLACE WITH MAN. RECOMMENDED ATC FLUID.TOTAL COST 450.00.TRANSMISSION OPERATES PERFECT.WAS TOLD `THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM WITH DODGE INTREPID.

- ablanding jr, Blanding@bellsouth.Net, SC, US

problem #4

Jan 112010

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I bought this car from a so called friend. Didn't know what a pain in the neck it is to change anything on this car. Changed battery, well battery is UNDER car behind TIRE and had to pay $50 for battery & $75 for labor to change battery, $125 just to replace battery. check engine light came on and didn't pass smog check. cost to repair more than car is worth. And now transmission is getting stuck!!! oh yeah almost forgot about replacing PLASTIC radiator a year ago. I bought this car 3 years ago and no longer speak with so called friend who sold me this piece of crap car!!!

- Diane A., CHINO HILLS, CA, US

problem #3

Mar 252005

Intrepid EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

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

My husband bought this car for me because I wanted it. It was the top of the line for the Intrepid with really nice wheels. He wanted a jeep but I insisted. Got it brand new.

My husband died and within a few months the transmission messed up. Not being good with car dealers, I took the car back to the Dodge dealer where we bought it to trade it in. I didn't tell them about the problem. They only gave me $5000 for the car towards another vehicle which I owed around $7500 still on it. They said this car had gone down in value..

To this day, I feel so ripped off. It's 2010.

- askelton, Warsaw, VA, US

problem #2

Sep 102008

Intrepid ES 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

Was very well satisfied with the car up until this occurred, have owned two Intrepid s and like the car very much.

- Calvin B., Saint Albans, WV, US

problem #1

Jun 072008

Intrepid SE 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

Well, my story is similar to all the story on this site. We need to seek a lemon law suit, on these 2.7 engines, that dodge has created. Along with the knocking noise , I had my oil light going off and on. My car stalling and my transmission being stuck in second gear. I'm so livid, that I want to remove my engine and drop it on the front door step of the dodge/Chrysler plant. I'm going to try and contact consumer affairs and the better business bureau, to try to find steps needed to bring this situation to a recall. We, all work very hard to provide for our families and ourselves. I think its very selfish, of this auto manufacture, in not recalling these engines.This is a major safety hazard, to ourselves and our families, and friends. This needs to be resolved before someone gets very injured are becomes deceased , due to incompetency of a car manufacture neglecting making a bad engine. I will keep you all posted on any information I receive.Please try to contact the same organization in your state. united we will be triumph, over this car manufacture. Take care and I will talk to you soon.

- armandocalifornia, Sunnyvale, CA, US

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