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.

8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,300
Average Mileage:
64,200 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. position sensor, PCM or torque converter replacement (1 reports)
  3. rebuild transmission (1 reports)
2002 Dodge Intrepid transmission problems

transmission problem

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2002 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments

problem #6

Jan 012008

Intrepid SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

Well I have had this problem for month. I will be driving down the road and the car will jerk and then the rpms will shoot sky high like almost red line. I can stop cut the car off and then back on and the problem will fix itself until it happens again. No matter how you drive it, the problem always happens. Now within a month of that happening the car also started dying after coming to a stop every now and then and usually it rush hour traffic. It starts back up most of the time but every now and then you will have to sit there looking like an idiot waiting for your car to decide ok now I want to start. It is been to 4 different shops one of those being a dodge dealership and no one can tell me what the problem is. They seem to think that I am making this up when I have had other people drive my car and have the same problem. Now a new problem the dash board lights and the radio are starting to blink and cut in and out. So now I am wondering what it next????? This is my only means of transportation and I am a single mom so getting a new car is not really an easy option and I can't keep relying on this pos car.

- aprilal, Athens, AL, US

problem #5

Jun 042007

Intrepid SXT 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Around 75,000mi, the transmission started slipping and banging in and out of 2-3rd gear. Did a transmission service with a higher grade fluid--the best available but the problem persisted. Only solution was to have the transmission re-built. Cost an arm and a leg...disappointing because the car was kept up as best as possible. The car itself is great, but the Chrysler Corp was less than helpful. Who else loves paying $92.50/hour??

- Johan B., Harrow, Ontario, Canada

problem #4

Apr 272007

(reported on)

Intrepid SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

We are asked to buy American. We do and we have problems. Dodge has a terrible transmission on the 2002 Intrepid SE and I have hearn complaint after complaint. I, like many other people, live on a shoestring and can not afford to fix my car. I lost my job a month ago and rely on this vehicle to get me around to find one and then to the job. No car, no job. No job, No Money. Kiss the house goodbye with no money to pay for it. I'll be on the streets.

Is there such a thing as financial aide for car repairs that seem to have a history and Dodge won't do anything about it because I am not the original owner and the car is 5 years old? People like me need help....

- sandreacchi, Las Cruces, NM, US

problem #3

Feb 012007

(reported on)

Intrepid ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

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

we have replaced the transmission hoses twice because they leak and the transmission seems to be shifting really hard sometimes.

- junkowner, Auburn, KY, US

problem #2

Oct 282006

(reported on)

Intrepid SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

I've had this car for a year. Shaking is really annoying. Took it to the dealer, they replaced half shaft, put brand new tires on it, still shakes, we paid to have the tires rotated and balanced 4 different times, new brakes, rotors. Still shakes, what could cause this? We've been told possibly in the transmission. Dealer can't feel shake(of course not). This car is under warranty but 2 different dealers can't seem to find the problem.

- Larry C., Glenford, OH, US

problem #1

Dec 142002

(reported on)

Intrepid SE

  • 17,000 miles

Transmission Issues Displayed At Just 2000 Miles!! Intermittent rough shifting, bump, stumble, hesitation. Dealership "Could Not Duplicate" This Problem. Transmission Was Slamming Into 3rd Gear At Times, Dealership Service Manager Said This Was Normal. My 15 year old car's Transmission (210,000 miles) shifts much better and performs smoother!

- intrepidproblems, San Leandro, CA, US

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