CarComplaints.com Notes: The Dodge Stratus, Intrepid & 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.

3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,000 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.

1999 Dodge Stratus body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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1999 Dodge Stratus Owner Comments

problem #2

Oct 012003

Stratus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

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

The paint on the front bumper of the car is falling off because it did not adhere well to the plastic. A large area now is only black plastic and paint continues to flake off any of the plastic parts.

- Jenison, MI, USA

problem #1

Oct 102001

(reported on)

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While traveling, transmission would not shift into next gear correctly. Would suddenly slam into gear, and cause vehicle to jerk forward. Rear brakes make noise. Consumer states steering wheel lock up. Windshield washer is not working. Rear bumper is coming loose. The vehicle also has noisy a suspension.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

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