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. Also the 2.4L engine doesn't have the oil sludge problem.

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.

4.4

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
25,000 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.

2000 Dodge Stratus body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2000 Dodge Stratus Owner Comments

problem #2

Apr 022001

Stratus 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

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

Air conditioner blower fan switch only works on high speed, air conditioner does not cool when this has happened. Has been replaced 3 times and the problem continues--this creates a problem in the summer since I live in Texas and the summers are very hot down here. Also drivers side door panel has jammed sever times when it is opened, plastic clips holding door were coming off, this causes the door to jam on several occasions.

- Converse, TX, USA

problem #1

Sep 262001

Stratus

  • miles
Driver's door jammed when it is opened, would open approx. 1 inch. Door panel was coming loose. Plastic clips holding panel were coming off. Panel would shift, and cause jamming problem. Would need to kick from inside to open door. Had taken vehicle to dealership, and was informed not a safety issue.

- Houston, TX, USA

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