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.
6.0
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
28,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
dealer wanted to replace brakes!!! nooo!! (1 reports)
Brake warning light keeps coming on - announced with it's dinging sound. This only happened when I made right hand turns...even when I had NO pressure applied to the brake pedal. However, yesterday, the "brake" light came on AFTER I'd stopped at a red light...as in about 30 seconds after I stopped. When I called a dealer near where I work, they diagnosed...over the phone, mind you... that my brakes were worn and need replacing. Sorry...over 80% of the miles are highway and there's no loss of braking. Also, my mileage is 28-30 on the highway. Doesn't seem brakes are 'stuck'. HELP....please!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Brake warning light keeps coming on - announced with it's dinging sound. This only happened when I made right hand turns...even when I had NO pressure applied to the brake pedal. However, yesterday, the "brake" light came on AFTER I'd stopped at a red light...as in about 30 seconds after I stopped. When I called a dealer near where I work, they diagnosed...over the phone, mind you... that my brakes were worn and need replacing. Sorry...over 80% of the miles are highway and there's no loss of braking. Also, my mileage is 28-30 on the highway. Doesn't seem brakes are 'stuck'. HELP....please!
- Ashleigh L., Aberdeen, NJ, US