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.

6.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
75,000 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
2001 Dodge Stratus body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2001 Dodge Stratus Owner Comments

problem #3

Apr 042009

Stratus LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

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

I just want to know what the fix is. It seems to be a problem with this model of car.

- joym, Sullivan, IN, US

problem #2

Aug 122008

Stratus SE 2.7L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 111,000 miles

it ticks me off cause when it rains it is like a lake in my floor then it freezes when its cold

- dishman, Monticello, KY, US

problem #1

Mar 012009

(reported on)

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

Just bought the car, washed it and opened the driver door and the floor board was soaked with water. How did this happen and where is the water coming from? I have no idea what to do, this is scary.. Anyone else had this problem? Anybody have any suggestions on what the hell is going wrong?

- Patti S., Fruitland, ID, US

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