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.
A simple harness that just connects power to the mirror. Now typically the rear view mirror is not moved a lot so how does a harness short out? You would figure with all the electrical harnesses on any vehicle that this would be an issue that should never happen due to all of the experience in their use and design.
My rearview mirror with the auto sensor and interior lights appears to only work with jiggling of the wires that connect to the back side of the mirror. It used to work just fine, but now the only way to get the interior lights or dimmer to work is to move the black cord around that connects to the plug, once you let go of the wire the lights go out again. It appears to be an issue with the connection in the actual mirror. I have not tried to get this fixed because I figured the cost would be a new mirror and this car is not worth it.
I just bought this car used and it seems to be a really nice "used" car. I didn't notice upon purchase but the rearview mirror had an electronic eye that fades the mirror with cars behind you. I noticed that it wasn't working so i messed with the connector on the back of the mirror. Then i noticed that the lights were not working either. The connector or the circuit board is broken. I haven't looked into getting it fixed, but i've heard the only way to fix it is to replace it, the only place to get an OEM replacement is Dodge.
- Eric M.,
Kalamazoo, MI, US
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A simple harness that just connects power to the mirror. Now typically the rear view mirror is not moved a lot so how does a harness short out? You would figure with all the electrical harnesses on any vehicle that this would be an issue that should never happen due to all of the experience in their use and design.
- Chris C., Cleveland, OH, US