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.
Well, I was a sucker for a low cost car, not knowing any of the problems with the 2.7 eng. I bought it with 107,000 miles on it, it ran good, just made a little clattering after getting warmed up good. Mechanic said it was the timing chain needed replaced, I took this project on myself, for those of you that have had problems, know that it is a scary thought, and right you are, I have never worked on a piece of crap quiet like this before, it has been nothing but a bad nightmare and the more I find out, the worse it gets. It still may cost me another car. Probably one of the worst decisions made. Always check in depth before purchasing a car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Well, I was a sucker for a low cost car, not knowing any of the problems with the 2.7 eng. I bought it with 107,000 miles on it, it ran good, just made a little clattering after getting warmed up good. Mechanic said it was the timing chain needed replaced, I took this project on myself, for those of you that have had problems, know that it is a scary thought, and right you are, I have never worked on a piece of crap quiet like this before, it has been nothing but a bad nightmare and the more I find out, the worse it gets. It still may cost me another car. Probably one of the worst decisions made. Always check in depth before purchasing a car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- warrenk, Greenville, TX, US