CarComplaints.com Notes: The Dodge Intrepid, Stratus & 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.
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.
6.8
fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
9,600 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.
: the contact stated there are several problems with the vehicle. The first problem is an intermittent failure of the interior lights. The dealer replaced a computer chip and this remedied the problem for a short time. The vehicle occasionally failed to start. The battery was replaced and appeared to remedy the problem. However, there were rust and white spots in the driveway underneath the vehicle where the battery is located. Shortly after christmas all the interior lights dimmed and the vehicle lost all power while driving 45mph at night, but normal operation resumed when the vehicle was restarted after several hours. The vehicle has been seen by the dealer several times, but the dealer has never been successful in identifying the underlying electrical problem. Lastly, the contact took the vehicle in for an oil change at the local dealer. During the oil change the oil plug was damaged causing a slow leak. The dealer made three attempts at repair, but oil continues to leak from both the top of the engine and underneath. The vehicle received regular service through the local dealer exclusively.
Purchased in March of 1999: 6/02/99-rear window leak-repaired free of charge, 6/07/01-tires-$211.14 1/24/02-camshaft position sensor-49,550 miles-$170.80, 7/12/02-A/C system blowing warm. Freon&A/C dye-55,771 miles-$71.77, 7/16/02-install new coolant tube, install new air box(A/C/water outlet tube, antifreeze)-55,956 miles-$294.68, 7/18/02-replace engine with new-56,783 miles-$4,396. 7/18/03-rental car and motel charges for engine repair-$125 11/29/02-brake inspection-70,000 miles-$14.03, 4/29/03-window regulator and window(driver window)-62,072 miles-$424.82, 5/02/03-parts for brakes-$163.37(personally installed), 6/13/03-battery replacement-63,772 miles-$145.57, 7/23/03-install sop vacuum hose for PCV, replaced vacuum tube from PCV valve to valve cover-67,753 miles-$65.20, 10/29/03-transmission & starter-approx.70,000 miles-have not had it fixed due to financial difficulties-still at cortese Dodge in henrietta, NY. (quote about $3,400-will not know until they tear the transmission apart) the above are the problems that we have had with this car that we purchased brand new in 99. We still owe the bank approx. $7,000. The approx. Total of repairs(out of our pockets)$9,700. New car cost $22,930.64+$6,420.98(finance charges)=$29,351.62. We did have regular oil changes that we had done professionally and I did it myself.
Consumer placed the key inside of the ignition and vehicle would not turn on. Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic replaced the battery.
Consumer had problems getting vehicle to start after it had sat a day. It has been back and forth to dealer. Dianostic machine didn't show a reading for problem. Dealer has jumped vehicle changed battery and cables. Both dealer and manufacturer were doing nothing to rectify problem.
Vehicle was stored over the winter, upon trying to start vehicle it would not due to failed battery, the rotors required replacement, they warped during storage time.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Tarpon Springs, FL, USA