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.

8.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
123,750 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. replace engine (3 reports)
1999 Dodge Intrepid engine problems

engine problem

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1999 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments

problem #8

May 042014

Intrepid 4 Door 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 176,000 miles

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

THE 2.7 MOTOR FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME. FIRST, AT 110,000 THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER MALFUNCTIONED. SECOND, AT 175,000 WHEN THE TIMING CHAIN SLIPPED WHEN IT HAD STRETCHED OUT DUE TO SLUDGE BUILDUP AND LOW OIL PRESSURE.

- Timothy R., st paul, Minnesota (MN), US

problem #7

Sep 022009

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 155,000 miles

very upset driving home from work after 10 pm at night car is making knocking noise and just gives up on the freeway had to try to make it to next eixt when exiting car was not able to stop almost ran into a damn pole got car frm crooks at dealership has been tol by ppl i know and ppl i dont even know tht guys a dealership aint Sh*t but crooks and they was not lying now stuck and very angry revenge is a mother Fu*ka.....

- jazzy_what, Pittsburg, CA, US

problem #6

Oct 012006

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,031 miles

I first fell in love with the Intrepid when a few buddies back in 1999 rented one to go to Wasage on the May 24 weekend. In August of 2006, my father-in-law and I test drove my now called "Behemoth". In Oct. of 2006 I started to notice a small periodic roughness in its idol. It has gone through Speed and Input sensors, an oil pressure switch, 3 air filters and 3 oil changes. Yes 3 changes since Aug. '06 and its now April of '09. The only reason for that is because my oil pan is leaking like my 1 year old, so its cheaper for me to just top up every week. On my last oil change I have gone synthetic and am loving it. The down side it's 5000 km overdue for a oil change and the rough idle is getting worse. It now happens when I start the car if its still hot. So far no sludge to be seen but I do want to upgrade the engine since I'm a single father of 3. I have found a cheap 3.5L and all its fixings. I'd do it myself one weekend with the guys to save on shop costs. I was told that a 5.7 HEMI would fit with the right mods. If that's the case then I might save for that. It's a damn shame that Chrysler F'ed so many people... that's why I stopped selling cars.

As far as "Behemoth" goes?!? I'll make it last another 9 years so my oldest has a car all his own.

- ginoking, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

problem #5

Jun 302008

Intrepid ES 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

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

I had no idea about the problems with the Dodge Intrepid...until it happened to us!

The timing chain broke and we took it to a local mechanic who gave us some sympathy and then went on to tell us about the history of this crappy engine. How even with regular maintenance and oil changes the engine will sludge up. He told us how Dodge had developed this "kit" to fix the problem, using a new chain..requiring the pump and everything else to be changed out because the linkage is different. He said that it doesn't matter what you do..if you replace all the parts the engine sludge will just cause the same problem again...at any time. We have it at the dealership right now. They're telling us it's a maintenance issue. I told them, "OF COURSE YOU"RE GOING TO SAY THAT!"

They also informed us that the"kit" is currently on back order and they're not sure when it will be in. I'm not surprised, since all these engines are beginning to reach high mileage and they're probably dropping like flies! CLASS ACTION IN IOWA?? JUST TELL ME WHERE TO SIGN UP!

- jodim, Sabula, IA, US

problem #4

Jan 312007

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,500 miles

Yup-- read all the other complaints and I guess I have the same problem!

Top end noise. suspect valve train imminent failure...Hard to believe sludge is the culprit! IThis car was meticulously maintained. I think i'll check the oil pump operation first (screen too if any). My motor is not dead yet. Sure makes noise though, and i'll not drive anywhere.

I'll post results later.

Has anybody got any GOOD/ FIX feedback from Dodge? send to Brittedge@yahoo.com

- L. Britt E., Manchester, NH, US

problem #3

Dec 122003

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

MY ORIGINAL USE FOR THE CAR WAS TO GET AROUND. THEN IT TURNED INTO YARD ART! FINALLY, AFTER PAYING OVER $20,000 TO PAY OFF THE LOAN, I HAD A LOCAL JUNK YARD COME AND HAUL IT OFF WHICH MADE ME $150.00 RICHER. THANKS DODGE! I USED THIS MONEY TO PAY MY H.O.A. FINE FROM HAVING A NON-WORKING VEHICLE, PARKED OUTSIDE FOR SO LONG. (3 YEARS)

- Antwon L., Charlotte, NC, US

problem #2

Oct 112007

Intrepid ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

well my problem started in 2003 the computer in my car went dead and i need to replace it at the time i wasn't thinking - i just wanted my car fixed(cost 1300) i'm happy i got my car back. time passed and i'm driving, little things happen, summer comes & i need to refill my ac coolant. windows start to stick some days it will roll down some days it wont. What the heck. my first real car i'm thinking its wear and tear. at this point the car is still driving great. i brought it 45000 miles. i'm happy. Here's were everything changes 6/2007. i start smelling something funny when i drive long distances at night. lights flicker ac blows hot air after getting it serviced. finally i'm all paid up no more car payments drop insurance to liabilty. more in my pocket. i now own my car once again im happy. i take my care in for its 3mth oil change and drive home. i park my car everything is fine two hours later my girl and i have a proir engagement. i go to start the car and all hell breaks loose the ticking i once had is now unbearable - metal rubbing under the hood, step on the gas and it sounds like a diesel truck. everybody in the neighborhood knows when i'm moving my car. By the way i have 3.2L intrepid and its given me hell. i don't have the money to fix it. Don't buy dodge. it was sweet while it lasted. every good thing comes to and end.

- Michael V., Bronx, NY, US

problem #1

Nov 102007

(reported on)

Intrepid ES 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 164,400 miles

I wish i would have never wasted my time and money.

- Jack J., Union, SC, US

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