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.
4.0
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,300 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.
Interior lights turned on and off intermittently which often scared and distracted the driver from the road, increasing the chance of a crash. Taken in for repairs three times, but the problem recurred. The consumer stated that the interior lights go on an off while the vehicle is not running. The consumer stated that the control module was replaced at total of 4 times. The consumer stated that the rear door lock has a buzz noise in it. The horn and alarm goes on and off.
Intermittently the interior lights flashed on and off. When this occurred it obstructed the driver's visibility. Dealership lubricated the headlamp switch controller, but the problem recurred. Dealership indicated that this was a common problem and they were waiting for the manufacturer to send them the repair kit.
Consumer stated the instrument panel lights flashes on and off intermittenly.contacted dealer, had problem repaired but problem still exist. Please add VIN.
Interior electrical light system has failed completely. This effected dome light, /sunroof switch/ vanity mirror light, and dashboard. This problem has happened 5 times. Have been to dealership each time, and mechanic indicated that it was electrical mobile that was defective. Would have it replaced, but problem would always reappear.
Interior dome, door & door handle lights will flash on & off while driving, creating a startling & distracting situation, as well as a safety issue when driving at night.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Los Angeles, CA, USA