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.

9.6

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,300
Average Mileage:
93,950 miles
Total Complaints:
148 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. needs a new engine (65 reports)
  2. recall cars w/2.7 engine and replace engines (47 reports)
  3. not sure (15 reports)
  4. replace engine (11 reports)
  5. new freeken motor (5 reports)
  6. replace the cylinder head and bearing, rebuild engine (3 reports)
2000 Dodge Intrepid engine problems

engine problem

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2000 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments (Page 6 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #48

Jun 082006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 125,000 miles

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

My engine died after only four months. I want the auto dealer or Chysler to pay for the repairs to this vehicle that knowing dealers are pawning off on unsuspecting car buyers.

- cfinklea, Newark, DE, US

problem #47

Apr 262006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 95,000 miles

WELL IT ALL BEGAN WITH THE INFAMOUS ENGINE LIGHT AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. I PAID 700 DOLLARS FOR THE NEW PCM MONITOR. FIXED TRANSMISSION .. MAYBE .. THE CAR CRAPPED OUT ON MY WIFE WHILE I WAS DEPLOYED TO ACTIVE DUTY AIR FORCE.4 DAYS LATER . I CALLED THEM BACK AND TOLD THEM THE FAULTY ENGINGE CODES I GOT ... AND I AM NOT EVEN A CAR MECHANIC. THEY CHARGED ME ANOTHER 200.00 DOLLARS TO TAKE THE VALVE COVERS OFF AND TELL ME I HAVE A SLUDGE PROBLEM. AS USUAL THEY KEPT QUIET AND HOPED I WOULD DISAPPEAR INTO OBLIVION WITH ALL THE OTHER INTREPID OWNERS. HMMMMM MAYBE THATS WHY THEY CALL THEMSELVES DODGE , BECAUSE THEY DODGE THEIR CUSTOMERS WHEN THEYRE STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD TO PAY ANOTHER 55 DOLLARS JUST TO TAKE MY CAR TO THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. WELL IF YOURE LOOKING FOR INTEGRITY YOU WONT FIND IT WITH DODGE CHRYSLER. WHAT MAKES ME SADDER THAN MY SITUATION IS THAT SOME PEOPLE AR E STILL MAKING CAR PAYMENTS ON THEIR DODGE INTREPID. I JUST PAID MINE OFF 4 MONTHS AGO.. ALL THOSE HARDWORKING FAMILIES OUT THERE TRYING TO MAKE A LIVING IN THESE HARD TIMES AND THERES COMPANIES OUT THERE RIPPING THEM OFF. THERE IS A GOD OUT THERE THAT WILL RECOMPENSE DODGE CHRYSLER FOR THEIR CORRUPT PRACTICES .... MARK MY WORDS!!!!!!!

- Daniel M., corpus christi, TX, US

problem #46

Apr 012006

(reported on)

Intrepid LE 2.7L V6

  • 79,000 miles

engine started with a slight knocking then started missing and knocking and backfiring. so i took it to my mechanic. he replaced timing chain and tensioners. he also drained oil and flushed it too about 3000 miles later it started knocking louder it sounded like a rod bearing. so i took it to another mechanic. he tore the engne down and told me i was going to need a new or rebuilt engine a used one will cost 2000 a rebuilt 6000 a new one 9 or 10000 dollars. I still owe 2000 dollars on it. the dealer i bought this car from says there is nothing he can do. is there some thing somebody can tell me .

- Art H., Satanta, KS, US

problem #45

Mar 222006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 68,700 miles

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

I'm new in the USA from Europe... the dealer probably had a great day selling me this car, because I did not know about any problems. Well, my next car is a European car and definitely not and never a Daimler / Chrysler brand!!! DONT BUY DODGE CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH they let you down completely when problems occur!!!

- Bart L., Portage, MI, US

problem #44

Mar 232006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 40,000 miles

THIS CAR DOESN'T EVEN HAVE 40,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE IS BLOWN ALREADY. DODGE SHOULD DEFINITELY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, THESE CARS ARE PIECES OF SH*T. DODGE SHOULD HAVE JUST RECALLED ALL THESE CARS.

- Jennifer H., Port Orange, FL, US

problem #43

Feb 132006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 134,000 miles

timing chain broke due to sludging-this car also had to have the transmission replaced at 71,000 miles-about the time the warranty ran out

- Dwain B., Frenchburg, KY, US

problem #42

Feb 122006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 72,000 miles

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

I am very angry!!!! I've had this veh for approx. 3 years, I still owe $6,900, was contacted by my mechanic telling me that my Intrepid was full of oil sludge and the engine was non-repairable, a used engine was priced at $2,500.00 plus labor, my vehicle was well kept no prior problems with the engine. I am demanding my Intrepid be fixed immediately at no cost to me, I cannot afford to pay for a vehicle that I cannot drive.

- Tina O., New Castle, PA, US

problem #41

Jan 262006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 155,000 miles

I still owe chrysler on the son-of-gun, I am pissed off! I had regular oil changes too. I have purchased 4 new chrysler cars through the years. I was a chrysler fan, but the sh-- hit the fan! I got burned....I am going to buy a Toyota or VW. chrysler market shares are dropping FAST... along with its customer service!

- Tony H., Nevada, IA, US

problem #40

Jan 252006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 95,000 miles

I will never purchase another Dodge or Dodge-related vehicle again.

When the tensioner failed the first time, it cost me $850. That was in November of 2003. The Service Mgr blamed the problem on my lack of oil changing. (I barely missed one oil change.)

In January of 2006, the timing chain has broken rendering the car completely useless. The Dodge dealer recommends a new engine. The engine costs ($8000) more than the Blue Book value of the car.

I am shopping for another car.

- Rene C., Waukesha, WI, US

problem #39

Jan 222006

(reported on)

Intrepid LE 2.7L V6

  • 125,000 miles

After driving Dodges/Chryslers for over 30 years and if not getting rid of them because of wanting something else or having a wreck, I normally drive a Dodge over 300k before getting rid of them. Usually I do very little engine overhaul work to the engines. I just change the oil and filters about every 3k miles. The Intrepid drove real nice and I could get 35 mpg on the highway. The dealers know of this problem but tell me they can't do anything unless I want to buy a new engine at the cost of 6 grand plus installation. I could save some money for a rebuilt engine for about 4 grand. Either way I'm not investing that kind of money in that old of car and have something else go wrong. I have driven other Dodges and worked them hard, and nevver had this kind of problem with any of them.

- Raymond W., Houston, TX, US

problem #38

Dec 092005

(reported on)

Intrepid LE 2.7L V6

  • 89,000 miles

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

Same problem , sludge buildup. This engine is a piece of sh*t. I took my car in for repairs and of course Lawrenceburgh Chrysler and Dodge gave me the shaft. I was told basically that I didn't keep the engine serviced. I told them that Wal Mart had serviced my vehicle and I had records to prove it. They quickly started laying the blame on Wal Mart. They said their oil was not recommended for my vehicle I should have used Mopar. I told them I used the best synthetic oil available. Of course it's Wal marts fault for Chrysler building such a piece of sh*t. Only way to repair it is fork out $5,000 for a new engine. Only problem you have to put the same piece of sh*t that came out back in. Of course I have filed complaints but you know the dance. We the consumers come up on the short end. Chrysler should have to buy back every Interpid with the 2.7 engine. It cannot be repaired and they knew it when they put this crap out. F*ck me once but never again Chrysler. Go ram this engine up your ass.

- Tim D., Anderson, AL, US

problem #37

Jan 102006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 145,000 miles

I will never buy a dodge again. Dodge is mainly what I have driven my whole life.

- Tom D., Hawesville, KY, US

problem #36

Jan 082006

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 90,000 miles

We purchased a new Dodge Intrepid in 2000. The Intrepid was a good vehicle which gave me good service until engine problems. I am a Diesel Mechanic with 20+ years of service in this field of work. I am now teaching mechanics at a local community college. My Intrepid was serviced at 2,000 miles and only the best oil and filters were used. I was really let down when I found out that no help was available for the engine problems, Dodge knew they were having. Do the right thing Dodge, it won't cost you much and if you make a mistake like the 2.7 suck up to the problem and do what you should. 2.7 Dodge Engine... yep I made my mistake. I hope everyone learns from theirs also.

- William Y., Thomasville, NC, US

problem #35

Dec 292005

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 110,000 miles

Does anyone out there know if a 2.7L can be replaced with a 3.2L. Mine blew at 108,000 miles right after having the cam sensor replaced and the transmission flushed for the 2nd time in 3 years. The dealer wants $6500 to replace it, not going to happen. I have look around for some rebuilds but the 2.7L is way pricey, and the same piece of junk, while the 3.2L is much more reasonably priced and potentially solves future problems. Any help on if this is possible would be appreciated.

Thanks

- Michael H., Tooele, UT, US

problem #34

Dec 122005

(reported on)

Intrepid LE 2.7L V6

  • 90,000 miles

2.7 liter is all that needs to be said. Same story as everyone else. Sludge problem, blown engine, parked in the backyard. Will not rebuild engine for 4000. I bought a Suzuki Aerio instead. I will never own a Chrysler product again and I suggest anyone who owns, this car and it is currently operating, to get rid of it as soon as possible. A four wheeler or moped will last longer than this piece of sh*t.

- Tim D., Anderson, AL, US

problem #33

Aug 102005

(reported on)

Intrepid ES 2.7L V6

  • 90,000 miles

I purchased Added Care warranty for $1500 but Dodge tells me because I don't have WRITTEN proof of 5 years worth of oil change receipts they will not replace my engine. The engine is blown due to oil sludge. I provided 2 years worth of oil changes and could verbally prove from actual service provider the other 3 but not good enough. Seems the provider could view details but not print them. I have always had oil changed and then they charged me $300 to do the inspection . I will NEVER buy another Dodge ever. I was treated very poorly and rudely by Dodge.

- Teresa P., Takoma Park, MD, US

problem #32

Sep 272005

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 86,000 miles

I bought the car used and 6 months later it is sitting in my drive I am having to pay payments on a car that was faulty and still our NTSB is letting these cars be sold to unsuspecting consumers. I am a single mother of 3 and cannot afford to have the engine replaced. I have to work and am driving an old junker to get to work that is several years old and a ton more miles on it. The difference is it is not a piece of sh*t of a DODGE which is one of the sorriest built cars on the road today. I hope and pray someone will make this company take action and correct this fault in their automobile, It is time for a RECALL on these junkie ass cars. There was never a oil warning, there was never any warning, the sludge just f*ked up the timing belt and in turn f*ked up the engine. Someone Please Hear Our Cries For Help!

- Shirley B., Hueytown, AL, US

problem #31

Feb 052005

(reported on)

Intrepid ES 2.7L V6

  • 78,517 miles

CAR DIED AT STOP LIGHT. COST 90.00 FOR A 8 MILE TOW. TO HOME SAT IN GARAGE FOR TWO MONTHS TILL I GOT TIME TO LOOK AT IT. TODAY I DROPED THE OIL PAN 1&2 RODS BURNED TO THE CRANK. THAT SAYS NO OIL PRESURE SO THE 3 LBS IT TAKES TO PUT THE IDIOT LIGHT OUT IS ALL THE ENGINE HAD. SO IF YOU GOT A 2.7 SELL IT TO SOMEONE YOU DO NOT LIKE SIT BACK AND WAIT. THE INTREPID HAS SEAT BELT, SEAT BUCKLE, STEERING, AND ENGINE PROBLEMS, OTHER THAN THAT DARN NICE FLOWER POT. I'M LUCKY MY 20000 DOLLAR FLOWER POT IS PAID FOR. NOW ALL I GOT TO DO IS FIX IT. LUCKY I'M A MASTER TECH. I SAVE THE LABOR FOR MY DAYS OFF. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK CHRYSLER FOR XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX....

- Joe M., Batavia, OH, US

problem #30

Jan 152005

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 76,000 miles

These motors are trash and not worth fixing. If you do fix it will happen again.

- Gary V., Kingsport, TN, US

problem #29

Sep 052005

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • 60,000 miles

My 2000 Dodge Intrepid. I have about 60,000 miles (and 7 payments) on it when it died while I was driving it. I had taken it to the dealership because I heard a slight ticking noise and they said it needed an oil flush. When they finished it they still weren’t sure what the problem was and wanted to pull the engine. I told them I would have to take it back later. I drove about 1 mile away from the dealership when the check engine light came on and it died. I called the dealership and they had it towed so that they could check it out. They then said they only way they could determine what the problem was to pull the engine and that would cost me about 400.00 just to pull the engine. I had another mechanic look at it and he couldn’t believe how bad the engine was and said he didn’t feel right fixing it because there is some serious damage. He said I can put on a new timing chain and flush it but it doesn’t mean that is going to fix the problem. Then I started researching the web for complaints, I could not believe what I found. I am 35 years old trying to go back to school full time, I have 4 kids and live on a very tight income. To fix this car is more than I can afford. When the dealership first discovered the problem their solution was to trade it in for a newer car and they would take mine of my hands. Of course they weren’t going to give me much for my car because it wasn’t running. I am so disgusted with Dodge I now tell everyone I see with an intrepid to get rid of it before the same think happens to them.

- Jackie S., Grants, NM, US

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