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.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,220
Average Mileage:
87,150 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace rack and pinion (9 reports)
2000 Dodge Intrepid steering problems

steering problem

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2000 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments

problem #9

Aug 052008

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

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

the damn car only had 42,000 miles on it. it should have never gone bad dodge should have covered it

- alaina, Pgh, PA, US

problem #8

Sep 062009

Intrepid 2.7L Dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 185,000 miles

It's me again...I had been noticing a "clicking" noise when turning my steering wheel. A mechanic diagnosed the problem as the bushings on my rack and pinion needed to be replaced and that it would cost about $220.00 for parts and labor. I okayed the repair, but was told after 2 hours waiting that the bushings were only sold as part of the rack and that the job would be about $1,000 for parts and labor...needless to say, I'm still ticking. I'm really about to lose it!

I have other complaints about the same car. I'll keep posting...

- H P., Birmingham, AL, US

problem #7

May 122007

(reported on)

Intrepid RT 3.5

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

Car could not keep an alignment. Finally the dealer found this. at 35000. miles this should not be an issue. My wife drives this only to get the kid to school or go to the store. 35000 miles in a 7 year old car. dodge should fix this.

- Jim W., Renton, WA, US

problem #6

Oct 172007

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,500 miles

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

Dodge Intrepid 2.7 L....Makes you want to buy a Honda (which I did).

- Darwin B., Chatham, IL, US

problem #5

Jul 252007

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with 114000 miles. The car would drift from side to side and the steering was really loose. I took it in to find the problem i was told it needed an alignment.. did not fix it.. then the power steering needed flushed.. did not fix it.. next the power steering pump needed to be replaced... did not work either!! The only thing left was the rack and yep that was it!! $1700.00. If u can find the part because the dealer can't! I started looking around on the net and came across a web site specifically for dodge steering problems and u would not believe the accidents and deaths caused by failure of the rack!! This is a major safety problem!!!I called dodge and filed a complaint, told them about the website, they told me not to believe everything i read on the internet and that they have no knowledge of any complaints or problems with the rack. To make matters even worse the Intrepid is not the only dodge chrysler vehicle that is having these deadly problems..3000m, LHS, new yorker, concorde, vision. It is an outrage that this major corporation is aware of these serious safety problems and just turns the other cheek. Anyone that owns a dodge intrepid needs to check out www.dodgechryslersteeringproblems.com. It is unbelievable what is on this site. I will never buy or recommend another dodge chrysler to anyone on this earth. If u own one sell it if u can with a clear heart.

- tabi, Cartersville, GA, Afghanistan

problem #4

Feb 272007

(reported on)

Intrepid Standard 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I took my car to a local automotive shop two weeks ago and the mechanic told me that it was the outer tie rods. I paid like $160.00 (incl. labor & tax). I took the car back to him because the steering was still loose, now he's telling me that it's the rack and pinions. I was like WTF? I'm convinced that when a mechanic sees a woman coming--it means: dollar signs. Nevertheless, the job is gonna cost me $615.25. Other shops gave me estimates exceeding $650.00 and up. So, hopefully this will be the end of my problems. If not, I'm gonna be nothing nice the next go round. Simply, because I'm paying them ( the MECHANICS) to tell me WTF is wrong with my car, not to ASSUME what the problem is. After all, nobody has a money tree growing from their a$$.

- Kimberly D., Tampa, FL, US

problem #3

Aug 132006

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • 70,000 miles

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

I am surprised there are so few complaints on your web site. On other web sites they are talking about a class action law suit. And I agree. I owned a 57 chevy with half a million miles and the steering never had to be replaced. I asked a mechanic about dodge he said they are among the worse. I thought I did my homework before buying this lemon but I really didn't. I first wanted to be loyal to American name cars. Must buy American. They will give you good value. Maybe but I should have stayed with a Chevy. But I digress. I really liked the way the Intrepid looked the rated horsepower and the rated mpg. If I had looked at how cheaply the car was made it would have given me a clue. Is it no wonder Dodge has discontinued this model. I have had many dissapointments and system failures. AC unit went at 60,000 miles. Door locks soon after. Electrical system gremlins. Transmission slack bangs into 1st gear from day 1 if you don't baby the tranny. Low oil pressure light when will the engine seize only time will tell. Probably one of the noisiest cars suspension wise horrible sounding speakers. Cheap plastic trim in car that left gaps around doors. Does anyone want to buy a car? Kidding. I don't know about the newer dodge cars. But this one there should be a class action suit against. Buy a chevy or a ford.

- Andy G., West Babylon, NY, US

problem #2

Jul 102006

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • 87,700 miles

Rack and pinion bad, steering locks up. I feel that a car should last longer than 6 years before something major has to be fixed. With the cost of things these days, technology is supposed to be making things better, but they don't seem to last as long as the old products before all these new modifications.

- Norma V., Owensboro, KY, US

problem #1

Jun 122006

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • 70,000 miles

I took the car to the dealer two times before they found out what the problem was. I think because I am female, they thought I was crazy. When driving the steering wheel was very "loose" and would sway from side to side very easily. The dealer balanced the tires, and the next time rotated the tires and said all was okay. It kept doing it and was getting worse. Finally, they really looked at it and they determined that the rack and pinion had to be replaced. I didn't think that usually went "up" until a car had accumulated over 100,000 miles.

- Linda S., Nottingham, MD, US

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