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.
1.8
hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
90,000 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.
Consumer noticed smoke coming from the tail pipe. The check engine light illuminated. Consumer took the vehicle to a mechanic, who determined that vacuum hose disengaged. Mechanic placed the vacuuim hose back on. A few days later. The engine light illuminated again. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who determined that engine had sludge build up in it.
While driving consumer noticed smoke coming from the tail pipe of the vehicle. The check engine light illuminated. Consumer took the vehicle into a mechanic, and mechanic stated that the vacuum hose had come loose. The mechanic placed the vacuum hose back onto the vehicle. A couple of days later, engine light illuminated again. That's when the consumer found out there was sludge build up in the engine.
- Antioch, TN, USA
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- Antioch, TN, USA