While driving consumer hear a noise. He drove the vehicle to the dealer, who told him that it was a valve train noise, and that there was no problem if he had the oil changed. One week later, the vehicle just stopped, and was towed to the dealer for repairs.

- Athens, TN, USA

Driving on the (very busy)freeway in pheonix, AZ, we started hearing very quiet clicking noise in my '01 Dodge Intrepid. We rolled down the windows, heard louder clicking, and started losing power. We made it to the next exit, and the car died not half way down the onramp. We did steer it to the side, and avoided an accident. There was a small piece on the rear of the radiator, front of the engine that had lifted off. There was a gasket, but no screws, clamps, or other securing devices. This apparently houses the thermostat. The engine was destroyed, without the gauges ever registering a heat up, and we were left on an off ramp with no motor, and almost no warning. The dealership wanted $8K for a new engine, and claims that it was destroyed because of slushing, as a result of infrequent oil changes. It has 90K miles on it, and we still owe $13000 on it.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer pulled vehicle off the road, and was unable to restart the vehicle. It was towed to an independent repair shop, and mechanic determined engine needed to be replaced. Manufacturer was notified.

- Stow, OH, USA

I bought my 2001 Dodge Intrepid in 2002 with 12,000. All of a sudden with no warning my engine dies.why is a car that is not even 3 years old dead. I just had an oil change the day prior. Now I am told that it will cost 5500$ to repair it. Only choice is new engine. I have little over 50,000 miles, and I owe too much to not get it fixed. So now what, they know of the problems, why is the public not aware. And why is Dodge not responsible for this. Same old excuse, not enough oil changes. Seems to me that the general public is being taken for a ride by chyrsyler. Help.

- Dewitt, NY, USA

While driving at any speed a dashboard light and a bell notified consumer that an engine problem was evident. Once the vehicle was slowed down and stopped it would not start for the consumer. Dealer examined the vehicle and could not determine what caused the problem.

- Dayton, OH, USA

While driving at unknown speed vehicle stalled. Dealership could not duplicate the problem.

- New Kensington, PA, USA

While driving 60-65 mph, the consumer smelled heat and saw some smoke. The consumer pulled over and noticed the engine was on fire. The vehicle was serviced and the fire was due to a water pump falling apart interactions with the motor. Engine was filled with coolant which the oil to blow out the dip stick and onto the exhaust, which led to the fire.

- Eldorado, WI, USA

My 2001 Dodge Intrepid with 52,000 miles just suddenly came up with a clogged egr valve, was burning oil, and had a rod knock. I though this was strange for a car with so few miles until I saw the great number of websites describing similar breakdowns and explaining the design flaws that cause this premature engine breakdown. I also found out that the manufacturer does not deal with customers on this issue and the general concensus seems to be that the dealer is willing to lie and cheat to avoid dealing with this issue and even has the nerve to continue releasing vehicles with the same defects. Our dealer looked at the oil problem, mentioned the knock and sent us on our way as if it was no big deal, the car coded out (check engine ligh) soon there after and I brought it back and they just acted matter of factly and said it needs $9500 to replace the engine that has only $52K on it. This was a blow and then I found out this is a common occurance.

- Oakland, CA, USA

Engine builds up sludge in the oil wells and does not lubricate the engine properly. Even though proper maintenance has been preformed.

- Ft. Benning, GA, USA

Purchased the car in November of 2002. Had the oil changed at time of purchase. Took for another oil change in April and the mechanic told me there was sludge in the engine and that I needed to have the engine flushed. I had that done and 2 days later the motor had blown. My car is still sitting in the driveway because the estimated cost for repair is anywhere from $4000 to $8000.

- Lansing, Mi, MI, USA

Oil light comes on upon idling after driving in heavy traffic also have noticed oil leaking. A pool of oil on ground where car is parked. Took to Dodge dealership to examine. Car still under extended warranty until Dec 2004. Upon expection Dodge advises they need to replace oil pressure switch (under warranty) & gasket in oil pan. I authorized those repairs. Also advised replacing oil filter & 1 bottle of oil. Came out paying $82. Once I got home and looked at my receipt they also rotated my tires (not sure why I just had that done in Jan. 04), replaced power steering belt. A week later still notice oil light coming on & oil leak is worse. Took care back to dealership & upon inspection they have advised I have a "sludge" build up from using 10W30 oil. Engine needs to be flushed estimate $287. I refuse and take care home. I have friend flush engine for free. No sludge was visible upon flush. Oil light still comes on & oil leak still present. This time I decide to take it to a mechanic instead of the dealership. Upon their inspection they see a major leak coming from timing chain cover. They also removed oil pressure switch & hooked manual gauge and ran tests. Oil pressure was good in all conditions they saw no problem with pump or engine bearings. They contacted my warranty with estimate to repair timing cover oil leak. Warranty approved repairs. Upon removing timing cover they replaced bad gasket and replaced crank seal. Total charges $223.73 warranty paid $206.26. No further problem with oil light or oil leak at this time. I change my oil every 3000 miles. Considering the weather conditions for Oklahoma, 10W30 oil is satisfactory, my car only has 55,000 miles on it. Luckily I purchased the exteded warranty when I bought in 2 years ago. I will definitely be looking to sell this car before the end of this year after reviewing all the same complaints on the Dodge 2.7L engine.

- Moore, OK, USA

The engine in my car failed twice and I had replaced it with a used one since my extended warranty wouldn't cover it. This cost me $4000 and then 6 months later that engine failed and I am now replacing it at a cost of $6,000 due to oil sludge found in the engine. This is the 2.7 liter engine in the Dodge Intrepid

- Irvington, NJ, USA

Consumer complained about an engine problem. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who had diagnosed the problem as internal bearing failure. Consumer insisted there was no engine sludge.

- Lexington, NC, USA

Oil light came on while driving on the interstate. Pulled over to the side of the interstate. Had to have the car towed. There was an extremely loud knocking sound coming from the motor. Oil had been changed 10 days prior to the date of the incident. Oil is changed every 3000 miles. Our mechanic stated we would need a new motor. He estimated the cost at $8500. He told us he had replaced three 2001 Dodge Intrepid motors in the last several months. He suggested we contact Chrysler. The local dealership was not helpful. The service department manager stated he wasn't aware of the 2.7 motor problems. I called a 1-800-# with Chrysler and spoke to a representative which stated because of the miles on my car it was not under warranty and although Chrysler reconizes they have a problem with these motors the decision to do a recall had not been made at this time.

- Clarksville, TN, USA

While driving consumer heard metal shaking near engine. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer stated that metal sound was coming from the driver not oil changing.

- Kiswick, 00, USA

While driving undetermined speed consumer heard a clicking noise coming from the engine. Consumer shut the vehicle off and preceded to restart the vehicle, however vehicle would not start.

- Nashville, TN, USA

While driving 20 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer was able to restart the vehicle.

- Clayton, NC, USA

On 11/30/03, on my way to work, my car started making a ticking & knocking sound. As I pulled off of the exit, it cut off. I had my mechanic look at it & he said it was the engine -- the car only had a little over 86,000 miles on it; & it's only 2 years old! I called the Dodge's customer care line; they said to take it to the dealer to check out ($65 tow, $80 dealer diagnostic). Before the service person looked at it, he asked if I had proof of my oil changes, I said I did not -- but that I did have them done every 3,000 miles. Naturally, it turned out that there was sludge in my engine (my independent mechanic did not see any evidence of it) & that it would cost $6900 to replace the engine! it seems to me that Dodge is running a scam. I have now discovered on various websites that this is a problem with the 2001 Intrepid. There are 20 such complaints on your website alone! I have 4 years left to pay on this car! it is ridiculous & unacceptable that Dodge is allowed to ignore & refuse to accept responsibility for installing faulty engines in the Intrepid!

- Norcross, GA, USA

While driving 25 mph the vehicle's engine failed without warning. The cause has yet to be determined. Please provide additional information.

- Chillicothe, MO, USA

While driving 70 mph the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician noticed that the rod sheared off and needed to be replaced.

- Arcadia, LA, USA