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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
67,135 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.
Pinging noise from engine, by the time I got home the timing chain broke the cover. Car towed to Dodge dealer where they indicated it needs a new engine. $7-8000. I noticed a fair amount of sludge in the engine and found similar complaints for the 2.7 engine in the Intrepid.
Driving on highway when engine suddenly started making ticking noises, then eventually choking and then quit. Couldn't get it started, had it towed to mechanic who said only 2 qts of oil in engine. Oil light never came on, no warning whatsoever. Changed oil and mechanic said there was still a ticking noise that wouldn't go away and engine was probably "toast" and they could do nothing to repair it, replacement would be only option. Car is now sitting because it doesn't run correctly and engine most probably ruined, P1391 code (camshaft or cam) problem. Read about many other 2.7L engine problems and it was suggested to me to file a complaint with NHTSA because it was "interested" in the problem, haven't called Chrysler because I know of no one who has had success in getting Chrysler to resolve the problem.
My Dodge Intrepid SE 2.7L engine suffered a blown engine with no warning on 4-16-06 on my way home from work. There were no indications of a problem, no warning lights and no signs of overheating. I suddenly heard a rattling noise coming from the engine that increased quickly to a loud banging. I got off the exit immediately and coasted into a hotel parking lot. I turned off the engine and raised the hood to see antifreeze all over the engine. I removed the cap to the coolant container and brown antifreeze boiled over onto the ground. The oil had been changed on 2/7/06 and the fluids topped off. The oil and fluids had been checked every week after that up until the engine blew and the fluids were of normal color and consistency. The car had approximately 65,000 miles on it when I purchased it and proper maintenance had been maintained throughout the time I have had my it. The car had just recently reached 100,000 miles and I still owe nearly $5000 on this car, have no vehicle to get to work and can't afford to buy a new one with the car payment I have to make on it each month. I have been told repeatedly that the 2.7L engine is worthless and there was nothing I could have done to prevent this catastrophe from occurring. It would cost me approximately $2000-$3000 to repair or replace the engine with no guarantee it wouldn't sludge up again and blow a second time. I also experienced numerous other problems from day one, such as constant squealing from the brakes and rotors despite changing them out twice, followed by problems with the steering from suspension problems and problem steering bolts. The problems on this car from day one range from the issues mentioned before to electrical shorts, faulty steering bolts, broken the-rod ends and suspension problems all of which are common issues I have researched and found on numerous blogs and websites such as dodgeintrepid.net.
My Dodge Intrepid SE 2.7L engine suffered a blown engine with no warning on 4-16-06 on my way home from work. There were no indications of a problem, no warning lights and no signs of overheating. I suddenly heard a rattling noise coming from the engine that increased quickly to a loud banging. I got off the exit immediately and coasted into a hotel parking lot. I turned off the engine and raised the hood to see antifreeze all over the engine. I removed the cap to the coolant container and brown antifreeze boiled over onto the ground. The oil had been changed on 2/7/06 and the fluids topped off. The oil and fluids had been checked every week after that up until the engine blew and the fluids were of normal color and consistency. The car had approximately 65,000 miles on it when I purchased it and proper maintenance had been maintained throughout the time I have had my it. The car had just recently reached 100,000 miles and I still owe nearly $5000 on this car, have no vehicle to get to work and can't afford to buy a new one with the car payment I have to make on it each month. I have been told repeatedly that the 2.7L engine is worthless and there was nothing I could have done to prevent this catastrophe from occurring. It would cost me approximately $2000-$3000 to repair or replace the engine with no guarantee it wouldn't sludge up again and blow a second time. I also experienced numerous other problems from day one, such as constant squealing from the brakes and rotors despite changing them out twice, followed by problems with the steering from suspension problems and problem steering bolts. The problems on this car from day one range from the issues mentioned before to electrical shorts, faulty steering bolts, broken the-rod ends and suspension problems all of which are common issues I have researched and found on numerous blogs and websites such as dodgeintrepid.net.
My wife was driving to work and within one block from her office, she called me and told me that her vehicle was idling rough. She also informed me that the 6 mile trip in she could not get any heat to come out of the heater. As the light turned green to go she made the turn and was able to clear the intersection when she lost power and the car died. She told me that the car lost steering and she coasted it off of the road 1/2 block from her office. She stated that the only warning she had was it was idling rough. She stated that the temperature gauge was normal. I arrived on scene and discovered anti-freeze in the oil. We had it towed to the Dodge dealer in town and was later told that a head gasket had blown. It is unknown if there is any damage to either head or block. We have been quoted any where from 2000 to 7600 to fix. We have 15 months left on the loan and the car has 67,000 miles. I did a little research on the internet and learned that my wife had the same mysterious heater problems has other Intrepid owners. A closer look at the oil cap does show signs of possible sludge. We have serviced the vehicle each and every time it was needed and had just recently received one. The scary part of all of this is the fact that she completely lost all power.
- Monroe, WA, USA
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Vehicle's oil light flickered and approx. 20 minutes later, the car began tapping loudly. Oil was changed about a month earlier. Car was towed and it was determined that the engine was blown due to engine sludge.
I was driving the car when it suddenly started running rough. It was in the afternoon on a moderately busy street. Before I had a chance to stop and see what the problem was the car died. I called a tow truck and waited in traffic for the truck to come and take me to the mechanics. The engine needed to be replaced. We were able to find a used engine but the problem is that it's another Intrepid engine - so, is the same thing going to happen again. Our car is a 2001 and had only approx. 73000 miles. It was a new car purchase and we still owe money on this car. Now we owe more.
Engine failure. As I was stopped and attempting to accelerate, the motor suddenly made a very loud clanking sound. There are approximately only 72,200 miles on the car. I just bought in November of last year and even a few days after the initial purchase, I had returned it to them informing of them of trouble and the sales mgr assured me he would take care of it. They would return it to me untouched and not investigated unbeknownst to me at that time. According to the service mgr, he was advised by the sales mgr not to even look at it. They had the car in their possession more than I did until recently when this occurred.
My 2001 Dodge Intrepid lost heat, smoke was pouring out of back of car, all dash gauges were normal and car stopped running. All of these things happened within seconds. The car was towed to the dealership where I bought it in 2001. Service department said engine was bad and need to replace for $6500. I am disabled and still have to pay for car and insurance that's sitting in the driveway. Also I paid for an extended warranty, they will not cover anything!
: the contact stated while driving at 35mph, the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealership for inspection. The dealer determined the engine would have to be replaced due to sludge buildup. The vehicle is currently at the dealer waiting repair.
Backing out of driveway my 01 Dodge Intrepid made an awful noise and quit after being towed to the dealership we are told the timing chain broke and we would have to have another engine....$6,000 - $8,000, just for the engine from Chrysler while still making payments on the car I am currently in search of a replacement engine that doesn't cost more than the car is worth.
: the contact stated while traveling 45mph a knocking noise could be heard coming from the engine. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and then towed to a garage. Upon inspection the engine had failed. The manufacturer has been alerted.
: the contact stated while driving 70mph, a knocking noise was heard in the engine. Several seconds after the noise was heard, the engine stalled. The vehicle was pulled to safety and towed to the dealer. They inspected and determined the problem was the engine filled with sludge build up and need replaced. The vehicle was then towed to an independent repair shop for further testing and repairs.
: the contact stated a knocking sound was heard in the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop that determined there was a broken rod bearing, no repairs were made. Then while traveling 30 mph the engine stalled and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and has not been seen by a mechanic.
While driving my 2001 Dodge Intrepid down a gravel road the engine gave out and lost all power steering and brakes. Am just happy that I was not going very fast do to the gravel and my two young kids were not with me. Called daimler Chrysler and it is my entire fault even when it seems to be a very common problem with the engine. The cost to repair the car is $5000. The car has only 68,000 miles on it and has been taken care with oil changes every 3,000 miles. Don't have the $5,000 to fix the car and daimler Chrysler says it is not there problem just mine for buying the car.
: the contact stated while driving at 10mph, the engine lamp illuminated and stalled. The vehicle would not restart and was towed to a local independent repair shop. The mechanic determined the engine failed due to sludge build up and no repairs were made. New 3.5L engine will be replacing the 2.7 L engine by bill's body a paint in newbury, Ohio.
Apparently sludge build up in the in my 2001 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 V6 has lead to engine failure and needs replaced for the cost of $5000 which I do not have, however I do owe a car payment on the vehicle that I can not drive.
: the contact stated while driving 55mph the engine stalled out without warning. The engine would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. The mechanic suggested replacing the engine because there was excessive oil and sludge buildup, but no repairs were made.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Crown Point, IN, USA