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.
4.9
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
21,000 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.
Power steering pump was leaking very badly. We took it to the byers Chrysler dealership at 390 East broad street, (614) 228-5111 we could see that a bolt/nut had rubbed a hole through the power steering line. The dealer mechanic told us after checking it that we must have run over something because there was a hole in the line and proceeded to let us know that the replacement part is on back-order for up to 6 months. The problem was caused obviously by looking at the part from the nut/bolt rubbing against the line. The dealer did not offer to patch it up or any assistance. When calling around to several other Dodge dealers, I informed that this particular part has been renamed and numbered due to a problem in previous models and is on backorder nationwide but it was never recalled. The new part number is 05101846aa. We now have a leaking power steering pump and no answers or assistance from the dealership. We have a warranty but it supposedly it is not covered. We would appreciate any and all assistance you can provide. Thank you. **dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**767681
The failure seems to be multi part. On a long trip the power steering seemed sluggish (some part of the power assist weakened). The wheel also was grinding terribly when we turned. After taking it to the dealer they replaced the belt. Before I left the lot thesteering still seemed heavy, and the wheel then made a hard thump when turned side to side. I am still going through the repairs, and I estimated the cost, but I have already paid $111 for a belt which didn't fix all the problem, therefor I guessed $300.
- Winthrop Harbor, IL, USA
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- Glendale, CA, USA