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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,266 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.

2001 Dodge Intrepid steering problems

steering problem

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2001 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments

problem #13

Sep 262020

Intrepid

  • 134,865 miles

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

When driving down the road at night, the vehicle loses all function and power. When this occurs I have no power steering, lights, brakes, nothing. It flickers on and off like that multiple times. It took me 1 1/2 hours to drive home, which should have taken only half hour. This is a serious safety issue. I can't drive the vehicle now in fear that I will be in an accident. This appears to be an ongoing issue with Dodge vehicles. I can't drive my van in fear it will end up killing myself, my family, or some innocent person on the roadway. This needs to be addressed. A recall is needed to find this ongoing issue. There isn't a specific date but a constant issue.

- Walnut Grove, MN, USA

problem #12

Jun 272011

Intrepid

  • 99,000 miles
Stopped at stop light and turned to the left steering popped and then there was play in steering wheel. Play got worse over time went to payton Dodge in clinton they replaced tierod on left and had car balanced got car back it was worse informed them, they were supposed to pick the car up never did and after 2 weeks took car to another garage where I almost got run over by a big truck because the car would not hardly turn to the left on sharp turns and was making popping noise the rack and pinion had to be replaced. I think because of the history of Dodge and the rack and pinion payton Dodge did not want to work on it.

- Clinton, AR, USA

problem #11

Jul 132011

Intrepid

  • 57,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that the steering wheel would lock up while driving at various speeds. A local mechanic diagnosed that the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 57,000.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #10

Feb 212007

Intrepid

  • 45,880 miles

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

The rack and pinion steering on my 2001 Dodge Intrepid R/T started making this creaking and cracking sound it does it 100% of the time I'm driving the dealer said they couldn't find the problem we took it in a second time and they said the steering rack had failed and that they would replace it under warranty so they fixed it drove the car no more than 100 miles and the same creaking and cracking sound was back I fear for our lives because I have heard lots of reports of this problem on these cars and yet Dodge has yet to have a recall for the problem I found this information at www.chryslervehicleproblems.com I hope something can be done thank you

- Tacoma, WA, USA

problem #9

May 282007

Intrepid

  • 92,000 miles
I was wearing my seatbelt traveling 30 miles per hour in my 2001 Dodge Intrepid ES. My right font tire somehow snapped while I was traveling in a straight course and did not hit any debris or potholes while on the road. I had no control of any steering while it happened and crashed into and oncoming car at 30mph as I said I had my seatbelt on and hit the right front side of the opposing vehicle. The result was a 4 inch gash in my forehead from the B bar of the vehicle because the seatbelt didn't properly restrain me even though it was adjusted to proper shoulder height and pulled tight around my waist. The air bags did not deploy in the car at all. As a result I suffered injuries resulting in the payment of $2900 to my local hospital and ambulance business. The vehicle had passed an inspection just a couple months earlier had a tuneup and inspection for worn jball joints fittings wires hoses and wires and bolts which cost a large sum of money. A few minor parts were replaced and the car was deemed to be in safe working order.

- Danvers, MA, USA

problem #8

May 202008

Intrepid

  • 102 miles
This car has been driven off the highway mostly. When taken to the highway the steering developed excessive play; about a quarter turn to each side, left and right. Id didn't cause an accident but it nearly did. Especially because where the car is taken many trucks also commute and the excessive play throws the car onto adjacent lanes or the separating barrier.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #7

Nov 192005

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

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

201 Dodge Intrepid: Inner tie rods worn at approx. 70,000 miles. Along with rack and pinion leaking fluid. Caused sever problems with steering and car control. Took car to dealer and they said I should not being driving car because of potential steering control loss. Set appointment to have inner tie rod ends replaced and rack and pinion and would notified that it parts were not available for weeks. 1999 Chrysler concord: Same exact problem except that only complete steering box rather than rack and pinion was replaced with replacement of inner tie rod ends. Also, both driver side rear brakes prematurely wore and had to be replaced. Passenger side was fine.

- Fairfax Station, VA, USA

problem #6

Jan 172005

Intrepid

  • miles
I believe the steering mechanism in my Intrepid is defective. I can turn the steering wheel almost one half turn without turning the car. Bill smith, service manager, bay area tire and service center, glen burnie, Maryland, has looked at the car and believes that the problem is with the steering rack, which he says must be replaced. His phone number is (410) 969-0701. Based on what I have read and discussions with Mr. Smith and other automobile mechanics, I believe that such a problem is due to a manufacturing defect in the materials, workmanship, or design. Simply, this problem should not be found in an automobile with only 57,000 miles. It will cost about $700 to repair the steering in my car.

- Severn, MD, USA

problem #5

Oct 202004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While steering, a loud noise was heard coming from the steering wheel. The consumer noticed that the steering wheel failed to turn on its own. The consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. Please fill in additional information.

- Moreno Valley, CA, USA

problem #4

Dec 202003

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles
I have a 2001 Dodge Intrepid without any warning my car's engine stopped working causing my power steering and brakes to go. Luckly I was traveling at slow speed, and I was able to pull over without causing any accidents or injuries. Although I am ok my car is not. This is a new vehicle the engine should have not gone, but it did. I am paying for a new car that does not work and Chrysler does not accept any responsibility since the warranty has expired.

- Ocoee, FL, USA

problem #3

Sep 302003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,845 miles

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

Steering gear replaced at 44,000 miles.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

problem #2

Sep 182003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • 58,764 miles
The steering gear pinion was replaced. The steering had caught right and or left upon returning to the center. Scc

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #1

Jul 022002

Intrepid

  • miles
While driving at any speed power assist belt pulley is loose and will make a loud noise. Also, sometimes cause steering problems. Dealer notified.

- Spokane, WA, USA

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