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.
4.7
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,333 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 states that automatic door lock does not work. She had replaced the one in the front door. The doors automatically lock at 15 mph, but will not release until she cut the vehicle off. But the lock in the back will not release until all the other automatically release, and then has to release it manually. Consumer states that the mechanic can repair it, but it will cost approximately $250 per door. She feels this is a safety issue, because if something happens and the passengers cannot get out of the vehicle.
Passenger inside door handle broke off at only 41000 miles. Called the service dept and am told it is not covered. Will have to pay for repair. I will never buy this car again. This is my second Intrepid and was too stupid to learn my lesson the first time. Dodge is now a memory, I am sorry but I am buying Japanese. Everytime I have a problem they either cannot find the cause or it is not covered by the warranty how could a handle break when I take care of the car so well. Unbelievable! another lost patriotic american changing to foreign vehicles. I hope they go bankrupt!
- Puyallup, WA, USA
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- Firth, NE, USA