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.
4.4
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
25,304 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.
Had to replace front brakes 5 times over the course of 4 1/2 years. Also had rotors turned and replaced 4 times. The last set of rotors were warped within 6 months. They were drilled and slotted rotors to help heat escape, but were soon destroyed. I now have 61,000 miles on my car. I used an independent shop to replace my brakes. On my last check-up at the dealership, I asked the serviceman to check my brakes. The new set have been squealing. When I was later called to P/U my car, the serviceman said there was absolutely nothing wrong with my brakes. When I drove out the driveway of the dealership and stopped at the exit, my brakes squealed. This will continue to be an expensive repair.
While wife was driving car to store on 2 June 2006, Intrepid engine shuttered and check engine light illuminated. Shuttering stopped and engine runs smooth but light is still illuminated. Mar 2006 engine oil change was accomplished along with a engine flush by ed's tire service, fayetteville, North Carolina. July 2005 car failed inspection because of a bad battery, which was difficult to replace. Between 2002-2004 front rotors have been replaced twice, once by the Dodge dealership for $150 then once by me for $60. This sludge buildup problem that Dodge refuses to fix is becoming stupid! they are making the money off of us, they to at least own up to their design flaw and fix the problem. Does anyone know how to get sludge out of the engine other than tearing it down?
Only have 22,000 miles on car. 2002 Intrepid. Had to replace front brakes and turn rotors. Now I need to replace back brakes as well. I now have 22,215 miles on vehicle.
We have a 2002 Dodge Intrepid with the police package. The vehicle has 21,000 miles and we have replaced the brake rotors 4 times. We are a security firm and thus we have never been in a high speed chase and only drive the vehicle on residential streets. We have three other different vehicles and have not had brake problems with them. It was suggested by the dealer that we are misusing the brakes. I have talked with another police Agency in the area and they have also had the same problems as we. I believe there is a problem with the brakes that come with the police package option.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Mission Viejo, CA, USA