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.
8.0
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$300
Average Mileage:
127,050 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (2 reports)
replace thermostat gasket and plastic housing (1 reports)
Just had coolant housing repaired (it was plastic) last week. So I drove my car about 50 miles, and it overheats while in Burger King Drive through. I stop the car and cool it down and no fluid was in reservoir at all! I look down, and fluid drips fast while car is running. Mechanic says now the gasket and thermostat housing (also plastic) is also leaking and needs replaced.
Really pissed me off that these plastic parts will crack and break. Wish they made them out of metal like they used to on cars. I think they would hold up better. Plus, Dodge decided to put thermostat on bottom of engine in this car which makes it more expensive to work on repairs. It cost me $500.00 to replace the thermostat in 2011!
My car for 6 months now has been intermittently overheating with A/C on. I replaced cap, then found a small leak at top of engine in front where metal tube goes from radiator to engine. Tightened two bolts but still leaks small amount.
Is the 2002 Dodge Intrepid a LEMON? Just purchased this used vehicle from a car dealer in August 2007 with a 30 day warranty, NO LIE, right after the 30 days expired, the car started overheating just out of the blue, we have replaced the fans, sensors, water pump, radiator cap, had the radiator flushed, and what ever else, have put over $1,500 into this piece in less than a year. Still can't use the air conditioning, it will most definitely overheat, so driving around in this triple digit heat with not being able to use the air conditioning is tough!! So today 8/2//08, temp. out side is 104 going camping just an hour and a half away, not using my air conditioner, It BOILS UP!! Does any one have a suggestion or have you experience this same problem??? Looking for a cliff!
- Caron S.,
Sacramento, CA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Just had coolant housing repaired (it was plastic) last week. So I drove my car about 50 miles, and it overheats while in Burger King Drive through. I stop the car and cool it down and no fluid was in reservoir at all! I look down, and fluid drips fast while car is running. Mechanic says now the gasket and thermostat housing (also plastic) is also leaking and needs replaced.
Really pissed me off that these plastic parts will crack and break. Wish they made them out of metal like they used to on cars. I think they would hold up better. Plus, Dodge decided to put thermostat on bottom of engine in this car which makes it more expensive to work on repairs. It cost me $500.00 to replace the thermostat in 2011!
- Coni T., Pearl, MS, US