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.
For the third time my engine light is on in my 2002 Intrepid ES. The first time I had to pay $400 to have the engine serviced. The dealer told me that over time stuff builds up in the fuel injectors and other parts. Fine. I paid it. Three months later it was on again. This time the problem was with the transmission (a sensor issue) and it was covered under my extended warranty. Guess what? It's on again!
Great, so now I have to leave my car at the dealer for a week and a half and have them callme while I am on vacation to let me know what the damage will be. I sure hope it's covered under my warranty or I am going to freak out!! FYI. On top of the engine light problem my thermostat has been running hot in the summer for 3 years off and on. I have had the thermostat and cooling hoses replaced. Guess what? It's running hot again this summer. I am so sick of this car i could scream.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
For the third time my engine light is on in my 2002 Intrepid ES. The first time I had to pay $400 to have the engine serviced. The dealer told me that over time stuff builds up in the fuel injectors and other parts. Fine. I paid it. Three months later it was on again. This time the problem was with the transmission (a sensor issue) and it was covered under my extended warranty. Guess what? It's on again!
Great, so now I have to leave my car at the dealer for a week and a half and have them callme while I am on vacation to let me know what the damage will be. I sure hope it's covered under my warranty or I am going to freak out!! FYI. On top of the engine light problem my thermostat has been running hot in the summer for 3 years off and on. I have had the thermostat and cooling hoses replaced. Guess what? It's running hot again this summer. I am so sick of this car i could scream.
- tanyarush, Wilmington, DE, US