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.
There's a wire harness inside the steering column that gets caught up on something and will break if you turn the steering wheel too far. Once it's broken it will disable ALL controls on the steering wheel and your airbag. ( cruise control, radio volume, horn etc) It's a $400+ repair job or you can remove the wheel and splice the wires. I'm not recommending that if it's not something you're familiar with.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
There's a wire harness inside the steering column that gets caught up on something and will break if you turn the steering wheel too far. Once it's broken it will disable ALL controls on the steering wheel and your airbag. ( cruise control, radio volume, horn etc) It's a $400+ repair job or you can remove the wheel and splice the wires. I'm not recommending that if it's not something you're familiar with.
- John H., Crestview, FL, US