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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,927 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.

2002 Dodge Intrepid engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments (Page 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #62

Jun 112008

Intrepid

  • 61,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 35 mph, the contact experienced issues with his vehicle and took it to an auto repair shop. The crank, fuel, and oil sensors were replaced. The same day, the engine failed. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the engine was clean and found no failures, other than the bearing. Recently, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to install an idler and the transmission failed. The estimated repair cost for the transmission was $3,300. The extended warranty would not cover the repair costs. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 85,000 and failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

- Hummerstown, PA, USA

problem #61

Jun 032008

Intrepid

  • miles
I replaced an engine in a 2002 Dodge Intrepid last year and I am replacing one again this year. This engine is less than 80,000 miles and now the engine has locked up again. I am researching and finding other consumers are having engine problems with Dodge Intrepids. This is very costly!

- Hirm , GA, USA

problem #60

Apr 042008

Intrepid

  • 48 miles
My 02 Dodge 2.7 L timing has failed. Since almost all have the same problem why Chrysler does not have a recall ? that's what I call rip off.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #59

May 222008

Intrepid

  • 78,900 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 55 mph, the engine began making noise and the vehicle shut off in the middle of the road. The weather was not a factor. The contact took the vehicle to be repaired and the dealer stated that they had to wait on an inspector to investigate the failure. Three weeks later, the inspector stated that there was sludge build up and the oil filter looked rusty. The vehicle is still at the dealer to be repaired. The failure mileage was 78,900.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #58

May 012008

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • miles
2002 Dodge Intrepid with oil leak. Consumer states that the vehicles engine has a design flaw which produces high levels of engine oil sludge. After the oil leak was repaired, the check engine light illuminated two months later, the consumer was told the vehicle had a transmission leak.

- Trophy Club, TX, USA

problem #57

Apr 302008

Intrepid

  • 76,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 25 mph, she heard a knocking noise then the vehicle shut off without warning. The dealer stated that sludge inside the engine caused the failure and recommended a new engine. As of May 12, 2008, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 76,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #56

Apr 102008

Intrepid

  • 118,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. While driving between 45-50 mph, the engine light illuminated. The temperature in the vehicle was fine and the contact pulled over the vehicle. When he turned the vehicle off, he discovered that water leaked everywhere. The following day, he changed the oil and found water in the oil. He also found water in the engine and stated that the engine gasket failed. The vehicle has not yet been taken to the dealer. The failure mileage was 118,000.

- Ione, CA, USA

problem #55

Apr 192008

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles
I own a 2002 Dodge Intrepid...I have to replace the motor...it only has 76,000 and Dodge will not do anything about it...

- Carleton, MI, USA

problem #54

Mar 162008

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 40 mph, the contact activated the heather, but no heat was present. Moreover, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that antifreeze was leaking into the engine. In order to pinpoint the exact location of the leak, an additional diagnosis is required at the cost of $900. The dealer also stated that the vehicle will need a new engine because the current one was built too small, and prevents the fluids from distributing correctly. The cost for the new engine is $8,400. The engine was previously checked and minor components were replaced. The contact will not have this failure corrected due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified, but would not assist. The vehicle was under warranty for only 36,000 miles. The current mileage was 77,000 and failure mileage was 52,000.

- Stafford, NY, USA

problem #53

Mar 152008

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles
While driving my car the check engine light came on and there was no heat coming out of the heating unit. This has occurred several times since purchasing this vehicle. The vehicle is now at the dealers they want $900 just to take the engine apart. If it needed a new engine it would cost $8,000. Since we still owe $6000 this is not a practical solution. This vehicle only has 77,000 miles on it. I called daimler Chrysler this morning and they said there is nothing they can do to help me. They stated the engine is only warranted up to 36,000 miles.

- Stafford, NY, USA

problem #52

Mar 122008

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 60 mph, the contact heard a loud and fast clunking noise coming from the engine. He arrived home and called his mechanic. The mechanic arrived at the contact's residence and stated that the head gasket failed, which was a very common failure with that make and model vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 116,000.

- Hackensack, NJ, USA

problem #51

Feb 242008

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles
We were driving our 2002 Dodge Intrepid and the engine light came on and then the engine shut off. I struggled to keep the car in control until I could pull off the side of the road. It was difficult because of loss of steering. The light had come on many times before but the service dept at my Dodge dealer could not explain it. Now they say we need a new engine because of lack of oil changes. I just had the oil changed there and they did not mention sludge in the engine.

- Langhorne, PA, USA

problem #50

Mar 052008

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,054 miles
Impending failure of 2.7L engine installed in 2002 Dodge Intrepid. According to a mechanic a bearing(s) loses its plating and causes metal flakes to block oil galleries leading to oil starvation and eventual failure of the engine. This could lead to a mva if the failure occurs in traffic. Mine is starting to fail and according to the mechanic this has been a problem with Intrepids.

- Perrysburg, OH, USA

problem #49

Feb 142008

Intrepid 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 20 mph, the engine shut off. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the timing chain went through the engine block. The current mileage was 149,000 and failure mileage was 90,000.

- Yorkville, IL, USA

problem #48

Sep 142007

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles
Driving around doing errands, heading to the next town (15 miles) to finish my errands and my engine started to overheat. I turned around and went to the service station that was only about 1/2 mile away and had them look at the car. I had no previous problems with it overheating. It ended up being a cracked block. I needed to get a different engine because it was to expensive to repair the original one.

- Deer River, MN, USA

problem #47

Nov 262007

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
First was a funny clicking noise when the car started. It started to get worse very quickly and I had it looked at. The problem couldn't be found at that time. Shortly there after it broke down. This time I am told that the engine has a sludge build up problem which in turn caused the timing chain to break. Now I'm told that the best thing to do is spend between $4,500 and $5,000 to replace the engine. It hasn't been repaired yet (12-11-2007).

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #46

Oct 202007

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles
2002 Dodge Intrepid engine failure from oil sludge. Driving down the street and the car started making knocking sound and started bogging out. Took it to dealer who said the engine needed to be replaced which will cost $6100. Chrysler said that we would have to pay a $2500 deductible since the car was out of warranty. We bought the car in 2003 with 19,000 miles on it from a dealer and the car now only has 53,000 miles on it. Chrysler needs to own up to this. There is hundreds of complaints on this very same problem. Please make them issue a recall on this 2.7L engine. Toyota did with less complaints.

- Dearborn Heights, MI, USA

problem #45

Nov 022007

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,800 miles
While getting an oil change and having the water pump replaced, my mechanic found oil sludge under the valve covers. He said this is very common in the Chrysler 2.7L engines. He cleaned it out as best he could with solvent and rags. The cost was over $200 for just the cleanup, and I don't know how much more sludge is in the lower part of the engine. Engine failure could be coming soon.

- North Royalton, OH, USA

problem #44

Oct 142007

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles
Engine failure with no fore warning, on a well maintained 2002 Dodge Intrepid the engine seized while entering a highway and was very endangering, I am stil awaiting my part because I love my crappy car.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

problem #43

Oct 122007

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,500 miles
Dodge Intrepid 2002 engine light and oil light on while driving vehicle was disable and I was not able to visit my son which I had not see for over 5 month. I need some body help. Stuck with a car that does not work.

- San Luis , AZ, USA

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