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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
72,804 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 5 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #10

Apr 272004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • 41,000 miles

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

While driving, the vehicle made a loud clanking noise and jerked. The engine stalled and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The consumer was informed that a new engine was needed. There were never any warning signs. (lights, leaks) the engine check light had come on after the clanking noise and jerking.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

problem #9

Mar 012004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When you first start driving the car, it winll not accelerate no higher then 40-50 mph. It would jerk or feel like it was popping or about to stall. The car will not shift into no gears.

- Mariette, GA, USA

problem #8

Feb 122004

Intrepid

  • 37,000 miles
While driving 55 mph consumer heard a loud noise coming from the engine. This caused vehicle not to go over 5 mph. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Chino Hills, CA, USA

problem #7

Jan 102004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,800 miles

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

My 2002 Intrepid stalled on the highway less than a year from the purchase date. I was on the expressway doing approximately 60mph, when the engine completely stopped running, the oil light came on...luckily I was able to pull over to the side of the highway safely. The dealership stated that the engine seized due to sludge, however, the oil was changed as scheduled. The estimated bill was $5,000. After investigating this issue, I have found numerous websites dealing with the same issues, with consumers telling the exact same story that I had. It appears to be an issue with the 2.7 liter engine in the Intrepid and all of the people who commented were accused of non maintenance of the vehicle because of sludge. Chrysler refuses to take the blame. I am still looking into whether or not my vehicle is covered under the lemon law, it has less than 18,000 miles since purchase and has been 1 year since purchase.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #6

Nov 042003

Intrepid 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles
I have a 2002 Dodge Intrepid I purchased new at ganley Dodge of bedford. The car's engine failed in the middle of the freeway at only 18 months of usage. The car continues to experience engine failure with no avail on the repair. I am told I am not alone in this issue based on web articles and message boards. Help!! before someone is killed or badly injured by this product.

- Mansfield, OH, USA

problem #5

Oct 272003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • 29,821 miles
Problems brake rotors and odometer on 2002 Dodge Intrepid ES. The vehicle made an unusual noise and then shut down. The dealer indicated that the start-up alarm system needed to be regulated. The dealer made the repairs but the problem continued. A few days later the noises continued, the odometer stopped and the vehicle didn't indicate what gear it was in. The vehicle was taken to another dealer who corrected the problem. The consumer later learned that the vehicle needed new rotors and brake pads on all four wheels. The vehicle was returned to the sales dealer who was no longer in business. After contacting Chrysler, she was told there was nothing they could do. The consumer doesn't think the rotors should have failed within four months or ownership.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #4

Nov 132003

(reported on)

Intrepid 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

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

Vehicle stalled without any warning while driving 60 mph. Consumer was able to pull off the road and was towed to a dealer.technician indicated that engine locked, and the engine needed to be replaced at owner's expense due to sludge.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #3

Aug 112003

Intrepid

  • miles
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning engine check light appeared on the dashboard, and vehicle overheated.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #2

Jan 202003

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles
My vehicle will intermittently stall. The car can be driving at any speed and the front end will lock up on it as if it were being put in park. The engine light comes on and I to have put the vehicle in park and then restart the vehicle. Recently I had a near miss accident which two individuals almost hit me due to the car locking up.

- Citrus Heights, CA, USA

problem #1

Mar 282003

Intrepid

  • miles
The engine stalled without warning.

- Dunnellon, FL, USA

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