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.
3.3
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,480 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.
Car was making noise then 2 days later, it wouldnt start, had it towed, discovered a broken timing chain, dealer needed to reploace the engine due to the damage, and it cost $5,944. Now the transmission needed replacing as well.
Radiator pressure valve failed.two months later the water pump failed. At this time the oil sensor light would come blink, but not that often. When I went to gfet the water pump fixed the told me the timimg chain was loose. I didnt replace it because I didnt have money at the time. Two months lated I take my car to the shop to get the belt replace. They told me that who ever replaced the water pump failed bent some nut connected to the pully.
When vehicle is first started there's a clucking then rattle noise. T upon inspection of the vehicle dealership indicated that the timing chain broke and spud a bearing. Also, slugs were found in the engine. This was a common failure with these engine. The entire engine has to be replaced.
Car broke down they say its sludge even though I changed the oil every 3000 miles. I didn't keep my receipts so they won't fix I took a bumper to bumper contract but they say because of sludge they will not fix unless I come up with 6900 dollars for engine and labor. Ive been online and I see these engines are causing a lot of people heartaches my vehicle has 46,000 miles and it just sits there on the porch cause I cant afford to fix it and from what ive been reading about the 2.7 engine I dont know if I would ever invest any more money in a Dodge or any 2.7 engine.
- Stmartinville, LA, USA
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Loose ground wire to battery posed electrical problems. Also, odometer tampering. Vehicle died while driving. Also, suspension/ steering problems. Dealer replaced all four bulbs on headlamps and high/low beam dimmer switch, and cleaned out engine hoses, PCV valve and fuel filter.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Stafford Springs, CT, USA