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.
On my 2002 Intrepid ES with 3.5L the engine light had been on forever and codes were p0440 and p0441 evap codes. Could be many solutions but of course mine was the worst. Smoke test revealed evap canister over the fuel tank was leaking. Another great dodge inovation...let us position a part which will very likely have to be replaced over the gas tank where you will have to drop the tank. Oh, and lets put the battery where you have to remove the front tire to access it. Yikes....
Update from Jan 16, 2016: Took in to my local Goodyear and they did a smoke test. The Evap canister above the gas tank was leaking and they had to drop the tank to get it out. $400 later it is fixed and light has been off for a month now.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
On my 2002 Intrepid ES with 3.5L the engine light had been on forever and codes were p0440 and p0441 evap codes. Could be many solutions but of course mine was the worst. Smoke test revealed evap canister over the fuel tank was leaking. Another great dodge inovation...let us position a part which will very likely have to be replaced over the gas tank where you will have to drop the tank. Oh, and lets put the battery where you have to remove the front tire to access it. Yikes....
Update from Jan 16, 2016: Took in to my local Goodyear and they did a smoke test. The Evap canister above the gas tank was leaking and they had to drop the tank to get it out. $400 later it is fixed and light has been off for a month now.
- Rick C., Richmond, KY, US