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.
Very disappointed that the rack and pinion steering system went out at such a low mileage. Was planning on going on a road trip today, but figured I might want to get the clunking noise at the front of the car checked out first. Sure enough, the noise was related to the excess play in the steering wheel and my rack & pinion steering system had failed.
I'm glad I got this checked out when I did. Otherwise, I may have lost complete control of my steering going 70MPH on the Taconic...most likely resulting in death.
It's a shame -- I love the way the car looks, exterior and interior, it's roomy and comfortable. But a failure of this magnitude (and a very dangerous one, at that) is unacceptable.
Might be looking at a brand new car sometime in the next week.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Very disappointed that the rack and pinion steering system went out at such a low mileage. Was planning on going on a road trip today, but figured I might want to get the clunking noise at the front of the car checked out first. Sure enough, the noise was related to the excess play in the steering wheel and my rack & pinion steering system had failed.
I'm glad I got this checked out when I did. Otherwise, I may have lost complete control of my steering going 70MPH on the Taconic...most likely resulting in death.
It's a shame -- I love the way the car looks, exterior and interior, it's roomy and comfortable. But a failure of this magnitude (and a very dangerous one, at that) is unacceptable.
Might be looking at a brand new car sometime in the next week.
- Chris S., Yorktown Heights, NY, US