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.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,000
Average Mileage:
25,050 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
2002 Dodge Intrepid steering problems

steering problem

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2002 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments

problem #4

Dec 142002

(reported on)

Intrepid SE

  • 17,000 miles

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

Brand New 2002 Dodge Intrepid - ABS "Cab" Failure Experienced At Just 26 Miles, Dealers Just Delete Fault Code And Do Nothing. Brakes Completely Failed 3 Times In 15,000 Miles! First Steering Related Problem Signs At Just 49 Miles! Experienced Clunk And Squeak Noises In Steering. Steering Problems Continued To Develop And Become Worse At Just 2000 Miles. Steering Began Wandering At 2000 Miles. Dealers Supposedly "Could Not Duplicate" These Problems. Transmission Issues Displayed At Just 2000 Miles!! Dealership "Could Not Duplicate" This Problem. Transmission Was Slamming Into 3rd Gear At Times, Dealership Service Manager Said This Was Normal. It Was Quite Apparent To Me That This Vehicle Would Soon Later Also Have Severe Steering And Transmission Issues. 13,000 Miles Engine Sometimes Clanks Or Clatters When Starting Indicating Possible Starter Problem Or Engine Misfire. 3 Alignments In 15,000 Miles And Vehicle Still Does Not Drive Straight, Steering Wheel Is Still Off Center. 3 Perfectly Good Tires Completely Worn Down On Outer Edges. These Issues Will Be Passed On To Someone Else....

Visit http://intrepid.clan-510.org for more information, similar complaints from others, information DaimlerChrysler does NOT want you to know, consumer resources to help you and more!

- intrepidproblems, San Leandro, CA, US

problem #3

Mar 072007

(reported on)

Intrepid SE 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

I've had no problems up until now, except with alignment issues. I brought my car into the shop because I had another alignment issue. They found I had a slipped belt in the Tire which was causing the problem. Ok, they replaced the tire under warranty. I drove for a couple of days and I was still having problems with the steering wheel wobbling left to right. I took it back to the shop and they checked the tire again. They found nothing wrong with the tires but upon inspection of the suspension the mechanic put his hand on the left front axle and it would move around about 1-2 inches and he said it was not normal. He said if it was the axle it would cost $400 to $600 to fix but if it was not it would have to be the transmission where the problem is. I'm struggling right now, I can't afford to get this fixed. I'm still driving it as I have no other means of transportation. I thought they were good cars. I should have stayed with Chevrolet.

I can't see the complaints doing any good as the Auto Maker already has our money so they just turn a blind eye to our problems.

- mooner, Barefoot Bay, FL, US

problem #2

Apr 302004

(reported on)

Intrepid SE

  • 26,050 miles

My car is very ragedy. When I first brought it, the steering wheel would vibrate when you press the brakes or get ready to stop. The dealer told me they put a new set of tires on the car, but they were gone by August of 2003. I purchased the car on March 5, 2003. I went out of town for the fourth of July and the tires were bad on the car then. I put a new set on in August and it is now April and they have been bald every since March of 2004. I just had my brakes fixed in February of 2004 and now they are gone too. I'm tired of spending money trying to fix my car and make the payments too. My car also pulls to the right. It has been doing this every since I brought it. I also asked the dealer for a carfax report and they refused to give me one. I believed my car was wrecked.

- bms, Lydia, SC, US

problem #1

Dec 142002

(reported on)

Intrepid SE

  • 17,000 miles

First seering rlated poblem sgns at just 49 miles! Experienced clunk and squeak noises in steering. Steering problems continued to develop and become worse at just 2000 miles. steering began wandering at 2000 miles. Dealers supposedly "could not duplicate" these problems. 3 alignments in 15,000 miles and vehicle still does not drive straight, steering wheel is still off center. 3 perfectly good tires completely worn down on outer edges. These issues will be passed on to someone else....

- intrepidproblems, San Leandro, CA, US

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