CarComplaints.com Notes: The Dodge Stratus, Intrepid & 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:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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.
Vehicle accelerated while consumer's foot was on the brake. There was no indication of a problem with the brakes when taken to a repair shop. The only problem found was vehicle idling high.
Have had another failure of speed sensor, dated 8/26/02. Also have co-worker with 1999 Chrysler sebring who has alos had this speed sensor failure. Tow truck driver diagnosed first failure, stating "I have towed a bunch of these in for this same problem".
Five incidences where the car will not shift out of 2nd gear. This happens when the car is placed in drive. It lunges forward because it is already in 2nd gear. Will not shift into 1st or 3rd gear from there. Auto stick is stuck in 2nd also. This causes the "check engine" light to be displayed. Three different dealers replaced shifting sensors, soleonoids in transmission, replaced seals. After last repair, car made it one block before problem arose again, and this time the speedometer did not move from 0. the car was obviously not test driven before we were called to pick it up. This problem has cost me lost wages with no way to get to work.
At highway speeds there are sudden and unexplained decreases of about 500 RPM and a minor reduction in speed. Dealer is unable to resolve and warranty is about to expire. Friend reports same problem with a Chrysler sirrus and Chrysler says cars were desgined that way. I consider this a safety hazard that deserves resolution.
- Plano, TX, USA
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When vehicle was put in reverse it accelerated suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in collision, and causing minor injuries. Dealer inspected vehicle, and was not able to duplicate problem.
Vehicle is unsafe to drive and cannot be driven in a normal manner. Note: This is car has a manual transmission. All throttle (gas pedal) movement, acceleration or deceleration is followed by a < second application of full power or full deceleration, followed by the reverse application of full deceleration or full power, respectively, until the computer figures out what to do. At no load, e.g. cruising at 65 mph, especially on a slight slope, the computer never figures out what to do. The whole system goes into oscillation, with < second alternate applications of full power then full deceleration, then full deceleration, for as long as a constant throttle position is maintained. In all cases, the engine winds up on its rubber motor mounts with a thump that can be felt throughout the car. This is so severe that the shop supervisor at the dealer was going to try replacing the motor mounts.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Humble, TX, USA