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:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
92,682 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.

1999 Dodge Stratus fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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1999 Dodge Stratus Owner Comments

problem #6

Aug 082006

Stratus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,591 miles

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

The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Stratus. On August 8, 2006, the vehicle's fuel pump failed and the fuel pump assembly had to be replaced. On August 18, 2006, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. A local mechanic replaced the fuel pump and stated that the fuel pump that he removed was improperly installed and had been cut. On October 27, 2006, the fuel pump failed and the repair was paid for in cash. In November of 2006, while still under warranty, the gas pump assembly failed again and was repaired on January 31, 2007. On May 7, 2007, the contact received a recall notice for the after market fuel pump (control number 110368 for recall). The current mileage is 74,500 and the first failure mileage was 69,591. Updated 09/04/07 updated 09/12/07.

- Willow Grove , PA, USA

problem #5

Nov 132006

Stratus 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 154,000 miles
: the contact stated while stopped at a red light, the engine stalled without warning, and would not restart. The vehicle was pushed to a nearby independent repair shop, who determined the fuel pump needed to be replaced. Afterwards, a strong smell of gasoline was present inside the vehicle. There was a NHTSA recall, # 06E088000, regarding the fuel system. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Additionally, while applying brake pressure at various speeds, there was an increased stopping distance. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop, who determined the master cylinder needed to be replaced, but after the replacement, the problem persisted. There was a NHTSA recall, # 99V244000, regarding the service brakes. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Also, while turning at various speeds, a squeaking noise came from the steering wheel. Although the steering noise persisted, the dealer was not alerted. There was a NHTSA recall, # 06V001000, regarding the steering. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #4

Sep 062005

Stratus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 143,000 miles
While driving the vehicle just stopped running. The vehicle was towed to the consumer's mechanic who determined that the fuel pump was burned. The mechanic gave the faulty fuel pump back tot he consumer. Dealer was contacted but the consumer preferred to take the vehicle to her mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and they called the mechanic to confirm her story.

- Rutledge, TN, USA

problem #3

Apr 222004

Stratus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,500 miles

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

Experienced several instances of vehicle stop and stall during at various speeds over the past 3 weeks. We treated the gas for possible water, changed fuel filter, but problem persisted. Ran checks and determined it was a fuel pump problem. I removed the oringinal pump and noted that the wiring was bare and burned all the way through to the inside. I saved the pump to show, and will contact dealer tommorrow. I noted several similar complaints on your site, this is very scary considering what could happen with this problem, I think everyone who owns this car needs to check this out. This seems to be a manufacturer problem, is there any recourse to be taken or way to recover associated costs? please notify of any information.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #2

Aug 242003

Stratus 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles
My 1999 Dodge Stratus VIN # [xxx] 2.4 liter motor had a bad fuel pump. Upon replacement my mechanic notice that the sensor wiring that connects to the pump inside of the gas tank had burnt up and melted. The only thing that possible kept the vehicle from blowing up was the gas cap was on tight and there was no air in the tank. It makes me feel very uncomfortable driving the car now knowing what still or what could have happened to my wife and kids if the gas tank exploded or caught on fire I kept the pump to show the burnt connections. Please contact me on what to do to ensure this doesn't happen again or so someone else. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #1

Nov 112002

Stratus

  • miles
Consumer state. The fuel pump wire was burned inside the gasoline tank, due to that defect car was stall on the road. Dealer has been notified.

- Alburg, VT, USA

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