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. Also the 2.4L engine doesn't have the oil sludge problem.
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.
I love my car but lately not that much thanks to this problem. This happens since I went to install a new alarm, it worked just fine but then this problem happened. I already checked with the guys who install the alarm and fix it but every time they fix it, it works for 1 or 2 days, then it blows a fuse, and this happens only when I try to start the car.
i have been stranded in several places as this has happened several times. The car has been towed twice. In the shop four times. They replace fuses checked alternator, wires, plugs nothing.. weird they say they cannot get a reading on my starter.. The problem just happened again and I am stranded at home with no way to get and get more fuses .. I have had it with this piece of crap!!!
- Julie Q.,
Pearland, TX, US
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I love my car but lately not that much thanks to this problem. This happens since I went to install a new alarm, it worked just fine but then this problem happened. I already checked with the guys who install the alarm and fix it but every time they fix it, it works for 1 or 2 days, then it blows a fuse, and this happens only when I try to start the car.
- rick1987a, Monterrey, Nuevo}, mexico