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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,320 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.
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Stratus. While driving 55 mph, both the passenger and driver side air bags deployed unexpectedly. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired, and is currently parked at the contact's residence. The current and failure mileages were 110,000. Updated 07/15/08. Updated 07/15/08
While driving consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, and collided with another vehicle. Upon impact, both frontal air bag did not deploy. Driver was injured, and went to the hospital on her own. Vehicle was totaled out by the insurance company.
While driving at 15 mph vehicle was involved in a head on collision but airbags did not deploy. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information.
While stopping abruptly the brakes locked up and did not slow the vehicle causing consumer to rear end the vehicle in front of him, the air bags did not deploy, driver and occupants suffered head and neck injuries. Nlm
- Gulfport, MS, USA
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- Dolgeville, NY, USA