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.

4.0

definitely annoying
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,800
Average Mileage:
112,500 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2000 Dodge Stratus transmission problems

transmission problem

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2000 Dodge Stratus Owner Comments

problem #2

Jul 022007

(reported on)

Stratus SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

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

When coming to a stop the tranny downshifts hard and it's not a solid good downshift. I had the tranny rebuilt to the tune of $2800 and it still does it. I took it back to the shop and they "retrained" the computer but it still does it. I have had no major problems except this one and I really can't call it major but it sure is annoying. I'm mostly concerned that I will be on a cross country trip and the tranny is going to drop out.

- Brad C., Wilmore, KY, US

problem #1

Apr 202007

(reported on)

Stratus 2.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I have a dodge stratus 2000 4 door 2.5l v6. It down shifts hard from 2nd to 1st when i come up on a stop quick does any one know what that could be? I brought it to the shop and they hooked the computer up and could not find any codes!

Also the tranny is automatic but does have autostick, does this auto stick have a clutch that i could replace with a performance one so it grabs harder or not?? Does any one know of any place i could get performance parts for this car?

- dcsk8r9809, Blaine, MN, US

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