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.
3.4
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,480 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.
Our Dodge Stratus had 38,000 miles on it when the switch controlling the wiper blades/washer system failed while driving. The wipers and washer ran continuously. The wipers were stopped only by pulling the 30 amp fuse under the hood. The pump supplying washer fluid to the windshield could not be stopped at all even after it ran out of fluid. While the failure did not cause an accident or injuries, the failure could have led to one with a less experienced driver. The cost of the repair and the switch was $290. Neither daimler/Chrysler nor the selling dealership would cover the cost of any part of the repair even though the car was just 2000 miles and one month beyond warranty and clearly occurred as a result of a defect. I am reporting this incident in the event that any other owners experience a similar problem.
- Mcfarland, WI, USA
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- Mcfarland, WI, USA