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 Stratus and have had minimal issues in the almost 14 years I've had it. One day my car was sitting out in the drive way and happened to be raining. Of course all windows were up. I went to my car later to go out and heard some swishing. I opened all doors, the rear right passenger door had water in it. This happens all the time, don't know why. No broken issues or seals, what the heck?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I love my Stratus and have had minimal issues in the almost 14 years I've had it. One day my car was sitting out in the drive way and happened to be raining. Of course all windows were up. I went to my car later to go out and heard some swishing. I opened all doors, the rear right passenger door had water in it. This happens all the time, don't know why. No broken issues or seals, what the heck?
- Angel Z., Belvidere, IL, US