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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,767 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 stated while driving 35mph on a winding road, curving right, the steering wheel jerked and the vehicle turned left. The brakes seemed stiff when applied. The vehicle hit a fence and the driver sustained severe injuries. The airbags did not deploy, although seat belts were worn. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance Agency, but no determination was made as to why the airbags failed to deploy. However, the insurance Agency did determine the accident may have been cause by a steering or brake problem.
Problems with brake equipment on 2000 Dodge Stratus. During high humidity, the brakes made a grind noise and squealed.. the dealer told the consumer it was due to normal wear and to wash the brakes the next time the car was washed, the consumer complied, however it did not resolve the problem.
The brakes on my wifes 2002 Dodge Stratus had failed twice, brake pedal was at floor and car did not stop. Both times the road conditions were clear. Had dealership inspect and they found no problems with the brakes or with the master brake cylinder and gave the braking system a clean bill of health. The brakes have failed once more since taking car to dealership (this is all within a three week period). Fortunalty no accient has occured. Per service departement the only remedy is to leave car at dealership to have them drive on a regular basis to see if brakes fail again.
- Milford, MA, USA
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- Oak View, CA, USA