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.
The water would be boiling in the overflow container, every few days. Water/antifreeze level was good. No water leak in radiator, water hoses or pump. When I took to the shop it was vacuum hose leak.
I like my car, i looked up other problems and it said that this is one of the most common on stratus's. And low and behold mine did have the problem. But what do you expect its american made.
- Kelsey D.,
Littleton, CO, US
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The water would be boiling in the overflow container, every few days. Water/antifreeze level was good. No water leak in radiator, water hoses or pump. When I took to the shop it was vacuum hose leak.
- bsheltontx, Graham, TX, US