The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. After running the car for just under 5 years with less than 78,000 miles the engine broke down without warning. After taking it to the dealership the service technician indicated the engine was filled with sludge, and repairs would cost $7000. The car was adequately maintained according to manufacturer's recommendations. Chrysler refused to help with the cost of the engine. Individuals spoken with at national center, and dealership was surprised that the Chrysler manufacturer would not cover cost of engine.

- Clayton, MO, USA

Dodge 2.7L engine failed. About two weeks after the vehicle was purchased from a private owner the rods in the engine began knocking. The vehicle is a 2000 dod Intrepid.

- Columbus, OH, USA

I was driving down the road when, all of a sudden, I heard a noise, my engine and oil lights came on, and my car quit running. Fortunately, I had enough momentum going to pull off on the side of the busy highway.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Contact stated there was a small amount of sludge in the oil system, causing the timing chain to break, causing the valves to collapse.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

While driving in a snow storm the engine failed in the middle of the road. One month prior to this engine failed while getting an oil change. The mechince noticed that there was sludge in oil. Had it towed home, and consumer was told the engine was too small for this car.

- Endicott, NY, USA

Knocking sound in engine compartment at 65000 miles. Told by local Dodge dealer that I had a case of catastrophic engine failure - price for new engine & labor $6500. Had a local mechanic replace rod bearings and so far, it is holding together, but I am concerned with the number of engine failures I have seen. Check out "dontbuyone.com"

- Knoxville, TN, USA

While driving home April 20, 2005 my car began sputtering and stalled out. I got it home and called my mechanic to come over and check it out. He immediately told me that I had a rod knock, and that I needed to replace the cam sensor. On April 22, 2005 I had the sensor installed, $37 for part. The car was then driven approximately 15 miles and the knocking in the engine got increasingly worse until it went bang and would no longer run. The engine had thrown a rod. Now we are looking at a replacement engine, at an approximate cost of $3,500 to $5,000. This for a vehicle with only 44,000 miles. It should be just breaking in at this point, not breaking down, especially from a blown engine. This vehicle has been properly maintained, having had the oil changed regularly at 2,500-3,000 miles. I have seen several postings regarding this engineering fault created by Chrysler in the 2.7 litre engine and it would seem that the manufacturer should do something to offset the major expense caused by their design.

- Alger, MI, USA

While driving to work in the early morning the car quit without warning. Vehicle was towed home, and it was discovered that the engine blew up. The local dealer called and confirmed this. No repairs have been made.

- Sue St Marie, 00, USA

The engine died, had it towed to a mechanic: "premature engine failure". will tow to a dealer, and Chrysler said they might assist with the problem. No engine light, or prior indication before engine died.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Engine seized. Consumer readon ralph nader's center for auto safety that this is a common problem: "broken timing chains and sludge build up". took to a Chrysler dealer, and they said there was sludge and they don't cover that. Took to another mechanic and they replaced the engine for $6000.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

While driving the consumer heard a clattering noise then the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to american engine of baton rouge. Sludge build up caused the oil screen to become clogged an resulted in a blown engine. Service mechanic stated oil screen was defected. When the engine failed, the steering wheel locked up along with the brakes. The failure was caused by a defect in the oil pan. The vehicle had gone off the road.

- Jennings, LA, USA

Contact states: Contact has had the engine redone twice. The valves to the engine made a noise. The first time the engine failed the car stopped completely while driving on the highway. Took vehicle to the dealer, and the dealer said engine needed to be replaced again. It has only been 12 months since the last engine was redone. When vehicle shut off on the freeway it almost caused an accident.

- Oviedo, FL, USA

On Dec.26 2004, as we were leaving our house the car starting making a ticking sound, we pulled back into the driveway and checked the oil, transmission fluid and hoses. No lights were on to indicate a promblem but we parked the car since it was a noise we had never heard.the next morning, Monday, we called our mechanics and had the car towed in, the mechanic asked about the oil changes and I told him to check the date on the window I knew it was recent. He stated he was shocked due to the sludge build up in the engine. I infromed him I have regular oil changes and have the receipts. He suggested to clean adn replace the oil pan and filter totaling $800, he did the work. Thursday Dec 30 I got the car back but did not drive it due to the holiday weekend. Monday morning on a 2 lane road 37 miles from home the car would not accelerate the all the sudden the car started to rapidly decrease speed and then shut off. I was able to barely get the car off the road before being hit by an oncoming 18 wheeler. I had the car towed back in and was told that due to the oil sludge I needed a new engine. The promblem is they refused to "get involved" due to the numerous complaints and class action law suits regarding the 2.7 engines. I contacted my local Dodge dealer and was told "I sympathize and have heard of this before but the best I can do is $7800-8200.00 for a new engine but can not warranty sludge build up. I only owed $6000on the car. After contacting 2 more dealers and being told they could not warranty it against the same thing happening again they did not want to do the work. This engine is a sludge engine and almost cost me mylife as well as my 2 kids that were in the car! something needs to be done!

- Katy, TX, USA

2000 Dodge Intrepid with approx 46,000 miles on it. Prior to failure everything seems normal. Driving 35 mph engine begins to tick very loudly. Am able to stop at my destination and return home. Once home and inspecting the noise have to have the car towed to the dealership following day. The engine has failed due to sludge and is not covered under the extended warranty. Nothing has been done to correct the failure as of yet as they want $7200 to replace the faulty 2.7 liter engine. I still owe on the car and it is dead @ a mere 46,000 miles.

- Hampton, VA, USA

While driving at approximately 55 mph, without warning, the timing chain broke causing the engine to seize. Owner had the vehicle towed to an independent garage. Provide further details.

- Paul Smiths, NY, USA

While driving 20 mph vehicle stalled. Driver was not able to restart vehicle, an dit was towed to driver's house. The cause had not been determined.

- Bristol, CT, USA

While driving on a back road at 30 mph vehicle shut down. After towing the vehicle home, made contact with the tow driver, and was told that engine blew out. Have not had car repaired due to cost on a new motor and labor. There are numberous reports of the Dodge Intrepid that have the same problem blown motors, but Dodge doesn't want to fix them.

- Bristol, CT, USA

2000 Dodge Intrepid, 2.7L engine failure, timing chains, crank shaft, that is a continual problem on these engines.

- Hampton, VA, USA

While driving at low speed vehicle stalled. Vehicle was towed to mechanic, who discovered sludge inside the engine. The problem was not resolved. The mechanic has quoted $6500 to replace engine. Consumer seeking other repair options.

- Shoreham, NY, USA

Vehicle stalled while driving. Driver was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer. Mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced.

- Hope Mills, NC, USA