I have had trouble with my car heater is not operating properly serious damage may have already occurred to my engine. The primary symptom is that the car heater, for no reason, does not blow hot air - then it starts working. Looks like my car engine has been overheating and causing sludge to build up in the top half of the engine. Some other symptoms are car starts to burn oil, very light traces of white smoke from exhaust and the engine may seem to run a little rough at idle. Still running but I don't know for how long....

- Garland, TX, USA

1999 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 engine blew at 55K.

- Elmhurst, IL, USA

I own a 1999 Dodge Intrepid with 26,400 miles on it. It has never been in an accident of any type and usually driven 10 miles per day. After 26,000 miles the engine developed a knocking noise. I was informed the roller bearing on the timing change had failed. After paying more than $1,400 for the replacement of the roller bearing and a new timing chain, it was determined that the timing chain problem had damaged one or more of the valves, which required the engine to be torn down and a valve job to be required for an additional cost of $900. All of this to a car with only 26,000 miles. 2 weeks after the engine repairs were made the transmission stopped shifting gears.

- Laguna Hills, CA, USA

At around 55,000 miles, a knocking sound developed. Engine performance was not effected until around 65,000 miles, when the check engine light started coming on intermittently and the engine would die. I took it to a knowledgeable and honest mechanic who through the course of trouble shooting the noise discovered the timing belt was loose and had damaged many internal engine parts. He says the chain is pulling double duty, with a gear on the inside as well as the outside of the chain. The increased wear caused it to stretch and it began slapping/rubbing and damaging other parts. Namely various spots on the case and the water pump, which was worn nearly all the way through and seeping water and coolant into the engine. He says this is a serious design flaw and that he has heard a lot of other Intrepid's are requiring new engines for this same reason. I am hoping that something can be done to force Chrysler to buy new engines for those of us who have taken care of our cars and still have to suffer this great cost. These may not be the only problems caused by this flaw, but so far I think it's more than enough to warrant a complaint.

- Middleville, MI, USA

The timing chain on my 1999 Dodge Intrepid went out and I only had 76,000 miles on the car. This is a major problem for other people also, as I have been put on a waiting list for one of the parts needed (tensioner). There are 1400 of these parts on back order now, 02-11-03. This indicates a major defect in this part of the engine and a recall is in order.

- O Fallon, IL, USA

There was a clicking noise coming from the vehicle, the engine stalled, however it was restarted.

- Selma, CA, USA

Purchased vehicle with approxiametely 500 miles. Since buying the car we have had it in for repairs at the dealer 8 times. All repair are to engine and chips in the engine. The most recent, driving down the expressway 60 mph the car shut off. Put in neutral and started the car back up. When car started back up there was a loud ticking noise in the front. Then the car shut off 3 more time and on the fourth stall would not start back up. When towed to repair shop he indicated the engine would need to be replaced (oil just changed and full). When calling arond for new engine all dealers indicated thoughs engines are very hard to find because everyone is looking for them because a blown engine is a common problem with Intrepids. I hope there are more complaints reported so this problem is resolved. I know of 3 Intrepid in my area that have the same problem.

- Lansing, IL, USA

Consumer stated the engine failed due to sludge build up.ts

- Dundalk, MD, USA

The engine was replaced at a very low mileage.

- Nashville, TN, USA

Consumer states that while driving bearings seized up resulting in broken rods and bent valves in engine.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

Consumer states that while driving at any speed and no warning the vehicle will shut off causing consumer to pull over and it will be hard to get the vehicle back started. Dealer notified.

- Detroit, MI, USA

While driving approx. 30-35mph vehicle stopped in middle of traffic. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Mechanic informed owner camshaft and transmission sensors had failed. Indicated that slug (oil) caused failure of vehicle. Vehicle was repaired. Problem had reoccurred after arriving home.

- Detroit, MI, USA

There was a loud knocking noise coming from engine compartment. Vehicle towed to dealer, and informed engine cylinder head needed to be replaced.

- Vechanicsville, VA, USA

Oil pan needed to be replaced at 41500 miles due to the fact that the threads wear out after approximately 15 oil changes according to my mechanic.Dodge customer service was contacted but because car is over the warranty mileage cost of repair would not be covered.

- Northport, NY, USA

There was a light ticking noise coming from engine area, that got louder and louder. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and dealer stated that short block caused engine to leak oil.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Purchased vehicle with 28,000 miles. Oil and filter change performed at dealership prior to vehicle purchase according to dealership. Checked oil about 2 months later, dipstick was almost dry. Had oil and oil filter changed. Oil was thought to be leaking from cheap or incorrectly installed oil filter since newer vehicle with low milage shouldn't be burning that much oil. Checked oil ever two weeks several times out of concern. Oil level was fine. Assumed problem was corrected. At 33,000 miles about 1.5 months later engine began making knocking nose and running very rough. Dealership stated that engine was blown. Had to provide proof of recent oil and filter change for dealership to replace. Dealership stated that engine had only 1 quart of oil and that oil looked really mucky. Engine lost about 5 quarts of oil in 2215 miles. No visual signs of leakage anywhere, no smoke or excessive exaust. Vehicle had been checked and maintained well. Dealership cannot explain and states that they are not allowed to tear down and inspect the engine. Dealership replaced engine at 33000.

- San Leandro, CA, USA

While traveling at approximately 65 mph was a light "ticking" noise coming from front of vehicle. Noise started increasing in volume, and consumer parked vehicle. Dealership has examined vehicle, and determined that oil was leaking from head gasket and oil pan which caused head gasket to blow. Consumer was informed that engine came out of factory with this problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

- Detroit, MI, USA

In and out of morlans, Inc (Dodge dealer) several times because of the electrical sytem causing the check engine light to come on with many different codes such as rough idle-transmission not shifting /down shifting-transmission control module replaced-camshaft sensor replaced-ignition coil pack replaced-these were done while still under warranty at different dates. Just recently 3/25/01 my transmission went into a limp mode again at 40,000 miles-this time it was a transmission input speed sensor (my cost $92), when I got my car back now my heater- A/C and rear defrost control / vents don't work ? diagnosed problem electrical (charged $50) again with the control head / board control module. I've made several calls to the Chrysler Corp. Without avail for assistance. Please give any help possible to correct these electrical defects. Thank you.

- Malden, MO, USA

Consumer was traveling along and vehicle just stopped. It would not move or start back up. A spring broke and caused engine valves to come down and put holes in pistons. Vehicle has a 2.7 engine that needed replacement. Dealer knew this was a common problem. Warranty expired.

- Lynn Creek, MO, USA