2000 Dodge Intrepid, oil sludge build up caused engine to blow. The consumer believed the oil sludge problem was because the tube going out of the oil pump twist and turns up and down sp that the oil doesn't pump through as well as it should.

- Washington, DC, USA

2000 Dodge Intrepid with 2.6L engine, 51,500 miles. Driving very slowly in residential neighborhood car shut down and rolled to a stop. No warning lights came on. Atempted restart, engine turned over making a metallic clicking sound. Had car towed to shop and told that engine needs to be replaced. At least one valve is bent and damaged and large metal fragments are in intake manifold. Oil has been changed regularly between 3, ooo and 4,000 miles. Repair estimate is 4-5K. Engines are not supposed to blow at 51,000 miles, this is a flawed design.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA

While driving the engine blew up. Consumer stated that the vehicle stalled right before it blew up. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who stated that there was sludge build up in the engine. Original engine was a 2.7 liter. However, consumer had this engine replaced with another 2.7 liter engine.

- Kendall Park, NJ, USA

While driving 50 mph the lifters started rattling which indicated that vehicle needed oil. Consumer stated after putting oil into the vehicle and attempting to start vehicle became inoperable.

- Fred, TX, USA

1) 2000 Dodge Intrepid with 2.7L V6 engine purchased used in late 2002. In 2004, developed slight rattle noise at hard accelleration. Checked with Dodge dealer repair shop, who explained it as needing premium gas and that it was common to hear this noise. 2) Feb 1, 2005: Wife was driving car home from work when engine began to have a metallic loud noise like a noisy valve lifter. Vehicle was taken immediately to dealership for evaluation. Mileage was 56002. 3) dealership evaluated failure as spun #1 rod bearing. Additional damage to timing chain guides with tensioner at maximum travel. Metallic particulate present in upper oil passages of engine. Inspection of oil pan revealed no indication of sludge present in oil as noted in typical failures of this type for this engine. Car has not been repaired at present due to significant cost required to fix, which was quoted at approximately $6500.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

While driving 60 mph engine failed. Dealer stated the engine needed to be replaced because of sludge build up.

- Detroit, MI, USA

While driving 60 mph engine failed. Dealer stated the engine heads blew out, and needed to be replaced.

- Oak Lawn, IL, USA

While driving, the engine began knocking. The consumer contacted the manufacturer. The consumer took the valve covers off and found the sludge. The timing chain tensioner was broke, no pressure to keep it tight.

- Lawrence, KS, USA

While driving the engine produced a loud knocking noise. As a result the engine needed to be replaced. The cause has not been determined. Please provide additional information.

- Chantilly, VA, USA

The consumer was backing out of the driveway, when the engine locked and would not restart. The vehicle was checked and oil sludge was found in the engine.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

While driving the engine light illuminated, and blinked. Then, engine completely shut down. It was later determined that there was sludge in the engine. The vehicle's rack and pinion also failed.

- Georgiana, AL, USA

The vehicle stalled on numerous occasions the driver was unable to restart and the driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the problem can not be duplicate. The driver informed the mechanic that this problem has happened on more than once and has not been resolved.

- Quakertown, PA, USA

During inspection dealership informed the consumer that vehicle has engine sludge. The problem was not resolved.

- Holland, MI, USA

While driving on the freeway at approximately 70 mph, the engine seized without warning. Owner had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Updated 1/19/2006 - the oil light illuminated on the dash then the engine seized. The vehicle was sent to the salvage yard. The weather strips at the doors were leaking.

- Madison, AL, USA

While driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver tried to restart the vehicle and was able to do so. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed to be replaced. The consumer stated that oil sludge is the result of the engine failure. The consumer stated that he is paying for a vehicle he can not drive.

- Romulus, MI, USA

Engine seized up while driving down the road. The engine started making a horrible banging noise. Right away, I knew it was a bad engine sound, so I pulled over. I had it towed to a repairman who told me the engine was gone and I needed a new one. He, also, told me of all the other 2.7 engines he has been replacing in the last few years. I contacted Chrysler/daimler to get help from them. They said thanks for the input but there was nothing they could do. I will never buy Dodge again...neither will anyone in my family. We had our oil changed every 3-5,000 miles and kept up the car. It never should have seized like that.

- Alpena, MI, USA

While driving on the expressway, my engine quit while I was in the far left lane at about 65 mph. I was able to get to the exit and roll to the shoulder. The car was towed to oakland Dodge in madison heights, mi. The mechanic told me he thought the timing chain broke and that if it did it may have damaged some of the valves and if that were the case it might cost a couple thousand dollars to repair. I told him to look into it. Five minutes later he called back and said after speaking to another mechanic and his supervisor, that the engine is no good, because of their experience with "these Intrepids". after speaking to the supervisor, I asked him to go into detail and explain how he would know this without taking the engine apart. He explained that they have had a lot of problems with the 2.7 liter engine and he could guarantee me the engine is worthless and it would cost about $6,000. To replace it which is more than the car is worth. This car was running perfectly smooth until the time that it died. I find it hard to believe that the car is now worthless. This car is a 2000 Dodge Intrepid, 2.7 liter engine.

- Warren, MI, USA

Stopped at intersection engine died. Towed home. My husband who is a master tech. Says the engine has 1&2 rods burned to the crank. Car has 78,000 miles. My husband said we changed to syn.oil at 40,000 to get rid of the sludge, it did not work. So I am 63 and my car is ruined we can not afford another. Thanks Chrysler you have made my life.

- Batavia, OH, USA

I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with the 2.7L engine heard loud chattering noise coming from front of engine. Took to mechanic and had to have all rocker arms replaced and a timing chain haven't had any problems since. I was told sludge was the problem and I was told not to use any oil with paraffin wax in it which is most of your oil change places. I also hear a clunk in the right front tire area hope it is just a strut and not my rack and pinion system.

- Superior, WI, USA

The consumer experienced a problem with the engine. The consumer was driving at approximately 20 mph and the vehicle just shut down. The consumer had the vehicle towed to an after market garage and was informed that it was due to sludge build up which is why the engine seized up. Provide further details.

- Raleigh, NC, USA