While driving oil pressure light illuminated on the dashboard followed by unwanted deceleration. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, who indicated that oil pressure sensor failed, and needed to be replaced. The sensor was replaced, the engine was flushed, and an oil change performed. The failure recurred. Dealership then replaced the oil pump. The unwanted deceleration recurred without the oil light coming on, and vehicle lost oil pressure. Dealership replaced the timing belt, and gear shift. Also, had to drop the oil pan to check for sludge in the engine.

- Watervliet, NY, USA

Check oil light kept coming on, took to dealer and they repaired problem, two times to get it done. Dealer said oil pressure was fine /28/04 - timing chain failure, only 37,000 miles on car. Bought new in 2000. Engine valves were damaged. Dealer took 2 1/2 weeks to repair lso had to replace tie rod ends.

- Alpena, MI, USA

When driving at an undetermined speed and without warning vehicle stalled. This caused the driver to drift to the side of the road. Consumer towed the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that timing chain failed.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid that has about 91,500 miles. I purchased it from a Dodge dealership as a program car. My wife and I have maintained the regularly scheduled maintenance on the vehicle for as long as we've had it. On 3/2/04 my wife took the vehicle to have the oil changed and the fluids checked. On 3/3/04 my wife noticed the engine making a strange "knocking" noise. We took the vehicle back to where we got the oil change done on 3/5/04 and they stated that the noise had nothing to do with the oil change. We parked the vehicle until 3/6/04, and when my wife went out to start the vehicle and take it to the dealership, it wouldn't start. I then had the vehicle towed to the dealership on 3/8/04. The vehicle sat at the dealership from 3/8/04 to 3/12/04. On 3/12/04 I went to the dealership to find out what was going on and they said it "sounded" like the timing chain was broken. I told them I would take my vehicle to another mechanic to get a second opinion, and they gave me a diagnostic sheet with "engine failure" and a quoted repair cost of $3,100. I had the vehicle towed back home on 3/12/04 where it sat until 3/15/04. The vehicle was then towed to another mechanic where he took the time to open the engine and tell me exactly what the problem was. He advised that the timing chain tensioner was broken, which in turn threw off the timing and caused the valves to bend. He stated it would be cheaper to get another engine than try to fix this one. The cheapest used engine he could find for me was $3,650. I called the dealership back and told them my findings and they claimed it could have been because of poor maintenance. I asked how much a new engine would cost and he stated between $6,000 and $7,000. I then called the 800 number for customer service and then stated that then couldn't help. While looking through my owners manual, the timing is not scheduled to be checked until 100,000 miles.

- Grandview, MO, USA

2000 Dodge Intrepid. Timing chain failure at 79,000 due to oil sludge. VIN# [xxx]. dealer and dcx not supporting. Reviewed on case by case basis. Updated 07/27/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Oak Forest, IL, USA

Timing chain broke @ 69,000 miles. 2.7 L engine needs to be replaced.

- Macomb Twp., MI, USA

While driving at 45 mph vehicle suddenly lost power. Consumer pulled off the road by coasting the vehicle to a complete stop. Vehicle was towed to a dealership, who determined that the timing belt broke and damaged the engine motor.

- Middlebourne, WV, USA

While driving timing belt failed and damaged the engine. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and technician replaced the engine at consumer's expense of $7,500.

- Noblesville, IN, USA

We have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. The engine failed just past our warranty. The dealership where we purchased the car and Chrysler corporation both dismissed our complaint as quickly as possible. After talking to several auto industry workers and researching this engine online, we have come to realize that this is a huge problem that has probably affected thousands of Intrepid owners.

- Jackson, MI, USA

While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over and had the vehicle towed. Dealership informed consumer that the problem pertained to the timing chain failure.

- Charleston, WV, USA

Consumer complained about engine problems. Vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the mechanic found sludge on the timing chain. This caused internal damage to the engine, and the engine had to be replaced.

- Charleston, WV, USA

While driving at 60 mph consumer heard a loud noise, then vehicle stalled. Towed vehicle to an independent repair shop, and technician stated that timing belt broke, and damaged the engine.

- Ridgely, MD, USA

Upon entering the vehicle engine would not start. Took vehicle to dealer, and the timing chain was replaced. The problem has recurred, engine won't start. Dealer stated engine needed to be replaced.

- Niles, MI, USA

While driving a noise was heard coming from the engine. The dealer determined that timing belt broke, and sludge had built up in the engine. The engine had to be replaced.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Timing chain wears out prematurely.

- Frewsburg, NY, USA

Purchased a 2000 Dodge Intrepid from dadeland Dodge in miami, fl. The car is qualified for the lemon law 3 months after purchase, but unaware of such a law and never filed. Now it is too late. It is now I decided to take action since the engine blew on 04/12/03. My brother in law was driving and the engine just stopped without warning. I called for a tow truck to be taken to the dealer. The car has about 65,000 miles, and the extended warranty should have covered the repairs; however, the dealer declined. I ended up paying $2,714.87 to get the engine rebuilt. In addition, I also don't have a car for 2 months, and disputed with the dealer and extended warranty company during that span.

- Miami, FL, USA

I purchased a 2000 Dodge Intrepid on 3-28-03. The car had 58000 miles at purchase, was checked out by a mechanic and seemed to be a very good reliable car with service records. I had no trouble, other than the air conditioner not blowing cool air, until 2 weeks ago I noticed a very light ticking sound during acceleration. I have changed the oil twice and now have 62000 miles on it. I took the car to 2 different mechanics both of which did not do internal work and was afraid to diagnose car if they could not fix it. I took the vehicle to the Dodge dealer and was told I needed a new timing belt and repair would run me $1,600. I was upset with the cost and before I agreed to let the dealer repair my vehicle they assured me that I was getting out cheap and if I repaired the car immediately I would not need a new motor. After a week in the shop, the dealer called me back to say I had a blown motor (even though I had drivable car when I left it) and repair costs would exceed $6,000. I still owe $6,200 on a car I have only made 4 payments on to date. I am a working mother with 2 small children and this is our primary source of transportion. After doing a little research on my own I have found that regarding the 2.7 liter engines this problem is more common than not. I have talked to 2 local salvage parts dealers and was told by both that these engines are in very high demand. When I spoke with the daimler Chrysler customer service rep I was told that Chrysler was aware of the problem but since they have not been forced to recall the product they are under no obligation to repair the problem. So now I am left without the transportation that I will be paying on for the next 2 1/2 years. I am financially devastated with no transportation and Chrysler knows they are pettling junk with the 2.7 liter engine. I feel violated as a consumer that trusted what once was one of the "big 3". if anyone reading this has had similar problems or suggestions please contact me at donya74@aol.com.

- Florence, AL, USA

A knocking noise was heard and vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that timing belt has to be replaced.

- Southfield, MI, USA

While driving the consumer heard a "knocking" noise coming from top of engine and pulled over. The vehicle was towed to dealer who diagnosed that the tensioner failed which caused the engine to seize.

- Glendale Heights, IL, USA

Consumer noticed that the engine began making loud noises. The vehicle was serviced by a dealership who informed the consumer that the timing chain needed to be replaced.

- Naperville, IL, USA