9.6

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,500
Average Mileage:
89,750 miles
Total Complaints:
149 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. never buy a Chrysler again (63 reports)
  2. replaced with a used/rebuilt engine (30 reports)
  3. not sure (20 reports)
  4. bought a new car that's not a Dodge (13 reports)
  5. replace engine (9 reports)
  6. replace with a 3.2L or 3.5L engine (6 reports)
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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #109

Apr 212008

Intrepid SE 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,730 miles

I owned the most beautiful 01 Intrepid, loved driving it, loved the space in it, never had a problem with it, just put on new tires, battery, all new brakes , rotors, calipers have spent over $2000.00 over the past couple of months to keep my car forever and then it just stalled in the middle of an underground parking lot. There was coolant in the oil. Had to pull it out and tow it to a dealer who told me that I needed a new motor which would cost $7300.00 and I wasn't suppose to be done paying for it until Oct. 08. Teeth on the timing chain sprocket had worn out which did major internal engine damage. Now what single mom no car no money out a great car, only to find out that this is very very common to this 2.7L engine in Intrepids. If you own one with this 2.7L engine get rid of it asap so you are not in my position.

- Byron B., Calgary, AB, Canada

problem #108

Apr 062008

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

So it's Easter Sunday and I hadn't driven all day. When I went to give my mother a ride home that night I heard a funny noise at the first stop sign. As I'm driving I feel a loss of power. About 4 miles into our ride she just DIES, smoke comes pouring out and the engine is TOAST. When I got home later that night there was massive amounts of oil on the street where I'd sat for less than a minute to adjust my seat, the driveway had been spotless? about 75,000 is all that was on it and I took it every 3000 miles to have it serviced. The repairs were going to cost $9,000! Up until this point the car had never given me much problem at all. I couldn't even sell it at that point so ended up donating it for a tax write off. I'm pretty certain I will NEVER buy a Dodge again.

- rosequeen49, Antelope, CA, US

problem #107

Apr 252008

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,315 miles

I was looking on the internet to see if there was a recall with this problem and didn't see where there was, I came across this site and was glad I found it. We have had our 2001 Dodge Intrepid for almost 4 yrs. now, never had a problem until my husband was driving home from work at the busiest time of the day, he felt there was a problem and turned off the busy street, our car just stopped, started smoking, he opened the hood and saw that something was leaking. He was right by a Brakes Plus and pushed it with some help. They put it on a diagnostics test come to find out we need a new engine because of a sludge oil problem. Of course we cannot afford a new engine, the new engine costs more then what we owe on the car. I want to Thank the people for all the info on this site. We will never buy another Dodge. Let's take this all the way and get what is owed to us!!!!

- Tammy M., Colorado Springs, CO, US

problem #106

Mar 012006

Intrepid ES 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Had I known that the Dodge/Chrysler 2.7L engines were notorious for suddenly crapping out, I would not have bought this car! I kept the vehicle in pristine condition and changed the oil every 3000 miles, yet it died at 68,000. My parents bought me a rebuilt engine, but unfortunately, the car was totaled in an accident. I haven't even paid them back for the engine yet!

- Shannon L., Florissant, MO, US

problem #105

Feb 232008

Intrepid SE 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,000 miles

I can't understand how a company can stand behind their product and offer assistance when it fails.

- dhawkins, Cosby, TN, US

problem #104

Mar 262008

Intrepid ES 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,000 miles

I have the same freaking problem with oil sludge and timing chain. does just getting a new timing chain tension fix the sound? or problem? and what was the cost? I'm really ticked off, is there a recall????

- bjamison, Inchelium, WA, US

problem #103

Mar 182008

Intrepid SE 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,000 miles

while driving with my 2 yr old son, the engine started to make a clicking sound that immediately got louder and then sounded like a rod had broken inside the engine and the car started to buck wildly. After it was towed to a shop, the mechanic informed me of the problems with the 2.7 liter motor. Why am I always the last to find out? A new motor installed costs 6500.00 dollars, 3700.00 for a used motor on a car that has a blue book of roughly 4000.00 dollars. I did not buy this car brand new, and I still owe on it. I don't know what to do. Is there anyone that can direct me to the class action lawsuit case that I have heard so much about? I will do my best to help spread the word about how badly Chrysler has dropped the ball on this and that they don't give a rats ass about the customer or the safety of any person unfortunate enough to have taken possesion of these disposable,useless, piece of garbage products. NO MORE CHRYSLER OR DODGE PRODUCTS FOR ME!

- tompierce, Vineland, NJ, US

problem #102

Mar 212008

Intrepid SE Dead

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

Hi All,

Just like everyone else here, I lost my engine due to the sludge/timing chain issue TO THE TUNE OF $4500. I really don't understand why this isn't covered if this is a known issue with the engine. I try to buy the little guy to keep the employment up,but good God, $4500?? That WAS going to be tuition money for me. Thanks Dodge! I am now zero for two on your vehicles! E-mail me if anyone know of any action against Chrysler/Dodge. I'm in! Mark

- Mark R., Westerville, OH, US

problem #101

May 132005

(reported on)

Intrepid SE

  • 82,000 miles

we were driving the car and then the motor starting to lose power then made a noise in the motor. So the next day we take it to the shop. The shop told us it was the motor. The oil was slushed up and the only way to fix it was to put a different motor in it. A cost about $ 6000.00 to get fixed. The shop said it is common to see this in these cars. So if I were you I would not BUY ONE ever again. I hope this will save people money, by not buying one.

- troyh, Carrollton, MO, US

problem #100

Jun 212007

Intrepid SE 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles

Bought this car used with very low miles to use as a commuter car, car ran beautifully until one day as I was merging onto the freeway, I heard a really loud knock start. No lights came on and the noise quieted down, so I continued to drive home. Checked oil, which was just changed 2 weeks prior and it was very dark. I took it to my mechanic that told me the engine was toast, I forgot that I had bought the extended warranty so it sat for a couple of months while I tried to decide what to do. Once I realized I bought the extended warranty, I towed it to the Dodge dealer and they have had it for about a month now. Since the fix is $9,000+, the warranty people told them to find a rebuilt/used one with no more miles than the original engine had, so far the dealership has been unsuccessful. I am very disappointed with the engine, I love the interior room and the ride of the car, too bad Chrysler stuck such a poopy engine in it. Guess I will wait and see what the warranty people will do if we can't find a used/rebuilt engine. Even if they do, it will quickly go up for sale.

- Sue R., Corona, CA, US

problem #99

Nov 072007

Intrepid ES 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,590 miles

ok so I've discovered that the 2.7 V6 engine made by Chrysler Dodge was a lemon but to discover it after I had the vehicle 6 yrs. I was driving through Madison WI when it happened, there was no noise prior and no red lights, just a plume of blue smoke and I noticed the temperature gauge go right off the chart. When I got her pulled off on the shoulder I opened the hood and noticed dripping oil from the bottom of the engine, what a sickening feeling I had, that this was not good. It was towed to a local dealership off the interstate, even the tow truck commented about the 2.7 V6 engines causing a lot of problems. Only 74,980 km or 44,988 miles unbelievable. When all was said and done the service rep said that the engine threw a rod and that they don't recommend I get it fixed, but advised me that Chrysler sells a new engine for almost $8,000. US or a rebuilt engine for almost $6,000. still too for my blood. The manufacturers warranty expired March 2006, I knew I had purchased an extended warranty from Bay King Motors in Hamilton Ont where I bought the car April 2003 called Driver Assured and it was Bumper to Bumper. but they had no record of such extended warranty. which I couldn't under stand if they had the warrnaty information on a Canadian car why would the extended warranty been registered as well. As I didn't have my records on me I couldn't verify as all my records were on the moving truck somewhere in Saskatchewan on it's way to British Columbia where I live now. I discovered after fact that my extended warranty was good till April 2008 for 112,000 kilometers or or 67,200 miles, but because of the problems with this engine Driver Assured small print on the contract stipulated that it depended on whether there were manufacturers known problems with any of the vehicles power train and engine.etc so the extended warranty wouldn't have been honored anyway as the contract wasn't worth the paper it was written on. I had spent almost a $1,000 getting in ready for this trip. And if there was an engine problem no one at the Bay King Dealership Service Dept made any mention of it or indicated I was going to have a problem. I can't believe Chrysler would do that,sell cars knowing of major defects with their 2.7 V6 engine and not make any attempt to recall them,to remedy the problem what were they thinking? that they could just bury their heads in sand and the problem would go away? that's appalling behavior. and even sell me an extended warranty knowing full well if something went wrong that had a history of going wrong the contract would be null and void. You would think a reputable dealership like Bay King Motors in Hamilton Ontario would have the integrity of informing their clients of these potential problems rather than wait till something happened and just say "Oh well Tough Luck" After I discovered the extended warranty expiration date I phoned the dealership in Madison WI and told the service rep that we were dealing with of the extended warranty and to see if he could locate the car from the Wholesaler., not much help here. and I called Bay King several times and left messages and never once got a reply,several e mails and no reply. So I'm right in saying they are "Burying their heads in the sand, hoping that I'll go away. Unfortunately I don't own the car anymore as I said the car was wholesaled in Madison, and I rented a vehicle to drive the rest of the way, cheaper than spending $6,000 to $ 8,000 but not gratifying. So I have to swallow my pride and "bite the bullet" as they say and move on. I now own a Ford a l994 Ford Taurus that has 190,000 kms 14 yrs old as compared to a 6 yr old car with less kms. Go figure? All I can say GOOD RIDDANCE TO CHRYSLER, DODGE,AND ALL THEIR PRODUCTS, If I was a very rich man I would take them to court and sue them to the point of bankruptcy or receivership, which is were they are now. No wonder DAIMLER - DUMPED CHRYSLER I'LL NEVER OWN ANOTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLE AGAIN. GO TO HELL CHRYSLER ..

- Robert G., Abbotsford, BC, Canada

problem #98

Sep 052007

Intrepid SE 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Car started knocking with 65k miles, replaced rod bearing and noted engine sludge, next day engine seized.

- Kevin H., Tucson, AZ, US

problem #97

Apr 132007

(reported on)

Intrepid ES V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

I bought the 2001 Dodge Intrepid used with 15,000 miles on it.

I had the oil changed regularly and after 60,000 miles the engine began leaking oil. I had it checked out and the mechanic told me to SELL THE CAR IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!! I didn't listen and kept the car and had a few estimates to repair it which were all over $1500.00 Needless to say, I had just paid it off in 12/2006 when the engine light began turning on. I took it to two different shops and they couldn't find anything wrong with it except for the fact that the engine was still leaking oil and had heavy sludge throughout the engine. I paid over $2000.00 to have the oil leak repaired. After 112,000 miles on the car the engine blew. It is just parked for now because I can't afford to replace the engine. DON'T BUY THIS MODEL AND IF YOU HAVE ONE SELL IT IMMEDIATELY!!!!!! OR GET READY TO BUY ANOTHER ONE.

I WISH I HAD SEEN THIS WEBSITE BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR......

- norma410, Garland, TX, US

problem #96

Dec 272007

Intrepid SE 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

What does a consumer do when the dealer tries to encourage you to consider fixing a 2.7L engine that they ALREADY know is a failing engine and that oil sludge is a problem, EVEN if you consistently changed and maintained your engine properly. Well I can tell you that I am not playing that game and not trying to repair the engine. I am looking diligently for a buyer of a 6 year old car with just over 100,000 miles on it that will still start but is knocking because the top of the engine is not getting oil to pump to it....guess what I am finding? Not even the salvage yard is interested in such a vehicle since they too know ALL ABOUT the Dodge nightmare engines...what is wrong with business today that they so graciously blame all of the consumers that are experiencing this engine issue....shame shame shame.

- lemonowner, Lees Summit, MO, US

problem #95

May 232007

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

Son was driving the car home from a dance with friends.Encountered knocking and smoke from under the hood. Had to pick him and friends up. Left car til next day. Loss of power and knocking. Checked oil, proper level. Towed to dealer, they wanted over 9000.00 to replace! Towed home, and had replaced in the private sector. Went back to my Chevy's...

- Doug K., Riverside, CA, US

problem #94

Dec 022007

Intrepid SE 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

Really awful does not begin to describe this nightmare. I am a widow on a low income. I have $3100 left to pay on this car and now I am adding another $4000 to the price. MY late husband was a huge Mopar fan. When I met him he had a 71 satellite Sebring plus. Beautiful car. So when I brought home my very first new/used car from the Chrystler lot I was thinking how pleased he would have been. A beautiful car, handled well a real pleasure to drive.

Then within one year the TCI module goes cost $300 A year later the Whole AC system blows out when tye compressor froze. Cost $2000 but mostly under warranty. Little did I know.

Two years ago I find Dodge talk.com am all excited to be able to discuss this car only to find that I am driving a time bomb. Oh no not me it won't happen to me! I run out and get the oil changed to full synthetic, make sure the oil is changed frequently and pass the 60k mile mark, then 70k Ok, I am hoping maybe this won't happen. Until one day....

I get in the car and go to church no prob, notice the car does not accelerate like normal. Come home hear a little tick tick tick. Get back in go to stable do my work. Get back in that night.... rattle rattle rattle BANG.... bye bye timing chain

I find out several days later that my engine is a paper weight. It will cost me $3000+ to repair. Like I have that kind of money lying around. I have no family I have no way to get or even make payments on another loan to fix this car. I have no way to get to work, If not for my friends I'd have no job, no car, nothing.

Thanks a lot Chrysler. I'm glad my Husband did not live to see a company he so loved do this to his wife.

- Cherie C., Hendersonville, PA, US

problem #93

Apr 102007

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I have not even payed my car off yet and the engine blew up in it. I have been with out my car since December 28, 2006 due to my mechanic having to send two used motors back due to they were not good. I believe that the dealership should have to pay for all of this hardship it has put on me. I have to bum a ride from everyone. I will never own another Dodge vehicle again. I know that this car was starting to blow up along time ago due to every time I cranked it smoke would come out of my tail pipe. It makes me very angry that people are so dishonest in this world that they would make and sell junks like this. I do not have a lot of money to keep putting in this car. Maybe if every one will keep complaining enough the dealership will do something about these problems.

- Tonya H., Pelham, GA, US

problem #92

Oct 162007

Intrepid LX 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

solution to 2.7 engine failure - first u have to find a complete 3.2 liter motor when i say complete i mean complete. u will need the a/c compressor with the a/c hoses and lines, the throttle cable, wire harness, the power steering pump ,starter, alternator, radiator and radiator hoses, the power steering pump reservoir. u can reuse the computer from the 2.7. the exhaust has to come with the 3.2 from the manifolds past the muffler. u will need the motor mounts. like i said before u will need the complete assembly. the motor assembly should cost u between $1500 to $2000 dollars and labor should cost u approx $750 plus fluids

i have heard that replacing the timing chain assembly before 70,000 miles and having ur engine desludged at every oil change that this is another solution (unverified)

so if u want to keep ur car put in the 3.2 engine assembly. i have done several and have not had any problems yet. yes the 2.7 liter V6 is the biggest piece of junk

good luck everyone

- Dave H., New Prague, MN, US

problem #91

Nov 042007

Intrepid SE 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,655 miles

I purchased my Intrepid 2 years ago and have loved it. I've never had a problem with my Intrepid until now. In fact all my hard core Chevy lovers in my family are always giving me sh*t about my Dodge "why would you ever buy a Dodge?" It has been great...never had problems starting it, never had a single, not even minute problem with the car. I have always had my oil changes done within the recommended time frame.

6 weeks ago, I started hearing a slight ticking noise. I immediately scheduled my oil to be changed the next day AT A DEALERSHIP, as always. 6 weeks later on my way to a meeting, my engine light came on while sitting at a stop light next to a gas station...I pulled in and shut my car off. I checked my oil and it was a little low, I added enough oil to bring it back up to the max line and the engine light went off. I drove about a mile and half up the rode when I all the sudden heard a loud bang and very loud fast ticking. I pulled over and had my vehicle towed to a dealership where it is still sitting unfixed. Chrysler will not cover this under my warranty even though they are very well aware of this problem in the 2.7L engine. I have always had very positive feelings about Chrysler and now I don't know what to think. They need to make this right to me and I can't even get them to listen to anything...they are so incredibly cold hearted and really truly don't care at all. I still owe $5,000 on this car and can't drive it. The dealership is telling me it is going to be close to $8,000 to fix. The dealership is also telling me this is a big problem with the 2.7L engine. The engine builds up oil sludge and can't circulate causing a lack of lubrication. He said Chrysler is very aware of this and is not helping anyone in this situation. They actually quit making this engine due to the problems and have now redesigned the 2.7L to put it in the 2008's again. Chrysler needs to step up to the plate and help all of us who are now stuck in this sh*tty situation.

- Laura F., Genoa, IL, US

problem #90

Aug 272007

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

The sludge was apparently bad enough that my mechanic recommended selling the car ASAP. It was a lease vehicle, oil changed every 5000 miles.

- noname in ct, Newington, CT, US

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