2000 Dodge Intrepid Standard 2.7L from North America

Summary:

Great interior, horrible engine

Faults:

My 2000 Dodge Intrepid has a 2.7L engine with about 63000 miles on it. Although the engine runs smoothly so far, I'm quite frightened and alarmed by the incredible number of blown engines.

Recently, my car's oil light seems to flash when my car is idle at a traffic light. However, when I accelerate, the light goes out. Even more strange is that it doesn't seem to happen right away. The car usually has to be driven for about 20 minutes before the oil light starts to flash. I have brought this car to numerous places trying to get the problem fixed with no success.

I'm a college student who needs a reliable ride to school everyday. Unfortunately, I believe I'm on my way to having the same problem as everyone else with a blown engine.

Does anyone recommend anything like an oil flush or oil pump replacement?

Also, can someone let me know how I can get in on this lawsuit?

Thank you!

General Comments:

It's really a shame that such a beautiful car's image has been destroyed due to the 2.7L engine problems. Despite it's sleek, modern design; no one wants to bother with this car anymore because of the horrible 2.7L engine issue. After all, if the engine is bad, what good is it?

This car really gives you space, comfort and a terrific dynamic design not found in many other vehicles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd December, 2006

3rd Dec 2006, 07:34

I would consider first (its cheaper) to flush the engine. Buy any engine flush solution, pour it inside the engine and leave the engine to run at idle for 10-15 minutes. Change the oil after. I would recommend to use just synthetic oil because is less prone to build sludge. Normally, this procedure will fix your problems. The symptoms that you describe lead to one conclusion: the oil passages inside the engine are filled with sludge (this is the biggest problem of 2.7l engine: poor design of oil passages) so you'll have to take a greater care than normally of this car. Don't forget; just synthetic oil. I would recommend to use 5w30 (has less viscosity). Good luck

P.S. Avoid Castrol: Their 'synthetic' is questionable.

25th Apr 2007, 09:13

Run Mobile One 5w-20, change every 5,000 miles in your car (normal car 10,000 miles). Don't take to Grease Monkey type shops, they will put in 10w-30 which is too thick.

You can flush with a quart of diesel fuel in the old oil-- dump it in and let the car idle for 10 min, then drain and put in your new oil+filter and you should be set. The diesel has detergents and is a great solvent-- will clean out the crud.

Hurry up and do this and you should be able to enjoy your Intrepid without motor failure.

-Rob.

2000 Dodge Intrepid Base model 2.7L (Death engine) from North America

Summary:

Do not buy a Dodge with 2.7L engine!! Don't buy used or new until you research!!

Faults:

Engine blew up 3 months after I purchased the car.

I must now replace the oil every 1500 miles, or risk blowing another engine. I have spoken with several mechanics (and oil change specialists) and they all tell me they have heard many horror stories about this engine.

Have replaced the automatic door lock actuators in three of the doors.

Have replaced the power window motor in two of the doors.

Suspension is terribly loud in front--I have replaced the tie rods on both wheels, and am saving up to replace the sway bar.

Lock on trunk easily rusts over.

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!! DO NOT BUY A DODGE WITH A 2.7L ENGINE!!

General Comments:

I am 6'4", so the car appealed to me with it's roomy, cab-forward cabin. The power drivers seat was comfy, and I fit well into the car.

However, the engine has been a nightmare. Though I was lucky enough to have the first replaced engine covered under the extended warranty, I live in constant fear that the "new" rebuilt engine will blow up on me at any minute. I change the oil so often, I could probably have afforded a down payment on a new car if I had skipped the cost...

Comfortable car, lots of room, but it is not a reliable car that you can count on. At worst, it can even be a dangerous car--search the Internet for examples of suspension failures and engine fires.

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!! DO NOT BUY A DODGE WITH A 2.7L ENGINE!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th October, 2006

11th Oct 2006, 01:13

Why did you change from the Grand Marquis out of curiosity?

11th Oct 2006, 08:38

Why don't you use synthetic oil and change it every 3,000 miles? You should be safe with that.

12th Oct 2006, 10:23

Why don't you look into suing Chrysler under the lemon law?

12th Oct 2006, 16:32

I heard that the 2.7 on the Dodge Intrepid/ Chrysler Concorde built up sludge due to a faulty design.

4th May 2007, 12:53

I have a 1998 Chrysler Intrepid with a 2.7L engine which I have owned since January 1998 (9 yrs, 4 mos.) It has 236,000km (147,500 miles).

I took it to the dealer today for a spring tune up and oil change and I mentioned it had started to misfire when driving on the highway at speeds of 110-120km (70 mph) after 45 minutes. of driving. The service technican called me back this afternoon and said I need a new (rebuilt) engine which will cost $5,500!!! Comes with a 3 year / 60,000km (37,500 mile) warranty.

I decided to check the internet and found this site and I am amazed at the number of problems people have had and are having with this car. I will think about it over the weekend and I probably will not proceed based on the information supplied on this website.

Many people mention a class action lawsuit? Is there a website I can go to?

Thanks.