2000 Dodge Intrepid SE review from North America

Left rear shock snapped at 22,000 miles.

Timing chain tensioner replaced at 77,000 miles.

Motor flushed due to extensive oil sludge at 77,000 miles.

New timing chain tensioner not working properly resulting in extensive damage to the engine at 79,000 miles.

Timing chain guides replaced at 79,000 miles.

Timing chain replaced at 79,000 miles.

Timing chain tensioner re-replaced at 79,000 miles.

Oil pump replaced at 79,000 miles.

The 2000 Dodge Intrepid with the 2.7 motor seems to have a serious problem with the timing chain tensioner or so it is thought.

This problem has cost me over $2,500 to date and I am not confidant that the problem is fixed.

I have questioned the service department at the local dealership about this, but they deny any problems. Other mechanics have told me that the bad tensioner would or could indicate a bad oil pump. The warning light I have been told by both the dealership and other mechanics will not come on unless the oil pressure is below three pounds of pressure.

When I first took my Intrepid to the service department I was told that the tensioner was bad. It was replaced for over $900.00 and I was sent on my way. One week later I took the car back, but was told all was ok. Two weeks later the tensioner had completely failed and allowed the timing chain to slap about inside the engine. The noise was loud and grinding almost at times sounding like a motorcycle. The loose chain had been rubbing the inside of the timing chain cover and had broken the timing chain guide sending bits of metal into the oil pan.

I am stuck with the bill to this point, but I am aware that this problem is abundant in many of these 2000 Intrepids. If there is a class action lawsuit I would love to get on board.

I love my Intrepid and it has been a great car. Very roomy, comfortable with plenty of power to this point.

However if there is a problem with the 2.7 in these cars (and there is) I believe the Chrysler Corporation should acknowledge it and fix it.

I would say stay away from the 2000 Intrepid.