2000 Dodge Intrepid SE from North America - Comments

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.

I also own a 2000 Dodge Intrepid and in the beginning stages of problems. So far I have had a transmission sensor go which caused the car to go into "limp" mode and scare the you know what out of me. Then once this happened, I had to have my transmission flushed, all this at the price of $350.00. Well, not even two weeks later the Fuel pump goes leaving me stranded in the middle of a busy road. Another $250.00 gone and only because I knew someone who got us a good deal for the part. The next day, another sensor called a Cam Sensor went out, leaving me on the side of the interstate this time. I was able to start the car again after a few minute, but it was equally scary. I am still having problems with the car cutting off without reason or warning. I will be spending another afternoon with my mechanic friend scratching our heads trying to figure out what is wrong again. I wish someone out there could give me some answers.

I have a 2001 Dodge Intrepid as of 11/25/2003

my dodge is leaking serious oil from somewhere and smoking from the oil under the car and now it has white smoke coming from the the tail pipe as if a head gasket is blown or the motor is gone and don't forget all the sludge in the oil looking like black vaseline. I can't see myself affording to pay for a vehicle that will not work, I would love to get involve in the class action, but I can't afford to keep it and make payments and get another vehicle and make payments. I know as of this point it would be impossible to trade in with the condition it is in. I live outside of the city limits and traveling down the road with a small child and having car trouble like this is unreal, I know it could happen in another car, but I have had better luck with 3-5 year old vehicles.

My wife owns a 1999 Intrepid with the 2.7 engine and has very good luck with it. The trick to the 2.7 is change the oil and filter every 3000 miles and do not buy cheap oil. The intervals for the fluid changes is pretty clear in the manual, but there is always lemons out there.

ANOTHER 2000 ENGINE BLOWN DUE TO SLUDGE, SO THEY SAY!

I am a Intrepid owner, 83,000 miles. I owe $12,000.

The dealership wants $7000.00 to replace engine they

say was blown due to sludge. NO WARNING GIVEN!

DANGEROUS SITUATION! CAR JUST QUITS! Dealership says,

timing chain broke etc... same as the many others out

there! No more Dodge, or Chrysler cars. If they can't

stand behind the 2.7 engine that they can sell with a

straight face...

I own a Dodge Intrepid 2000 2.7 4 door sedan. I have had the oil pump changed at 81,000 miles. Now I have to have the timing chain tensioner replaced with possible sludge in the oil pan at 92,000 miles. Symptom's were stalling and complete loss of power on slowdowns. My mechanic said that I was lucky the engine didn't blow. I am sick over the short life span on this major power drive component. If anyone knows about a class action suit. Please e-mail me at txjnl@yahoo.com.

Joe.

I own a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. I have had the same problems you described above starting at 72000 miles. Timing chain tensioner broke, caused the timing chain to flop around and it damaged both heads and valves, along with sending metal through out the engine. Dodge said it was beyond the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty therefore not a manufactured defect, even though I had an extended warranty covering up to 75,000 miles. They claimed sludge in the engine. I've had maintenance on the car regularly. The engine is shot and needs to be rebuilt. I won't put another dime into this worthless car. I would like to see a class action law suit on this as well. I've spoken to five (or more) auto shops regarding the problem. They all were very aware of this problem.

My Intrepid SE has 156,000 miles and is on its 5th set of 80,000 tires. I have had no real engine trouble, but I did do the recommended manual stuff at 100,000 miles to the tune of $1100. I switched to synthetic oil at that time per recommendation of my mechanic. 50 bucks a change every 4500-6000 miles-depending on my schedule. I had a flush at 50,000 just because the Pennzoil guy conned me into it. My only real problem with my care has been my windows. Replaced motors X 3, re-glue epoxy X 2. Dodge says it "just happens" sometimes. The second window aggravated me ($230 + tax). My dad is a Chrysler employee and told me soon as you get it paid for it'll die. My last Chrysler vehicle quit at 188,000, but I didn't maintenance it very good either. I wish all of you luck with your vehicles.

I too own a 2000 Intrepid. My problems are just starting at 80,000 miles. The water pump started leaking so was due for replacement. In the process of doing this job myself (estimate from a garage was $600 to replace it) I have now become aware of all the problems with this engine. Mechanics actually laugh when you tell them what car and engine you have knowing it is a piece. There is a significant amount of sludge internally although I have owned the car since it had 20,000 miles and performed all maintenance on it every 3,000 as recommended. When I was putting it back together I have no found out the timing chain tensioner is not operating correctly. Man am I glad I found this out before I blew the engine. The only problem is it is an extremely common problem such the local warehouse has 92 in stock! This part also costs another $135 not to mention if a person had to pay to have it installed. I would be more than happy to join in a class action suit. If a company cannot stand behind what it sells; obviously there is a huge problem when every mechanic I talked to told me to stay away from this engine, then it should fix the problems.

I really wish I had read these messages a week sooner. I too own a 2000 Intrepid with the 2.7. Last week the loud grinding started. I initially thought my power steering pump was shot; that is until I saw the oil light begin to flicker intermittently. I now suspect the oil pump, and after reading these messages, I don't think it will end there. My Intrepid has 79,000 miles on it. Class action lawsuit anyone?

I have also had these same problems, the latest: my oil light started flickering the next day it started making a horrible clanging sound. Took it to the machanic and he dropped the oil pan and said it had burnt a barren, broke a rod and messed up the crank, all caused by the oil sludging. He said the lines going to the oil cooler were running right by the exhaust causing the oil to over heat and sludge. I have 103,000 miles on it. I also do oil changes every 3000 miles. The manager at the Chrysler place said the problem is very common and once I get a new motor put in to use SL grade 5W-20 oil. That it would help with the sludging problem. But I also would like some info on a class action if there is any available.

Email: tommyangieh@aol.com.

HI every one I to have just bout one of those cars and I'm now rebuilding the engine, but my problems are do to a stupid mechanic putting a rod in the wrong place, but it looks like this engine has had the same problems as you guy's have had I sent a note to my local news paper, but no luck they didn't bite so if you guy's want to try and get something done it mite be a good idea to try and get the news in on it and if we can get a enough of a stink going maybe dodge will have no chouce, but to do something about this problem.

I have been taking my 2001 Dodge Intrepid to my very honest usual independent mechanic. Within the last couple of months he has replaced the tensioner twice and something called a clip three times. Not knowing much about vehicles, I am about ready to trade this car in. My mechanic says he can't figure out why this clip thing keeps breaking. I appreciate the honesty and he has put lots of time in free of charge. Does anyone have a clue or should I just dump this car before something worse occurs. It only has 69,000 miles and since I only have three more payments I would love to keep it, but not if it is going to be a money pit. Don't have a clue about mechanics.

I am Cheryl Eldridge. I am responding to the Class action law suite against Daimler Chrysler.

I own a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. At 113,000 miles, it stopped dead in it's tracks at a busy intersection. I had my daughter in the car with me. Luckily we were not hit by any oncoming vehicles. The mechanic said the engine was scrap now due to oil sludge. This is due to the malfunction in the 2.7 Chrysler motors. The mechanic said it was non-repairable.

I had to save money for over a year to have a replacement engine installed. The replacement engine is from a wrecked car (not rebuilt). It smoked so I took it back to the mechanic who said the valves were bad and honored the 90 day warranty by putting another used engine in it. Since, I have been having so much trouble with this engine as well. It will not hold compression. He has replace 3 injectors, whatever that is. He has told me I need a new car computer as well. These were not covered under the mechanic warranty so I am out another 1000 dollars. I believe it is another BAD engine since it is a 2.7 Chrysler engine as well. I don't know what to do. I have over 8,500 in this used car. I don't have any more money.

Please help me. I want to sue Chrysler. You can contact me at (770) 794-0963. My car is inoperable now and the mechanic is not cooperating with me any longer. He seems fed up with trying to repair it. I am also interested in learning about the Georgia Lemon Law.

Thank you greatly for your speedy reply. I am in dire need of your help.

Sincerely.

Cheryl Eldridge,

cherylal@earthlink.net

770-794-0963 home

404 538-0105 cell.

I too have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. I noticed last week my oil light was flickering.. Without any warning my car just shut off on me the first time it started right away the second time a little hesitation so I decided to take it home before I got stranded. Well too late I only made it to the corner and while I were turning...Dead...

Now the mechanic is telling me crazy prices to get it fixed what is wrong with these stupid 2.7 engines???

Class action lawsuit anyone?