Windows off track 59K.
Won't go over 50 mph 62K.
Passenger door lock stops working 63k.
Transmission had to be replaced 70K.
Battery plate shorts out 85K.
Cam sensor has to be replaced 95K.
Engine has to be replaced 101K.
This car looks great, is comfortable, and is the biggest lemon we have ever owned.
There have been many more little things that have gone wrong that I have forgotten.
Our latest and most serious problem is with the failure of the 2.7 liter engine. The car's oil light would come on when we would be idling below 1,000 RPMs. We took it into a shop to discover we had a "sludge" problem, usually caused from lack of maintenance. When we informed the mechanic that we changed the oil regularly, he started doing some research. He led us too many, many websites where Dodge Intrepid owners have experienced the same thing.
Our only option is to replace the engine to the tune of $7,000 or drive the car into the ground. You can't even find one of these engines in a junkyard, because they are in such high demand because of the failure rate. If you could find one in the junkyard, it would run about $4,000.
Dodge will take no responsibility, saying it is an "owner maintenance" issue. I am hoping to hear about a class action lawsuit. In the meantime I owe a lot of money on a car that I can't drive and can't afford to fix.
You got the vehicle with over 50k miles on it. Even if you could prove that you changed the oil regularly, I doubt that you can prove that the original owner (s) did.
Unfortunately, you're stuck. Have you checked into re-building the engine? Look at the bright side though, it lasted over 100k miles thus far.
As an auto parts person of many years I must comment on two items.
1) 85k on your battery - sounds like you got your moneys worth
2) Cams sensor out at 95K - sensors go bad. Again at 95k I would have to say you got your moneys worth.
As for the rest, you have legitimate complaints.
I also owe a 1998 intrepid and had to replace the 2.7 engine at 60,000 miles. I know these cars are "LEMONS".
A truly beautiful car that you can't keep long.
Do you want to know WHY Daimler Chrysler won't do anything about this?It's because the bottom line is that they (Daimler Chrysler) WILL NOT ADMIT THAT THIS ENGINE WAS A PIECE OF C**P!And, if they admitted this, their top executives would not get their gigantic bonuses that they always get.Why, they might actually have to work for an hourly wage (just like all the other stiffs who bought their cars).Bottom line is, it's the money. If they can put you off and deny your LEGITIMATE warranty claims, well, they've made even more money. And you've gotten screwed. If you want SOME sympathy, talk to a 1996-1999 Taurus SHO owner. This kinda makes me rethink my wish list car: a Chrysler 300!
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