Problems with 1999 Dodge Intrepid ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Complete engine failure on dodge intrepid 2.7l engine. no warning engine just stopped, dealer claims many simular reports, $9000 to fix. *ak

Engine failure, 1999 2.7 liter dodge intrepid. car maintained and oil and filters changed at 3500 mile intervals. while driving at low speed, car knocked and began to tap. took car to local dodge dealer (hamilton chrysler) and i was told i had complete engine failure and it would be undrivable, $6900 for a new long block + labor. i understand there is a major problem with these engines which needs to be addressed.*ak

While driving 40 mph, the engine stalled. the vehicle was towed. the dealership was aware of the problem. please provide more information. *jb

While driving, the consumer heard a noise coming from the engine. please provide more information. *jb

When driving on the the expressway, my car started to make a loud noise so i slowed down to pull over to check it out. while slowing down, the car died on the expressway before i could get off. i finally got the car to start and got off immediately! while trying to find some where to pull into the car continued to make the loud noise and kept dying. i finally could not keep it running so i called to have it towed to my mechanic's. the mechanic said that the engine had gunked up and the engine would need to be replaced. i just purchased this car 2 years ago and still owe $11, 000. now i have an estimate for $7,500 and no way to pay for this large repair. so, i now have a dead car that i have to continue to make payments on and insure. i have always taken care of my car and i feel that there may be a manufacturer's defect. *ak

We bought the car when it was two years old with 21,000 miles on it. from the minute we drove it home, the air wouldn't cool in the summer and the heat would go out in the winter. every time we brought it in to be looked at, the dealer could not identify a problem with it. we've now owned the vehicle since fecurary 2002 and the idle was always a bit rough. we were told that, that was the way the engine was supposed to sound. a few weeks ago the valves started clattering. we changed the oil twice after being told that, that would rectify the issue and it didn't. on 8/7/2004 we were on the road the engine started clattering really loud, we pulled off and had our oil changed professionally this time. after getting back on the road the idle seemed better but the clattering got worse and was followed by an additional noise. shortly after the engine made a loud noise and seized. the car is a 1999 with 72,000 miles on it and the engine is blown, there is something seriously wrong with this picture!*ak

Engine failure. sludge related on well maintained 2.7 liter engine. *nm

First one of the fans went then a few months later the other went. from about 60,000 miles, i have blew blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe had seals replaced but did no good. still smoking. transmission went out completly. the the 1st fan is going out again. (hint) the plastic fans are junk!! the 2.7 liter is not enough for the intrepid body i'm told . i'm planning on trading before we are stuck with another 2,000 repair bill on a vehicle kbbv at 2700. *jb

While driving 45 mph vehicle stalled, and the check engine light appeared on the dashboard. consumer was unable to restart vehicle, an dit was towed to a body shop for inspection. mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak

1999 dodge intrepid water pump and timing chain failed. *mr the vehicle would not start while at the gas station. the vehicle never ran hot or made loud noises and there were no indications of a problem. the consumer was informed per service dealer that the engines had serious problems. the consumer felt that maybe in was not necessary to replace the entire engine at 59,500 miles. chrysler was not willing to refund the consumer some or all of the monies spent on repairs. *sc the a/c evaorator coil, fan resistor and trunk lock master cylinder which were all in perfect working order pror to being serviced at the dealership failed to work properly after vehicle was pick up from service. dealership claimed problems were unrelated. *tt

Several times while driving the car has stalled on the skelly bypass in tulsa, we had to have it towed 3 times for service. the reading on the automobile kept saying it was the sensors we had the temp sensors, oxygen sensors, and 2 other sensors replaced withing weeks of each other each time the car would stall and not start for 20 or 30 minutes. the last time the car stalled was on 7-16-2004 , the temperature gage did not read hot but there was smoke coming from the engine. we let it set for 45 minutes and drove it to claremore where it stopped at the intersection and had to be pushed out of the road. we have had it looked at the mechanic says it either needs head gaskets, or has a cracked head. at this time the cost if it is the head gaskets it about $1000.00. we have already spend aprox that much replacing sensors. we have priced a rebuilt or used motor if the engine is blown and that is anywhere from 2000.00 to 3500.00 not including labor. the engine at this time is still in the vehicle. the old sensors i assume were discarded by the repair shop. *ak

Driving my 1999 dodge intrepid from clarion, pa, to bloomsburg, pa, on route 80, the engine started banging and died while i was in heavy highway traffic. dealer tells me engine is dead, needs to be replaced. *ak

My 1999 dodge intrepid developed an engine knock. upon taking it to the local dodge service garage i was told that the rod bearings were shot and the engine had oil sludge build-up. the only remedy is a new engine at a cost of $6700.00

Several problems with my 1999 2.7 liter intrepid. first, problems with transmission shifting hard. sent to dealer and diagnostics came back 'within parameters'. told it must be how we drive it. since then, transmission would not shift between 2/3 gears. left me stranded out of town. had to replace the control module twice ($35.00 part). keep a spare in the glove box just in case. second problem, a clunking sound and ticking noise when turning steering wheel in either direction. took to an independent repair shop, they wouldn't touch it. have not had this problem corrected or seen by dealer. however, i have seen many tsb's on your website concerning this issue. third, engine starting making a banging sound at about 126k. had to have the engine replaced (bought a remanufactured engine) at a cost of $5000.00, was told something in the bottom end went. couldn't afford to buy new car and have car payment. only had 6 more payments to go. was also told that this was common with these engines. why is this engine still on the market if it has soooo many problems? *jb

Consumer complained that engine light kept coming on. consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and was told that there was nothing they could do. also, contacted the manufacturer, and they said the same thing. no one wanted to help. *ak

Our 1999 dodge intrepid suddenly experienced engine failure while traveling on an interstate highway in july 2004 at 60mph. our car has just over 65.000 miles. our car was towed to the dealership and determined to have failed due to sludge build-up in the engine. our car was well cared for and the oil and filters chagned every 3000 miles (or less). the estimated repair was +$7500.00 to replace the engine, as the original was not salvagable. we recently received a recall notice from dodge regarding a transmission recall, but can't have the repair performed because the car isn't driveable. luckily my husband was able to safely maneuver the car to the shoulder of the highway without injury or damage.*ak

This is a vehicle that was leased from the time it was new by a colleague and then was sold to me. it was impeccably maintained. with no warning vehicle would not shift and engine ran under strain. car has less than 74,000 miles on it but two independent mechanics have declared the engine and transmission unusable. no repairs undertaken to date because of value analysis. *la

While driving, the engine suddenly started to make a banging noise, then the vehicle stalled. the engine had seized up, but the consumer was able to coast the vehicle off the road. the consumer had the vehicle towed to their driveway. a mechanic inspected the engine and stated it failed. the engine contained sludge build up. *jb

Engine blew out while driving the car. there was no warning, no warning lights, no engine problems and then the entire engine was lost within 5 minutes. *jb

Consumer complained about an engine problem. engine shut down while driving. while trying to restart the engine consumer heard a knocking sound. consumer contacted the dealer, and was told it will cost $7000.00 to replace it. manufacturer was no help in trying to resolve this complaint. *ak the engine was too narrow. *sc

On jun 27, 04 lustine dodge of woodbridge, virginia informed me that my engine starting problems in my dodge intrepid was a direct result of a recall pertaining to part# c45. i was also informed that the parts are not available and there is no anticipated shipping date. i contacted the recall division at daimlerchrysler and the recall has been identified, but they could not giver me a shipping date to the lustine doge. the problem can result in the car coming out of park and possibly moving. i also have an additional problem with intermitting starting that is a direct result of the recall. i have never been notified of the recall by daimlerchrysler prior to my initial contact with lustine. i am concerned that there more customers that are unaware of the potential safety problem. i have also contacted two other dodge deals in northern virginia and they are also unable to obtain the parts.*ak

While driving the at 30 mph, smoke started to come out from the exhaust pipe. following this the vehicle started hesitating to accelerate, jerking forward, then stalled. the vehicle was towed to an engine specialist, who indicated that a rod had been thrown and the engine was destroyed. this may of been caused by a misfiring of a sensor. prior to this incident the engine was replaced at 65000 miles. *la

Loud noise coming from engine then stalled. dealer said new engine was needed at a cost of $8,000. no work was done due to the cost. *nm

Our 1999 dodge intrepid engine failed 6-30-04 we had antifreez in the engine so sludge stoped the car i have my oil change reciepts and took very good care of this car we did not spend 7,500 to repair. *ak this problem and now i see others have had same engine sludge issues

While driving consumer noticed a large amount of smoke coming from rear of vehicle. dealer serviced engine two months later. upon attempting to start vehicle it did not start. vehicle was towed to dealership, and technician determined that there was sludge inside engine. *ak

While driving 25 mph consumer heard a noise coming from under vehicle, and vehicle stalled. consumer pulled vehicle over to inspect under hood, and found that timing chain cracked. *ak

Consumer stated that while driving engine blew. consumer pulled over and restarted the vehicle. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

2.7 liter intrepid engine failed at 115,000 miles due to oil sludge build-up, which caused a lower rod bearing failure. engine was well maintained and oil was changed every 3000-4000mi (less than the owner's manual recommendation of 7,500). *ak

Well, i have had nothing but problems with this car since i have had it. first it was little things like the window only going up or down when it felt like it, the oil light flashing on and off for no reason, the driver seat reclining for no reason, all the weather stripping coming off of the doors. now my whole engine is shot and i believe it is because of defective parts. i was driving on the freeway the other day when all of the sudden my car was making a noise any time i tried to accelerate. i checked all my gages and everything looked ok, so i turned off my cruise control thinking maybe that was the problem. someone drove past me and motioned there was a problem, so i stopped and my whole car filled with smoke. i lifted my hood and there was a piece that goes on top of my radiator that was off and steam and water and coolant was everywhere. i had just checked the water before i had left, and my temperature gauge never moved from its usual spot so it was odd that my car would overheat. the tow truck came and said that 2 days before he had the same exact car same exact thing happened. the piece that is on top of the radiator is something that probably should be bolted down, but is actually glued on with a rubber sealant. once that rubber got so hot, it seems that it melted and came off and with all the pressure the radiator blew and now i have a blown head gasget among other engin damage. the 1st estimate i have gotten is 2,500 which is outrageous, especially since it could have been prevented if they had just used a bold and not rubber glue on a hot radiator.*ak

While driving 40 mph vehicle stalled without warning. driver tried to restart the vehicle but was not able to do so. vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection, and mechanic informed determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak

While driving 45 mph engine blewout. consumer managed to restart the vehicle. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

Engine started knocking and weeks later the engine died while on a busy street. no action has been taken to correct the failure due to the high cost. *jb

My 1999 dodge intrepid's engine sludged up at 80,000 miles. i have all the records of oil changes, maintenance on this vehicle. chrysler corporation said it couldn't help me because of the warranty expiration. claimed it wasn't there problem. now, i'm stuck paying the balance on this car and the other vehicle that i had to purchase to get to work! someone one needs to correct this problem.*ak

While driving at approximately 65 mph vehicle completely shut down. there were no brakes, nor power steering, and vehicle coasted to a stop. consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that the vehicle needed a new engine. *ak

While driving my car started making a grinding noise, so i pulled over. had a tow truck take the car to the dealership, falls dodge. dealer stated engine had deep engine problem due to oil sludge. only resolution was to replace engine. cost of new engine $7800. plus labor. had car towed back home as repair bill was not feaxible, due to downsizing, loss of job. needed car for interviews and job if found. searched for used engine. none found. contacted mechanic in tallmadge who said he could help. found engine, used, at cost of $3800 plus repairs. took 4 months. need car for employment. having engine replaced with no guarantee that it will last as these 2.7 l engines are prone to failure. found many many many complaints and frustrations over these engines on the net. need help as chrysler is stating engine sludge my fault even though i followed their manual. no one from daimler-chrysler will admit any problem exits nor offer any resolution. this has caused numerous financial, mental, and physical stress.*ak

Our 1999 dodge intrepid 2.7l lasted us 17 days! we bought it used with 64,000 miles on may 24, 2004. after 1,000 miles, it was 2 quarts low of oil. we changed the oil to see if that would help. after 300 more miles it was another quart low. we added a quart. after 2 days, it was,again, a quart low... so we added a quart. on my husband's way to work that day,june 9, 2004, the engine blew. he lost his job because he was late to work. we had to have it towed home. we had not even made the first payment. now we have a car that won't run, and no job to pay the payments. it will cost us $5,000 to fix it. we didn't pay that much for the car in the first place. *ak

The car would not start after a brief drive with no previos indications of any problem. had it towed to the dealer who gave me an estimate for $8100.00 to replace the engine.tech said this is a common problem in the intrepids with 2.7l engines, but it is usually due to poor maintainance which leads to sludge build-up, but that he could tell my car was well maintained and clean. he siad it was caused by a water-pump failure, which threw off the timing and totalled the engine. the car had 59,000 miles and 2 payments left and was now basically worthless. the dealership got chrysler to reduce the bill by about 50% and i had to pay $4000 for a new engine. after picking it up, the a/c does not work. dealership says it is 'unrelated" and will cost $1100. to repair. someone should investigate this car as we are paying $20,000+ in good faith for cars that seem to self destruct before they are even paid for and we are left with nothing to show for 5 years of payments!!! thank you. *ak

While driving vehicle stalled. consumer tried to restart vehicle but was unable to do so. vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the timing belt broke due to sludge build up inside of the engine,and the engine needed to be replaced. *ak

2.7l dodge intrepid engine failure. engine running smooth while driving,and suddenly started running rough. engine stalledand when restated it began knocking. oil changed regularly. had to install new engine. *nm

On our way back from a small vacation on june 6, 2004 the oil light of my 1999 dodge intrepid came on. we (my husband ,myself and our 2 small children) pulled off the highway to the side of the road and our car quit. we checked the oil (which was full) and we tried to start the engine but it would not start. we then proceeded to call our aaa number and waited for a towtruck. when we contacted the garage the next day to see what the problem was, they told us that our oil pump malfunctioned which in turn led to the engine failure. we were told that our engine was not salvageable and that we would need to replace it. up until this point we thought we had just had some incredibly bad luck, but then we started looking around for a used engine and found it extremely difficult. we talked to several mechanics that were very aware of a common problem of the dodge 1999, 2.7 oil pumps failure. we found this very interesting. we found it even more interesting when we called the dodge company and were told that they were unaware of any problems with oil pump failure in the slightly older models but yet we have had no luck finding a replacement engine . we were told that we may have a newer stratus engine on the way but are still unsure of that. so basically we now have a car that has a $4000 problem that we are having a terrible time finding a cure for. granted my car had 71,000 miles on it but in this day in age i would expect a car to last a little longer than that. and even it it didn't ,i would certainly like to be able to find a replacement for the problem and not be told "good luck!" or "man,not another one!" by mechanics that are certainly aware of this common problem even though the dodge company is not, or so they say. we were totally unaware of this problem until it was too late and will end up costing us approximately $4000. at this point we our still without our vehicle and still have not secured a replacement engine. *la

Engine was rebuilt by 5 star dealer at 51,000. now at 91,000 mile engine had to be replaced as timeing chain broke and destory the left bank of values. this is a 2.7 liter v-6. after talking to several mechanics and was told basicly this is a through away engine meaning it is not a good engine so basicly i have had to replace this engine twice in 91,000 miles i changed the oil every 3000 miles and had all mantaince done on schedule. i bought the car a 1999 interpid at arburn berwer in washington. i think that dodge should recall all these engines and replace them with something good.*ak

Had begun to notice slight pinging sound in engine. engine seized up on me while driving home at night from appointment - approx 20 miles away from home. was able to contact my husband and he hauled car home. called several locations to get info on rebuilding engine for 1999 dodge intrepid. was told by several mechanics that this particular engine is none for seizing up and not to waste my money on buying a new 2.7 engine. new engine price around $5,000. not only am i stuck with 9 more payments, but i also have to carry full coverage insurance since the car is financed. called dodge customer service and they would not even open a complaint file.*ak

Driving 35 mph, the vehicle would stall. this caused the driver to drift to the side of the road. the consumer was able to restart the vehicle. the consumer will contact the dealership about this issue. *la the dealer indicated that the engine was the problem and needed to be replaced. the consumer indicated that the check engine never came on. the dealer was contacted but provided no financial assistance. *nm

I was driving at 45 mph and the engine started knocking and smoking. it caused me to be without my car for 6 months and pay over $6,000 to fix it. i needed a new engine along with oil filter and all fluids. *nm

Without warning our 1999 chrysler intrepid was rendered undriveable due to what was later "diagnosed" as timiing chain failure". repair to cost approximately 2000.00. *nm

While driving 35 mph vehicle stalled. consumer restarted vehicle, and it was towed to a garage for inspection. mechanic determined that the engine was defective, and needed to be replaced.*ak

Driving home one night and the my 1999 dodge itrepid 2.7l v6 just stalled on me. it was taken to a local mechanic who at first baffled what was worn. after doing some reasearch on the engine he realized what a problem these engines are and how chrysler cares nothing about fixing them. just some minor checking was done and the mechanic found there was no compression in the number5 cylinder and the air was going straight through to the exhaust. nothing has been done since then and i still deciding what to do with my vehicle. *ak

My wife was driving along with my diabetic mother and our 11 month old son to the louisville airport *3 hours away* to pick up her family, who was flying in for a visit. without warning the motor blew. they were lucky enough to have a state trooper happen along who gave them a ride back into town, *they only made it approximately 25 miles from home*. we only had the car for 5 months and had never had any problems with it, nor any indications something was going to happen. the car has approximately 80,000 miles on it, and i realize it is passed it's "36000 mile warranty" but with all the engine failures this 2.7 has had it is shameful! i am just grateful the state police came by when he did, as it was a hot day out, and they were on the cumberland parkway, meaning no where to walk to for help.

While driving 60 mph engine blew out. consumer managed to pull over, and had vehicle towed. the dealership will be notified. *ak

Over usage of oil. could not make it from one oil change to the next. took it in faithfully every 3 months. fans went out. faulty intake replaced. a/c went out, drivers side window falls off track. motor out in drives side back window. passenger side door sticks and wont open. engine blows. all major repairs occurred within a four month period, the minor items have been occurring for approx. a year. the car has low miles. i can no longer have repairs made to this vehicle and make payments at the same time. i will return it to the bank. it has been in and out of the shop for the past four months. *jb