Problems with 2000 Dodge Intrepid ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I have a 2000 model dodge intrepid with 35,000 original miles on it and a blown engine. i have since found out that this is quite normal for the 2.7 litre v6 engine. they are very expensive and very hard to find used because there are so many incidents. you can look on ebay motors right now at the dodge intrepids and there are three with bad motors. please help me.*ak

While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. the vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *nm

We begain experiencing an engine knock. dealer diagnosis "rattle noise in the engine area -- noise found to be timing chain hitting front cover. motor slightly sludged -- replaced timing chain, tensioners and guides, flused motor and changed oir and filer" total repair cost $1355.55. *ak

My wife was driving the car and it stopped. we took it to the dealer the company we bought the warrenty from won't pay because there was sludge in the motor.we only had the car 8 months.the oi l& filter was changed.the car as been at the dealerfor 4 months.*ak

While driving 65 mph vehicle stalled. consumer managed to restart the vehicle. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

My 2.4l 4 cyl engine in my dodge intrepid failed while i was driving at night. apparently the timing chain failed which leads to the valves being crunched and the rods bent because of the close tolerances used in this engine. the car had to be pulled to the side of the road and it was inorperable, and the engine had to be replaced at considerable expense.

While driving 35 mph the engine locked up. the dealership was notified but did not resolve the problem. *ak *nm

When driving at any speed consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the engine. dealership was notifed, but did not see a problem. *ak

Hi. my 2000 dodge intrepid blew its engine while driving it. it had under 80,000 miles on it and had been perfectly maintained. it has the 2.7 litre engine in it that i now see on the web is full of defects. i owe $8,000 on a vehicle i can't drive, trade in, or even junk! since the lender still "owns" the vehicle, i don't have the option of getting rid of it. there are so many of us that have had the exact same problem and chrysler is unwilling to help. for that matter, they don't even respond! the dealership blames chrysler but does nothing. they state that perhaps there weren't enough oil changes (even though we can document every oil change performed at 3,000 miles). used auto parts shops cannot keep the 2.7 litre engine in stock since there are so many folks in my position desperate to get their intrepid fixed. mechanics advise that there is no guarantee whatsoever that putting a used 2.7 (or a brand new one) will fix this problem. the next 2.7 could be every bit as defective. also while driving this vehicle a short time before the engine blew, the steering column locked up causing us to swerve into oncoming traffic. this was a potentially deadly occurrence. $1,800 from the dealership that we're still paying off to repair that little problem. please help!! thanks. leo cunningham west seneca, ny 716 821-9586. *jb

While driving 45 mph, the vehicle started making a loud noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. without warring vehicle engine stall. vehicle was towed, technician notice engine needed replacement. please provide further details. *nm

Consumer complained about engine problem. sludge was found at the base of the engine. consumer feared that the engine will stop working. consumer stated that the vehicle was being properly maintained. *ak

Consumer was unable to start ignition. vehicle was towed to the dealership, who informed the consumer that the problem pertained to the engine blowing out. however, problem was not resolved. *ak

Engine died due to sludge buildup. *mr the consumer had gone to get an oil change and was told that the serpentine belt was cracking. the oil light had come on and the dealer stated that the sensor needed to be replaced. after the consumer picked up the vehicle from the dealer for the repair of the sensor, the oil light had come back on. after about two miles of driving, the engine failed. the consumer found that the engine failed due to sludge. *sc *jb

While driving a knocking noise was heard from underneath. consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined engine needed to be replaced due to an oil build up. *ak

Dear sir: my dodge intrepid engine seized up on me while driving on 5/27/04 in the middle of a busy road and someone almost hit me as my car stopped sudennly, plus cars started to pass me on a one lane road which was a dangerous situation. i took the car to my mechanic, who diagnosed a blown engine with sludge but it had a full oil pan. he said the car had full oil but the engine was not getting oil so it blew so it is a defective product. it is a dangerous product as well. i bought this car about a year ago thinking it had a life of about 10 more years and it was in great condition. i maintained the car as recommended per the owners manual and had it in for service including oil changes every 3000 miles or 3 months. i took care of this car but dodge did not take care of me by selling a car with a defective engine. i will do whatever i can to punish dodge for what they did to me and to recoup my losses. i would appreciate any help you could offer me. thanks, keith barnes. *ak

The vehicle's engine produced a large amount of sludge which caused the vehicle to sound very loud. the cause has not been determined. please provide any additional information. *nm

While driving, suddenly there was a banging and clanging noise , from the engine compartment. it was discovered that the timing belt came off the tensioner pulley. please provide additional information. *jb

I own a 2000 dodge intrepid and have had several mechanical problems. i had to have the transmission rebuilt when it was only 3 years old. just this past thursday i was driving on the highway and my engine just stopped, causing all powere steering, etc. to go out. i had it towed to a local dealership who told me the engine was locked up and estimated $3100 to rebuild my engine $3900 for used engine and twice as much for a new engine. grant it, at this point i'm still undecided as to what i'm going to do. the dealership said that my engine overheated and locked up. my car showed no indication of overheating...no lights came on, no temperature gauge reading hot and no signs. my car was driving normally and just stopped. *ak

While driving 45 mph vehicle stalled. consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that the motor needed to be replaced. *ak

While driving at 60 mph there was a taping noise, and the engine lost power. vehicle was taken to the dealership the following day, and dealer indicated that because of a design flaw in the engine the oil didn't flow properly, causing an oil build up. dealer stated that this was a common problem with these types of engines. *ak

2000 dodge intrepid with 37k miles had total engine failure while driving. dealership states failure was due to sludge in engine.*ak

While driving 45 mph, the engine stalled. the consumer managed to pull over and had the vehicle towed. *jb prior to the vehicle stalling the engine was pinging and knocking. no waring light illuminated indicating a failure. after the vehicle was towed it was checked by a technician. it was determined that teh vehicle was 1 1/2 quarts low on oil although the vehicles oil was changed 3 weeks prior. *nm

Engine failure, left alone, wife and two kids 30 miles from nearest town on two lane road, on vacation in florida, 400 miles from home. *ak

While driving at 45 mph, suddenly there was a knocking noise in the engine. the vehicle was taken to the dealership, who indicated that the engine had gummed up, which caused the timing chain tensionor to stick in the opened position. they also, indicated that this is a common problem with these engine and the manufacture was aware of the problem, but a remedy or improvement part hasn't been found. the entire engine needed to be replaced. *jb

Complete engine failure for 2000 dodge intrepid 2.7l engine with no prior warnings. failure caused engine to die, but luckily road was empty and no injuries or damage occured. after exhaustive research on the web, found this problem to be spreading like a wildfire on the same exact engine. maintenance on my engine has been on schedule with quality parts and oil. replacement parts are unbelievably high due to the recent high demand on this engine and its situation. reports of engine failure due to oil sludge and/or timing chain failure can be found easily by searching for 2000 dodge intrepid 2.7 engine problems. something has to be done regarding this situation before someone actually dies due to engine failure on a busy highway. most of the time it takes someone dieing before anything happens, but maybe this time something can be done beforehand.

Consumer stated that 2.7 liter engine caught on fire. consumer was driving and noticed the smoke under the engine. consumer opened the hood and the engine was engulfed in flames. there was evidence of motor oil all over the engine. vehicle was towed to the dealer, who insisted after an inspection that vehicle was fine. however, the vehicle had serious engine problems. consumer's insurance company refused to assist stating that this problem was the manufacturer's fault. consumer contacted the manufacturer, and was told that warranty expired. this vehicle had only 53,000 miles, and became totally useless. *ak

At my latest oil change, the guy doing the oil change said that there was some sludge in the oil. i had him flush the system as a part of the oil change. now, just a month later, my wife tells me the intrepid has started making a loud rattlling noise. i went to go check it out and couldn't get the car to start. i had the car towed to a service station and they told me that the engine is probably totalled and will need to be replaced. i haven't had it towed to the dealer yet as i really don't want to spend another $200 getting the car towed there and having a diagnostic to find out what i already know. daimler chrysler really needs to do right by their cars. i spoke with them and they said i'd have to provide proof that i've been having the oil changed every 3000 miles. even then, they said i'd have to prove that the service station was reputable and used high quality oil. basically they said i was screwed. thanks dodge. *la

When driving at an undetermined speed and without warning vehicle stalled. this caused the driver to drift to the side of the road. consumer towed the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that timing chain failed.*ak

Started car on a saturday morning only with the same small tapping noise as from the last couple of days. no check engine light had come up until going down the freeway a very loud noise, lost of power and finally a check light came on. exited freeway drove a couple of miles to a friends home to leave car. after calling the huntington beach dodge service dept on monday and providing oil change records . the extended warrinty service people have decline my claim to fix engine claiming that the oil change service dept at walmart started the engine without oil and cause engine faliure. i find this claim by the first extended service corp to be wrong, since in my personnal experience and by viewing all the oil changes that have been taken care of by walmart , they have never started a cars engine without oil.*ak

While driving 55 mph engine check light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. then, vehicle stalled. consumer restarted vehicle and pulled over. consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge built up. *ak

While driving 45 mph vehicle stalled, causing the driver to drift to the side of the road. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. *ak

Engine began making a loud knocking noise. i took it to four different places and was told anything from a lifter problem to a new engine was needed due to sludge build-up and the timing chain tensioner. i have been in touch with chrysler and they said they did not have a recall on the engine and could do nothing at this time. i have only had the vehicle for about three months. oh!! this is a 2000 dodge intrepid with a 2.7l engine.*ak

While driving at 40 mph consumer heard a light tapping sound coming from the engine. several weeks later, engine started to tap very loudly. a certified mechanic examined the vehicle and found that a new engine was needed. *ak engine and belts were replaced. *ts

While driving down the highway, the consumer's husband heard a clicking noise and then the vehicle cut off and would not restart. the consumer's husband had the vehicle towed to the mechanic, who determined that the engine failed. the consumer had to purchase a new engine for the vehicle. *ak the mechanic suggested that the problem was with engine sludge build up due to the exhaust going through the engine because the catalytic converter was under the engine instead of under the vehicle. *sc *jb

Consumer was driving at 30 mph when he heard a noise. vehicle suddenly stopped while coming to a traffic light. vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the engine was found to be defective.*ak

While driving on the highway at 55 mph vehicle jerked forward, there was a knocking noise, then the vehicle stalled. vehicle was towed to a dealership, who indicated that the engine had blown out due to oil sludge. this occurred because of a defect in the engine design. *ak

Engine suddenly shut off at highway speed. consumer had to merge slowly to the shoulder to avoid an accident. took vehicle to the dealer, and dealer claimed there was sludge build up in the engine. *ak

Vehicle started making loud noise. checked under hood and found the noise coming from front of engine. took to four different places for opinions and was told that the engine needed to be repaired due to sludge in the oil. it will cost approximately $5500 to repair.*ak

While driving at 50 mph vehicle stalled. driver managed to get vehicle out of traffic. had tried to restart vehicle and it rolled backwards. driver waited 30 minutes and then restarted vehicle. took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic determined engine failed, needed to be replaced. *ak

While starting up the vehicle would not start. the driver was unable to start. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the head gasket had blew and the engine needed replacing. please fill in additional information. *nm

Defective 2.7 liter dodge intrepid (2000) engine. engine sludge builds up with proper maintenance. time chain broken 1st time at 62837 miles, sensors problems because of sludging at 64694 miles. timing chain broke again 12/04. car in not running at this time. *nm

While driving 30 mph engine failed. as a result, consumer had to get the vehicle towed. *ak the consumer indicated that dodge is aware of a defect in their 2.7l engines. apparently the oil does not circulate properly and sludge builds up in the engine. *nm

After starting the vehicle the consumer would hear a loud knocking noise coming from the engine. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. the cause was not determined. *mr

2000 dodge intrepid this 2.7 engine has a major engineering flaw in the motor. even though i have maintained oil changes there is still engine sludge in the motor which has disabled my motor and i cannot drive it anymore. the extended warranty refuses to pay for the repairs even though i had proof of oil changes. there are numerous people with the dodge intrepid's with the 2.7 engines who are experiencing the same problems yet the auto maker refuses to see there is a problem. my check engine light has never come on and had the ticking noise in the engine not become so obvious in the last week or so before taking it in to the shop, i would have probably at some point locked the motor up not knowing there was an engine problem causing problems for myself as well possibly other people on the highway. this car had a slight ticking in the engine when i purchased it but was told it was normal engine noise. when i bought the car it had a little over 31,000 miles on it and have only had it two years this past jan.(04) and it has a little over 58,000 miles now and now the motor is shot i still owe over 11,000 on the car and they are quoting me a price of 4,800 and some odd dollars to fix it. this is a problem that needs to be addressed and a recall needs to be done on these 2.7 engines. after researching the net. i have discovered that numerous people have this problem and are done the same way i have been done. chrysler needs to stand behind their work and acknowledge there is a problem with the 2.7 engines instead of giving customers like myself who have maintained oil changes grief. *nm

I own a 200 dodge intrepid that has been in the shop since march 28, 2004. the initial diagnosis was sludge in the engine (cylinder head, tensioner to the timing chain) the warranty company refused to pay. i agreed to the 1500 repair. after the repair then they say the oil pump is broke and the warranty company pays for that. after that is replaced they call and state that the valves are bent. after six weeks, the service manager states that he told the warranty company that he recommended that the engine be replaced. i was never told about an engine replacement until then and i let the service manager know that at this point i feel that they did not know what they were doing and that i would have removed my car from the shop. well my car is still at ewald automotive this day i brought a replacement car at an auction on may 8, 2004. my son has talked with the general manager who stated that he was not aware of the problem. although nice, he has not done anything to remedy this dilemma. i have since done research on the net and have found a lot of the same story with the car. i did email chrysler on the onset of this problem asking why no warning. the response from them was that the car was not equipped to give me a warning. *jb

While driving 45 mph, the oil pressure gauge went down and suddenly the engine stalled. the vehicle was towed to the dealership. the technician indicated the engine stalled because of poor maintenance. *jb

While driving at a low speed engine stalled. an independent mechanic indicated that the problem could be with the transmission or engine. please provide any additional information. *nm

While driving at 65 mph oil pressure gauge went down and suddenly consumer heard noise coming through the engine. vehicle was taken to the independent shop and service technician determined engine needed to be replaced. *ak

Consumer purchased a 2000 dodge intrepid, a buy back vehicle. he states that vehicle runs fine as long as it is cold, but when the vehicle gets warm or hot, it begins to bang. consumer complained to dealer and manufacturer, but they will not help. it will cost consumer approximately $1500.00 to repair vehicle . *ak

While driving consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the engine. consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak