Problems with 2001 Dodge Intrepid ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2001 dodge intrepid, i was driving on the freeway when all of a sudden the steering wheel got hard and the car stopped running...l had my children with me...luckily when that occurred the freeway was curving and i pulled a side because as i looked left... of course panicked... a huge semi truck had just passed me....the freeway merging... i just thanked god for that curve. i turned on the car and i heard loud klacking noise. now the motor is messed up and is costing me an arm and a leg so the car is just sitting there collecting dust. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. while driving approximately 35 mph, the engine stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the timing chain was the cause of the failure. the engine needed to be replaced at the cost of $6,000. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer stated that because the vehicle exceeded its warranty they would not assume any financial responsibility for the repair. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 45,000.

(1) heading to work at about 8:00 am and started car(2001 dodge intrepid) as usual and went down some main roads leading up to the expressway. got on the entrance ramp to the expressway and got up to 70 mph. slowed down to 55 mph for construction and after getting through the construction tried to accelerate. (2) started as a quite clanking noise and i just thought that maybe it was exhaust. slight vibrations and car started to slow a bit. then louder clanking that could only be described as metal in a blender and the car shut down luckily i was able to coast up an off ramp that was coming up on my right but had to stop on the busy street that the ramp led onto. lots of cars were passing. had no choice but to be late my job and have the car towed. (3) nothing was done to correct the failure because of the expense to replace the entire engine. a rod shot straight through the oil pan. old part is still in vehicle and is sitting in the driveway of a family member. was told that it was due to oil sludge buildup in the engine. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. while driving approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a loud rattling noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle's speed decreased dramatically and the vehicle stalled minutes later. she took the vehicle to a local mechanic and they replaced the timing chain and stated that the entire engine and engine cooling system needed to be replaced. the manufacturer stated that they would only assist if there was sludge in her engine. the powertrain was unknown. the failure mileage was 70,772 and current mileage was 77,000.

Car started making a knocking sound, and died on me. i was told that i needed oil and to have it checked out. on the way to shop car died in an intersection , my husband had to push it across traffic. had the car towed to sho, p and was told that the engine had blown due to sludge and that this was common with the dodge intrepid.*ak

2001 dodge intrepid se, 2.7 liter engine, v6, purchased in december 2006, we had the vehicle serviced the day before mothers day 2007, mothers day 2007, i was driving home from our local mall, i stopped at the stop sign, started to go and the car just stalled as if i were out of gas, i had a full tank, i tried to start the car, it would not start. i was told by the chrysler dealer nearby after we had it towed that it was engine failure. i had no warning, the engine light never came on, no oil light, no smoke from the engine no warning what so ever, and here i am a year later with car that does not run and out the money we paid for the car in the first place. we haven't had the car repaired because we are hoping they will recall this engine. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. while attempting to accelerate at 5 mph from a stop, the vehicle hesitated. the contact attempted to accelerate and the vehicle shut off without warning. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the engine failed. the current and failure mileages were 58,300.

2001 dodge intrepid engine seized only 57,000 miles. *ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. while driving 55 mph, the contact heard a loud knocking noise coming from the engine. she stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. the current mileage is 91,215 and failure mileage was 90,800. updated 07/06/07 *tr

While driving my dodge intrepid, the engine failed and seized on me. the last regular oil change i did, i happened to notice that the oil was a little chunky. after that oil change, the oil light started to flicker while car was in idol. asked mechanic friend to come look at my car, and said that there was nothing wrong. later that week my car started to knock very loudly. fear of a breakdown, i parked my intrepid and attempted to fix. when i took the valve cover off there was a thick coating of sludge on everything. i replaced a bearing on the crank for the #1 piston rod. when i started the car, it ran fine. i drove it for approximately 20 miles and the engine seized while i was on a busy 2 lane highway. now i need an engine replacement. when a called a shop and described the situation, he told me that this was a problem for a lot of people and that he did not have the time to fix my car that will just breakdown over and over. plus, i have problems with the window switches, and a/c controls. both problems i tried to have a dealership fix and they wouldn't cover it with my warranty! *tr

Engine went out of dodge intrepid with 78000 miles. was told that the 2.7 which it has, does this, and even routine maintenance will not prevent it. according to autobeef.com, numerous people have same problem. class action maybe!?!?! *ak

Engine failure on 2001 dodge intrepid, 97,000 miles mechanic recommends new engine. *ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. while driving 20 mph, the engine locked up without warning. the engine has oil sludge and a local mechanic diagnosed the failure as needing a new engine. the purchase date and # of cylinders were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 102,000.

Blown timing belt on the highway. *jb

Timing chain failure of 2001 dodge intrepid, and ultimate replacement of entire engine for $3400.00.*ak

I have a 2001 dodge intrepid with less than 70,000 miles on it. i just found out it has an oil leak along with other problems. the mechanic said he didn't recommend that i put too much money into it because of the poorly designed engine. as per my mechanic, chrysler knows of this problem. i have also done the research online and seen hundreds , if not, thousands of complaints. it is ridiculous in a time where most cars run for several hundred thousand miles that a company gets away with a deliberately poorly designed engine that basically starves itself internally of oil, my mechanics words. i think chrysler should be held accountable for their deliberate actions that are harming thousands of hard-working people. *ak

Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. while driving at 20 mph, the driver lost the power steering, the brakes failed and the engine lost power. the driver was able to take the vehicle off the road to avoid a collision. the mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced. the contact observed that there was a bad port design that decreases the oil flow to the valves, it heats up and the engine lost power. the manufacturer was notified, complaint#16093390 was filed and they stated that the warranty expired. the current and failure mileage were 60,000.

Tl*- the contact stated that while sitting in traffic after work in the 2001 dodge intrepid. he tried to leave and the vehicle lost power. e pushed the vehicle into a parking lot and tried to restart the vehicle 10 minutes later. when he restarted the vehicle there was a clanking noise coming from under the hood. the vehicle stayed on for about 20 seconds, and he called to have the vehicle towed. the vehicle was towed to his regular mechanic, and the mechanic informed him that the engine failed. the contact was waiting for the mechanic to call him and tell him exactly what caused the failure. the current and failure mileage were both 96,000.*ak

Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. while driving the vehicle lost power when stopping at a light. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop. the failure mileage was 85,000. the contact stated that for approximately 3-6 months prior the vehicle felt as though the transmission was slipping. there were no warning indicators. the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as needing a new engine. *ak updated 04/12/07. *jb

I purchased a 01' intrepid r/t in october of 2006. the engine failed in march for no explained reason while i was driving at 40 mph. i found a receipt in the car stating that the engine was replaced at 89,000 miles by another used 3.5l v6 but did not specify the mileage on that car. i purchased the car with 95,000 miles on it, and drove it normally until at about 99,000 miles, the engine failed. i will replacing it with another used engine with 48,000 miles, making this the third engine in this car under 100,000 miles. i took it to the dodge dealer to diagnose it, and they stated that they could not tell me the problem unless they tore the engine apart and recommended replacing the engine. *jb

I have a 2001 dodge intrepid i got the oil changed one day the next it is not drivable due to the timing chain going out dodge does not care about their vehicles i have talked to them i also found out that there are 5 intrepid's in a town of 6500 people with the same problem. and it takes a lot for repair cause of the bad engine design.*jb

At first my car started sounding like a diesel engine. timing chain was replaced. oil sludge was built up in the engine. engine seized. after researching i found out that many people have the same problem. oil was changed on a regular basic. my intrepid has been sitting in my driveway for months with a defective motor. dodge should have a recall on this 2.7 engine. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. while driving 65 mph, the contact heard a very loud clicking noise coming from the engine compartment. shortly afterwards, the motor stopped running and white smoke appeared from the exhaust. the vehicle would not restart. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. a mechanic advised him to replace the entire motor. the vehicle is still at the contact's home and has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 110,000.

Tl*- while at a stop sign with the2001 dodge intrepid contact smelled an odor, once the contact continued to drive at 10 mph and smoke started coming in through the air conditioning a/c vents, and the vehicle suddenly stopped. the contact had vehicle towed to a local repair shop, and they stated that the vehicle needed a new engine. the current and failure mileage were both 65000 miles.*ak

I just recently bought a 2001 dodge intrepid with 80,000 miles. i was driving the car on my way from the dentist without any warning the vehicle's engine went out while driving down the street. there was small rattling knocking noise and then the engine just went out. i had no prior signs of the engine going it just went, causing my life and my children's life to be in full danger. *nm

My 2001 dodge intrepid se with 65,000 miles just quick working while i was driving i had it towed to repair shop and was told the engine was blown the repair will cost $5721.00 contacted dodge and was told they would not help with the repair. i still have 8 payments. *jb

Tl* - the contact called regarding a 2001 dodge intrepid. the contact stated that she was traveling at 65 mph when she heard a clicking noise. she pulled over to the side of the road. the contact stated that once she pulled over the check oil light turned on. the vehicle cut off and would not restart. the current and failure mileage were 83,000. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop. the vehicle wa s diagnosed as the timing chain failure. the repair shop advised the contact the engine needed to be replaced.*ak

I own a 2001 dodge intrepid, and used it for my commute. i was driving 35 mph and began to hear a loud knocking sound and believe it to be related to the oil sludge problem in chrysler's 2.7 engines. *tr

I bought a used 2001 dodge intrepid 2.7l with 61,000 miles. i gave it regular oil changes. while driving on 114 highway my engine seized causing my power steering to fail and cause great difficulty for me to pull to the side of the road. my engine is junk and my warranty will not cover this, chrysler will also not take fault, even though i took all the necessary precautions for my car. i am afraid that someone else in my situation may not have been able to get to the side of the road like i was, and may resort in a fatal accident. i have read online and this is happening to many many people with dodge engines years 1997-2003. *nm

Engine started making ticking sound. got louder as i got closer to home (approx. 1 mile). very noisy once i got home. shut off engine. had vehicle towed to dodge dealer. dealer mechanic diagnosed timing belt jumped the gears and valves and valve stems were shot. *nm

Complete engine failure at only 80k miles due to oil sludge. well maintained, oil changes regularly; oil light came on while on highway, got off less than 1/2 mile away and went 1/8 mile to an auto service place. had engine flushed, oil changed, and 30 miles later, on highway, engine seized. now have to pay $6k for a new engine. *nm

I was driving the vehicle when i heard a metal on metal grinding noise. before i could pull the car out of traffic the car stalled, the vehicle became almost impossible to steer. i got it pulled over to the side of the road & have been unable to start it since. i was told just today that the water pump broke into pices, & the timing chain needs to be replaced. i called the chrysler corp. & inspite of the fact that this car has less than 68,000 miles on it, they informed me that i am responsible for the entire $1,500.00+ repair bill. *jb

Purchased a 2001 dodge intrepid se in oct. 2006 from used car dealer. on dec. 29,2006 car began to make gurgling noise coming from the engine. has 119,200 miles on car. took car to mechanic and he said he had just finish engine repairs on a 1998 and 2000 dodge intrepid with the same problem. need to change oil pump, oil pan, lifters and gaskets. looking at $500 to $1000 for repairs plus $60 to put it on the diagnostic machine. only paid $2500 for car. this is my only means of transportation to work and school. if i had known that this car was so jacked up i would not have bought it. there should be someone filing a class action lawsuit against the car manufacturer. sign me up!!! *nm

Heater would come and go of late, oil light would flicker at stops and go off upon accelerating. on trip from tx to nc oil light came on, stayed on. had the filter changed, oil light went off, until the engine totally seized the following day shortly after the oil light came on. was quoted 6000.00 to replace an engine for a car worth well less than that. gave it to a ford dealer and bought a ford taurus. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle would sporadically decelerate while the contact's foot was still depressing the accelerator pedal. the vehicle was losing power. speed was not a factor during the failure. on one occasion, while driving, the vehicle lost power. he pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and noticed that the engine was engulfed in smoke and brown sludge. the vehicle has been serviced for routine maintenance. he took the vehicle to the dealer and was advised that the engine needed to be replaced at approximately $4,500. the technician also stated that this particular year, make, and model vehicle has common engine failures. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 100,049.

Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. the contact was approaching a stop sign when the vehicle began to over heat and stalled. the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop. the mechanic stated that the timing belt and the water pump were not functioning properly. the mechanic advised the contact to replace the engine. this is the only incident that occurred. the contact didn't authorize the dealer repair the vehicle. she is unable to drive the vehicle. *nm updated 2/27/2007 - the water pump failed and was leaking. the oil pressure switch was bad and the engine had sludge build up. *nm

Timing chain and oil pump failed in car oil sludge build up had to replace motor at 140,000 miles maintenance on vehicle done regularly thermostat housing and intake manifold had to be replaced at 160,000 miles vehicle is now leaking antifreeze. *tr

Tl* - while driving a 2001 dodge intrepid at 45 miles per hour, the engine started to make a knocking sound. the car did not stall. the odometer read 100,000 miles at the time of the incident. the oil in the vehicle has been changed after the incident. the contact found information about similar incidents at : www.datatown.chrysler.com. the website stated that if the vehicle fails the owner isn't performing proper maintenance on the vehicle.

1) i bought a 2001 dodge intrepid...what other events do you need? i later found out that the 2.7l engine is notorious for engine failure. i had changed the oil every 3m miles and noticed that the engine would make a ticking noise if the oil was low. i wouldn't wait 3m miles because i was changing the oil every time it started to tick. never once did my oil light come on. 2) the engine was making a ticking noise and i drove it to work. i drove back from work and was driving 20 - 30 mph home and the oil light and the check engine light went on and the car died. i had to have the car towed and was told that the engine had seized and was -4 quarts low of oil even though there was no leak and no spots in my parking area to tell me that i was losing oil. since the failure, i have it in storage at a friend's parking spot and am still making payments on a car that i can no longer drive .i have two years of payments to go until i can finally "officially" junk it. the consequences are that i am paying 6,000 dollars on a car that doesn't work. 3) i was told that it would cost $4,000 to get another engine and have not done so and went out and bought a used honda for that amount with more miles that will run longer. all parts are in tact on the vehicle just as i purchased it. *jb

Wife was driving in a residential neighborhood when the temperature dial went to hot and chimed. within 2-3 minutes of the chime notifying my wife of a problem, the engine seized and stalled while driving. my wife rolled partially onto a nearby driveway and saw smoke coming from under the hood. my wife had to push the vehicle out of the driveway and down the road in traffic about 1/4 of a mile, to a nearby hotel parking lot to await a tow home. the owner of the home refused to be of assistance to my wife. in the process, my wife re-injured her lower back by pushing the car and simultaneously hopping into the vehicle to navigate/steer/brake while the car was in motion. she was currently under a doctor's care and being treated for this lumbar injury. the intrepid was towed to a mechanic and he said the water pump failed which resulted in the engine seizing. the mechanic elaborated in sharing how there was no way for my wife to know at any point that there was a underlining problem with the failing water pump and that it was typical for this particular vehicle. we were told it would be $6,000 to rebuild the engine and this problem would occur again later if we opted to move forward and have it rebuild. it was suggested to sell to a junk yard or donate to charity. it's a 2001 dodge intrepid se. it sits in our driveway. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the engine died. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, who determined the engine died due to engine sludge, and would needed to be replaced.

Dt*: the contact stated the engine died. the contact took the vehicle to a non service dealer who could not identify why the engine failed. the check engine light was not illuminated prior to the incident. updated 01/10/07. *jb

Having engine problems with my 2.7 liter on my 2001 dodge intrepid. *jb

One day it started the terrible knocking took it immediately to a mechanic and he gave me the bad news about these engines .the 2.7 liter engine on my 2001 dodge intrepid failed at 120,000 miles. i have regularly maintained this vehicle, and the costs of the repairs are phenomenal ($ 4000 )--and i am still stuck with the same 2.7 liter engine. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated and a month later, the vehicle would not accelerate above 5 mph. the vehicle was taken to the dealership, where it was determined the engine needed to be replaced.

While turning into my subdivision my 2001 dodge intrepid, 2.7l, v-6, 83,000 miles, died and i lost all power for steering and braking. i had the vehicle towed to an independent shop to determine the problem. the initial problem was thought to be a cracked plentium, but after replacement ($1,000), the car did not start and the mechanic determined the engine needed to be replaced. i then had the car towed to an engine specialty shop for further analysis. this shop informed me that the engine was water and/or oil locked and that indeed the engine needed to be replaced. they researched the engine and found that there are a number of places that wouldn't even sale the 2.7l, v-6 due the great number of engine failures that have occurred. additionally, jasper engines (a leading manufacture and distributor of engines) stated that these engines have a very high failure rate and suggested upgrading to the 3.2l ($4,500 engine + $1,000 for the upgrade parts and pieces needed because it's a different engine = $5,500). they even suggested i go on this site to see how many more people had the same problem. based on what i read this is an issue that chrysler should own up to and make the appropriate fixes. i for one have owned a number of dodges and all have had some type of problem associated with them, specifically, transmission problems. has anyone had any luck with chrysler giving them relief or a dealer stepping up? *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle started to decelerate and finally stopped. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who determined a new engine was needed.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 mph cold air blew from the heater and the vehicle stalled. it was maneuvered off the road and towed to an independent repair shop who determined a release valve fractured causing the water to leak out of the engine. the engine had to be replaced. the dealer has been alerted. updated 01/10/07. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled. there were no warning signals prior to the incident. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine was blown and would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was not informed.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 mph under normal road conditions, the engine stalled. the vehicle slowed down to 20 mph and then stopped. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced.