Problems with 2000 Chrysler Concorde ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 mph on the highway, a very loud noise was heard and then a vast amount of smoke came from the rear of the engine. the engine stalled suddenly without warning. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined there was a piston and rod problem resulting in a crack in the engine block; the engine would need to be replaced. there were no problems with the engine prior to this incident. the contact maintained routine oil changes as needed. the dealership was aware of the problem.

Dt*: the contact stated there was a constant knocking noise in the engine. the noise was heard when the vehicle was started up, and continued until the vehicle was shut off. the noise became louder as the speed increased. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. there were no immediate repairs made to the vehicle.

I was responding from home to an emergency page when i began hearing loud noises coming for the engine. i was turning a corner when this began so i was driving approximately 10-15 mph. i pulled over, shut off the engine. upon attempting to start my vehicle it failed. i had it towed to dealer which informed me the timing chain came loose and bent the valves, damaged the heads. i need a need motor. they want to charge me $4,000 for a used motor plus labor costs. i still owe $3,000 on this vehicle. i purchased it late 2003 and the dealer didn't inform me this was an ongoing, very common issue with this vehicle. i'm a single mom with no means of purchasing a replacement vehicle let alone thinking of fixing it. i can't even trade it in for a vehicle since i owe more than the car is now worth. *nm

I went to start my vehicle one morning and it would not start. i had my brother and father in law whom are mechanics come take a look at it and they said the engine was filled with sludge. we then cleaned out the engine real good and changed all the liquids in it. it worked for approximately a month. i then got up in the morning to go to work and started my vehicle and went to my mothers down the road before work. on my way to work the engine started acting up and luckily i was just down the road from home. i went straight home and made it right before my chrysler concord quit completely on me. i then had my brother in law again come look at it and he said the engine was toast and needed a new one. now i had already replaced the motor approximately a year before this incident happened. now i owe $8,000.00 on this vehicle and can not drive it due to not being able to afford to replace the motor again. it sets in my drive as a lawn ornament now. now the incident date below is an approximate date since this happened some time ago. but i know it was in the summer time after june of 2006. *nm

When i was driving on the highway going to work in the am, the car started sputtering and i had to pull over to see what was wrong. it seemed to be ok after that. then later that evening, i was driving on a 70 mph freeway and the car suddenly and completely lost power this time and i had to make an emergency pull off to the side of the road, and i almost caused a major accident. i had the vehicle checked and it was determined to be engine failure and that i would have to replace the engine at a cost of about $3200. i have not had the repair done yet so the car is sitting in my driveway until i decide what to do. *nm

2000 chrysler concorde, 2.7 liter engine had a engine failure (water pump, causing jump time, causing blown engine) within seconds causing total loss of power brakes,power steering at 70 mph on i-94 at north river road. i was lucky to maintain control of vehicle. i have since discovered the 2.7 liter engine has had many similar problems due to poor design that causes a buildup of sludge in engine. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 chrysler concorde. while driving 45 mph, the vehicle began making a clunking noise. the dealer stated that the timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. two years later, while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle shut off and would not restart. the engine was towed to two mechanics and they stated that the engine was locked. the vin was unknown. the current mileage was 163,000 and failure mileage was 78,000.

Timing belt broke while driving on the road. engine quit and i coasted into a driveway. mechanic said the timing belt broke causing the valves to be bent and engine failure. $6000 to replace the engine. hard for a elderly couple!*jb

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled while stopped at stop lights and the steering locked. the vehicle eventually failed to start and was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the engine needed to be replaced and was later towed to a service dealer who determined the engine needed to be replaced because of sludge build up. there was no determination of what caused the sludge build up and no warning lights ever illuminated prior to any of the problems. in addition to the oil sludge the dealer also determined one of the pistons was bad.

My 2000 chrysler concorde 2.7 liter with 56,000 miles was just reported by dealership that the engine was shot because of sludge build up. i was puzzled because i change my oil every 3,000 miles ? please help me ! *nm thanks, lance. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph the engine stalled. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where they determined the engine needed to be replaced.

Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated while driving at 60 mph. the light had illuminated on 3 separate occasions. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with complete engine failure. there was metal floating in the oil pan. the manufacturer was not contacted.

I own a 2000 chyrsler concorde with a 2.7 lemon engine. it blew up at 73500 miles. my mechanic says it is due to oil sludge buildup and too small of oil ports. i have read the 100's of complaints from other people on the internet as well as chryslers denial of a problem. if former employees of chrysler have told me this is a design problem. it is time for daimler chrysler to step up to the plate and act responsibly. regardless of their claims one or two missed oil changes will not cause total engine failure. it is not unreasonable to expect a vehicle to go for 200 thousand miles or more in this age of technology! i also own a 96 gmc yukon with 156 thousand miles on it. it still runs great and has not given me any engine problems. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while turning a corner at 25 mph the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop which determined the problem was the timing chain however, no repairs have been made. updated 3/28/2006 - *nm

I was driving at 40 mph on a busy highway and my engine shut off. i was able to go to the shoulder of the road and avoid any traffic problems. had my vehicle towed to the repair shop , and they indicated that my engine was blown and needed replacement. i only had 82,000 miles and changed my oil 3 to 4 times a year.this was well within the guidlines. had my car towed to the dealer and they were great. they set up a communication with chrysler and instead of having to pay $8,100 for an engine replacement, they offerred to pay $7,000 and i had to pay $1,000. i was happy with the result, however, i don't know why i should have liable for any amount.*ak

Complete 2.7l engine failure at 87,000 miles. oil changes occurred every 3,000 miles (more than the recommendation by the manufacturer). schedule a in the owners manual recommends oil changes every 7500 miles under "normal" operating conditions. schedule b recommends oil changes every 3000 miles if you operate your vehicle under one or more of the following conditions: 1. day and night temperatures are below freezing or 2. frequent stop and go driving or 3. frequent long periods of engine idling or 4. frequent short trips of less than 5 miles or 5. frequent operation at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 90 degrees fahrenheit or 6. frequent trailer towing or &. taxi, police or delivery service, non of which apply to our situation and we still changed the oil every 3000 miles. without any indication of a problem, the engine shut down on the highway traveling at 70 mph placing us in a very dangerous situation trying to coast to a safe place. the car was towed to a closed chrysler dealership on a saturday evening and we were stranded trying to find a rental car. the chrysler dealership stated the next monday that the engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $7400. considering that the balance of the car loan is $6000, it is not feasible to repair the car at that cost. unfortunately, we are still making payments on this car that we cannot drive and we are also paying a storage fee since we are unable to keep a broken down car at our residence. at the same time we have been paying for a rental car until we find another vehicle. i contacted chrysler customer relations dept. 1/11/06 and spoke with a screener who gave me a reference number and passed me on to chrysler rep. #177 only to be told by chrysler rep. id#177 that it's not their problem, it's our problem. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving, a noise came from the engine. the vehicle was pulled over and towed to an independent repair shop. the repair shop determined the crank shaft bearing failed and there was sludge in the oil.

Dt: the contact stated while pulling out from a parking space at 5-7 mph the car started making a loud noise and the engine locked. the dealer said the timing change broke which caused the engine to shut down. *ak

Oil light went on yesterday morning. i immediately stopped at a service station and they put in a quart of oil. on the way home from work last night, oil light was still on. i stopped at another service station and they put in another quart of oil. minutes later, the engine shut off while i was driving. i pushed the car into a nearby gas station and had the car towed to the dealership this morning. they just informed me that i need a new engine - minimum cost will be $6,400. they advised that these were not great engines and chrysler is not proud of them. *nm

I have an 2000 chrysler concorde and was turning from one highway to next and car died right in middle of turn. there were no warning lights or loud engine sounds that would indicate something was wrong. had car towed to chrysler dealership and they said engine had froze up and would cost $7,100 to replace it with new engine as no used engines were available. car only had 85,300 miles on it and had regular maintenance...warranty had expired previous year. called daimler-chrysler corp and they were very rude. *nm

Dt: the contact went to start the vehicle and it would not start. he had the vehicle towed to a dealership. they found the tensioner in the engine broke, causing the engine to blow up. repairs will be at the contact's expense.*ak

I purchased a 2000 chrysler concorde from sanders automotive in columbus, oh. the car has since then required a completely new engine. i was told by a automotive repair man that this engine has been recalled. i was never notified about this recall and as a consumer do not feel that i should be required to come out of my pocket $3500-$4500 for a car that apparently has this issue on a regular basis. *jb

No warning the car just broke down. i had it towed to my mechanic, and they told me the engine was blown, due to sludge, and it would be about $5000.00 to fix it. i have not had the car repaired yet.*jb

Dt: the contact owns a 2000 chrysler concorde. while driving it in the middle of traffic the timing chain went out and the engine was trashed. this occurred on 9-22-05. the contact was to have a new engine installed. he found some information on the internet about how oil sludge buildup in these engines could cause the timing chain to fail, which causes the engine to malfunction. apparently, this was a known problem with these engines. the contact stated mercedes benz and volkswagen have the same problem because they have the same engine. they have extended their warranties to cover sludge problems beyond the normal warranty period. he has not yet talked to the dealer.*ak *nm

Dt: the contact heard a tapping noise coming from the engine on september 5, 2005. he had not driven it for a couple of days. then, he took it to a mechanic, and they told him they believed that it had an engine problem. the contact drove the vehicle home, and the next time he tried to start vehicle up but it would not start. the contact towed it to a dealer, and they said the engine needed to be replaced. he had the engine replaced now.*ak updated 12/7/2005. *nm

1) timing chain failed @72000 miles without warning (chrysler repaired after giving me hell for two weeks extended warranty ran out @ 75000 miles 2)last week the engine failed without any warning at 76000 miles. chrysler will not do anything the extended warranty is over. *jb

There were no events leading to the failure everything was fine until i heard the engine knocking and then i took it straight to a dealer to have them look at it where it was then discovered the engine had been blown due to a bearing breaking. the garage said that it wasn't worth rebuilding the engine and would be better off buying a new engine which i couldn't afford due to me being a college student. *jb

Bought a used 2000 chrysler concorde w/2.7 engine 1 year ago w/51000 miles on it i drove it only 1 year and engine stopped was told by repair shop it would require a major repair job and around $4000.00 to repair . chrysler knew of this engine failure since it came out and should be held accountable for not recalling for repairs. thoma strowbridge sr. *nm

My 2000 concorde had to have the engine replaced at only 36,000 miles. maintenance was done routinely and the off brand warranty company refused to pay because sludge in the engine. i really took care of this car and it failed me. *jb

Dt: consumer heard a knocking noise while driving or idling. took vehicle to a mechanic, who was unable to repair car because he did not know what the noise was. referred to a dealership, who had 3 technicians inspect the vehicle. it was suggested not to drive any further or the motor may blowout. a new motor was recommended. there was sludge in the engine and shavings in the oil pan. consumer was not exactly sure what the final diagnosis was on the motor, but remembered the sludge and shavings. contacted chrysler about the motor because the vehicle had been maintained regularly. chrysler returned consumer's call and stated they would pay 50% of the bill for the replacement of the motor. vehicle is in the shop for repairs now. *ak *nm

Dt: while driving about 30-35 mph on a street and the vehicle cut off. there was no stalling loss of all power. the steering was still working though it was hard to turn the vehicle. pulled to the side of the street and called for a mechanic. a local mechanic came and towed vehicle to an independent service repair shop. thee it was discovered there was brown sludge, and this was caked up beyond repair. suggested the engine would have to replaced. no repairs have been made at this time due to the expense of a new engine replacement. contacted both dealer and manufacturer, who did not wish to replace or help the consumer with the replacement. this vehicle was regularly serviced and maintained. this happened at 61, 000 miles. *ak

Dt: the caller stated car was idling up while driving, and then it stalled. this happened about 20 times while driving. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that the cam sensor and computer throttle sensor were the cause of the failure. the tie-rod ends also failed. the estimated cost to replace the sensors was $300-$400. the car has a warranty, but this problem was not covered under the warranty.*ak

2000 chrysler concorde with 2.7l bought new started making engine noise on june 23rd 2005 with 57009 miles. june 24th failed to start attempting to take it to an automotive repair shop. towed to shop and later told that the engine had failed blaming engine sludge. currently having engine replaced. read article in consumer reports august 2005 edition about engine sludge listing 6 different models of engines including the one in this car that seem to be prone to this type of problem. this article states that all the automakers listed but chrysler have begun replacement or repair programs

I bought a 2000 chrysler concord with the 2.7l engine. the engine died on me two years after i got it, 68,000 miles on the odometer. it left me with a very large car note. i also had to go get a new car because the amount that it would cost to replace the engine was just as high as a new car. i just now paid it off and the car has been sitting at my house this whole time. it is a shame. *jb

Evaporator core is leaking. car is a 2000 model concorde lxi. chrysler admitted that they know of this problem on these cars but refuses to do anything about it.*ak

Vehicle made noise from what i assumed was the engine on the morning of the incident. i immediately called to make a service appointment and drove my son to school. on my way from school to work the vehicle ceased operating. i had stopped at a traffic light and the car died. no indicator lights had gone on. other than the initial noise it had made upon starting that morning there was no indication that there was any problem. the car was towed to a nearby dealership, and i was told it was complete engine failure and that the engine would have to be replaced, no other alternative. i chose not to replace the engine since a new warranty engine would have cost almost as much as the car was worth.*ak

2000 chrysler concord lx experiencing problems with engine equipment.*mr the consumer stated the vehicle would not start, after diagnosing the vehicle, the consumer was told it needed a new timing chain. the consumer stated just recently the engine died again, this time the consumer was told there was no engine compression and a new engine was needed. *jb

Engine made a noise and before i could get to the dealer which is 5 miles away the car died. told it was sludge and even though i had proof of oil changes, they would not fix engine but wanted $7000.00 to replace. *jb

1.) oil light flickering, oil muddy looking ,oil shooting out of top of engine 2.) took to dealership for repairs they said no oil leaks found,oil sending unit bad, replaced part then said engine bad"lower engine noises" dealer quoted new engine replacement at $4000.00 on ride home from dealership engine failed . 3) i called chrysler and they declined to help with cost of repairs and i cant afford $4000.00 car is sitting in my garage and im still paying off the car loan. * i kept maintenance and required oil changes to this vehicle had no engine problem until failure. no warning engine warning light

The engine seized and caused the vehicle to stop at 55 mph. vehicle pulled over to the right, and had it towed to a repair shop. results showed that the engine was blown. consumer will notify the manufacturer.*ak

I have a 2000 chrysler concord with 62566 miles on it. this car has the 2.7l engine in it and it is now dead due to lack of compression. my little sister was driving this car when the engine completely died. a three year 36 thousand mile powertrain warranty is unacceptable. i opening a complaint with chrylser but from what i have seen on the internet from other consumers it does not appear to be any recourse. *ak

Chrysler concorde 2000 engine noise, timing belt tension off due to low oil pressure from clogged oil lines in engine. mechanic said engine would need replaced at a cost of $6000 plus labor. *ak

Having just exited the expressway, vehicle stalled and lost braking and steering. unable to restart engine, and facing an uphill slope, i was able to back my car through five lanes of traffic to safety at the side of the road. had this spontaneous and catastrophic failure occured just one mile earlier, i most like would not have lived to file this complaint. there is no doubt in my mind that many people have perished driving this car, as a more thorough investigation of fatalities in this model will prove. chrysler dealer wants $375 to find cause of engine failure and $7500 to replace the engine. this is a 2.7 v6 with 58,000 miles.*ak

While driving approximately 30 mph engine inadvertently stalled. when taken vehicle to dealer for inspection it was determined that stalling was due engine sludge. *ak

2000 chrysler concorde with 56,000 miles i was driving on the garden state parkway near forked river, new jersey when i heard a popping sound, then the engine went dead. i looked under the hood and the plastic cover over the engine was torn and oil/gas was splattered everywhere. we needed to be towed off the gsp by their tow truck, then had to call aaa after that for another tow. since we were about 80 miles from home, this resulted in a towing charge of over $200. my mechanic informed me that the engine needs to be replaced. he spoke with service personnel at three different chrysler dealers, and all told him this is a common occurrence for the engine on this make and model vehicle, at or around 50,000 miles the timing chain breaks, resulting in irreparable damage to the engine. the estimated cost to replace the engine is $5,000. *jb

While driving 55 mph vehicle stalled. driver was not able to restart vehicle, and had it towed to a dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak

Sludge in the engine of a chrysler concord 2.7l engine resulting in thousands of dollars to repair. routine maint. had been preformed and yet sludge still built up. this is a design flaw, not a maint. problem.

The engine of my 2000 chrysler concorde began making a knocking noise. immediately the oil warning lamp immuminated. i drove the vehicle to the purchase delearship where following diagnostic test was told the motor was destroyed. the repair cost was placed at approx. $7,900. the cause was placed on a clogged oil intake not allowing oil to circulate the motor, essentially starving the engine. following the incident i began to research the 2.7 liter chrysler motor and uncovered numerous engine failures from various website listings. the center for automotove safety has contacted chrylsler on two occasions requesting a remedy for the consumers, out in most cases, several thousand dollars. i plead with you to look into this matter. over 490 of these motors have suffered catastrophic engine failure due to this design flaw. the flaw appears to be associated with a small oil passage which causes the motor to run at a higher tolerence than normal. eventually the oil develops what is caused a sludge problem and the evental engine failure comes soon thereafter. these vehicles are breaking down anywhere from 40,000 miles on up to mine which was at 98,000. i personally had to borrow the $6,000 down payment so not only am i out the old vehicle i am out the $6,000 i had to bowwor to make the down payment. there are several consumer websites where this onformation can be located. a simple yahoo search for the chrysler 2.7 liter motor will provide a wealth of initial research information. please look into this matter and hopefully come to a resolution with the chrysler corporation to assist the consumers which have losts thousands of dollars as a result of this design flaw.*ak

While driving engine shut off. vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. after inspecting the vehicle sludge was found in the oil, and the engine needed to be replaced. vehicle was maintained as the owner's manual required.*ak the consumer stated that the temperature at the time of failure was in the low 20's an she is 84 years old. *tc

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 mph the engine stalled without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. this is the second time the vehicle has been to the dealership due to the engine stalling. the first time the vehicle was taken to the dealership the engine was replaced. upon inspection, the dealership determined the engine needed to be replaced again however, no repairs have been made. the manufacturer was notified.