Problems with 1999 Dodge Intrepid ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I own a 1999 dodge intrepid car. it has about 100k miles. the engine, without warning, began making a grinding noise. at the end of the day, it left me stranded. i have talked to several dodge dealerships, and they refuse to work on the engine. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the engine failed while driving 40 mph. the vehicle did not have any problems prior to the failure. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the engine needed to be replaced due to oil sludge in the engine. the vehicle had an oil change two weeks prior to the incident.

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's engine abruptly stopped working after hearing clunking noises while driving 35 mph on a normal road condition. after a few minutes of driving, the engine stalled and could not be restarted. the vehicle was taken to the dealership for repair who determined that the engine needed to be replaced.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph down a street, the engine stalled without warning. the engine did not restart and was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the timing chain needed to be replaced. after the repair, the engine stalled again without warning. upon further inspection, the engine was filled with sludge. the engine was rebuilt which corrected the problem. the manufacturer was not alerted.

My pregnant wife was returning home from taking me to work. in the car with her was my five year old son and two year old niece. while traveling along a rural highway 12 in the northwest of idaho with a posted speed of 55 mph. she felt the car surge or sputter. she became worried and without further warning the car lost power resulting in the lose of power steering and power brakes. she managed to keep the car under control and pulled the car to the shoulder where she tried for several minutes to start the car with out success. finally, she was able to get the car to start, and continued her trip, not 1 mile down the road this happened again. luckily she was in front of a house and was able to pull off the highway this time. the property owner was nice enough to let her use the phone were she called me to retrieve the car and get her back home. the car would still not run. this incident upsets me greatly because the safety of my wife son niece and unborn child was put at risk as a direct result of this car which should have plenty of life left. the car is a 1999 intrepid with 72000 miles problems like this should not happen this early. *jb

My 1999 dodge intrepid just quit running in traffic on the freeway. the engine apparently has failed and needs to be replaced. this is after over $1,000 in repairs and routine maintenance on it since june 1, 2006. the engine had approx 80,000 miles. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge intrepid. while driving 45 mph, the engine automatically stalled and the vehicle lost complete power. the dealer and manufacturer have not yet been notified. the contact notified an independent mechanic and he stated that there was sludge build-up, which caused the sensors to fail. the mechanic also stated that there was no current repair because the failure was too infrequent. in addition, the heater does not work properly and causes the vehicle to smoke and shut down. this failure also results from the sludge defect with the engine. there is no current recall information. the vin was unknown. the current mileage was 135,000 and failure mileage was 125,000.

Bought 3 years ago used, it had emissions issues with the original engine. at about 74,000 miles the engine block cracked. engine design does not allow for it to cool itself properly while running and results in the oil burning within before the engine can circulate it which finally results in the "sludge" that so many owners have a problem with and only perseverant the high heat issue as less oil is circulated to cool the engine. my engine's block cracked providing evidence of the engine getting too hot with no gauge warning of overheating because it is "overheating" within the system before it gets to the sensor etc, therefore it is not a poor maintenance issue but poor design and manufacturing. with a "rebuilt" engine it shakes, hesitates and emits smoke with clean oil and filter and no evidence of sludge within!! now at under 96000 original miles and 22000 rebuilt engine the a/c coil has busted under the high pressure caused by the high engine temperature. the a/c pressure varies with engine pressure which varies with engine heat (still no overheating warning on the gauges). it is only addressed now that it is summer and too hot to drive without a/c. unfortunately because of the design it will cost around $850 to replace a $80-120 part because the entire dash/firewall must come out along with many other components to get to it (and then those reinstalled afterward). the battery was sucked of power around this time and the motors controlling the windows & mirrors have broken. the keyless entry system has gone as well. *jb

I was driving and all of a sudden something started bonging and i looked down to notice that the check engine light was light up and then the check oil light came on. i was trying to pull over so that i could get out of traffic but the steering wheel froze up and made it extremely difficult to steer so that i could get out of traffic. finally, after trying to steer the dead car out of traffic i called aaa and they towed it to the mechanic who has come to the conclusion it is the engine. it has been sitting there ever since due to the amount of money it will cost me to fix. after doing research regarding issues with the dodge intrepid i have come to see that i am not the only one having this problem. dodge has known about this issue and refuses to send out a recall. i find that this could be extremely fatal depending on where a person is. *jb

1999 2.7 liter engines used by dodge fail without warning. this leaves people exposed to high speed traffic on freeways. it also leaves the disabled vehicle on the roadside until it's towed. this makes the vehicle a danger to all that pass by it. the failure rate of these specific engines is excessive. the ntsb should insist that dodge make an effort to remedy the problem. dodge has ignored the issue and blamed their customers. dodge has decreased the margin of safety on our roadways by producing vehicles prone to failure. *jb

'99 dodge intrepid with 2.7 liter engine. (3 years ago) sounded like a diesel truck, mechanic diagnosed engine problems, replaced timing belt. today car is now spewing black smoke - related again to engine problems. changing belt 3 years ago bought time, now i am faced with replacing an engine before it seizes up while i am driving! chrysler takes no responsibility, states it is a user issue. documented problem with chrysler technicians, yet chrysler will not warranty their product. *jb

2.7 l v-6 dodge intrepid: this engine is beyond words to describe a horrible design flaw. the engine's oil light flickers and now the motor produces a noise like the lifters are not getting oil. the high brass of d/c will blame every customer of neglect and oil sludge rather than notice a huge pattern of these 2.7 v6 cars being bashed by numerous people all having the same problem. the 2.7 v6 is junk and @ 56+ miles it should not have this problem. i guess i'll post it on ebay like all the other dodge intrepids with a blown 2.7 liter engine. i suggest a google search and just read what others have to say about this crappy built motor. i have actually thought about painting a lemon on each side of this car mentioning my engine troubles within each lemon. i will never own a dodge again! *nm

Engine has been burning oil at the rate of 1 quart every three weeks. while driving, total engine failure occurred unexpectedly, making it very difficult to control the vehicle. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph the car stalled suddenly and the engine started smoking. there was oil sludge noted on the oil cap and on the motor. the vehicle had been maintained regularly, including routine oil changes. the vehicle was towed home and an independent mechanic determined the engine failed. there were no problems with the vehicle prior to this incident.

Engine failed sitting at drive thru no correct made part is available. *tr

Went to crank vehicle and the timing chain broke and warped the valves,therefore needing a new engine. have not done any repairs the car had an extended warranty with fidelity warranty they would not cover because the engine had sludge build up, but not due to poor maintenance. *jb

The timing chain broke resulting in bent valves and the car completely stalling. *jb

While my cousin had borrowed the car, the car stalled and he could not get it started again. the car was towed to a mechanic and the mechanic did say that with the horrendous noise the car was making, that the engine would need to be either rebuilt, or replaced, based on what he called a rod knock. when i had another mechanic look at the car, he proceeded to say the same thing. this is a car that in 7 years of me owing it, i put on less than 70,000 on the car in that time. i have always done oil changes regularly and took good care of the car, to now have it sitting in a driveway, unable to start ! *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 45 mph, the engine began to make a clanking noise and then stalled. the vehicle was pulled over and towed to an independent mechanic. the mechanic determined the timing chain fractured because of oil sludge in the engine. the engine was rebuilt.

Engine blown up, due to water pump failure. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 10-20 mph there was a clanking noise coming from under the hood and the check engine light illuminated. the contact pulled off of the road. the vehicle was towed to a dealership, where they determined the engine had failed due to oil sludge, and needed to be replaced. the contact noticed numerous complaints on the internet concerning the 2.7 engine on these vehicles. updated 06/05/2006. *ak *ts

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling at various speeds, the cruise light illuminated and the tachometer dropped then the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and after 15 minutes would restart. the dealership determined the crank sensor needed to be replaced. after this was replaced, the engine made a clunking noise, and the vehicle has not been driven off of the lot.

Without warning my 2.7l engine seized up while i was driving causing a complete loss of control i hit a concrete post. highway patrol came but did not press charges against me for property damage. this is a dangerous but well documented design flaw of this particular engine and i hope i can recover enough money from the texas based impartial services group to buy a new engine because i love my dodge intrepid. i'm only 18 years old and can't afford another vehicle. just two days after i bought this intrepid - while driving on the highway all the gauges including the speedometer failed and i had to pay $1414.32 to have a new computer installed at my local dodge dealership. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the engine suddenly failed while driving 35 mph. while restarting the vehicle there was a very loud knocking noise heard coming from the engine. the vehicle restarted, but quickly stalled again. there were no problems with the vehicle prior to this incident or any warning indicators of a problem. the vehicle was towed to the dealership where it was determined the engine needed to be replaced because of oil sludge buildup.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chrysler intrepid. while driving approximately 40 mph she heard a clicking noise. she parked the vehicle for inspection. upon inspection she noticed that the timing chain had fractured. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and he concluded that the timing chain and possibly the engine needed to be replaced. the timing chain was previously replaced. no repairs were made.. the failure mileage was 103,000. the current mileage was 123,000.

1999 dodge intrepid 2.7 l engine failure at 130,000 miles. *nm

1999 dodge intrepid, engine failure. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was stopped at an intersection, the check engine oil light illuminated intermittently. then while traveling 35 mph the engine made a knocking noise and stalled. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and has not been inspected by a mechanic.

Driving n on 59 s when vehicle made awful noise-pulled over and came to stop-called wrecker and took to dealer from whom car was purchased-engine had blown even though oil change had been done day before and on regular basis-had car less than 2 years-car needs new engine-would cost more than car is worth if i could even find a decent engine-company won't fix even though this is an apparent problem with this car- *nm

Engine started using qt of oil every 1000 mi. when i started hearing something in the motor, i went to the dealer and asked about this they said to use synthetic oil, change oil at no more than 3000 mi. one week later while on a trip going down the interstate highway the engine started knocking. pulled over and had it towed to a dealer where they charged me to tell me of the death sentence on this engine. i paid them but haven't picked it up yet. they said this was a common problem and that it was my problem. the salvage yard said they already have to many of them and don't need another almost perfectly good dodge intrepid. i liked this car a lot and was about to get it repainted and some new wheels on it. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving any speed, there was a loud ticking noise in the engine. the dealership determined the timing chain was bad and the engine would blow in 1-2 months.

Timing chain failure - second time. tensioner failed, allowing timing chain to flop, resulting in nine bent valves and head damage. *jb

I was driving on the i -5 northbound to oceanside, when i started hearing a clacking/clunking noise from the engine. i pulled in towards the nearest gas station and checked the oil levels for the car, which were fine. i drove another 2 miles and started to exit the freeway when a total power loss to the engine occurred. i managed to recover control of the vehicle, and parked it in a parking lot where it was towed to my place of residence. the next day i had it towed to a mechanic and was told that the engine needed to be replaced. i had just replaced the oil 2,000 miles ago, and was perplexed. the oil light had been on intermittently, but oil levels were fine, i was told this was probably due to a failed sensor. i am young and have just started a family, with a newly born infant who could have been involved in an accident. from further research, i have found 1000s of incidents similar to my own concerning the 2.7 liter engine, and implore chrysler to recall this engine. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph, the engine began to make a grinding and rattling noise, the vehicle then stopped. it was towed to an independent repair shop which determined there was sludge in the oil and the engine needs to be replaced. dodge stated a rod had snapped, and contact had to replace entire engine at $8500. *ak

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 mph the vehicle engine sputter, the low oil pressure light illuminated and the engine seized. the vehicle was pulled off the road without incident and then towed to an independent repair shop. prior to this incident the timing chain tensioner was replaced, the mechanic determined this replacement did not cause this engine failure. however upon inspection of the engine there was a large amount of oil sludge in the engine block and the engine needs to be replaced. updated 04/17/06. *jb

Driving illinois highway 55 southbound when 1999 dodge intrepid started knocking and bucking down the highway. got a chance to pull off the highway and car stopped. tried to start car back up and it started knocking louder and check engine light came on. before the knocking there was no other evidence, like temperature rising, or check engine, the care just began knocking. police came on scene and called towing company to tow car back to nearest city. when arrived in the city of springfield, il and went to a car repair shop, they advised that there was serious internal engine problems. *jb

Have had to replace engine 3 times an looks like it needs to be replaced again in a1999 dodge intrepid car 2.7 engine due to oil sludge build up in engine with oil changed every 2,500 miles. *tr

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph the vehicle shuttered and the check engine light illuminated. the vehicle lost all power and stalled. the contact managed to pull the vehicle off the road and it was towed to the dealer. upon inspection the dealer found the timing chain was broken and needed replaced. no repairs have been made.

I purchased my 1999 dodge intrepid from a reputable firefighters in my area in 2004, this person reassured me that this car would be a reliable source of transportation for my family because he'd just put an engine and did other minor work, and showed and provided me with documentation. a year and a half later the car started running real crappy and eventually died. i've taken it to several reputable mechanics who gave me the same bad news that i was going to have to purchase another engine for my vehicle. not only have i been unable to find this engine for a reasonable price but it seems as though no one wants to do the work on my car because they feel that it's a waist of their time and my money because "these engines are junk". how could this multi-billion dollar company do this us? please help. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the oil light illuminated intermittently. after parking the vehicle and returning, the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was towed home. the problem is believed to be a sludge build up around the timing chain. the vehicle has not been inspected.

On feb 17 2006 a knocking began under the hood of the car. on feb 20 2006 the car was taken to sunoco for investigation, the mechanic suggested it was coming from the engine and to have it checked out asap. on feb 21st the car cut off while driving down the street. i managed to drive the car to a midas shop, the mechanic told me there were many problems with the engine in my car model. the car sat at the midas shop until feb 23rd when a tow truck took it to an auto shop. *nm

Driving on i-80 in pa at night and my 1999 dodge intrepid 2.7 l engine suddenly seized. i was able to get off the highway. vehicle had to be towed. has not yet been repaired. *jb

1999 dodge intrepid (c. 52.218) original miles. driving home from local mall, about 10 minutes into travel, engine began to make a tapping noise. arrived home about 5 minutes later and shut car off. contacted a friend who is retired mechanic. he tried to start engine without success, he said the engine had complete loss of compression. had vehicle towed to an engine specialist who checked engine thoroughly. he said that due to lack of oil pressure, the cam was not receiving sufficient oil to lubricate the timing chain thus causing it to break and completely ruin the valves and heads in the engine. cost to repair would either be a complete tear down and machining of the internal parts, $3,400.00 or putting in a 2002 2.7 liter intrepid engine at a cost of $4,500.00 parts and labor included. since i still owe $3,300.00 on this vehicle i could not afford either of these options. *nm

We own a 99' dodge intrepid that has just today went out on us. it has been smoking for at least 11 months. the car was taken to the dealership continuously and told about the smoking and they kept telling us that they couldn't find anything wrong with the car. well today something popped really loud and the car cut off in the middle of the road, we were lucky not to be hit. now the car will not run at all. i do have all of the receipts from where the dealership kept telling us there was nothing wrong with the car. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 mph the engine stalled without warning. the manufacturer was notified however, no repairs have been made. the vehicle was not seen by a dealer to determine the problem.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the engine made a knocking noise. the vehicle was regularly maintained. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. the mechanic determined there was oil sludge in the engine and the engine needed replaced. neither the manufacturer nor dealer have been alerted. no repairs have been made.

Car 99 intrepid with 2.7 engine began making a rattling noise and oil pressure dropped. car was pulled over and a tow truck was called. the failure is described as main bearings breaking up and damaging engine. car had just been to dodge dealership within the month had oil change and pan was replaced due to wear from previous oil changes. was sufficient oil in car and the problem was explained to be a common problem with the intrepid 2.7 engine. the only fix is to replace entire engine. it has been explained to me by numerous auto places that this happens so frequently in interpids that there is surprise it has not been recalled. the problem has been described as inadequate transfer of oil around engine due to poor design, which explains how even cars that have plenty of oil and have been properly maintained suffer from a catastrophic failure due to bearing shredding up and destroying the engine. we are currently getting quotes for replacement of motor various auto places recommend replacing with a 3.2 or 3.5 as the motors are easier to get a hold of and are reliable and are not believed to be problematic like the 2.7. *jb

Was driving 1999 chrysler intrepid, that i purchased fives months ago, started to hear ticking noise. i pulled over, checked the oil - no warning lights came on - the oil level was fine. shut the car down a had it towed to mechanic where he said i had a blown engine. said the 2.7 l engines were prone to problems and my engine was "all sludged up". i have no running car, owe the bank and am looking and $4,000-6,000 for repairs. no i understand that i am one of hundreds that have experienced this tragedy. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealership because a ticking noise was coming from the engine. the dealership determined the engine needed to be replaced.

I have a 1999 dodge intrepid with the 2.7 liter engine. about 2 weeks ago while driving down the highway, my car started chugging and then locked up. i was able to at least get it on to the side of the road without causing any accidents. i waited a few minutes and it started and then about 1/2 way down the road it did it again. i had my car looked at and they said i was in need of a new engine. *jb