Problems with 1999 Dodge Intrepid ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

A week after having the cam-sensor replaced the oil light came on. we proceeded to take it right back to the mechanic, who discovered the "sludged" engine. we had changed the oil every 3,000 miles since purchasing the vehicle. the engine now makes a sound like someone is hitting the insides with a hammer. it is no longer drivable, and we have been told the only option is to replace the engine. we cannot afford the $7,000 to make the replacement. *jb

Nov.2004 2.7l engine in my 1999 dodge intrepid failed at 99k. i took the vehicle to crown dodge to check what the problem was and found that the engine was dead and it had a timing issue. spoke with an service advisor about some recalls from 2002 and same advised me that my vehicle did not follow the guidelines due to the miliage. also stated that dodge would not help me with this problem and that the recommended oil type is a 5w 30 oil and this was the only oil that crown dodge uses on all oil changes unless other oil is requested. the other problems that contributing to the engine is the oil galley and there was a recall on this in 2002 as well as oil light flickering problem was another recall from dodge. very unhappy with my dodge due to the problems. jerry gaither,nc. *ak

I bought my daughters a 99 dodge intrepid (82k). after three weeks of driving the car broke due the 2.7 engine failure. i'm a single mother of three and i only make 15,000 a year. i can't afford to fix the engine or buy another car. my kids need to drive to and from practices and work. *jb

Engine seized while driving. oil sludge. *jb

Ooil pressure light comes on when stopping and car at idle. it goes out when acell erating. this has been going on for three months. have noticed sludge buildup inside oil filler cap and oil just seems to disappear at times. *ak

Vehicle is having engine problems. owner is driving at approximately 30 mph and hears a knocking sound. owner took the vehicle to the dealer, where it was discovered that due to an excess engine sludge build up the engine will have to be replaced. *ak

While driving at 35-40 mph engine failed. there was no warning. contacted the dealer, but problem recurred. *ak *tc

1999 dodge intrepid 2.7l engine failure. no indication anything was wrong prior to that night. engine started making noise - no lights. engine failed while driving down interstate 70 with my 1 year old, 5 year old and 6 year old in the car. it costs $6000 to replace the engine and i have been unable to come with that to get it fixed. single mother of 3. *jb

While driving at 70 mph vehicle stopped. consumer had the vehicle towed, and it was discovered the engine was defective. *ak

My 2.7 l chrysler engine in my 1999 dodge intrepid failed a timing chain due to engine sludge. this destroyed the engine and chrysler will not take any responsibility for it. *ak

Driving on a highway when the car died at 65 mph leaving me to control the car at night . engine seized, resulting a long walk at night while temperature was below 45 degrees. nothing yet trying to find an engine at a reasonable price.*ak

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge intrepid. while driving 55 mph, the engine failed and caused the contact to pull off the road. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that two of the connecting rods cracked and caused the failure. on august 26, 2007, while driving 25 mph, the engine made a rattling noise and shut down completely. the powertrain was unknown. the failure mileage was 52,803 and current mileage was 89,772.

I am writing to try to get some information on any action i can take against chrysler for my engine failure. i have a 1999 dodge intrepid with around 81,000 miles on it. i recently was deployed between late october through january. soon after leaving, my car engine began knocking very badly and the engine quit while my wife was driving. this occurred while she was traveling with our 3 children?including a new born?.at around 45 mph. after getting a ride back to our house my wife contacted the local dodge dealer and was informed that the engine was shot and that one of the rods had gone. they also explained that the only fix was a new engine. which varied in price from $3200.00-$9000. i have been told the same excuse by several people also that it was my fault and that i was probably not changing the oil as required. since this was our only form of transportation i had to return from my deployment to assist my family. now i feel that since this is a known problem chrysler should have to finally accept their failure and do something about it. i would appreciated and assistance and information for who or where i need to contact. i have already contacted a local news agency and they requested that i contact them back and let them knw if i do get assistance or not so that they can get involved. i request an expeditious reply to this situation. thank you. *ak angelo rodriguez

Consumer took vehicle to dealer to repair timing belt which cost consumer $800.00. a few weeks later the oil pump and engine failed causing the vehicle not to start. *ak

While driving on busy interstate vehicle completely shut down giving no warning. *ak

While driving 65 mph, a loud noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. the oil light flashed on the dashboard and remained on. the consumer was able to pull over and then the vehicle stalled. the driver tried to restart the vehicle but was unable to do so. the consumer had the vehicle towed. the mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed replacement. please fill in additional information. *jb

Dt: contact states while driving heard a knocking noise when the engine stopped. the local service dealer could not find what caused the engine to blow up. *ak (11/09/05) the cam sensor went out. about a week the knocking noise began. *sc

During an oil change last friday at sam leman's dodge in peoria, il i was told that the oil plug retention threads in the oil pan are stripping and i was told that i have to get a new oil pan during my next oil change for my 1999 dodge intrepid. this is unacceptable. i don't know all the intricate details about the designs and manufacturing of dodge, but i would tend to think that the threads should last for longer than 30 times of screwing and unscrewing of the oil plug. so, far this vehicle had less than 30 oil changes. hence, this problem is unacceptable. i was told that itwould cost me close to $300 to get this fixed. thanks !*ak

Engine failue in dodge intrepid 1999 due to sluge build up in engine. due to design failure of oil pump.*ak

While driving 25 mph the engine seized without warning. as a result the vehicle had to be towed. the cause has yet to be determined. please provide additional information. *nm

I received my 1999 dodge intrepid december of 2002, the car had about 23000 miles on it one day in october 2004 while on my way to work i felt something put and i no longer had control of the car. the engine never started agai. i have always changed my oil regularly and am able to produce receipts of this. the warranty company would not authorize the mechanic to diagnose the problem stating i had not produced enough receipts of oil changes. carmaxx from whom i purchased the car states there was little oil on the dip stick then stated there was no oil on the stick.*ak

Repeated repairs of same problem, i had to have a timing chain put on this car twice within a year and half of having this car,i also have had leaks from the oil pan and the transmission which has been repaired twice thus far. now the problem is that the oil light comes on when the car goes from fast moving speed to lower speed and it stays on for a minute or two then it goes off, but it does come back on eventually.this car has had more repairs than all the cars i have owned and just a matter of time before the engine does go out .*ak

The engine in my 1999 dodge intrepid failed in the middle of traffic with no warnings whatsoever. i was told by the dealership that it not a default, but it was the fact that the oil needs to be changed every 3000 miles on point and use 5w 30 oil. if this is true, why was this information not included in the manual or even relayed to us before we bought the car. if you know that oil has to be changed every 3000 miles exactly, shouldn't there be a sensor that lets you know that. who would buy a car if they were told that your engine would malfunction if you go over 3000 miles without an oil change . in my opinion , this is a defect. *jb

Vehicle was burning and leaking oil out the engine, causing the vehicle to have no steering or brakes. then, it stalled. dealer will repair vehicle at consumer's expense.*ak

The timing chain broke, and the engine failed. there was no warning. consumer could not start the vehicle. consumer contacted chrysler. was told that there was nothing they could do. then, she contacted the dealership. *ak

While driving 35 mph motor blew. vehicle was towed to dealership, but dealership did not resolve the problem. *ak

While driving vehicle stalled. consumer was able to restart the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that computer and engine needed to be replaced. *ak

1999 dodge intrepid stops on freeway with almost no warning, just the yellow caution light about 30 seconds before it stops and a noise from the engine. checked the enginge and there was very little oil. told the engine needed to be replaced at a cost ot 8,000. i had this car serviced 6,000 mi. before at the dealer and filled with oil. have not had it fixed as this is to much money for me to pay to have it fixed.*ak

In 2001 i bought a dodge intrepid 2.7l. it was service regularly at keystone chrysler in mission, kansas. in september of 2004 i began to notice that it was running strange so i took it to bud brown dodge in overland park, ks. i was told that the belt had slipped and it was not possible to tell the extent of the damage unless i allowed them to put a new one on and check the engine pressure. they service manager told me that the chances of the engine being ruined were 50/50. he called the next day to tell me that the engine was ruined and i owed $1,400. i call another dodge dealership and explained the engine symptoms and asked what my next move should be. the sunflower dodge tech told me that the 2.7 was a terrible engine and it would need to be replaced. i asked him if there was any chance that the engine was salvageable and he said no. he was willing to look at it but told me he had seen this over and over with this car. i came clean and told him what had happened with the other dealership and he assured me that they were wrong. he suggested that the tech could be new so i shouldn't assume fraud. he also told me that dodge was not recalling an engine that they must have known by that time to be defective. i have looked on the internet and he appears to be correct. *tr

Engine failure with 1999 dodge intrepid with 98,000 miles and oil changed reguarly. engine is 2.7 liter which is a common problem for thousands. vehicle is not paid off and is only way of transportation for my wife. *ak engine failed without warning while i was coming thru and intersection.

While driving engine warning light illuminated then vehicle stalled. the vehicle was towed to dealership, but dealership did not resolve the problem. *ak the service technician said hat the engine was shot and not worth fixing. the consumer had a new enging put in the vehicle total cost exceeding 5000 dollars. *tc

While accelerating onto the interstate engine blew out. as a result, consumer was thrown forward.*ak

While making a right turn power steering failed. consumer was unable to steer the vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that idler pulley bearing deteriorated and steering pump failed. *ak

Replaced the engine at 38,000 miles because of accumulation of sludge which caused the engine to fail.*ak

While driving 55 mph drivetrain failed. as a result, vehicle experienced total engine failure. *ak

My husband took our kids to get haircuts the car was making a funny sound when he got to the salon he shut the car off and it wouldn't restart. a few people passed by and told him it was the starter. $135 later and a new starter installed, it still won't turn over. upon speaking with a dodge mechanic at the dealer, he informed me that the car had "jumped timing" and that since it's a zero tolerance engine, it's quite possible that i have a valve stuck open and the part to fix it costs $2,000 plus labor. he also advised me to call chrysler as, in his words, a car with 46,000 miles on it should not be having these problems.*ak

With no warning my 1999 intrepid with a 2.7 liter motor died on the side of interstate 10. [xxx] with only 88,533 miles and regular maintenance my mechanic said one of the pistons disintegrated and it needs a new motor.*ak updated 07/25/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

While driving at 70 mph vehicle stalled. vehicle was towed to an independent shop, and technician determined that engine needed to be replaced. consumer navigated the nhtsa website and found too many complaints on same subject. when will nhtsa recall this vehicles with 2.5 engine.*ak

While driving and sitting at an intersection vehicle overheated. the light registered hot on the dashboard. consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the cooling fan needed to be replaced due to worn out part. consumer informed the mechanic that this problem occurred more than once and had not been resolved.*ak

Ignition switch was replaced twice because the wiring harness was defective. also, radiator motor and fan did not work properly, causing the indicator to get to the red zone. *ak

Car started shaking, i was told that it was something to do with my tires, so i bought a new tire. shaking continued, until the day i took the car in where i bought it and i didn't see it again for 6 months. i was told by the used car dealership that there was metal shavings in my oil and that i would need a new engine. after many attempts to get a low priced engine, numerous (and failed) attempts at a loan to pay for it, one was found by the used car dealership from where the car was purchased. they quoted a price of $3500 but when we went in to pay the price had gone up to $4200. the salesman said that he must have told us the wrong price. anyway, the car was repaired and back in the land of the driving in march '05. would have had the car back sooner but the garage that was repairing it did some damage to my car. first, the original man who took my engine apart, who either quit or was fired, put numerous engine parts in numerous boxes and placed them in numerous places. the owner couldn't find all of the parts. second, they broke my windshield and had to order a new one, wait for it to come in, and then wait for it to be installed. *ak

Vehicle had excessive amount of motor sludge found at the base of the engine. this caused the engine to completely shut down. consumer had the vehicle less than a year and already the vehicle needed to have the motor replaced. vehicle had been properly maintained. *ak

There was nothing leading up to the failure of my 2.7l engine. as soon as i came to a stop sign (in a vacationing town). the engine just stopped. when i tried to start it again, it started to screech like metal scratching. i had to pay to get my car towed back to my home, where it now sits for at least three weeks. i have always maintained my car mechanically, so this shouldn't have happened. so basically i can't drive my car until i replace the engine which will cost at least $6000 or more, money i don't have since i'm laid off of work. i have no vehicle to even look for a job.ak

While driving 55 mph engine stalled. dealer stated the oil tubing malfunctioned.*ak

I purchased a 1999 dodge intrepid with a 2.7l engine less than a year and a half ago. i maintained regular oil changes and had no problems until all of a sudden the engine started jerking and chugging and would no longer start. several mechanics checked the car only to tell me that i would need a new engine which would cost $4000-$6000 dollars to rebuild and install. every mechanic that i have called or talked immediately told me that this was a badly manufactured engine and that these engines usually do not last past 60 or 70,000 miles. know i am without a car and out of $5000 dollars which is what i paid for the car, and need another $5000 to repair the engine. *ak

Engine is failing due to sludge in the motor. is emitting white smoke from tail pipe and is destined for complete failure anytime. check engine light blinks from time to time and is rough starting sometimes. i feel there should be a recall on this motor to restore it before someone gets killed. i will never own another dodge product and have lost all faith in this company. they are just out for the money and could care less about the safety of their customers!!! i am willing to join in a lawsuit! just contact me. *jb

My dodge intrepid was serviced at keystone dodge or bud brown dodge in overland park, ks for every oil change. at just under 70,000 miles the engine blew because of sludge. i was driving and i lost all power. i had the car towed to a dodge dealer and they told me that this is a common issue. dodge was not responsive to questions about the engine issue. *tr

The oil was changed. afterwards while driving over the railroad tracks there was a loud noise and the engine stopped. the mechanic stated that the pistons failed. *ak the oil was changed four days prior, emissions hose melted and metal was in the oil. *sc

I have a 1999 dodge intrepid with the 2.7 liter engine. the engine was replaced under warranty at 12,000 miles and 36,000 miles. it has been maintained regularly and oil changed every 3000 miles. the enigne has now gone out again. i have read all of the horror stories from people with the same problem that i have. i now have a car that i am still paying for that is totally useless to me and chrysler is unwilling to do anything for me. the problems with these are clearly a design flaw and should be corrected at the expense of the manufacturer.*ak

We have a 1999 intrepid with the 2.7 liter engine which failed at approximately 72,000 miles. we bought the vehicle used in feburary 2002 with 22,000 on it. we had the vehicle in several times for issues with the transmission, heat and air. we found out too late that all these problems are the first sign of engine failure. while driving we heard a slight knock in the engine and even though the oil had just been changed 1500 miles before we pulled in and had it changed again (no one ever mentioned too little oil and the state of the oil being removed in the two years we owned it). about 20 miles after having the oil changed the knocking got louder. we were on a highway doing 60 mph and were coming up to a place we could pull off but the engine died before we could get off the road nearly killing my husband, 12 month old son and myself. the quotes for a new engine are in the range of $4000 to $5000 and the blue book on the car is only $3500 (with a running engine). we've had to default on the load since we had to buy a new car and even the finance company won't pick it up because it's not worth enough to take to auction. when we contacted chrysler we were simply told that the vehicle was out of warranty and it was our problem now.*ak