Problems with 2000 Dodge Intrepid ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

On june 14th 2006 my 2000 dodge intrepid was parked in my drive way and at about 1:00 a.m. i was awaken to my door bell ringing and my neighbors screaming get out the house there's a fire i didn't hesitate i was going out the back door to find out it was my vehicle that was on fire by the time i had made it out the car was starting to pop and was about to explode. the milwaukee fire dept. arrived and put the fire out and had determined the fire started in the engine. i contacted damiler chrysler and was told someone would be out to do an inspection in a few days. days passed and i called back on june 19th and spoke with someone named jay who said there was no inspection needed. i then received a letter from the company saying that it was not their problem and to take the matter up with my insurance company. i tried calling the co back but was told there was nothing they could do for me. my serious concern is that daimler chrysler was not concerned about the vehicle starting on fire especially in the engine.and their lack of concern for the consumers buying their vehicles and their safety. and why wouldn't they come out and do an inspection with something this serious. this makes me wonder what kind of company they are. are they that big that their consumers safety doesn't matter and do they feel they are untouchable when it comes to serious matters. what if i would have been in the car with my children? and we all would have died? then what? i have never in my life been treated this way with something so serious and then being told not to call their office again makes me really think something is wrong. i tried contacting the dealership andrew chevy and was told that there was nothing they could do for me. *nm

Internal engine failure. replaced engine (crysler 2.7l). *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 mph on a dry clear highway, the check engine oil lights illuminated and the temperature gauge rose to the maximum heat indication, just before the engine failed, and coasted to a stop. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the service dealer and manufacturer were notified.

1. no engine problems, regular oil changes, car kept in good mechanical condition 2. engine failure @ less than 65,000 miles 3. could not afford 6,000 for a remanufactured engine. *nm

Had short block replaced by warranty, timing chain let go one night just off the highway which was not covered by the warranty. after not being able to drive it for the last 2 years, i just paid it off !!!! *tr

Defective engine failed due to timing chain issue. car has only 41,000 miles on it and has been well maintained with oil changes, etc. chrysler does not want to take any responsibility for the faulty design in the engine. engine cannot be repaired, must be replaced at a cost of $6,000.00. i am still investigating other complaints and gathering more back-up material before i am willing to give up my fight with chrysler. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 40 mph, the oil light illuminated and the engine began to knock, then the engine stalled. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, where it was determined the timing chain snapped because of oil sludge build up.

Dt*: the contact stated without warning, at 55 mph, the engine began to make a loud banging noise. the vehicle was pulled over and turned off. when attempting to restart, the engine did not respond. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, where it was determined the timing chain failed because of oil sludge. the consumer was told the engine was bad, it was not the timing chain. updated 12/28/06. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle hesitated intermittently before it finally stalled. also, the brakes did not hold properly. the dealer determined the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge. the dealer also replaced the brake pads, rotors and calipers but indicated the abs sensor also needed to be replaced.

I have a 2000 dodge intrepid w/the 2.7l motor. the motor failed at 66k miles because of sludge. i am now aware that chrysler has a major design flaw w/ these motors. i purchased the car w/an 8yr/80k mile warranty and they will not honor it. my main issue is that it failed while my wife was driving it and she could have been killed or have killed someone because of this failed engine. this 2.7l motor is very dangerous and vulnerable to failure at any time. the motor has major design flaws which makes it have excess sludge buildup. chrysler should recall any car w/these 2.7l motors to prevent people from being killed. *nm

The engine on my 2000 dodge intrepid just died on the highway. *nm

I purchased a new 2000 dodge intrepid es in june 2000. i had my car maintenance occasionally including oil changes, breaks, tires, etc. on may 7, 2006 my car broke down and it was reported by a mechanic that my time chaining and engine is no longer working. my car only had 47, 689 miles and i finished payments in june 2004. it is totally unfair for a car of six (6) years to break down for engine problem. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 mph the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was moved off the road and towed to the dealer. it was determined to have engine sludge and the engine needed to be replaced. updated 05/22/06- the consumer maintained that he had regular oil changes performed on the vehicle. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while accelerating from a stop sign, the vehicle stalled without warning. afterwards, the engine was restarted, but the engine continued to stall at various speeds. the vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop. the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the engine stalling.

I have a 2000 dodge intrepid. i was driving home from work. engine started making noise. stopped at a light in traffic and engine failed and would not start. i was in the center lane of a three lane highway with traffic passing on either side. was unable to even get out of my car. a police car pulled up behind and put his lights on and was able to push me to the side of the road. i then called a tow truck. it was frightening and dangerous situation. i was unable to pay for the repairs or trade the car in. i was forced to purchase another car and still pay off the remainder of the intrepid. *nm

Purchased a 2000 dodge intrepid 2.7l engine from a local dealer less than 8 months ago. we provided regular maintenance and performance checks on this vehicle. without warning, while driving down a busy road (45 mph) the engine started making a tremendous clattering, and lost a great deal of power. i nearly missed being rear-ended with my 3-yr old son in the back seat!!!! i still owe $5000 on this car, have been quoted $5000-$6000 to repair it, and must carry full coverage insurance for it to sit in my driveway. when contacting daimler-chrysler, i am put on hold and no one ever comes back on the line to finish my complaint. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not restart after being parked for a few minutes. it was towed to an independent repair shop. the mechanic determined the engine had failed. there were no prior warnings indicating any engine problems. the vehicle was properly maintained.

On, april 13th, 2006 while driving down interstate 75; my 2000 dodge intrepid began making a knocking noise. i was traveling in rush hour traffic and immediately following the knocking noise the car began to loose power. i was attempting to move my car to the nearest emergency lane when the engine quit and locked up. after causing a major traffic jam i was able to get my car off the road. the tow truck operator who came to pick up my car stated that the intrepid with the 2.7l engines have a defect and i would need to file a complaint. he stated that his company could put a rebuilt engine in the car, it would cost 4500.00. but he suggested just getting another vehicle. he said it is an engine problem and even a new engine would have the same problem. i was fortunate to not have my two young children in the car when this happened and that i was not injured when my car suddenly stopped while every other vehicle around me was traveling at 65 mph. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30mph, the engine stalled. the vehicle restarted and was driven to an independent repair shop for inspection. the mechanic determined the engine failed due to sludge build up and would have to replaced.

2000 dodge intrepid with 2.7 l engine without warning or prior problem blew up while wife driving on freeway. lost steering due to anti-freeze on belt. she was able to get off roadway without losing control. this engine has thousands of complaints about blown engines due to sludge buildup/water pump/design problems. my vehicle was properly maintained and engine replacement will cost $5000. chrysler should be held accountable. us govt. should step up and enforce recall of defective 2.7l dohc engines! *jb

2.7 liter engines in 2000 dodge intrepid without warning starts knocking then the engine lets go. this could happen at anytime or anywhere. replace motor because the engine builds up sludge due to the oilier being to small . *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 55mph the oil light illuminated intermittently, the vehicle shut down without any other warning. the vehicle was pulled off the side of the road without incident and towed to an independent repair shop. upon inspection the engine had failed. the manufacturer has been alerted.

Engine of well maintained dodge intrepid 2.7l seized during rush hour on busy road. wife panicked but was able (luckily) to swing in a parking lot. there was heavy traffic behind her (trucks). mechanic: checked engine: no sludge was present, no signs of sludge (remarkable!) timing chain broke down and water pump is about to break down (in that case engine would be a total loss). this is the 3rd intrepid 2.7l that week with exact same problems around same mileage! since there was no sludge the problems seem not only to be sludge related. oil change interval: every 3000 miles (proof) w. synthetic oil. no sludge means that previous owner also mainted the car well! i'll have the mechanic state in his report that no sludge was found for future reference. warranty company kicked in eventually since they could not use the 'sludge' argument against me. *nm

I purchased a 2000 doge intredpid with the 2.7l engine. it was nothing but constant problems and almost got me killed. i was having engine problems and on the way to the shop, the motor locked as i was pulling out on the highway. i was almost hit multiple times before i was able to get it pushed to the side of the road. the motor had 71k don't buy a chrysler. *nm

I have a defective 2.7 l engine in my car. i had just pulled into a driveway when it quit. the timing chain guides broke, and there was so much sludge in the engine it looked like the oil had never been changed. i have always had my oil changed every 3000 miles. i had the engine steamed 7 months prior to this incident for sludge buildup. i also spent around 2000.00 having every single sensor replaced, as well as all of the hoses in the engine and transmission. i had to have the steering line fixed less than 2 months after i purchased the vehicle. i had no idea that there were so many people with the same engine problems as i have had out of this car. i have lost my job, and my children have missed so many doctor and dentist appointments that i have lost count i still owe 2 years on this car, but how do you pay for something that has turned out to be america's biggest death trap when you can't keep it running? *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge intrepid. on two separate occasions, while driving approximately 45 mph, the oil pressure gauge dropped. the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle completely shut off and restarted after approximately 30 minutes. the vehicle made knocking sounds and began smoking after it was restarted. the current and failure mileages were 136,000.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 mph the engine made a knocking sound and failed. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. the mechanic determined the engine needed to be replaced, however no repairs were made. the dealership and manufacturer were not alerted.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 45 mph, the engine stalled. the vehicle was towed to the dealership for inspection. the dealer determined the engine would have to be replaced due to sludge buildup. updated 04/06/06. *jb

2.7 chrysler motor. the timing gears and belt were replaced by marketplace chrysler suzuki inc around 65000. then the motor develops a lower knock. the same dealership then says chrysler made a bad motor and it will cost $3200 for a new motor. will chrysler own up for their failure ? and put a new motor in my car free of charge. *jb

On february 14, 2006 my husband was coming home when the car quit. he let it cool off and then proceeded to drive home. the next day he was going to work and when he pulled into his employers parking lot he noticed his car was on fire. he put it out right away. we called a tow truck to have it towed to the dodge dealership. we were informed that the water pump went out and needed to be replaced. they also replaced the timing chain and other parts. in may we were going to a graduation in wyoming when our car broke down on interstate. again we had to have it towed to a dealership where we were informed we needed a new engine at the cost of $6000.00. we do not have that kind of money to fix the car. we are now renting a car until we can decide what to do with the car. we would like to get information on what dodge is doing to help other customers who have had this same problem. *jb

Engine fire due to plugged pcv valve. was not properly or fully inspected by van dyn hoven prior to sale. also in six months after purchase, replaced mode door actuator, ignition tumbler, oil sensor and then the then the air conditioning compressor failed. total cost of repairs for 1 year $1047. this car is a perfect example of why most people buy japanese cars. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle the engine would not start. the vehicle was towed to the dealership for inspection. upon inspection, the dealership determined the engine needed to be replaced however, no repairs have been made. the manufacturer was notified. updated 03/09/06. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated there was a noise coming from the engine. it sounded as though valves were clanking. the noise occurred one day prior to the vehicle not starting. the vehicle was towed to the dealership. the dealership determined the timing chain broke causing the valves to fall into the pistons. the engine needs to be rebuilt as a result.

2000 intrepid w/54k miles blew (2) holes in the timing chain covers while driving on highway route 422 in ohio at 11 pm 2/5/06. towed car in for repairs and sludge build up was under the valve covers. purchased car from halper chrysler dealership on 2/17/05. we only added 13k miles on it in 12 months. we did regular oil changes but it still built up sludge in the motor. our 19 year old son was driving our car back to college when it blew. we are glad he is safe and he is a strong enough young man to hold the wheel when this happened. the add on warranty we purchased will not cover this repair since it appears the oil was not changed regularly so we now have a $7k in repairs to make or a $7k driveway ornament until it's paid off. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated upon starting the vehicle the engine knocked. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was determined engine sludge was the cause of the problem and the engine needs replaced, however no repairs have been made.

Engine failure 2.7l. *nm

2000 dodge intrepid 2.7 liter motor with 70,000 miles on it. no sign that the engine was going to fail. car was running fine. all of a sudden the motor was knocking. took to dealer, they said there was sludge build up due to poor maintenance(they didn't even ask how often i changed the oil). dealer said it would cost thousands of $ to fix. i still owed $7,000 on a car that would cost that much to fix. so now i still pay for that junk car and drive a $2,000 beater until i can finish paying the dodge off. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated the check engine oil light illuminated, the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop. the repair shop determined the oil pressure was low and the engine would need replacing soon. no repairs made and the vehicle was sold.

I have a 2000 dodge intrepid with a 2.7 liter v6 engine that just turned 73,000 miles last week. on 1/18/06 was running errands when the engine light came on and approximately 20 seconds later the car shut down. it would not restart. i called aaa to have the car towed to the dealership and i called the dealership to let them know it was on its way in. the service rep. at the dealership called on thursday morning for approval to replace (2) sensors in the engine (one dealing with the crank shaft) before they could even get the car started to determine what the engine noise was. i gave the okay for the $322.00 sensors to be installed and was told they would get back to me later. the service rep. did call a short while later and said that i needed a new engine and that the cost would be $5,300.00 plus tax (this includes the two sensors)! i asked the rep. that if i had gotten the car in sooner if i could have avoided this problem. i was told that the timing chain or tooth or something could have shifted or broken inside the engine and that the small pieces of metal circulating inside would have caused irreversible damage in 12-15 miles so that there was nothing i could have done. when asked if this was normal for a car well maintained and with 73,000 miles on it, the service rep. told me no. my husband called the owner of the dealership on thursday and asked if anything could be done about the price. the owner told my husband that he would look into it and get back to him. on friday the owner called and informed my husband that there was nothing he could do locally (after 50,000 miles the warranty is expired) and gave him a 1-800 number to call the daimler chrysler customer assistance center. i have records of every service performed on this car. the oil has been changed every 3,000 miles and all maintenance, with the exception of new tire installation) has been performed at the dealership. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the check oil light illuminated however, when the accelerator pedal was depressed the light went off. there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. after inspecting the vehicle the dealership found the engine needs to be replaced. *nm

My dodge intrepid, 65000 miles, purchased brand new, had its oil light come on and a knock start in the engine. after bringing it to a dealer, was told that i need a new engine for $5700.. out of warranty, claim through daimler chrysler was denied, citing failure to follow scheduled maintenance. i supplied dates and mileage and receipts showing all but one oil change done under the recommended 7500 mile limit. now being told it should be every 3 thousand miles. this is not what the warranty book says. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while stopped at a red light, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. the vehicle was towed into the local dealership were the dealer determined the head gasket, tensioner, cam shaft sensor and timing chain needed to be replaced. after repairs were made, the owner drove the vehicle one mile away from the dealership, and the vehicle proceeded to stall again. the vehicle was towed back to the dealership for additional repairs. the dealer determined the engine had a complete failure due to sludge build up and would have to be replaced. *nm......*ak

My 2000 dodge intrepid with 2.7l engine just turned 80,000 miles on the odometer then wouldn't start one day after work. had it looked at by 2 mechanics whom both told me the timing chain and rocker arm was completely shot and car basically would need a new engine because of sludge build up. they also stated that this is extremely common for this car. approximately cost of new engine is $5000, more than trade-in value so decided to buy another more reliable car. my intrepid still is sitting unrepaired in my driveway, however i'm still making payments on it. i'll never buy a dodge/chrysler vehicle again!!! *nm

I am a 35 year old woman who was traveling with my mentally challenged and autistic daughter from ohio to missouri. while nearing indianapolis, in. my 2000 dodge intrepid it started "ticking" very loudly and then would not go over 40 mph. i pulled off on the median where my car just died as i was trying to slow down to stop. this was the most terrifying, inconvenient and costly experience. my autistic daughter was screaming while we waited for help. i spent my entire vacation calling the dodge dealer where my car was towed, my extended warranty company and rental car places. i first spoke with the dodge dealer who informed me that my engine was "blown" and it would cost me $8800.00. they informed me that my engine was full of "sludge". i then called my extended warranty place to make sure they were going to cover the damages. i was then informed that i needed to prove to them that i had my oil changed every 3,000 miles. i then spent the remainder of that day calling the three different places back in my hometown that i took my car trying to get proof faxed that i did get my oil changed every 3,000 miles. once this was accomplished i was informed that my warranty would not cover the $8800.00 but would only pay the nada value of the car which was $2650.00. i then spent the next few days calling around trying to find someone who would rebuild my engine for $2650.00. that i found was impossible. i called around to junk yards to see if they would buy the car. after several calls, the most i was offered was $150.00. i was informed by one junk yard employee that my car was not worth anything because "the engine is the only thing worth getting from those cars" and that he had 12 other intrepid's sitting in his yard with the same problems i had. i was so stressed out over my car situation that i cut my vacation short. this entire situation was the biggest nightmare with my autistic daughter and has not only stressed me out but left me with no car. *jb

While driving home from work, car started to make noises under hood and smoking. replaced motor. 2 years later and we are having the same problem. *cn

I drive a 2000 dodge intrepid. my car has 80,000 miles on it and has always been in good condition. i have a maintenance track record proving that i keep my oil changes and tuneups, etc up to date. on december 20th my car was hit and the persons at faults insurance company (progressive) agreed to fix it. on january 9th i was told that my car was repaired and ready for pickup. as i was driving home my car made this loud sound so i immediately called progressive to have them tow it because i didnt feel safe driving it and it never done anything like that before. progressive took it to champion chrysler to assess it i was told that my cars engine locked up while being tested by champion chrysler. so this means that progressive had my car in their pocession for over a month and now my engines locked up and stuck at champion. progressive says i did not maintain my car and they will not fix it because it was not their fault. i since then went to jiffy lube and got a print out and it shows i did keep my oils changes regularly and the car was in good shape. i have replaced the brakes, tires, power steering system. over all it was considered to be in good condition. now i am stuck champion wants $6,000 that i do not have and i do not feel i am liable for. my cars not fixed and i have no car to drive. i have a job, children that have to get to school and this has been a huge in convenience. i would like to know what am i supposed to do. is this a car malfunction or who should be fixing my car?

Dt: the contact heard a knocking sound in the engine. the vehicle remained parked and not driven for one week. when the contact tried to start the vehicle it would not start. the vehicle was towed to a certified dealership, who determined the engine failed due to sludge build up. the vehicle has not been repaired. *ak

Engine dead. car acted like it was going to cut out, got loud then died. the loss created being without a car for some time over three months without a reliable vehicle. the car was towed to a garage as of yesterday 3/28/06, i was going to have them do work on it. when i was told to contact nhtsa, i had asked them to wait. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving wife heard a knocking sound in the engine. several minutes later when stopping at a red light the vehicle stalled and would not restart. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. diagnostic testing was performed. the repair personnel confirmed the engine was filled with sludge and the engine would have to be replaced. *ak

I brought the vehicle on 9/14/2004. the vehicle stop functioning on december 21. the car wasn't functioning until june of 2005. to repair the car it cost $4,500, we had to change the motor. i took the vehicle to the dealership, texas star motors in june. on december i left the car on maryland mall, and the keys at the dealership so that they could go get the car. they knew that we were going to interchange cars. on december i went out of town and no one stayed in charge of the car. on the first week of january they said the car was ready but they didn't know where to locate me. when i showed to the dealership they were already selling the car to some other people. i talked to a salesperson at the dealership, but she didn't even know what car i had exchange. the car was insured until january. i couldn't interchange the car unless she paid two more years of insurance which i had already agreed to pay only one year. by the dealership the car cost $1,785. i wanted to interchange the car and give an down payment of $1000. the owner wanted me to give the $1000 and go exchange the car in a different dealership. if i waited the two years to make the interchange it would had been too long. i stop paying on december 29, 2005. the next payment was due on january 15 and they send a letter of late payment on january 14, which made no sense because the payment was not even due on that date yet. *nm