Problems with 2001 Dodge Intrepid ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

My 2001 dodge intrepid at 70,000 miles is already showing sludge in the motor even though it has had regular maintenance. it is my understanding that the 2.7 engine has widely documented problems and that chrysler is well aware of them. my mechanic explained to me that it is a matter of time before the engine "blows." there are no replacement engines and if i do fine one, it will obviously have the same problems. going to a different engine requires changes in the computer etc. many of us with this problem are going to or have already experienced severe financial stress because of this. (it is interesting to note that chrysler has chosen to take care of the mercedes customers!!!!!) of course the other problem is that the engine could blow at any time which is a dangerous time bomb to be considering. i would like to join any lawsuit. we deserve to be compensated for this.*ak

We bought a 2001 dodge intrepid in march 2002. we also purchased the 5yr/100,000mile extended warranty. about 5 weeks ago, i was heading down the road for work and my car just conked out. had it towed and later found out it was the engine. we notified daimler chrysler and they had it towed to martin dealership in turnersville nj. the adjuster came and found small amounts of sludge in the engine and asked for receipts for oil changes and we gave them all we had. we took good care with oil changes almost every other month. the mechanic then calls back and said we were denied and the cost will be around 6,500.00. the adjuster also said that nobody does oil changes on sundays,(one or two of the receipts had sunday dates, and we did have the oil changed on a few sundays).the mechanic said the 2.7 intrepid has a long history of sludge problems even if you change the oil often. why don't they take this in consideration instead of making up other reasons for not paying? *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph on neighborhood streets, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was maneuvered off the road and towed to an independent repair shop who determined the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge. the engine was replaced, and the dealer was notified. updated 11/063/06. *jb

The vehicle was traveling at 70 mph when all of sudden the driver heard a loud noise and unexpectedly the engine cut off and failed. manufacturer has been contacted by consumer. *nm

Consumer noticed that the vehicle was running roughly. no prior warning, then vehicle stalled. consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer. mechanic informed determined that the head gasket had blown out, and the engine needed to be replaced. *ak

Dt*: the contact stated while stopped at a traffic light the engine failed without warning. there were no indicator lights illuminated prior to the engine failure. the vehicle would not restart and was towed to dealer for inspection. upon inspection the engine failure could not be determined. the manufacturer was alerted.

While driving approximately 65 mph, engine stalled on highway. consumer was able to avoid accident by pulling over to side of road. the cause of this is undetermined. *nm

Consumer complained of poor performance of the 2.7 liter engine in 2001 dodge intrepid se. bf two of the consumer's dodge intrepid's experienced these engine failure's which occurred at 114k and 112k miles. also, the consumer's daughter owned a 2001 intrepid and the pcm failed without warning. the vehicle suddenly lost power. *sc the second dodge intrepid a 1999 vehicle identification number [xxx]. *jb information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

The engine failed while driving. this is a 2001 dodge intrepid with under 67,000 miles on it. the timing chain snapped and the 2.7 liter engine needs to be replaced. *nm

2001 dodge intrepid se started making a loud rattling noise for no reason. had car towed to a garage, and mechanic refused to work on it. had car towed to second garage, mechanic told us that the engine needed to be replaced. car had 70000 miles and kept in good condition with regular oil changes and mantaince. told it would cost $5000 for repair still owe $12000 on car. this is absolutly unreal. i guess it will just sit and rot in my driveway. some one needs to make dodge walk up to the plate. this is pure robbery.i was also told that this year intrepid was bad for engine failure. and this web site proves it.*ak

While turning at an intersection engine shut down . owner had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and owner was informed that the engine had a build up of sludge. owner stated that because of the sludge build up the warranty company refused to pay the repair costs for the engine. *ak

I bought dodge intrepid 2001 se 2.7 l from the local auction with only 53000 miles on the odometer. as i was driving back from the auction, i heard tapping noise from the engine. i stopped and opened the hood and found that engine was low on the oil, i decide to add one quart of engine oil until i was close to the auto mechanic shop. after getting to his shop and opening up the engine we found that there was little oil but mostly sludge that prevented the engine from lubrication. the noise was really loud that had damaged some internal parts (broke crank shaft) too. anyway the engine was gone, we decided to put another engine from the junk yard, which coasted over two thousand dollars and installation was about one thousand . now, i have only driven 1000 miles on the new engine and there is engine light on again. i hope it is not the beginning of same issue. the car has already coasted me almost seven thousand dollars and not to mention time in the shop and frustration. i want to warn every one to stay away from intrepid and any 2.7 l dodge engines. researching on chrysler's web site and edmunds now i see lots of people have same issues but no solution. i hope company claims responsibility of poor design and issue a recall. regards, pulkit kapila . *ak

While driving 10 mph vehicle stalled without warning. the driver tried to restart the vehicle but was not able to do so. the vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak the engine locked up due to sludge. *jb

Defect in motor design, motors self destruction at 90000 mi or less. son was driving car on interstate, tried to pass truck, motor blew, narrowly missed causing an accident. after numerous phone calls to repair shops i've been told these 2.7 liter v6 motors are junk. they have a defect with the oil pump. when you accelerate the oil t is pumped to the top of the motor, making the oil pump run dry and starve the main bearing on the lower end. this should have been a recall on all 2.7 liter v6 motors. i just bought the car for my son, he only had it 2 weeks. i paid cash $5,500.00. gone, car not worth repairing. what a rip off.*ak

12/11/04 = engine failure on a 2001 dodge intrepid while driving on i-77 north of charlotte, nc. oil light flickered on and off. pulled over to shoulder to check oil level and fouond at max. continued driving and about 30 miles later eigine rpm acclerated to 5000 rpm at 70 mph. engine cut off and had to pull to medium. loud noise in engine. mount airy dodge deler wanted 3k to 5k to replace. 12/17/04 = towed car back to shelby and having motor replaced with a used motor at a cost of $4000.00 (estimated).*ak

I have a 2001 dodge intrepid i purchased this car from the dealership approx. 2years ago (it was a loaner car) first i had to replace the cooling fan (no big deal) now i am finding out that the entire engine needs to be replaced. while getting my oil changed the attendant told me that i had a small oil link that needed to be addressed so i took the car over to my mechanic the same day who told me that the engine would need to be rebuilt or replaced this car only has 62,000 miles on it i can't imagine having to replace an engine so soon i have had my oil changed regularly and my mechanic knows that but still he says that there is oil built up inside the engine then he tells me that he has has several people in his shop with similiar problems. *ak

While driving 55 mph engine failed. dealer stated the oil pump clogged. *ak

While driving at approximately 65 mph the motor ceased to function. it began by making a noise. then the vehicle lost power. there was no power steering or power brakes. consumer had the vehicle towed to dealer, and was informed that the timing chain blew apart, and there was no compression in the cylinders. vehicle never indicated that it was running hot. *ak *jb

A noise was heard coming from the front while driving. then, vehicle stalled. consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. mechanic informed determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak.....old engine was removed and a new one was installed at cost of $5,309.96. *ak

While driving 65 mph the engine failed. consumer was able to get to the side of the road. *ak

Purchased car in 02 with 11000 miles. maintained car well. at 57000 miles the engine and transmission blew. dealer said their was a build up of sludge. my car was in the shop for 30 days. 4 days after repaired i returned it to dealer with complaint of transmission slipping. they couldn't feel it slipping when they drove it. now tonight, 3 weeks later, it was towed back to the shop for transmission failure. *nm

While driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle started losing power. the dealership indicated this was due to a sludge problem. *jb

20 01 dodge intrepid,43k. mi., purchased in 02, drive 7000. miles, year maintained to specks. last oil change showed massive amounts of sludge build-up. two weeks later the engine blew. according to serv. mgr. at dealership where we purchased it, it is the timing chain guides. i'm sure he's farmiliar with the noise because chrysler have denied thousands of people the use of thier 2.7 l engined vehicles for a long, long time. it is a known cronic problem with this engine, and they know it, and nothing is being done about it. and, like thousands of others, we have to continue to pay for the driveway ornament as it can only sit there. we certaimly can't afford to fix it, so we borrowed my mother-in laws car, which got stolen from our driveway a week after we borrowed it. this problem must be addressed immediately by the proper authorities and they must be held accountable for any and all repairs needed to be able to get rid of the car.*ak

The vehicle would accelerate no more then 30 mph, the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer informed the consumer that the problem was due to sludge build up in the engine. *jb

While driving 25 mph vehicle stalled. as a result, steering locked. *ak

While driving at any speed the oil warning light illuminated. consumer heard knocking noises coming from the engine. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

While driving 40 mph vehicle stalled. consumer was not able to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak the motor had locked and threw a rod. the consumer would changes regularly. *sc *jb

The check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. vehicle overheated and stalled. consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak

Normal driving on interstate. engine light came on. before i could get onto next exit (1/4 mile), engine started knocking. took exit and pulled directly into closed car dealership parking lot. engine died. oil leaking from engine. called mechanic. towed car to his shop. had car for 6 months trying to find replacement engine. put in rebuilt engine. after 5 months, engine began knocking as before. stopped immediately and had towed to my house where it now sits. 1st engine and parts not available. *jb

While driving at any speed engine warning light illuminated intermittently. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

While making a left hand turn engine seized up due to engine sludge. consumer managed to pull over and restarted the vehicle. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

The engine in my auto( 2001 dodge intrepid) failed----regular oil and filter changes took place----engine would cutoff without notice while driving------chrsler would not acknowledge warranty but would repair at cost-----research indicates that this engine would develope a sludge buildup problem as my auto did-----my engine had to be replaced at a cost of over $5,000. *ak

I was driving at 20 mph. the steering wheel locked up. could not brake or speed up. one mechanic said it was the timing chain. and i would need a new motor. estimate was 4900- 5500. cant afford it.*ak

My wife was traveling on highway 65 and stopped at the light.the engine suddenly shutdown withhout warning and smoke came out from under the hood. my wife was terrified and stuck in the middle of the road for about 20 minutes until the highway patrol pushed the car to the side. the estimated repair cost from a shop is $7,500.*ak

Vehicle reached 45000 miles when engine no longer operated. taken vehicle to dealer for repairs under extended warranty. later, check engine light appeared. dealer found that the gas tank needed a new hose for $350.00. *ak the consumer stated that he believed the dealer knowingly sold a bad vehicle and would like to be reimbursed. the consumer stated that the vehicle would not stay running. *tc

Consumer stated engine failed completely. *ak

No events led up to engine failure in 2001 dodge intrepid with 2.7l engine. went to work one day and as i entered parking area engine seized up, in november 2004. spoke with dodge chrysler dealers, reps and service managers. they claim that the problem at 47,000(approx.) is due to owner failure not the engines. absolutely nothing has been done to acknowledge, fix, repair, replace or settle the issues with the engine failure.

Had a noise coming from the top of my engine that started on my way to work one morning. drove it home and then took it to the dodge dealership to have it looked at. they said the engine was bad due to sludge and needed replaced. the timing chain had not broken yet so they said if didn't replace the engine, i should replace the timing chain and get rid of the car.

While traveling down the interstate the engine began knocking on my 2001 intrepid. had the car towed to garage they said engine was full of sludge and needed rebuilt or replaced we changed the oil every 3000-4000 miles upon further investigation this is known to be a chrysler problem but they refuse to fix the problem the only way they want to help is thave it towed to garage and charge you for inspection and then want you to pay 5000.00 to 9000.00 to repair it is a hoax i have owned this car 2 years now it is undriveable and i cannot afford to fix it. i own a company and have several dod ge autos if this is the way they are going to solve problems i will be switching makes of cars i buy in the future. *ak

My wife was driving the car and it suddenly stopped working causing her to be in the middle of a multi-lane road and in danger of being hit by rush hour traffic. the car was towed to the auto shop where they discovered the water pump had broken, causing metal fragments to fall into the oil pan. the timing chain jumped a gear on the water pump and causing the engine to quit working without warning. the car is a 2001 dodge intrepid with a 2.7l v6 engine. the car has 59,009 miles. parts required to repair the damage include: camshaft sensor, valve cover gasket, upper manifold gasket, timing chain tensioner, water pump, both cam shaft sensors. *jb

While driving, the engine shut down. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and the engine was found to be defective. the consumer stated he could not find anyone to work on the vehicle. *jb

I purchased this car in april of 2002 from a dodge dealer. it was a program car and had about 16,000 miles on it. the car was never run hard while i drove it and oil was changed approximately every 5,000 miles. this car was great and ran like a top for 2 1/2 years. in that time, the only corrective maintenance required on the car was minor brake work in september 2004. october 8, 2004: noticed a slight knocking from engine, so i decided to take it to jiffy lube for an oil change. they told me there was some oil deposit build-up and they would flush the engine before replacing the oil. car still knocked after the oil change, so i called a local dodge dealership in danville in to inquire about service. i was told to bring the car in on the following monday (oct. 11) for tests. i did not drive the car that weekend. monday morning, i started the car, and it sounded awful, belching smoke. i was unable to move the car out of the driveway, so i called a wrecker service and had the car towed to the dealership. the next day, the service department called and informed me that there was excessive oil-sludge buildup in the engine "due to not changing the oil every 3,000 miles." i was quoted a cost of $4,560.00 to repair the engine, or $7,700.00 to replace it. i don\'t claim to have religiously changed my oil; like i said, about every 5,000 miles. but this is no different than every other car (13) i have owned and they all lasted well over 100,000 miles or at least up to the time that i sold them. i still have 30 months left to pay on my 60-month loan, and owe $8,100.00. dealers will only give me $500.00 in trade. i've decided to refinance the car over 72 months, which has cut my payments in half, and just yesterday purchased another car that i will also be paying for the next six years. i find it ironic that i had never heard of the problems with this engine, but now everyone i talk to in the automotive industry has long known about just what junk chrysler has put out. *tr

While starting up vehicle stalled. consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that engine needed to be replaced due to water pump damage. also, valves and head gasket malfunctioned. *ak

While driving 30 mph, the consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. suddenly, the vehicle stalled. the consumer tried to restart the vehicle and was able to do so. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that the engine needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *jb

While driving 30 mph, the consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the vehicle. suddenly the vehicle jerked. the vehicle was taken to a garage for inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge in the engine. please provide further details. *jb

While driving 40 mph vehicle stalled. consumer restarted the vehicle. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

While driving at 35 mph consumer heard a noise coming from the engine. consumer took the vehicle to the dealership on april, 2004, dealership indicated to the consumer due that the oil was not changing properly and needed to be replace the engine at consumer's expense of $9,000 although consumer proved from a independent shop that oil was changed regularly. *ak

While driving a knocking noise came from the engine. dealership informed the consumer that engine rod blew out. the problem was repaired. *ak

While driving at any speed consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. suddenly vehicle jerked and vibrated. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge inside the engine. *ak

While driving, the vehicle suddenly stopped. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the dealer stated the engine needed to be replaced. *jb