Problems with 2001 Dodge Intrepid ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I was driving my 2001 dodge intrepid and came to a four way stop and my engine failed. two gentlrmen assisted with pushing my vehicle off the side of the road to avoid any injuries. *ak

While driving engine blew out/smoked, and stalled. there were no warnings. engine completely failed. *ak

I was approx. 10 miles out of town when i noticed smoke coming from under the hood. i pulled off the road and proceeded to open hood where i found flames coming from the engine. fire was extinguished when hood was closed. i believe that the oil that was coming from the engine was what was burning. there was oil down the side of the car from front fender well to the back bumper and puddle along the side of the car. the car was towed to our local dodge dealership. we were told that the coolant was evaporating inside the engine, and it was not cooling the engine. there was no warning from any gauges that the oil pressure was low or that the car was overheating. we were told that the engine would have to be replaced and that a rebuilt engine from chrysler was $4700 and that was without labor. *ak

While driving vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating and came to a complete stop at a traffic light before stalling. vehicle was towed to a dealership. the dealership replaced the timing belt/oil pump, and 6 rods. the failure recurred four times thereafter, in which the short block, 02 sensors and the distributor were replaced. the failure recurred. *ak

I have a 2001 dodge intrepid 2.7 just recently my car broke down, i took it to several places(4) to find out the problem and was told be 4 different mechnics 2 been a dodge dealerships that it was the engine. i was also told by all 4 mechnics that the dodge intrepid has a slugeing problem with all the 2.7l engine models. i would like to know why this was never recalled or why dodge did not do anything about it. i have all my paper work for maintence done on my car . i feel that is not do to any fault on my own however i am stuck with a $4000-6000 repair bill for a problem dodge knew about. why.

While driving vehicle overheated. vehicle was towed to dealer, who informed consumer that anti freeze was in the oil pan, and head gasket became defective.*ak

My car died with only 30 seconds warning. i was driving south on rt 83 just south of st charles ave in villa park when my car started to jerk and make loud noises. i had the car towed to the place of purchase and they said that sludge was present in my engine. i had my oil changed 6/15/2004 atr midas in villa park il and there was no sign of sludge in my engine. i have not been given an estimate, exept that it will take $400 for them to figure out what is the problem.*ak

While consumer was driving at 55 mph vehicle suddenly stopped. consumer had it towed to the dealer, and after looking at the vehicle, consumer was told that the timing belt broke. she had it repaired, and one month later, the same thing happened. then, she was told by the mechanic that this problem will continue to happen over and over again because of the engine size oil sludge billed up in the engine, and caused the belt to pop due to pressure. consumer stated that a lawyer told her that most people that have these types of vehicle usually end up losing it because of the expense. consumer's vehicle was still in the shop because she could not afford to get it out. *ak

About 2 months ago my oil was burning up and i had white smoke coming from the exhaust. i had it looked at and the problem was unknown. i had the oil changed and filter changed several times within 2 months (due to oil burning up). a couple weeks ago i was driving on the highway when my engine started to sound like a semi truck so i pulled off the highway. i checked the oil which was fine and there was nothing smoking so i was going to take it to my dads house to figure out what was wrong. when i got back in the car it wouldn't start. i had it looked at and now they are saying my engine is history. i found out oil sludge caused the problem. i have 3 years left to pay off a car that i can't drive and can not afford to fix the problem at this time. even if i tried for a used engine i would be on a wating list (which tells you something right there.*ak

Knocking in engine while driving home from work. took to chrysler and they said there was sludge in the oil, and my warranty was null and void

No warning at all. my son was driving on the interstate going about 65 mph when the engine stopped running without any warning. luckily he was able to maneuver the car out of traffic before it completely stop. the vehicle had 56,000 miles on it and was covered by a extended warranty. the warranty company refused to pay because they said it was a manufacturer defect. 2001 intrepid. *nm

While starting the vehicle consumer heard a horrible noise coming from the engine. vehicle was towed to independent shop, and mechanic determined that timing tension spring broke. as result, engine needed to be replaced. *ak

While driving 30 mph consumer proceeded around a corner and the engine began knocking and shut off. consumer made several attempts to restart the vehicle, but the engine immediately shut back off.*ak

Vehicle stopped after being serviced. consumer pulled over to the side of the road. then, vehicle was towed to the dealer. the dealer stated that timing chain was defective.*ak

The vehicle overheated because the water pump faied. when the engine overheated the head gasket blew and the balancing shaft broke which destroyed the engine motor. the existing motor is being replaced with a re-design re-built engine motor. *jb

The engine light illuminated. dealership informed consumer that the problem pertained to the slits on the rubber vent valve hose. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

While driving a loud clanking noise was coming from the front. then, vehicle stalled. consumer tried to restart vehicle, but was unable to do so. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that engine needed replacement due to worn out parts. *ak the vehicle's engine developed sludge. the manufacturer refuses to provide assistance unless the consumer can prove that the oil was changed regularly. *nm

While driving, vehicle stalled without warning. the driver tried to restart the vehicle and was unable to do so. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed to be replaced. *la *sc *jb

While driving consumer hear a noise. he drove the vehicle to the dealer, who told him that it was a valve train noise, and that there was no problem if he had the oil changed. one week later, the vehicle just stopped, and was towed to the dealer for repairs. *ak

The consumer was driving the vehicle, stopped at a stop light and the vehicle turned off and would not start. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, were it was found that a rod had come loose. the warranty company is in liquidation and the consumer had to pay for the vehicle. the vehicle manufacture stated it is not their responsibility. *nm

Consumer stated that engine failed while driving at approximately 65 mph. consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told it would cost several thousand dollars to remove and replace the motor. *ak

While driving vehicle stalled. consumer pulled vehicle off the road, and was unable to restart the vehicle. it was towed to an independent repair shop, and mechanic determined engine needed to be replaced. manufacturer was notified.*ak

My car began to make a loud knocking sound. i took it straight to a service center. after looking at the car, they said i needed a new engine. i had it towed to another service center for a second opinion, they, too, said i needed a new engine. the chain tension spring broke causing my car to get out of time and basically the engine self- destructed. i still owe almost $8000.00 on my car and a rebuilt engine will cost me nearly $7,000.00. i called dodge and voiced my complaint with no compassion from them. i don't know what to do. i have a car that i love and had no problems with until all of this. i will never buy another dodge, chrysler or jeep vehicle. i can't believe they didn't issue a recall on the chain tensioner. after much research i have found hundreds of complaints about the 2.7 engine claiming the same problem. just what is the average middle class person supposed to do with a car like this? *jb

Driving on the (very busy)freeway in pheonix, az, we started hearing very quiet clicking noise in my '01 dodge intrepid. we rolled down the windows, heard louder clicking, and started losing power. we made it to the next exit, and the car died not half way down the onramp. we did steer it to the side, and avoided an accident. there was a small piece on the rear of the radiator, front of the engine that had lifted off. there was a gasket, but no screws, clamps, or other securing devices. this apparently houses the thermostat. the engine was destroyed, without the gauges ever registering a heat up, and we were left on an off ramp with no motor, and almost no warning. the dealership wanted $8k for a new engine, and claims that it was destroyed because of slushing, as a result of infrequent oil changes. it has 90k miles on it, and we still owe $13000 on it.

While driving at 65 mph, the vehicle stalled on the highway. the consumer replaced the fuel injector sensor and the vehicle started. but, a lot of rattling was heard in the engine. a certified mechanic determined that a rod was damaged in the vehicle. *ak bad motor per consumer. *sc *jb

Was driving on an interstate highway and the engine failed (at 50,223 miles). i was able to coast off the road to safety. mckinney dodge, gastonia, nc informed the the engine was blown and needed replacement. the dealershipe stated this the engine failure was due to not changing the oil as required, even though i change the oil frequently as required. chrysler refuses to fix the engine under the extended warranty. my research indicates this is a frequent problem with their 2.7 liter v6 engine.*ak

I bought my 2001 dodge intrepid in 2002 with 12,000. all of a sudden with no warning my engine dies.why is a car that is not even 3 years old dead. i just had an oil change the day prior. now i am told that it will cost 5500$ to repair it. only choice is new engine. i have little over 50,000 miles, and i owe too much to not get it fixed. so now what, they know of the problems, why is the public not aware. and why is dodge not responsible for this. same old excuse, not enough oil changes. seems to me that the general public is being taken for a ride by chyrsyler. help. *ak

While driving at any speed a dashboard light and a bell notified consumer that an engine problem was evident. once the vehicle was slowed down and stopped it would not start for the consumer. dealer examined the vehicle and could not determine what caused the problem. *ak

While driving at unknown speed vehicle stalled. dealership could not duplicate the problem.*ak

Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle noises could be heard coming from the engine. the vehicle was driven for a period of time before the vehicle was taken to a dealership. diagnostics test were performed on the vehicle and the problem could not be duplicated. the vehicle was driven for one year before the engine failed; the vehicle is now parked without repairs being made. the manufacturer has not been contacted.

Slit rattle noise die completely had to be towed home mechanic looked at but said it cost a lot more than i had to fix it. *jb

While driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled. the dealer stated that the oil pump cracked which allowed metal debris inside the engine. *ak *sc *jb

Engine locked up while driving between 55-60 mph. vehicle was towed to dealer, who indicated that this occurred due to sludge in the engine because of oil build up. this was a common failure with these engine sizes. also, because this was a common failure mechanic had having difficulty replacing the engine. *ak

I was driving down the road when my car suddenly cut off, due to engine failure. *la

2001 dodge intrepid 65,000 miles 2.7 engine 2.7 l engine - blown head gaskets/head possibly need new engine. *ak

While driving consumer smelled chemical fumes inside the vehicle. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

While driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. the vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *jb

Check engine light came on and took it to auto shop they said it was because of the gas cap being loose. after purchasing a new gas cap the check engine light came on again within a couple of days. recently car would not start had towed to two places then to dealer who said the timeing jumps and there was sluge in the engine quoted a price of 7000+ for repairs the engine needed to be flush and rebuilt. *ak

When attempting to start the vehicle it would not start. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine failed. *ak

After owning our 2001 dodge intrepid for only a year, the timing chains went out, we repaired it at a cost of $2,700. one week later while driving on the expressway the engine stopped working almost causing an accident, because of loss of power.*ak

After owning vehicle for three years engine failed due to oil sludge build up. however, dealer stated there was no defect. *ak

While driving 60-65 mph, the consumer smelled heat and saw some smoke. the consumer pulled over and noticed the engine was on fire. the vehicle was serviced and the fire was due to a water pump falling apart interactions with the motor. *jb engine was filled with coolant which the oil to blow out the dip stick and onto the exhaust, which led to the fire. *la

No warning--other than a problem with the heat that we didn't realize was related until after. as my husband was driving the car home, the engine light came on and the engine immediately died, in traffic. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who informed us that the car had an engine sludge problem, like many other intrepids he had seen, and it would cost us roughly $6,000 to replace it. the car is currently sitting at the mechanic's because we don't have an extra six grand laying around, so it is intact in it's unrepaired state. i feel it could have been a horrible nightmare had traffic been heavier and one of my kids had been driving. this is a real personal injury disaster waiting to happen to other intrepid owners.*ak

The engine in my car failed twice and i had replaced it with a used one since my extended warranty wouldn't cover it. this cost me $4000.00 and then 6 months later that engine failed and i am now replacing it at a cost of $6,000.00 due to oil sludge found in the engine. this is the 2.7 liter engine in the dodge intrepid

While driving engine failed. dealer stated that sludge built up inside engine. *ak

2001 se engine failure at 33,000 miles due to sludge build up. *ak

While driving at 55 mph, and with no warning vehicle stalled. vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, and mechanic determined that engine needed to be replaced. *ak

My 2001 dodge intrepid with 52,000 miles just suddenly came up with a clogged egr valve, was burning oil, and had a rod knock. i though this was strange for a car with so few miles until i saw the great number of websites describing similar breakdowns and explaining the design flaws that cause this premature engine breakdown. i also found out that the manufacturer does not deal with customers on this issue and the general concensus seems to be that the dealer is willing to lie and cheat to avoid dealing with this issue and even has the nerve to continue releasing vehicles with the same defects. our dealer looked at the oil problem, mentioned the knock and sent us on our way as if it was no big deal, the car coded out (check engine ligh) soon there after and i brought it back and they just acted matter of factly and said it needs $9500 to replace the engine that has only $52k on it. this was a blow and then i found out this is a common occurance. *la

Dodge intrepid 2001 2.7 engine failure due to sludge. *ak

Oil light comes on upon idling after driving in heavy traffic also have noticed oil leaking. a pool of oil on ground where car is parked. took to dodge dealership to examine. car still under extended warranty until dec 2004. upon expection dodge advises they need to replace oil pressure switch (under warranty) & gasket in oil pan. i authorized those repairs. also advised replacing oil filter & 1 bottle of oil. came out paying $82.00. once i got home and looked at my receipt they also rotated my tires (not sure why i just had that done in jan. 04), replaced power steering belt. a week later still notice oil light coming on & oil leak is worse. took care back to dealership & upon inspection they have advised i have a "sludge" build up from using 10w30 oil. engine needs to be flushed estimate $287. i refuse and take care home. i have friend flush engine for free. no sludge was visible upon flush. oil light still comes on & oil leak still present. this time i decide to take it to a mechanic instead of the dealership. upon their inspection they see a major leak coming from timing chain cover. they also removed oil pressure switch & hooked manual gauge and ran tests. oil pressure was good in all conditions they saw no problem with pump or engine bearings. they contacted my warranty with estimate to repair timing cover oil leak. warranty approved repairs. upon removing timing cover they replaced bad gasket and replaced crank seal. total charges $223.73 warranty paid $206.26. no further problem with oil light or oil leak at this time. i change my oil every 3000 miles. considering the weather conditions for oklahoma, 10w30 oil is satisfactory, my car only has 55,000 miles on it. luckily i purchased the exteded warranty when i bought in 2 years ago. i will definitely be looking to sell this car before the end of this year after reviewing all the same complaints on the dodge 2.7l engine. *ak