Problems with 2002 Dodge Intrepid ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

My 02 dodge 2.7 l timing has failed. since almost all have the same problem why chrysler does not have a recall ? that's what i call rip off. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. while driving 40 mph, the contact activated the heather, but no heat was present. moreover, the check engine light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that antifreeze was leaking into the engine. in order to pinpoint the exact location of the leak, an additional diagnosis is required at the cost of $900. the dealer also stated that the vehicle will need a new engine because the current one was built too small, and prevents the fluids from distributing correctly. the cost for the new engine is $8,400. the engine was previously checked and minor components were replaced. the contact will not have this failure corrected due to the cost. the manufacturer was notified, but would not assist. the vehicle was under warranty for only 36,000 miles. the current mileage was 77,000 and failure mileage was 52,000.

While driving my car the check engine light came on and there was no heat coming out of the heating unit. this has occurred several times since purchasing this vehicle. the vehicle is now at the dealers they want $900.00 just to take the engine apart. if it needed a new engine it would cost $8,000. since we still owe $6000 this is not a practical solution. this vehicle only has 77,000 miles on it. i called daimler chrysler this morning and they said there is nothing they can do to help me. they stated the engine is only warranted up to 36,000 miles. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. the contact noticed that the engine warning indicator would consistently illuminate on the instrument panel. in addition, he observed smoke underneath the hood of the vehicle. he took the vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions and they replaced the water pump, vacuum lines, and hoses. none of the repairs have corrected the failure. the manufacturer did not assist. the failure mileage was 67,000 and current mileage was 77,000. updated 4/23/09 *cn the consumer stated the vehicle would start to smoke and at times it would stall. the tie rods were replace. updated 04/27/09. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. while driving 60 mph, the contact heard a loud and fast clunking noise coming from the engine. he arrived home and called his mechanic. the mechanic arrived at the contact's residence and stated that the head gasket failed, which was a very common failure with that make and model vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 116,000.

Impending failure of 2.7l engine installed in 2002 dodge intrepid. according to a mechanic a bearing(s) loses its plating and causes metal flakes to block oil galleries leading to oil starvation and eventual failure of the engine. this could lead to a mva if the failure occurs in traffic. mine is starting to fail and according to the mechanic this has been a problem with intrepids. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. while driving at an unknown speed, the oil light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. the contact's father-in-law installed a new battery. the vehicle restarted and the contact pulled back onto the highway. she immediately heard a loud noise coming from under the hood and pulled off the road. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to excessive engine sludge that caused a rod to snap in the engine. the mechanic stated that a new engine would cost $5,000. the failure and current mileages were 89,000.

Heat failed in vehicle approx. feb.7,2007 then in march of 2008 car engine failed on the expressway. i had car towed to the dealer that sold me the car and they ordered a new engine. engine was back ordered and i had to wait over a month for engine. now i have to return the car because engine is running rough and black smoke is coming out of exhaust pipe when it is started. *tr

We were driving our 2002 dodge intrepid and the engine light came on and then the engine shut off. i struggled to keep the car in control until i could pull off the side of the road. it was difficult because of loss of steering. the light had come on many times before but the service dept at my dodge dealer could not explain it. now they say we need a new engine because of lack of oil changes. i just had the oil changed there and they did not mention sludge in the engine. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. while driving 20 mph, the engine shut off. the contact was able to coast to the side of the road. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the timing chain went through the engine block. the current mileage was 149,000 and failure mileage was 90,000.

I drove a 2002 2.7 dodge intrepid. one day i was driving down i-5, (the main highway) and my car started to over heat right away to the red and was blowing cold air. i was by myself and pulled over as far as i could. i pulled over as far as i could but my car was still in the lane. i waited a little while until my car cooled down, about 1 hour. i tried to drive it to the gas station to use a phone to call my dad. i finally got a hold of someone to come tow me home. the next day my dad had fixed the thermostat thinking this would help. um..... no! my car started to blow cold air again. i was driving then all of a sudden my car just stopped on the freeway. i was not even able to pull over at all!!! my car just started to slow down and i couldn't even turn my wheel. i had to call the police department and let them know that i was in the freeway and was scared to cause an accident. they came and blocked the road and pushed me to the side of the freeway. this is the worst experience that has ever happened to me in my life!!!!! my dad looked at the car and checked the oil and all he could see was sludge everywhere. i am still making payments on my car and i still have it in my yard. this is a waste of money and do not feel that this is something i should be paying for. its just been sitting there and after reading all these complaints i cannot believe that dodge is still selling these cars and putting peoples lives in danger daily! i looked online for ways to stop people from buying these cars and found this site. i really hope something happens with these cars. atleast stop selling them!!! if anyone has any advise as to what to do or how to fix my car without spending more than my car costs please help me! thank you *tr

I was driving my car and noticed there was not heat. the fan was blowing, but the air was not warm. the day before, the car was running fine. i pulled over and called my husband immediately. i asked me if there were any noises, smoke, strange smells, and if the temperature was fine. i said no to all and that the temperature was fine. he said to drive a little further and see. i drove not even 1/2 mile down the road (myself and my daughter were in the middle of nowhere) and noticed smoke. i pulled over and called my husband again. he asked me if there was any water coming out of the exhaust, no there was not. he asked me to look under the hood and check the water/antifreeze reservoir. the reservoir was empty. he came out immediately and by the time he got there, the motor was all cooled down. he put 2 gallons of water in the reservoir, which seemed to disappear. he checked the oil, and there was water in it. there was not warning! i have maintained my car well and have had 90% of all my work done at the dealership where i bought it. i have done all the recommended work when they have worked on my car. i even had the radiator flushed, transmission flushed, and the serpentine belt replaced because they said it needed it. *tr

My heater in the car stop working,the next day it came back on,then it went out again,a couple of days it came on again and stayed on. no problem until a couple of weeks later the car just shut down. i had it towed to shop,they told me the engine was gone that i needed to replace the engine. *tr

I bought a 2002 dodge intrepid in july of 2007. 10,000 miles later on december 5th, 2007 my car breaks down and my oil and engine light turn on. i had my oil changed as scheduled so i know its not my fault. i few days later i get my car looked at by a professional and he begins to explain to me that its my timing chain, hydraulic tensioner. in other words, i'm required to buy another engine or get mine fixed. both my options seem a little unfair and pricey. im also told that chrysler was the original creator of the 2.7 liter engine found in my 2002 dodge intrepid model. through further investigating i've found numerous websites dealing with the same complaints. am i really expected to pay 5,000$ on a new engine for something that's not my fault? *tr

First was a funny clicking noise when the car started. it started to get worse very quickly and i had it looked at. the problem couldn't be found at that time. shortly there after it broke down. this time i am told that the engine has a sludge build up problem which in turn caused the timing chain to break. now i'm told that the best thing to do is spend between $4,500 and $5,000 to replace the engine. it hasn't been repaired yet (12-11-2007). *tr

While getting an oil change and having the water pump replaced, my mechanic found oil sludge under the valve covers. he said this is very common in the chrysler 2.7l engines. he cleaned it out as best he could with solvent and rags. the cost was over $200.00 for just the cleanup, and i don't know how much more sludge is in the lower part of the engine. engine failure could be coming soon. *jb

2002 dodge intrepid engine failure from oil sludge. driving down the street and the car started making knocking sound and started bogging out. took it to dealer who said the engine needed to be replaced which will cost $6100.00. chrysler said that we would have to pay a $2500.00 deductible since the car was out of warranty. we bought the car in 2003 with 19,000 miles on it from a dealer and the car now only has 53,000 miles on it. chrysler needs to own up to this. there is hundreds of complaints on this very same problem. please make them issue a recall on this 2.7l engine. toyota did with less complaints. *tr

Oil light flickered once on october 16, 2007, took it to fleet auto service in covington ky, they checked and advised engine needs replaced, jasper engines advised this 2.7l engine has a bad history of the oil return line being blocked by sludge due to poor design and heat, the car has had routine oil changes. *jb

Engine failure with no fore warning, on a well maintained 2002 dodge intrepid the engine seized while entering a highway and was very endangering, i am stil awaiting my part because i love my crappy car. *jb

Dodge intrepid 2002 engine light and oil light on while driving vehicle was disable and i was not able to visit my son which i had not see for over 5 month. i need some body help. stuck with a car that does not work. *jb

Two incidents: october 2007, a 2002 dodge intrepid with 2.7l v6 had an engine cooling failure causing immediate overheating problem on florida highways. the cooling fitting on the top of the engine popped off causing the engine to loose most of it's coolant. approximate mileage 106,000 this was taken to the dealer for an expensive repair. at the time the dealer did not notify me of the serious problems with this engine, such as sludge oil pump failures. on january 19th, 2009, the engine failed again. at approximately 125,000 miles. the water pump failed, the heads were blown, and probably the sludge oil pump caused this whole sequence of problems that could have been avoided if dodge made design changes back in 2007. the estimate for replacing the engine is at $6500. not feasible to repair and i found many complaints about this engine design dating back to 1998 and 1999. both failures were immediate with little warning to the driver. thank god no one was injured. owned by son nick straty *tr

Driving around doing errands, heading to the next town (15 miles) to finish my errands and my engine started to overheat. i turned around and went to the service station that was only about 1/2 mile away and had them look at the car. i had no previous problems with it overheating. it ended up being a cracked block. i needed to get a different engine because it was to expensive to repair the original one. *tr

My family and i while driving down the highway in our 2002 dodge intrepid se 2.7 liter the engine failed with no warning after further research have found that chrysler is aware of this problem yet has done nothing and will do nothing to correct it. this is unfortunate as this problem presents real danger for people around these cars when the engine fails. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler intrepid. while driving 70 mph, the engine failed and the timing chain snapped. the vehicle was pulled over and the vehicle was towed. the dealer does not want any part in the matter. there are no recalls available for the engine. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 110,000. updated 12/12/2007 *bf updated 12/12/07 *tr

At 60k miles i had to have a brand new transmission put in, and just 1 week ago i took it into the dealership and they say i need a new engine! it only has 84k miles on it. i don't even owe as much as it will cost me to fix the car, i am very upset. i have taken good care of my car, and to have so major problems with a new car is very disappointing. *jb

I purchased a 2002 dodge intrepid with a 2.7-liter engine in july of 2005 from holley dodge in middletown, ct for $9,500. the vehicle at that time had 48,000 miles on it. in july of 2007 (at 78,000 miles) i experienced engine problems and, after bringing it back to holley dodge for service, was told the engine had low compression and was offered repair options of: 1) tearing down the motor which would cost at least $2,500 depending upon what is found; 2) a rebuilt motor for $3,500+; or 3) a new motor for $4,500+. the warranty did not cover the cost (36,000 miles/3 years). i had maintain the care carefully, changing the oil every 3,000 mile which is more frequent than recommended in the owners manual. after researching this matter, i discovered a vast amount of similar complaints from all over the united states as well as numerous web sites devoted to this 2.7-liter daimlerchrysler engine problem. experts believe the engine problems may be due to engine defects or oil sludge build-up that is common in 2.7l vehicles. i have read that the center for auto safety has received five times more oil sludge complaints on chrysler 2.7l vehicles than other vehicles. apparently these complaints involve quite a few dodge and chrysler vehicles from 1998 to present. i believe chrysler is violating consumer rights under lemon laws or other consumer-protection laws. can you advise me? thanks, mike veneski *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. the contact heard a loud dragging sound underneath the vehicle while driving. the sensor light and oil light illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle completely shut off. the contact did not try to restart the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and has not been taken to the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 73,000. updated 01-15-08. *kb the consumer stated upon inspection there was anti-freeze within the oil chamber. updated 12/12/07. *jb

I bought the 2002 dodge intrepid new and from day 1 we used synthetic oil in the vehicle. my mechanic always told me that was the best treatment for the longevity of an engine. my wife has always been the primary driver of the car and we followed the maintenance schedule properly. she was waiting to turn into our community after returning home from work , when without warning the engine failed. we needed a motor. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. while driving 65 mph, the vehicle began to shake and smoke without warning. the contact had just taken the vehicle in for an oil change. the contact pulled off the road and the vehicle was towed. the dealer stated that the engine failed and will cost $6,800 to replace. the vin was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 12,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. while driving 15 mph, the engine failed. the contact pulled over and pushed the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer stated that the vehicle needed a new engine. the cost would be $7,900. the current and failure mileages were 51,000. updated 03-04-08 *bf

We have had so many problems with our dodge intrepid leading up to the failure of the engine. first, the engine starting stalling, we would have to restart the car and it wouldn't shift from one gear to another. then there was a leak in the coolant pipe so we had to replace that. my boyfriend then drove the car for few hours straight to go visit his family. he couldn't get the car started to come home. finally he got it started and started driving home. it died on the way home and hasn't been running since. we have been without a car because it costs so much to get it repaired and we can't sell it because we would hardly get anything for it. *tr

As i was driving up a hill my car lost power and started to smoke. as i pulled off the road the engine quit, and a fire started under the hood.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. on april 23, 2007, the vehicle made a clunking sound and shut off while driving 25 mph. the vehicle was towed and the mechanic stated that the bearings on the vehicle failed. there were no prior warnings. the vin was unavailable. the current and failure mileages were 72,563.

Immediate loss of vehicle power..car went dead and immediately started to smoke and within seconds the engine compartment was up in flames. vehicle did not overheat.. engine compartment suffered major fire damage,insurance company investigation still pending. *jb

Tl*- while driving the 2002 dodge intrepid at 70 mph with failure mileage 79,500 the contact heard a loud knocking noise coming from the engine. she took the vehicle to the dealer, and had them service the vehicle. the vehicle has now been salvaged due to the extent of the repair needed.*ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. while driving 40 mph the oil light illuminated, and a clicking noise was heard. the vehicle shut off. the contact attempted to notify the manufacturer. however, the number he dialed was disconnected. the current mileage, power train information, and place of purchase was unavailable. the failure mileage was 1,113. *ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. the contact stated that the vehicle shut off without warning while driving 45 mph. the dealer stated that the failure was not good. the current and failure mileages were 147,000. the consumer stated the vehicle leaks when adding antifreeze. updated 06/08/07 *tr

My defective dodge 2.7l engine in my 02 intrepid. *jb

I began having trouble with my heater in my car and i took it into pep boys and they replaced the water pump and seals. then it began again and then the check engine light came on and i was told that i had a transmission sensor going out. soon after the car stalled and would not start. before the car stalled the engine had a loud knocking coming from it. *jb

Car was making noise then 2 days later, it wouldnt start, had it towed, discovered a broken timing chain, dealer needed to reploace the engine due to the damage ,and it cost $5,944.00. now the transmission needed replacing as well. *ak

Due to oil sludge build up the engine has failed on my 02 dodge intrepid. we have had all major parts replaced (computer, fuel pump, transmission, etc). only a month after replacing the computer the engine seized up and left my husband stranded. *tr

i am extremely upset because recently i purchased a dodge 2002 intrepid just a little less than a year ago an without any warnings my water pump went out which cause my timing belt to destroy the engine instantly. and i just recently read hundreds of reports of similar incidents. i also was on the freeway at the time in the middle of traffic. *nm

Tl*- the contact stated that he drove the 2002 dodge intrepid to work on 01/24/07. at the end of the day he tried to start the vehicle and the engine turned over, but the vehicle didn't start. the next day he started the vehicle and it did start. he stated that he let the vehicle run for a while and heard a tapping noise from under the hood. he turned the vehicle off and didn't restart it. the contact stated that 2 weeks prior he had the vehicle serviced for the 3,000 miles oil change. the contact had the oil changed every 3,000 miles. the vehicle was towed to technical tune up in chicago. the service mechanic did a diagnosis, and told the contact that the crank shaft sensor had failed, the battery was low and the spark plugs were worn. the contact had the sensor , the battery and the spark plugs replaced. shortly there after, the tapping noise started again. the contact had the vehicle towed back to the mechanic shop, and he informed the contact that his engine had failed. the contact stated that he had found reports on line that other owners filed about the same issues, and chrysler stated that the owners were negligent with their vehicles. these reports showed that sludge build up was the cause for the engine failure.. the current mileages was 80000.*ak

Purchased the 2002 dodge intrepid 2/11/06. in less than 1 year the engine locked. the vehicle was towed to dealer. not to rebuild. salvaged engine wasn't an option, would only have the same problem. the mechanic found the core of the engine was beyond repair. the two mechanics expected payment. i explored the web & the cheapest rebuild engine i could find was $2,499 + core charge, that i won't get back with a shot core. the mechanic will have to be paid of course, to reinstall the re-manufactured engine. oh, and let's not forget the loan balance still required for the purchase of a car that cannot be driven. fortunately. i am able to borrow from my 401k to get the car drivable again or my daughter would be out of luck. however, the most discouraging thought was how long will the rebuild engine last? thank god it came with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. the original engine, when purchased used had 82,357 on it, and my daughter only got about 10,000 miles of use before it died. that was terrible.*ak

2002 dodge intrepid with 2.7 v6 engine stalled at stop light, was able to drive about 2 miles to auto repair (no more that 20 mph) advised had to tear down engine to see what problem was...advised timing chain and water pump paid $1000 for repairs, 3 months later engine making loud noise when starts... back to auto repair shop, advising engine shot, has to be rebuilt approx cost $2500 to $3500 .. unbelievable for a car that is only 5 years old. *tr

Tl* - the contact stated while driving at 35 mph, on clear day and road conditions were good the vehicle lost power and the steering wheel became stiff. the contact said that she was able to pull vehicle over and tried to restart the vehicle. the contact stated that she had it towed to big -o tires in topeka, ks. big-o tires told her that the engine seized, and that the intrepid 2.7 liter engines werewell known for this happening. the contact stated that the mechanic said that the oil was not going to the engine properly which caused a sludge to build up. *ak

Purchased dec 2001 with maximum added care protection plan for 6yr/60k miles. performed all vehicle required maintenance and never had an issue until 12/11/06 when the vehicle stopped in motion presenting a clicking sound. vehicle towed to dealer as we thought to repair an alternator or battery. however the dealer states that our vehicle's motor ceased and it has sludge in the engine as when they open the oil cap, sludge is clearly evident. we are still attempting to get the service agreement to pay for the repair as we feel that it is not our fault since providing regular maintenance and the vehicle is presently under such warranty coverage. our internet research shows that there are hundreds of 2.7 liter engine owners have suffered the same issue with daimlerchrysler accepting no fault but acknowledging this is a common complaint however dcx refers that consumers did not follow regular maintenance schedules. dealer cost to replace/repair engine $8900 as quoted on 12/11/06 by cueter dodge ypsilanti, mi. *nm

Engine started knocking, so i stopped at a service station. they said that they do not repair 2.7 liters for chrysler. had it then towed to the chrysler dealership and they said that the motor was blown due to oil sludge and needed to be replaced at a cost of $5700.00. contacted impartial services group, sent them all information on the car, including oil changes. was made an offer by chrysler of $1080.00. turned it down as they have had the same issue with mercedes owners and have taken care of them. talked to the owner of the chrysler dealership in my area and he said "the 2.7 is a junk motor and i wouldn't have one on my lot". he also went on the tell me that the oil ports are to small to allow proper oil flow and the "v" shape in the oil pan does not allow for all of the oil to drain out during oil changes. i contacted chrysler by letter and e-mail and they said sorry, but there is nothing we can do. i am in the process of creating a web site in which will be called the national push my dodge. it will include a date in which i will push my dodge intrepid as far as needed to create awareness that chrysler has turned its back side to middle class americans. *jb

My vehicle was being serviced for a head-gasket leak. the dodge dealer servicing my vehicle advised me to get rid of the vehicle quickly because it has sludge buildup that cannot be removed and that it runs a high risk of seizing up, which itself can result in an accident and injury. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 70 mph on the highway under normal road conditions, the heater started to blow cold air and then stalled. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that a valve, connected with the timing chain blew out and that the engine would need to be replaced. the contact found similar complaint via the web. compliant # 10099639 about the engine and engine cooling. the vehicle has not been replaced or repaired.