Beware - 2.7 liter Dodge Intrepid / Chrysler Conco

It has come to my attention, after weeks of trouble with my Dodge Intrepid 2000 model ES 2.7 liter automatic, that these engines may be defective, and will almost always fail on or prior to 100,000 miles. In the past few weeks I have researched the web for reports on the engine in these cars, and have come to a huge, and upsetting conclusion. Certain years/modles of Dodge and Chrysler cars with this 2.7 liter engine will encounter many problems, despite the constant care and tune-up schedule most people follow.

According to the situation I have had, as well as the posts by hundreds of other owners, these engines were designed with poor oil flow, and will over time, weaken to the point of failure due to "oil sludge". I have included a link for a personal post/blog site to aid in your research on the topic, before buying a car that will cost you more then you are willing to pay in re-build bills. if that link is removed visit www dot car complaints dot com / dodge / intrepid / 200 / engine /

This MAY NOT apply to the other more powerful engines that dodge/chrysler installed in the more pricey vehicles, like the dodge RT and ES versions, the 300M and etc. This only applies to the 2.7 liter engine.

As for my experience with Dodge overall, I have loved my Intrepid, despite the engine failure, it is and has been one of the best driving cars I have ever owned, I only wish dodge would stand up for their mistakes and cost-cutting measures and honor all the warranty holders suffering the same situation I have suffered. If you currently own a chrysler car with the 2.7 liter engine, trade it as soon as possible, or switch to pure synthetic oil immediately, and look for the new brands of synthetic oil that reduces sludge build up, I have no doubt in my mind that running pure synthetic oil is the only reason I was able to get high mileage from my engine.

...read the full guide with pics here

jimmayor007 welcome to the forum

That's quite a serious complaint. If true I would like to thank you for informing us.


I hope you will like the forum

I have a 2000 Intrepid with the 2.7 L engine. I also have 232,000 miles on it. Till today the only thing replaced on the car were tires, brakes, 2 brake rotors, & rear struts. The usual maintenance items. I have the car service every 3,000 miles. Today the engine made a pop sound and started blowing blue smoke. Will not know what happen to it till Monday. But the car has been very good to me, with the proper maintenance.

I had a 2.7 liter Dodge Intrepid, one day while riding along, the it lost power, and just cut off in the middle of the highway. I had finsihed paying for the the car three months prior. Took the car to the shop and was told it was the engine. There was no warning that anything was wrong, until all the lights came on, on the dash board, and then it just lost power. So I started doing research, and found the many problems with this engine. I loved that car, but just looking at the cost of an engine and having it installed, I decided, not to invest in another engine.

Well the problem I had with my 2000 Intrepid, turned out to be a bad front strut. I now have 247,500 miles on my 2.7 engine and not any major issues. I did replace the alternator in December 2008. I do oil changes and filters though every 3,000 miles without fail. Still running good.

Thank you for your findings. I have a 95 Intrepid with the 3.2 German motor and have had no issues. However Dodge has had many transmission issues, which is what I am experiencing now and have been for the past couple years. I don't need to drive much (company vehicle) so it hasn't been a huge problem. The car gets warmed up and it won't shift into 3rd, and reverse doesn't work. I am looking for a newer car at this point and love the body style of the 2000-2005 Intrepids, and the prices seem to be in line with what I'm looking to spend. I knew there was a engine with a sludge problem and have been searching the web for answers, you took care of that, thanks! I have been told the transmission issue is internal and NOT electronic, mechanics call it the "bump stop" problem and tell me the tranny needs rebuilt or replaced, that's not an option. So if I decide to take a chance on another Dodge I'll heed your advice, however Chevy Impala may be my first choice. I feel your pain. steve

can you tell me wut kind of oil you use and is there any other things you did to your car??