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. They rate, based on submitted information, the 1999 Intrepid the 5th worst car, and the 2000 the 2nd worst car to own, according to submitted reviews of hundreds of other people just like you.
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.
Best of luck, I hope this guide reaches one person who's unsure of their purchase. Ask questions, know what you are getting, use carfax! Don't get burned.
As an update. After nearly 3000 dollars invested by myself in this car, repairing virtualy every component of the engine, the problem was never repaired, and it later sold at auction as-is for 600.00 us dollars. This was a horrible situation, and I hope no one ever has to endure the frustration I have seen. If you have this engine in your car, it would be in your best interest to trade it fast, before any knocking is apparent. If you don't trust my word, call nearly any knowledgable car mechanic, or a Dodge dealership. Inquire about the 2.7 liter engine, explain you have a knocking, and have heard the engines may be faulty, see what you are told. I would expect honest dealers to tell the truth, those who want your money will surely lead you to believe it can be fixed, for a price that is considerably higher the a new or rebuilt engine itself.
I now drive nothing but Import cars. Sadly, in this economy, Imports are the only cars that promise quality, and reliability. If US cars could come close to Honda, Nissan or Toyota, I would buy one in a heartbeat.
And please, for goodness sake, use Carfax. It's an easy way to get the truth on a car your interested in. Especially when trying to deal online or over the phone!
__________ Update 2012
It's been several years since I gave this vehicle away, and I have run into about 5 other people who shared their stories with me regarding either their Intrepid or their Concorde of the same engine type. Most of them also spent around 1000.00+ to try and repair the problem, ending up in the same situation I was in.
Dodge is junk, with the exception of their trucks which are decent, but they are nowhere near the quality of a GM or import vehicle.
But there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Dodge was recently acquired by some subsidiary or partner of a glorious German car maker, and they appear to be boosting the quality of the vehicles a bit. I spoke to a friend of mine who is a huge Jeep fan, and after having some issues with her vehicle and taking it to her local mechanics who had worked on all of her Jeeps for years (Jeep is Daimler/Chrysler BTW.) her mechanics informed her that they "didn't know how to repair the new engines being developed by the Germans." So.. take that for what you will I suppose.
Just do yourself a favor, if you happen to own, or are trying to buy a 2.7 based Dodge/Chrysler, keep looking. Don't say I didn't attempt to warn you. This review has been here for years now, I only hope it helped 1 other person!
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