Dodge Engine Oil Sludge Lawsuits
Last Updated: February 2009 • 26 Comments
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Certain model year 1998 to 2002 Dodge Intrepid and Dodge Stratus vehicles contain defective Chrysler 2.7 liter V6 engines. These engines have a propensity to build up oil sludge, which could result in engine failure much earlier than would be expected.
STATUS OF DODGE ENGINE LAWSUITS: Chrysler has been denying warranty coverage for the 2.7 liter engine problems, forcing many vehicle owners to contact product liability lawyers to pursue Dodge engine lawsuits to recover the repair costs.
All federal Dodge engine failure class action lawsuits have been consolidated in an MDL in the District of New Jersey.
>>REVIEW A DODGE OIL SLUDGE LAWSUIT WITH A LAWYER<<
OVERVIEW: The Chrysler 2.7 liter engine used in Dodge Intrepid, Dodge Stratus as well as certain Chrysler vehicles, is defectively designed and could fail between 50,000 and 60,000 miles. In some cases, owners have reported catastrophic engine failure as early as 20,000.
Chrysler has been denying warranty coverage for the Dodge 2.7 liter engine failures, requiring owners to incur between $4,000 and $10,000 to repair or replace the engine.
DODGE ENGINE PROBLEMS: Chrysler designed the 2.7 liter V6 engines as a smaller engine with less oil capacity. This has caused the Dodge engine problems because oil sludge could develop if the oil is not replaced within a small margin of time.
Even when owners have regularly replaced their engine oil within the time frame outlined in the owners manual, there are still some who have had their engine seize suddenly when the vehicle still had well under 100,000 miles.
DODGE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS: At least five state class action lawsuits over the Dodge engine oil sludge problems have been filed in various federal courts throughout the United States. In February 2009, all of the cases were consolidated in an MDL in the District of New Jersey.
The Dodge engine failure lawsuits allege that design defects in the 2.7 liter V6 engines make them prone to form oil sludge, which could result in catastrophic engine failure.
Pingback by Chrysler 2.7 Liter V6 Engine Class Action Lawsuits Consolidated : AboutLawsuits.com on 11 February 2009:
[...] Chrysler and Dodge engine failure class action lawsuits are currently pending in the Eastern District of California, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, District of New Jersey and Southern District of New Jersey on behalf of vehicle owners in those states. In addition, other class action lawsuits and individual lawsuits could be filed in other districts. [...]
Comment by carmen on 20 April 2009:
2001 dodge intrepid 2.7 engine failure …had car since new
Comment by chris on 24 April 2009:
how do I join the class action suits?
I know there is amajor problem as well with the 4.7 engine they put in the full size ram.
Comment by patti on 6 May 2009:
bought a 2000 intrepid from a small dealer and not even 3 months later it blowed. now stuck with car and no engine since its hard to find. rather switch engines so looking for someone to do that instead
Comment by keith on 10 May 2009:
My wife has 2002 dodge intripid that was been nothing but problems the water pump went at 50K miles and now at 87K the engine is blown. It has always had an oil probelm leaks, oil light on even when full. I woud never buy a Dodge again if your smart you won’t buy a dodge need less to say they don’t make a good or do they stand behind them
Comment by Ellen on 11 May 2009:
I bought a 2002 Dodge Intrepid from a private party.She assured me the car was in good condition,I believed her (Never believe) I drove the car for 2 days and the first day I had it the car stalled & the engine light flickered,I thought it was a one time thing,(stupid) & lent the car to my father ,the same thing happened too him so he took it to his mechanic,thought the problem was fixed($600.00)later & while driving it home the engine started knocking & the car died.Had it towed back to the mechanic&of course the engine was blown.I will never buy another AMERICAN car again,People ,do the research.I was very nieve when it came to this car.I needed a car & got totally screwed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Dodge needs to reimberse all of the people who got STUCK with THIS PIECE OF CRAP CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!As an American car company you can’t screw that many people & get away with it.I have put my name on a class action lawsuit,but I fear I will never see any money.after all they filed for bankrupcy Right?I guess live & learn,do the reserch before buyint anything made in AMerica!!!Caviat Emptor”Let The Buyer Beware…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Screwed in New Jersey..
Comment by Jim on 27 May 2009:
I have a 2002 Dodge Intrepid boat anchor in my driveway with a 2.7L failed engine. The car only has 72,000 miles on it and is now worthless. The engine let loose when we were 25 miles from our home. Luckily, my neighbor was able to have it towed back to my house, free-of-charge. From what I have been reading on this forum, there certainly should be some way for us all to have this issue resolved in a posiitive manner. With all of the problems that are currently going on within the automotive industry, surely Chrysler doesn’t want this issue to drag on and cause them greater problems.
Aren’t there attorneys out there with the courage to take this company on and get this issue resolved?
If so, then I wish someone would contact me so that I can get on the bandwagon and join this fight.
Shame on you Chrysler for not stepping up to the plate and admitting that you just plain made a mistake and make it right and move on. But then again, this is America…bleed the citizens and make the big boys richer. WHERE’S MY BAILOUT?? HUH??
Comment by Denise on 18 June 2009:
We had the engine blow on our 2002 Intrepid also, I think it was only two years old. We filed suit right then, but have never heard anything. We replaced the engine for $6000. and took it immediatly to the dealership to trade in sure that we would be reimbursed since it was their fault. They would not give us credit for the cost of the engine. Refusing to keep the car, we unfortunately took the deal for the new vehicle. I want my money back! Today I got a call from Dodge. They want to upgrade my truck. When I get my money credited to my payoff, we can talk. Where do I sign up for the suit again? I was lucky it died in a gas station. There was a elderly couple who’s blew in an intersection. It was a serious accident. Get these fools.
Comment by Don on 2 August 2009:
I have found ,on my 2002 Dodge Intrepid, no sludge. What I have found is an irregular ammount of casting flash on the cylindar head. Thid=s flash should have been completely removed during the manufacturing process but was not. My 2002 2.7Litre Intrepid has developed a blown bearing sound. I suspect that the fact that the casting flashing was not removed caused trash metal to enter the crank shaft oil system and foul the crank shaft bearings. I have very detailed photos of the flash that stilll remains on the cylindar heads just waiting for their chance to cause further damage.
I have never before seen a more shoddy job of close tolerance manufacturing in my life. I would attach photos if there was a place to do this.
Comment by Gary on 31 August 2009:
I have a 1999 Intrepid with the 2.7 engine. First engine failed at 142,000 miles because I drove it VERY hard, and overheated it. Used,replacement engine now has just over 80,000 miles on it. No problems whatsoever. The car itself has 204,000 miles with nothing more than the normal care and upkeep. You just have to take care of them…like anything else.
Comment by Zatavia on 1 September 2009:
I own a 2001 Dodge Intrepid with a blown motor. I live in Alabama and would like more information on the class action law suit.
Comment by Lorraine on 28 September 2009:
I purchased a 2003 Sebring Convertible with approx. 70,000 miles in May of this year. Oil light started to flicker when stopped at a red light after driving about 15 miles, stops when put in neutrual. When I took it back to the dealership while it was still under warranty, they would not fix the problem unless I paid for it. Now the car knocks when it’s first started. I had the oil changed by my mechanic in June. If I had known about this problem before hand, I never would have purchased the car. Is there any information on how to file and join in on the class action?
Comment by Donna on 20 October 2009:
I purchased a 2001 Dodge Stratus in april of 2009, engine failure, oil sludge in late July. I purchased from a Chrysler dealership in Troy, Ohio. They say they wont help, I am stuck with this car and no money to fix it. It really is a shame. I would like some information on how to join class action siut.
Comment by Darlene on 20 October 2009:
2003 Stratus 88,000 miles Regular on time oil changes 1 owner. Oil light
come on then off started to make knocking noise when starting and went away. A very repetable 30+ year Mechanic check it to find the
engine needing replaced. Everyone is shocked with no more mileage
this could happen. Obviously there is a real problem and I see a pattern from most of the other comments. It doesn’t appear it could be all people related or oil problems. Do right by the consumers to protect the reputation if you stand by your company.
Comment by Rob on 20 October 2009:
i have a 2003 intrepid, oil light came on right after an oil change 6 months ago and i redid the oil change. figured it was a bad oring on the filter, 600 miles since last oil change and the light flickers on and off at red lights again. ive taken pristine care of this car and chaned the oil religiously and only drive it on highway/expressway. this is just beginning at 53,600 miles, what can i do to help prevent/reverse this sludge problem?
i am a single father of 3 kids and am a victim of the failed economy. i cant afford a new car let alone a new engine.
Comment by Dragan on 8 November 2009:
I own a 2001 Dodge Intrepid, 2.7 and have a blown engine. The engine just died while stopped at a light. No warning signs at all. Got it started, took it to mechanic due to bad knocking noise. Engine blown.
Comment by Janice on 18 November 2009:
1999 Chrysler concord, motor blew @ 47,000. changed oil every 3-4,000 miles, car was like new. called chrysler, they told me it only was guaranteed for 36,000 miles and would do nothing about it.
Comment by Sherry on 28 November 2009:
I bought my son a 2001 Dodge Stratus which he drove for less than a year when the engine stopped running. We were told by a mechanic that it was due to a deffect in this particular dodge motor. There were no warning signs at all. The oil was changed regularly. After all I have read, this seems to be a huge problem for many consumers. We need some type of reimbursement.
Comment by Thomas on 29 December 2009:
I own a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. I brought the car used from a dealer in 2002, It was just a few months old. In 2004 the car stopped on me while driving with no warning. I took it to repair shop the auto mechanic stated that dodge intrepid are know for sludge problems with the engine. It cost me over 1500.00 for repair due to sludge in the engine. My husband and I kept a regular oil change on the car and could not understand how it could have happened we only had 52,000 miles on it. I am discussed with the car and has problem with oil leakage and sensor switch since.
Comment by ruth on 28 January 2010:
got a 2001 dodge intrepid with a loen and paying on it now and will be paying for 18mo more and it will be payed off wow or i can pay to fix it but they told me that it will be 9,865.72 + tax ,lab and towing to get it there so it is in the driveway just setting there wow (nice big thing there) no warning at all i was going down a hill and it die’ed and there is less then 95000mi on it so why they will not do anything there is lot of us with 2.7.. only had to drive it for 4mo..last day it was on the road was sept 2007.. so sad i love that car.. not now
Comment by Julie on 30 January 2010:
2004 SEBRING ONLY 81000 MILES. I TOO TREAT IT LIKE A BABY WITH OIL CHANGES EVERY 2800-3000 MILES. MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I STOPED AT LIGHT. WENT OUT WHEN MY RPM WERE HIGH BUT SLOWING DOWN AGAIN, LIGHT CAN BACK ON. WENT TO MECHANIC WHO SAID IT WAS THE SENSOR. REPLACED IT, OIL CHANGE(2400 MILES) AND PRESSURE TEST ON ENGINE. COST $300 AND LIGHT STILL COMES ON. ALSO MY HEATER BLOWER RESISTER IS BAD TOO. ONLY WORKS ON HIGH. ENGINE IS 2.7 LIKE OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. I LOVE THAT CAR. CAN’T AFFORD ANOTHER. JUST PAID THIS OFF IN MAY 2009. NOW WHAT??
Comment by gloria on 24 February 2010:
I bought a dodge Intrepid se in December 2009 and now its february 2010, and 2 days ago I wa driving down the offramp of the freeway and the car just died! Id just changed the oil, and put a new battery in, and there was no warning of any problem. I towed it to the repair shop very reputible peaple, and they say there is oil sludge in the engine and a knocking sound, and some problem too in the steering column. The machanic is trying to fix it all, so far hes up to $13,00.00, and Im praying thats all, but he isnt sure yet if the engines ruined! had the car 2 months! paid $27,00 for it, added about $400 more in repairs and dressing (seat covers, mats, manual, etc) and now maby the engines soup! I love the car itself, its me, but the engine, well I’l be walking if he cant fix it, I cant afford another car! And I cant afford $4,000 for a new engine! It isnt fair! What are the big boys at Dodoge/chrysler driving? I bet not their own cars!
Comment by Victoria on 25 February 2010:
I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with a 2.7 liter V6 engine, has 92,000 miles on it. It has been burning oil with some smoking. A couple of weeks ago the oil light starting coming on once the engine got hot and was idling. My mechanic told me about the problem and lawsuit with this engine type and suggested that I start using a heavier grade oil. So I hope this will help the engine to hold up a little while longer.
Comment by ann on 2 March 2010:
I guess I fell lucky. I have a 2001 intrepid with the 2.7 engine. there has been no problems until just recently with over 150,000 miles on the ca. according to my mechanic the engine needs to be replaced because of the defect. All I know is next time I am buying a ford I have always bought fords previously and they lasted over 250,000 miles before starting to have lots of problems, usually with things other than the engines.
Comment by K Barron on 11 March 2010:
I also own a 2004 Dodge Intrepid. I would like to join the suit how do I get involved? Purchased new, and it has had problems since 2,000 miles. It now has 96,000 but it has been trouble since day one.
I had a gas leak at 2,000 miles that came from the engine and the dealer told me I was lucky it didn’t blow up on me. The air bag light has been on since day 1, now the oil light comes on a regular basis and it is not the light itself.
Comment by Marcie on 14 March 2010:
I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with 2.7 Engine in it. It has 140,000 Miles on it. about 20,000Miles ago the oil light began coming on while the car was idoling. Then a couple of months ago my husband drove the car on a quick errand and on his way home the engine died. There was no signs of engine failure, The car wasn’t smoking or knocking. It just locked up! I had no idea that there was any kind of lawsuit regarding these vehicles and the reacurring issues, I just sold the vehicle just to get it out of my yard and the person I sold it to told me about the issues and pending lawsuits. So I decided to do some research and see if there is any help for me. After finally paying the car off and not having a car payment I WAS relieved! Now I was stuck for with non running vehicle and a new car payment. Had to purchase another car to have transportation to work.