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2002 Dodge Intrepid engine complaints

Page 6 of 8: complaints 131 to 160 of 212, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2002 Dodge Intrepid engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 15, 2006 · Engine, Transmission · 40,000 miles · WV

2002 dodge intrepid se; timing chain problems,hydraulic tensioner, motor seized up.

Filed May 7, 2006 · Engine · 42,560 miles · PA

My daughter was driving home on may 4, 2006 in her 2002 dodge intrepid, as she was driving up a hill thankfully not down a hill her engine began to make a knocking noise like there was no oil in her vehicle, her oil was changed 400 miles previous to this incident her engine seized up and now will not run. It was towed to a nearby garage and the oil was checked and found to be clean and filled to the required capacity. And was also told that this particular engine was known to be defective. I am now currently looking for an engine for this vehicle but am having trouble because these engines are junk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed May 5, 2006 · Engine · NC

I bought a 2002 dodge intrepid se in march 2003 with about 20k miles on it. Had it checked by a mechanic and was told all was good. $1,420 to repair the water pump? The engine made a sound, shook slightly which made me look at the gauges to see what was up. The only thing I saw was that the temperature was a little tiny bit over the halfway mark. Usually, this gauge sits without changing once the car is warmed up between the 1/4 and 1/2 mark. Recommend: any service shop that changes the oil in a car should input that service into a national computer system so that anywhere people drive, move, visit, that record is permanent. That is my first suggestions. Then she asked me if the car had overheated. Answer: no. She said the estimate to repair the car was $1,300 and if the heads were cracked that could cost another $700. I was like, "what?" say that again. The way the 2.7l engine is built, the repairs are expensive. I asked if it was worth replacing and she said it was..she couldn't advise me...but you know how it is. This is not a problem confined to my car - it has affected a fleet of them...same type..same engine. After I drove off the lot, I heard a ticking noise. I asked about the notes on the mechanic's ticket that said, "* engine has sludge". No one ever mentioned that to me and I didn't know what it was, either, so I asked. What's that? She said, "that's just the mechanic's notes for when you bring it back." I said, "...yes...but what is it?" then a mechanic appeared and started talking about using synthetic or regular oil (how am I, a lay person, supposed to know what?) to reduce engine sludge and yes, "all these 2.7l intrepid engines have this problem." I said, "so...what does it do?" chrysler needs to fix the 2.7l engine problems, find a fix for the sludge problem even if it means replacing the engine with another type. It is not fair to cost us unnecessary repairs.

Filed May 5, 2006 · Engine · 85,000 miles · TX

While driving on president george bush turnpike (west) the oil light flashed on and immediately afterwards the engine locked up. The failure of the motor required that my wife, 1 year old son and I sit in the dallas heat for nearly 45 minutes while waiting for a cab to take my wife and son to the airport ($50 expense) and I waited on the tow truck to take the vehicle back to our house ($125 tow bill). Not to mention I will be expected to incur a $7000.00 bill in order to fix the defective engine.

Filed May 2, 2006 · Engine, Transmission · 85,000 miles · FL

I have a 2002 dodge intrepid. In 2003 I had the torque converter replaced. Now in 2006 I've had transmission problems again . I took it to daytona dodge and they said it was under warranty. Then they told me I needed a new torque converter again. Then they called me about 4 days later and said I needed a engine block too because the ear that lines up the transmission was broke. They also said I needed to call my car ins. Because it was due to a impact. To make a long story short both chrysler and allstate have denied me twice I don't know what to do. I fell they messed up when I had the work done the first time by not lining it up right. The car has been there since jan. 26. I've had to rent cars for about 2000.00 (25.00 a day) till I couldn't afford it any more I bought a 600.00 car and the dodge is still there I hope you can help me.

Filed Apr 6, 2006 · Engine, Transmission · 101,000 miles · IL

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 MPH a loud noise was heard coming from the engine. The vehicle slowed and another loud noise was heard. It was pulled off the road without incident. The engine restarted; however the vehicle would not go into reverse and would only operate at 10 MPH. It was towed to an independent repair shop where the transmission was replaced. One month later while approaching a stop, the vehicle vibrated and the engine overheated and failed. The vehicle was towed back to the independent repair shop where the engine was rebuilt. The manufacturer has not been alerted.

Filed Apr 5, 2006 · Engine · 95,000 miles · AL

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 MPH the engine sputtered and then stalled. The vehicle coasted off the road and restarted for just a few seconds when the engine seized. It was towed to an independent repair shop where it was determined the water from the radiator was in the engine. There was water in the oil, which caused the engine to seize. The manufacturer was alerted.

Filed Apr 3, 2006 · Engine · 100,000 miles · VA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 MPH the engine locked up without prior warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact of the oil sludge problem concerning the 2.7 engines. The mechanic determined the engine needed replaced.

Filed Mar 31, 2006 · Engine · 98,000 miles · GA

I drive a well maintained 2002 dodge intrepid. My engine failed without any warning while driving in heavy traffic. Luckily, no one was injured. I have been searching online for another engine and found several websites with posts that this is a very common problem with intrepid owners. I really don't want to buy a new engine and keep this car if there is a flaw in the 2.7 liter engines. If this is such a major problem with these engines, why is chrysler not recalling them. I will be looking into the class action suit against chrysler.

Filed Mar 28, 2006 · Engine · 73,000 miles · NC

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH the engine failed. The service engine light illuminated and the temperature gauge went to hot. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and they determined the engine needed to be replaced. The timing chain failed which caused complete engine failure. Updated 05/10/06.

Filed Mar 28, 2006 · Engine · 74,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated without warning the vehicle stopped. This occurred while traveling 65 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where the problem has not been determined. Updated 4/17/2006 -

Filed Feb 14, 2006 · Engine · 111,111 miles · MS

2002 dodge intrepid engine stop working. Car will not start.

Filed Feb 12, 2006 · Engine · 54,000 miles · IL

My used 2002 dodge intrepid with a chrysler 2.7 engine started knocking like crazy after stopping on me several times while driving. The first expensive "repair" to correct this problem was replacement of a fuel pump and a "fuel pump cont module carter electric fuel ass" which had cracked (345.00 for the part, $600.00 for the "repair"). Two weeks later the engine was knocking even more loudly and I was informed by pep boys that the engine was shot--locked up--and that I should have it towed to a dodge dealer. $172.00 later, the dodge dealer had towed my car and told me the same thing. The warranty company demanded oil change maintenance receipts which we could not produce as we have friends who change the oil for us. We were told by several engine repair companies we contacted (trying to find an affordable option) that the 2.7 engine had a defective timing chain which does not allow oil to pass through and be burned properly, causing sludge to build up and destroy the engine. Of course dodge and the warranty company "blamed" it on our "poor maintenance"--we still owe 9,000 on the car!!!--the currie motors dodge dealer wanted to charge $750.00 to "tear down" the engine, then said they could put in a refurbished engine for $5300.00!! No apologies for their defective engine. No consideration whatever. They seemed gleeful that they were going to make so much money from our distress! Each engine replacement company we called to inquire about the cost of replacing an engine asked, before we even told them, "is it a chrysler 2.7?" the dodge chrysler company should recall all autos with 2.7 engines and replace the engines for free with an improved 2.7 model. I know after this experience that I will never buy another dodge or chrysler or any other model marketed by these dealerships. I regret that I had no idea about dodge inferiority before I purchased the vehicle. I didn't do my "homework," I guess.

Filed Jan 26, 2006 · Engine · 75,000 miles · IL

Radiator pressure valve failed.two months later the water pump failed. At this time the oil sensor light would come blink, but not that often. When I went to gfet the water pump fixed the told me the timimg chain was loose. I didnt replace it because I didnt have money at the time. Two months lated I take my car to the shop to get the belt replace. They told me that who ever replaced the water pump failed bent some nut connected to the pully.

Filed Jan 17, 2006 · Engine · 93,000 miles · GA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle then sputtered, the engine died, and the vehicle coasted to the side of the road. The contact waited a few minutes and tried to restart the vehicle. The vehicle did not start. The next morning there was another attempt to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. *nm updated 2/7/2006 -

Filed Jan 11, 2006 · Engine · 62,000 miles · AZ

The oil light flickers when I slow down, and when I am at idle at a light, the oil light comes on and only goes away when I accelerate. I am concerned that the bearings and/or oil pump need replacing before any more significant damage starts with the engine. I have called auto shops and no one gives me a straight answer on what it is. All I know is that repairs are very expensive. This is horrible, its only a 2002!

Filed Jan 2, 2006 · Engine · 70,000 miles · VA

Engine sludge oil pump.

Filed Dec 26, 2005 · Engine · 130,000 miles · NC

I was driving home from work on friday morning. It was cold so I let the car warm up before driving. I turned a corner and the car died. I had to push it home and had it towed to a local mechanic. The engine is gone. No warning or indication at all that something was wrong! It just died while I was driving!

Filed Nov 20, 2005 · Engine · 67,900 miles · MN · 1 injury

I drive a 2002 dodge intrepid. I bought this car as a second owner, previous owner a rental agency. The car blew a rod on tuesday, november 15th. I took it to a dealership that states the vehicle needs a new engine, pricing the repair at 6700 dollars. The cars blue book is 6000 at this writing. I bought this vehicle two years ago, and it has less than 68,000 miles on it. I am at a loss and looking for recourse.

Filed Nov 3, 2005 · Engine · 60,348 miles · LA

My wife was driving to work when the car quickly overheated. She immediately pulled vehicle off the road and turned it off. She was left stranded over 25 miles from our home on foot. Later that day after it had cooled down I added coolant and drove it about 2 miles to a small repair shop. They advised me that either the head gasket was blown or the block was cracked. I had it towed to the dealership where I purchased it. They advised me my motor was blown as a result of oil sludge build up. They concluded this after removing only the valve cover on one side. Before asking me for either a maintenance log or oil change receipts I was informed the failure was due to owner neglect. When I protested to the service manager I was asked to produce receipts. Upon seeing that there was a 4000 mile lapse between oil changes warranty coverage was denied. I was even charged $225 to examine my car to deny warranty coverage. I have repeatedly request that the chrysler zone manager be put in touch with me to no avail. My car sits parked in front of my house still completely disabled as I continue to make payments.

Filed Oct 31, 2005 · Engine · 87,376 miles · GA

I bought my car (2002 dodge intrepid) in feb 2005. I had an oil change in apr 05, may 05, aug 05, and oct 05. The car broke down in durham nc on a trip that originated in acwoth ga. The car was taken to morgon dodge/ jeep of durham nc. The mechanic's diagnosis was engine failure due to sludge build-up in the engine. The mechanic stated that this only happens when a person doesn't have the oil changed. He further stated that the cause of the damage to my car was based on sludge build-up of over a year ago. I've only had the car for 7 months. I also have the oil change receipts for the above mentioned oil changes since I've had my car.

Filed Oct 31, 2005 · Engine · 87,376 miles · GA

I bought my car (2002 dodge intrepid) in feb 2005. I had an oil change in apr 05, may 05, aug 05, and oct 05. The car broke down in durham nc on a trip that originated in acwoth ga. The car was taken to morgon dodge/ jeep of durham nc. The mechanic's diagnosis was engine failure due to sludge build-up in the engine. The mechanic stated that this only happens when a person doesn't have the oil changed. He stated that the cause of the damage to my car was based on sludge build-up of over a year ago. I've only had the car for 7 months. I also have the oil change receipts for the above mentioned oil changes since I've had my car.

Filed Oct 26, 2005 · Engine · 114,000 miles · NY

Dt:the contact stated the timing chain came loose and damaged the top valve cover of the engine. While driving, the vehicle stalled , and had to be towed. He contacted the manufacturer. There were no recalls on this problem. The vehicle will be inspected by a mechanic. Depending on what the mechanic will report the vehicle will either be repaired or salvaged.

Filed Oct 23, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · 52,300 miles · WA

After having our 2002 dodge intrepid serviced for transmission failure. We noticed engine starting to knock. Wasn't sure if it was transmission or engine. Ruled out transmission,took to dealer, dealer says sludge build up in pan causing engine failure,normal oil changes done,at 3400 miles average. Manual calls for 7500 mile oil changes, engine bearings bad, replacement costs upwards of 5000.00 working with dealer now on getting it replaced, engine should not have failed this soon.

Filed Oct 13, 2005 · Engine · 107,000 miles · NC

I am the owner of a 2002 dodge intrepid. Let me first start by saying that because I am a female that is on the road alone frequently, I am very conscientious about ensuring that my vehicle is properly maintained, and I have always had my oil changed between 3000-4500 miles. Last week while traveling for work, my vehicle started to make a very loud knocking sound while driving down the interstate. I was very near an exit with a service station, so I immediately drove there and check my oil. I was not low on oil. Back on the interstate once again, I continued to try to determine where the noise was coming from. Without warning, my engine light came on and my car would not run. In heavy traffic, surrounded by many interstate trucks on I-77, I attempted to try to get to the right hand side of the road, narrowly being missed by fast moving traffic several times. After getting my vehicle to the shop, I have been told by a mechanic that my engine needs to be replaced. I do not understand how this could be possible as I have been so extraordinarily careful in making sure my vehicle was properly maintained so that it would last and I would have minimal problems. Fortunately, I was not injured and I was able to get off the highway without causing an accident. It certainly could have been worse. The worse that happened is that now I have a $4000-$5000 repair bill on a vehicle that I still owe $9000 on. According to the mechanic, it is impossible to even find a used engine for my car, as all of the engines go bad on this type of vehicle. Since researching my vehicle after this incident, I have seen hundreds of similar situations happening to people all over the country. If there is a defect with this vehicle, I am hoping that the manufacturer takes action and corrects the problem. I only wish I would have been advised of this problem or it could have been corrected before something happened to me on the highway.

Filed Oct 6, 2005 · Engine · 31,070 miles · FL

Dt: vehicle overheated while going down the road. Took the vehicle to the dealer they changed the oil, thermostat and housing. Then a week later was driving the highway and the motor blew out. The vehicle was back at the dealer. The consumer contacted the manufacturer who would not assist in the cost of the repair. This happened on august 4, 2005. *ak

Filed Aug 17, 2005 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MS

Engine failure. Engine failed due to water ump allowing water to enter engine via oil pan. Sludge problems caused timing chain to be excessively tight thereby causing too much pressure on waterpump bearings. Waterpump bearings failed thereby letting water flow directly into engine. Oil has been changed in this car regularly. This is entirely a design flaw. I still owe a lot on the car and can't afford a new engine or even a used one.

Filed Aug 16, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · 65,000 miles · CA

Hello I own a 2002 dodge intrepid, this vehicle has been giving me serious problems since it reached 60,000 miles. It all started with the oil light flickering on and off and the engine light would also do the same thing. Then the water pump and thermostat went out. Next the water outlet housing started leaking. Now the transmission is acting up and the car makes big jerking motions when driving and the RPM rises up. My wife has been in the car with our children and the car would just stall, while driving. Finally I had enough the safety of my family is number one priority. It seems dodge owners around this country are having similar problems at such low mileage. My neighbors, friends and family members are telling the same story. These vehicles need to be recalled, due to engine defects. I have spent hundreds of dollars already in repairs. Every family deserves a vehicle that is safe for their family, friends, and neighbors. The dodge intrepid's need to be recalled, because they are very unsafe to drive. It shouldn't have to take a death to recall these vehicles. Put an end to this engine failures and demand a recall. We need your help to solve this safety hazard, with these engines. I have parked the vehicle even though I still owe 4,900 dollars because I didn't want to trade the car in and put another family, in danger. My wife and I purchased another vehicle, has over 70,000 miles and runs really well. Please recall the dodge intrepids, help keep are streets and highways safe, from defected engines. Went out and the water outlet housing leaks.

Filed Aug 10, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · 48,038 miles · CA

Have had 2002 dodge intrepid in the dealers shop in various occasions re: the transmission not going into gear or shifting hard at the wrong speeds. We have had issues with the gears since the day we bought it '2003. We are continuously told nothing is wrong that they cannot duplicate the action. Last month it wouldn't go into gear or when it did it moved slowly then the engine shut off. We were told once again they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Recently 8/8/05 it begin kicking and bucking while driving on 8/9/05 the service tech told us it is something totally different a "cam sensor" that they "think is possibly bad or more internal issues with the engine." all through it they cannot duplicate what we have been complaining about. The check engine light is on now and the air bag light is on yet, they cannot seem to repair these. We have an extended warranty on the car yet, we feel the dealership is being dishonest with us. We also feel that we have been sold a lemon. We have record of each time the car was at the dealership and they have a journal of all visits in their database. We have kept the car well maintained and at 49k miles it should not be having these issues.

Filed Aug 3, 2005 · Engine · GA

The vehicle just started knocking to it to the shop and was told it need a new engine car has less the 70,000 miles on it and its only a 2002. The repair shop says it has sludge that caused it to spin a bearing. The good news I have a warranty the bad news is the wont cover the whole repair and is given me the run around about fixing the car. Also had to have the transmission replaced just 2 months ago.

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