Engine Failure problems of the 2001 Dodge Intrepid - part 1

79 problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Intrepid. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Dodge Intrepid based on all problems reported for the 2001 Intrepid.

1 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 07/14/2009

The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Intrepid. While driving 70 mph, the engine began to knock loudly. The contact had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and was informed that the engine failed. The engine had never been serviced prior to the failure and there were no warning lights illuminated. The engine oil and fluids were checked and replaced three weeks prior to the failure. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 80,000.

2 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 09/11/2008

I was driving on I 75 - 250 miles from home when my engine failed on my 2001 Dodge Intrepid. No warning. Luckily it did not cause an accident.

3 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 07/21/2008

I was shocked that my vehicle needed a new engine (long block and all parts associated) at 67,227 miles due to oil sludge/bearings broke down in engine and caused oil to look metallic resulting in engine failure. The check oil light suddenly appeared and a ticking noise started so I had my car towed immediately to the nearest Dodge dealership. This happened just 2,277 miles after my warranty expired? we had two dealerships look at my Intrepid and both agreed it needed a new engine. We even contacted a trusted family mechanic shop and was advised that this was a known issue with the 2. 7 liter engines and advised to get rid of the car immediately (they would not touch it). Robert at autowest Dodge in roseville, California, also admitted that this was a known issue with the Dodge 2. 7 liter engines and that it just happens no matter how your vehicle is maintained but, offered no recourse with Dodge. The total for repairs was $8,175. 00. Now I have another 2. 7 liter engine (rebuilt) from the manufacturer (Dodge) which is only guaranteed for 36 months. The cost of repairing my car really created a hardship for me. I am a senior citizen on a fixed income, drive my vehicle less than average miles per year and take pride in maintaining my car. Your help in investigating the Dodge 2. 7 liter engine is greatly appreciated.

4 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2008

Oil pressure indicator light began flickering approximately 3 weeks prior to engine failure. Oil changed on 2 occasions during time frame and result same, light continuously flickered and than became continuously solid red with light ticking noise observed from upper valve cover. Approximately 10 minutes longer of driving to safely locate the Dodge Intrepid with 2. 7 liter engine to residence, once parked in drive way the ticking was sporadic and car has been parked since due to inability to operate safely and effectively without further creating total loss to vehicle and engine components!.

5 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 01/10/2008

2. 7l engine failure. . . The the rod bearings shot, do to oil starvtoin from poor engine design.

6 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2008

My 2001 Dodge Intrepid had complete engine failure at 85,000 miles. It cost me $6,000 to have the engine replaced. The car was always maintained with oil changes etc. As recommended by Chrysler. This has put tremendous strain on my family's finances. Through research and speaking with mechanics I have since found out that this is a very common event with 2001 Intrepids. I feel Chrysler owes me for the amount of the repairs.

7 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2007

Sudden engine failure on a 6 year old car that was regularly maintained 2001 Dodge Intrepid (known to be an issue on all 2. 7l engines). This vehicle is worth nothing to anyone at this point, only 100,000 miles.

8 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2007

Have a 2001 Intrepid, 2. 7 engine. Engine failed while driving putting my life and more importantly the life of my 8 year old daughter in danger. Seems a known issue with this engine and Chrysler. Now upside down in the car and only financial pain in my immediate future. What's needed: the us government should hold Chrysler responsible for selling a clearly defective engine.

9 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 12/14/2007

Catastrophic failure of 2. 7 liter engine in 2001 Dodge Intrepid. My mechanic explained to me that the engine failed due to poor oil circulation in the engine which was poorly designed. After some research, I found that this problem was known to Chrysler since the late 90's. The dealership I purchased the car from should never have passed off this vehicle as a good used car without addressing this failure. Since they are a Dodge dealership. I have maintained the car very well and there would be no reason for such a failure had the engine been designed with better channels for the oil to flow. I still owe over $2,000 on the car and the repairs would cost over $5,000. This is fraud on the part of Chrysler.

10 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 10/22/2007

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle completely stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the engine failed and caused the vehicle to stall. The engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer referred her to an authorized dealer. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 54,000 and current mileage was 95,000.

11 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 09/14/2007

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. While accelerating into a parking space, the engine seized and the vehicle would not move. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle would not restart after the engine failed. The vehicle currently remains in the parking lot and is waiting to be towed. The speed was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 83,000. The consumer stated Chrysler refuses to assist and the mechanic stated this had nothing to do with the oil level however, the consumer stated this is the exact same failure as stated online. Updated 10/11/07.

12 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2007

October of 2006 I noticed my oil light was staying on while the car was in idle at stop lights, signs, etc got it check out it seemed to be ok. Which made another engine failure resulting from oil sludge. . . . Car was very well maintained with regular oil changes (3,00 miles) and only had 69,000 miles on it. The body is in excellent shape. My car only has about 77,000 miles on it.

13 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 08/22/2007

Engine knock and no power, engine failure, engine needs to be replaced.

14 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 08/16/2007

(1) regular maintenance and oil changes were performed frequently (2) engine locked up on interstate without any warning (3) engine failure due to oil sludge although regular oil changes were performed.

15 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 07/12/2007

We purchased a 2001 Dodge Intrepid for our son on may 21,2007 from a reputable gossett dealership in memphis TN. We understood that they had no liability for the vehicle after purchase. The 2. 7l v6 engine failed due to oil sludge on 07/12/2007. There was no warning! the vehicle had been serviced the day of purchase and no lights or sensors indicated that there was a problem of any kind. We were driving down the street when the car stalled a couple of times then stopped suddenly. The engine oil lights flashed only at the time that the vehicle quit. We had the vehicle towed to the garage. The mechanic told us that the engine was gone and that the oil was like sludge. Estimated cost of repairs for a jasper engine $5926. 04 and for a used 2. 7l engine $3992. 30. I called a relative who works for the us consumer product safety commission. We both work for the federal government and through contacts at ucpsc and NHTSA discovered information regarding defects with this particular engine and problems that consumers were having with getting issues resolved. There are even forums dedicated to engine failures for 1999 - 2001 Dodge Intrepids with the 2. 7l engine. From my understanding even if the engine is replaced with another 2. 7l we will be dealing with this same issue of engine failure as the product is faulty. It is also our understanding that the jasper engine is supposed to be the corrected version of the 2. 7l engine for this vehicle type. I was advised to file a complaint about the engine on this website and the center for auto safety. I am very bothered by this situation and the duplicitous nature of Chrysler placing an inferior product on the market without providing recourse such as a recall or advisement/warning. Given horror stories that I have read on the web, I feel fortunate but have lost confidence for the Chrysler product line. This is a safety issue. I also understand that a class action lawsuit is being pursued or initiated in this matter.

16 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 05/20/2007

2001 Dodge Intrepid se, 2. 7 liter engine, v6, purchased in December 2006, we had the vehicle serviced the day before mothers day 2007, mothers day 2007, I was driving home from our local mall, I stopped at the stop sign, started to go and the car just stalled as if I were out of gas, I had a full tank, I tried to start the car, it would not start. I was told by the Chrysler dealer nearby after we had it towed that it was engine failure. I had no warning, the engine light never came on, no oil light, no smoke from the engine no warning what so ever, and here I am a year later with car that does not run and out the money we paid for the car in the first place. We haven't had the car repaired because we are hoping they will recall this engine.

17 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 05/13/2007

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. While attempting to accelerate at 5 mph from a stop, the vehicle hesitated. The contact attempted to accelerate and the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the engine failed. The current and failure mileages were 58,300.

18 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2007

While driving my Dodge Intrepid, the engine failed and seized on me. The last regular oil change I did, I happened to notice that the oil was a little chunky. After that oil change, the oil light started to flicker while car was in idol. Asked mechanic friend to come look at my car, and said that there was nothing wrong. Later that week my car started to knock very loudly. Fear of a breakdown, I parked my Intrepid and attempted to fix. When I took the valve cover off there was a thick coating of sludge on everything. I replaced a bearing on the crank for the #1 piston rod. When I started the car, it ran fine. I drove it for approximately 20 miles and the engine seized while I was on a busy 2 lane highway. Now I need an engine replacement. When a called a shop and described the situation, he told me that this was a problem for a lot of people and that he did not have the time to fix my car that will just breakdown over and over. Plus, I have problems with the window switches, and a/c controls. Both problems I tried to have a dealership fix and they wouldn't cover it with my warranty!.

19 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2007

Engine failure on 2001 Dodge Intrepid, 97,000 miles mechanic recommends new engine.

20 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 03/10/2007

I purchased a 01' Intrepid r/t in October of 2006. The engine failed in March for no explained reason while I was driving at 40 mph. I found a receipt in the car stating that the engine was replaced at 89,000 miles by another used 3. 5l v6 but did not specify the mileage on that car. I purchased the car with 95,000 miles on it, and drove it normally until at about 99,000 miles, the engine failed. I will replacing it with another used engine with 48,000 miles, making this the third engine in this car under 100,000 miles. I took it to the Dodge dealer to diagnose it, and they stated that they could not tell me the problem unless they tore the engine apart and recommended replacing the engine.

21 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 01/24/2007

Complete engine failure at only 80k miles due to oil sludge. Well maintained, oil changes regularly; oil light came on while on highway, got off less than 1/2 mile away and went 1/8 mile to an auto service place. Had engine flushed, oil changed, and 30 miles later, on highway, engine seized. Now have to pay $6k for a new engine.

22 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2006

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle would sporadically decelerate while the contact's foot was still depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was losing power. Speed was not a factor during the failure. On one occasion, while driving, the vehicle lost power. He pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and noticed that the engine was engulfed in smoke and brown sludge. The vehicle has been serviced for routine maintenance. He took the vehicle to the dealer and was advised that the engine needed to be replaced at approximately $4,500. The technician also stated that this particular year, make, and model vehicle has common engine failures. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 100,049.

23 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 11/14/2006

While turning into my subdivision my 2001 Dodge Intrepid, 2. 7l, v-6, 83,000 miles, died and I lost all power for steering and braking. I had the vehicle towed to an independent shop to determine the problem. The initial problem was thought to be a cracked plentium, but after replacement ($1,000), the car did not start and the mechanic determined the engine needed to be replaced. I then had the car towed to an engine specialty shop for further analysis. This shop informed me that the engine was water and/or oil locked and that indeed the engine needed to be replaced. They researched the engine and found that there are a number of places that wouldn't even sale the 2. 7l, v-6 due the great number of engine failures that have occurred. Additionally, jasper engines (a leading manufacture and distributor of engines) stated that these engines have a very high failure rate and suggested upgrading to the 3. 2l ($4,500 engine + $1,000 for the upgrade parts and pieces needed because it's a different engine = $5,500). They even suggested I go on this site to see how many more people had the same problem. Based on what I read this is an issue that Chrysler should own up to and make the appropriate fixes. I for one have owned a number of Dodges and all have had some type of problem associated with them, specifically, transmission problems. Has anyone had any luck with Chrysler giving them relief or a dealer stepping up?.

24 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 10/27/2006

Engine failure without warning!.

25 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 10/08/2006

Engine failure. Dealership ship says the engine needs to be replaced. Even to replace the engine is twice as much as other engine replacement. I own a 2001 model.

26 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2006

I have a 2001 Dodge Intrepid that suffered a sudden engine failure. The dealer stated that excessive oil sludge was at fault in the engine. About 6 weeks prior to the engine failure, the vehicle was involved in a front end collision and was tested by the dealer once the body work was done and was found 100% sound. Less than 2 weeks after retrieving the car from the body shop, the engine failed and the dealer stated that it would be close to $6000 to replace the engine.

27 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2006

2001 Dodge Intrepid w/ 2. 7l engine - per mechanic: sludge build up caused engine failure after only 63,000 miles.

28 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 06/24/2006

2001 Dodge Intrepid that was well maintained (oil changes always within owners manuals recommendations) and low miles (66,000) lost power on interstate. As driver began to pull over, steam appeared from engine compartment. Chrysler dealer told us that it was a complete engine failure.

29 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2006

I have a 2001 Dodge Intrepid, on June 1 2006 I was on the express way in detroit mi. And my engine just locked up I lost all power steering, I mad it to the side of the road luckily there was light traffic. I took my car to the a certified mechanic and I was informed that my engine failed and that it was do to sludge build up. The shop wants 5,500 dollars to fix the car witch I don't have, and I might lose my job-that was my only car.

30 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2006

: the contact stated while traveling 35 mph, with no warning, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle would not restart and was towed to the dealership. The dealership determined the timing chain stretched and jumped causing engine failure. The engine needs to be replaced.

31 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 05/21/2006

Engine began knocking quietly and was checked. I was asked if the oil was changed regularly and I informed them it was. The oil was at the proper level. A week later it began knocking very loudly and then just quit. I had aaa bring it home and after a few days had a mechanic check it out. He said the engine failed and needed replacing. This would cost roughly 3800. 00. It cranked up but would not move over a few feet. I backed it into my garage and it still sits there while I finish paying the 3,000. 00 that I still owe before I can fix the problem. I have done much research and found many people who are having this same problem. I found your information on autybytels site about this engine.

32 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2006

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. The contact detected an unfamiliar noise in the engine compartment of the vehicle while driving. A local mechanic discovered a piece of metal in one of the sensors. The contact took the vehicle to another mechanic , who was unable to detect any failure. While on a road trip the vehicle failed again. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed the failure as the engine rod. The engine was replaced in may 2006 with a model three years newer and with 35,000 miles. The vehicle has currently begun to repeat the unfamiliar noise. A mechanic diagnosed the noise as possible engine failure again. The failure mileage was 76,000.

33 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2006

Engine failure due to oil sludge.

34 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 04/08/2006

2001 Dodge Intrepid 2. 7 l engine engine failed at 108,000 miles after having service done regularly throught life of car.

35 Engine Failure problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2006

I also had a 2001 Dodge Intrepid that the engine failed at 70k miles. I was picking up my daughter and turned off my car and that was the end. I had my vehicle towed to a service center only to find out that the motor was blown. At the time (3/06) I owed nearly 6k on the car and it was off the road. I had no recourse but to have a "used" engine that cost me 3700. 00 put in my car only to have it stolen on 11/12/06 from a bowing alley in connecticut. Now I am out 3700. 00 for the motor but also 5k balance on my loan and now no car. I have also sent my complaints to lawyers and settlements and have yet to hear anything from anybody. Oh did I mention I don't have theft insurance yep no theft now what?.



Fuel Economy of Intrepid Vehicles
Intrepid Service Bulletins
Intrepid Safety Recalls
Intrepid Defect Investigations