Seven problems related to timing tensioner 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.
On three times in the last four years I have had to replace the timing chain tensioner on my 2001 Dodge 2. 7l. The first time the local dealer did the repair the car was under warranty. I was told at that time by the dealer that I had engine sludge and that this repair and future repairs would not be covered. The last time the I had a failure on the highway and had to limp 2 miles to get off, this caused major intake valve damage and has is coasting me about $1,200. 00 to fix myself.
8/13/02-we took our 2001 Dodge Intrepid 2. 7l in to the dealer for warranty repair. The headlamps were change because of fogging lens covers. The power steering pump was whining so that was also replaced. The vehicle had 31,207 miles. 1/14/03-with 36,354 miles on it we had the rear glass replaced because the defroster was not working. No cost for this. Also had them check a knocking noise in the front end but they could not diagnose the problem. 12/16/03-47,658 miles. Engine light on for a problem in the evap system. Dealer fixed it for $248. 69. We had them check for the front end knock but they could not find a problem. They also recommended that we have the timing chain tensioner looked at. I did not ask them to check that at all since everything seemed fine at the time. Looking back I can see that they were trying to prevent something they knew was going to happen in the future! 06/07/04-54,932 miles. The a/c stopped working. Had the dealer diagnose the problem for $70. 51. They said the condenser was leaking. I repaired it myself for about $200. 00. 01/05/06-74,600 miles. Vehicle started knocking louder and louder while driving one day so I decided to drive my other car. The next day I tried to start the Intrepid but it would not fire. A mechanic diagnosed it as a timing chain problem. Fix would cost around $1,500. Oil changes were made every 3000-5000 miles and sludged with a oil flush because oil would evaporate.
My car began to make a loud knocking sound. I took it straight to a service center. After looking at the car, they said I needed a new engine. I had it towed to another service center for a second opinion, they, too, said I needed a new engine. The chain tension spring broke causing my car to get out of time and basically the engine self- destructed. I still owe almost $8000. 00 on my car and a rebuilt engine will cost me nearly $7,000. 00. I called Dodge and voiced my complaint with no compassion from them. I don't know what to do. I have a car that I love and had no problems with until all of this. I will never buy another Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep vehicle. I can't believe they didn't issue a recall on the chain tensioner. After much research I have found hundreds of complaints about the 2. 7 engine claiming the same problem. Just what is the average middle class person supposed to do with a car like this?.
The timing chain and timing chain tensioner started making a clattering noise in my 2000 Dodge Intrepid, it has a 2. 7 dohc v6 engine in it and the mileage is just over 58,000. The oil has been changed every 3,000 miles and the car has been taken care of. My mechanic told me that this should not have happened at this low a mileage. There is a lot of engine oil sludge buildup in the top of the engine. He said that Chrysler acknowledges that there is a problem with these engines but isn't doing anything about it. This is costing me over $1,000 to get fixed. Luckily I got it into his shop before the timing chain broke and completely screwed up my engine.
While driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled. The consumer was told that the engine contained sludge build up after having the timing chain tensioner changed. The consumer had the engine flushed two times to improve the sludge problem. After that, the vehicle stalled when the vehicle was in motion at highway speeds. The timing chain had blown and caused engine damage. The timing chain was changed at the dealer who changed the timing tensioner. The consumer found that there were numerous cases of this problem in Chrysler vehicles. (the tube that brings the oil up into the engine clogs up, resulting in an under-oiled engine, showing the fault being the owners) the consumer requested that Chrysler cover the cost of the engine replacement. Also, the brakes pulsated and the trunk lock was broken.
Engine failure. 62k miles. 2. 7 motor. Seems dealer felt sludge build up caused plugging of hydraulic timing chain tensioner. Oil changes done frequently(before manual req). Cost to reapir 8750. 00. Dealer does not sell short/long blocks. Dealer believed to have changed design part & # due to small oil port hole. No satisfaction at dealer or Chrysler. Numerous complaints found on line for this condition-enter Chrysler 2. 7 engine problems for search. Class action law suit sign up on line as well. Failure cuses engine to quit-obviously>resultant loss of power and steering/braking.
Sludge in 2. 7 Dodge Intrepid, broken timing tensioner rebuild engine.