Timing Tensioner Problems of Dodge Intrepid - part 1

The mount for my timing chain tensioner in my 2003 Dodge Intrepid broke and allowed the tensioner to give slack, the timing chain and caused damage to the front right piston.

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

I have a 2002 Intrepid with the defective 2. 7l. I just had the timing chain tensioner break without prior warning and with nothing wrong with the car. I was told it will be $900 to fix the problem or $2000 to replace it with a non defective engine.

See all problems of the 2002 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

I have a Dodge Intrepid 2000 I have a loud motor knock, with no warning of engine light coming on at all. I was taking it down the street to the repair shop and it just died, no it will not start. I am told the engine is shot, that the timing chain tensioner failed, which caused it to knock while driving it. The dealer said the engine problem is not covered under warranty because of oil sludge build up. I only have 110,000 miles on this car, and it is already the 2nd motor that Chrysler replaced.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that there were issues with her vehicle involving the engine motor. The timing chain tensioner failed, which caused the engine to knock while driving 40 mph. She consulted the dealer and they stated that the engine in that particular motor was the worst motor ever produced by the manufacturer. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the parts alone would cost $400 in order to complete the repair. The current and failure mileages were approximately 116,000.

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.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

The check engine light sensor was replaced at 29709 miles. At 31900 miles the oil light sensor was replaced. Both said to be faulty. On fri eve Mar 14, 2008 with 39,250 mileage & with no warning, the engine began making a terrible clanking noise. The oil cap was full of sludge. I had the timing chain tensioner replaced. The tensioner failed after 11 days. My mechanic, per Chrysler, put in 2 additives to make the tensioner work properly. Only days later the engine seized. I had the car towed to the dealership where they determined the engine had to be replaced. It would cost me $5400. Chrysler was "kind enough" to offer me a new engine for $3500. I was able to prove with receipts that the oil & filter had been changed 5 times in less than 10,000 miles. I do not have the money to have this car fixed. When I spoke to carol, a rep at the Chrysler corp, trying to make her understand my frustration about this issue, she had the audacity to tell me that I "needed to take responsibility for the problems in my own life. " this problem was not something I brought on myself. Incidentally, if the car had to have both the "check engine" light & the "oil sensor" light replaced, why did neither give me any warning of a problem?.

Knocking in engine. Crank bearings damaged. Replaced. 40k mi later clanking in engine. Hydraulic timing chain tensioner failure. -both failures due to poor engine oil circulation and sludge.

I bought a 2002 Dodge Intrepid in July of 2007. 10,000 miles later on December 5th, 2007 my car breaks down and my oil and engine light turn on. I had my oil changed as scheduled so I know its not my fault. I few days later I get my car looked at by a professional and he begins to explain to me that its my timing chain, hydraulic tensioner. In other words, I'm required to buy another engine or get mine fixed. Both my options seem a little unfair and pricey. Im also told that Chrysler was the original creator of the 2. 7 liter engine found in my 2002 Dodge Intrepid model. Through further investigating I've found numerous websites dealing with the same complaints. Am I really expected to pay 5,000$ on a new engine for something that's not my fault?.

I was on vacation for the weekend in canada, on the way back, and all of a sudden heard a loud knocking sound. I pulled over immediately into a hotel parking lot, and the knock was so loud, it sounded like it was going to explode. It is once again a 1998 Dodge Intrepid 2. 7 liter engine, that has gone bad. I have owned it since 2001, and have changed the oil every 3000 miles with synthetic oil. I even had the timing chain and tensioners changed January 2007, because I heard these go bad and ruin the engine. I am a former mechanic, who really takes care of my vehicles. Every mechanic told me in 2001 that these engines are junk, and not to buy it, but I didn't listen to them. Now the car sits in my driveway, and I still owe money on it.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. After a few months of owning the vehicle, it began to make rattling noises when driving beyond 40 mph. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the tensioner snapped due to built up oil sludge. He later discovered that this was a common failure among that make and model of vehicle. The dealer offered to replace the engine with the same type of engine, but the contact believed that the failure would eventually recur. The vehicle is currently at his residence and has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 83,000.

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. While in motion the vehicle produced a knocking noise in the engine compartment. The vehicle shut off and was towed. The mechanic diagnosed the noise as the tensioner failing. The vehicle was also found to have sludge in the engine, and a new one was needed. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileage were 98,099.

I have experienced the well-documented problem with the failure of the 2. 7l engine in Dodge Intrepid. Timing chain tensioner failed on start, timing chain slipped and bent all intake valves. Total engine replacement required.

2002 Dodge Intrepid se; timing chain problems,hydraulic tensioner, motor seized up.

Timing chain failure - second time. Tensioner failed, allowing timing chain to flop, resulting in nine bent valves and head damage.

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

: the contact stated while driving 55 mph the vehicle engine sputter, the low oil pressure light illuminated and the engine seized. The vehicle was pulled off the road without incident and then towed to an independent repair shop. Prior to this incident the timing chain tensioner was replaced, the mechanic determined this replacement did not cause this engine failure. However upon inspection of the engine there was a large amount of oil sludge in the engine block and the engine needs to be replaced. Updated 04/17/06.

: the contact stated while stopped at a red light, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. The vehicle was towed into the local dealership were the dealer determined the head gasket, tensioner, cam shaft sensor and timing chain needed to be replaced. After repairs were made, the owner drove the vehicle one mile away from the dealership, and the vehicle proceeded to stall again. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership for additional repairs. The dealer determined the engine had a complete failure due to sludge build up and would have to be replaced. . . . . . .

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 Dodge Intrepid showed no signs of any problems, timely oil changes ,but on this early morning while driving to work on the expressway. The oil light came on and then the check engine light and then sudden engine shut down ,lucky for me that there wasn't any traffic on the road or I would have been in a serious car crash. Car towed to auto shop. They said that this type of Dodge engine has a serious defect with the engine. The tensioner oil port is too narrow and it gets plugged with oil sludge which causes engine failure.

My Intrepid only has 69900 approx miles on it. This problem started in April 22, 2005 with bad timing guides tensioner etc. . . The garage had to replace 2 tensioners to get one that was good. Got it home andabout June 1 it started making racket again and I had it towed, this time to the Dodge dealership,whom I had been in contact with. They charged me 252$ to dig into the engine and see what was wrong. Supposedly there was "gunk" in the oil pan that they said should have been cleaned out before installing the tensioner, and it needed a new timing chain. They wanted to charge me over $1000. 00. So I pd $252 and had it towed back to the auto shop, because I had just paid them to do it already. Altogether it cost me over $1200, not counting the rental car I had to pay for because all this nonsense took so long, so I could go to work. Well on July 11 I was driving it and it started making loud noises under the hood. Had it towed once again to the Dodge dealership where I bought it new, and they said I need a new engine and it would cost around 5000. 00 on the low side. He said all the parts I had just put in would have to be replaced. All these parts came from there, so I am stranded with a well maintained car with no engine.

Engine started making rattling noise while driving, pulled off road and shut off engine. I tried to restart and it wouldn't start again. I had it towed to my mechanic and was told the engine failure was due to sludge in the timing chain tensioner, and that the engine would have to be replaced. This engine was well maintained and had 68000 miles. No repairs have been done on it due the expense of a new engine.

While driving, the engine began knocking. The consumer contacted the manufacturer. The consumer took the valve covers off and found the sludge. The timing chain tensioner was broke, no pressure to keep it tight.

1) 2000 Dodge Intrepid with 2. 7l v6 engine purchased used in late 2002. In 2004, developed slight rattle noise at hard accelleration. Checked with Dodge dealer repair shop, who explained it as needing premium gas and that it was common to hear this noise. 2) Feb 1, 2005: wife was driving car home from work when engine began to have a metallic loud noise like a noisy valve lifter. Vehicle was taken immediately to dealership for evaluation. Mileage was 56002. 3) dealership evaluated failure as spun #1 rod bearing. Additional damage to timing chain guides with tensioner at maximum travel. Metallic particulate present in upper oil passages of engine. Inspection of oil pan revealed no indication of sludge present in oil as noted in typical failures of this type for this engine. Car has not been repaired at present due to significant cost required to fix, which was quoted at approximately $6500. 00.

2. 7 v6 engine began to make noises like the valve train was starving for oil. Loud clatter. Took to a local mechanic who tried to repair the engine by replacing the timing chainm tensioner. Engine was never correct after that and failed. William t. Pritchard Dodge's service writer told me to get rid of the car and that the 2. 7 v6 daimler Chrysler engine was nothing but junk!.

I also own a 1999 Dodge Intrepid with the notorious 2. 7 almost blown engine, due to oil sludge. The was well maintained with regular oil changes. The car has only 76k miles. For a couple of months the car would sound like a diesel for a very short time and disappear. I called the dealer and inquired if there had been any similar complaints or problems. They replied they knew of none. I even had the car in another repair shop one day and they did not know what could have caused the sound I complained about, because it disappeared before I got there. Just a couple of weeks ago the sound reappeared suddenly after 4 months of nothing. The shop owner could not believe his ears when I drove up left the car running and went in to get him. He found that the hydraulic tensioner that holds the timing chains in place needed replaced, but when he took the front cover off the motor he found it filled with sludge. I was lucky that the motor had not blown yet, but I face the expense of having it rebuilt or replaced. I still have the car, but I had to go replace it with another car. This was an added expense I was not planning on. R miller, delaware.

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?.

Engine began making a loud knocking noise. I took it to four different places and was told anything from a lifter problem to a new engine was needed due to sludge build-up and the timing chain tensioner. I have been in touch with Chrysler and they said they did not have a recall on the engine and could do nothing at this time. I have only had the vehicle for about three months. Oh!! this is a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with a 2. 7l engine.

The timing chain tensioner in my 2000 Dodge Intrepid (2. 7 liter dohc v6 engine) went bad, causing the timing chain to get loose. It started slapping against the housing, making a horrible racket. I got the car to my mechanic before the timing chain broke. He replaced the timing chain and timing chain tensioner. He also found oil sludge all through my engine, which was the likely cause of the timing chain tensioner going bad. My engine did not need replaced at this time. I had 58,026 miles on the car when this happened. The oil had been changed every 3,000 miles. My mechanic said that this should not have happened at that low a mileage. I did not take this to a Dodge dealer, as the car was out of warranty. I took it to an independent auto repair facility. The owner has extensive experience in major auto repair and engine rebuilding and replacement. I have just this past week traded this car off, and no longer own it.

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 at 40 mph consumer heard a noise coming from the engine. Then, stalled on the highway. Dealer thought the problem was the timing chain. The hydraulic tensioner failed due to oil sludge in the engine according to the dealer. The engine was replaced. The driver door latch was noisy and inoperative. The door latch was replaced.

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.

Early engine failure - timing chain tensioner failure in a 2000 Dodge Intrepid 2. 7 with 56000 well maintained miles. Car just upped and died with no warning. Initial problem was repaired at great expense and more periferal problems are surfacing/.

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.

I own a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. The engine failed to run with just over 75,000 miles. I had the engine diagnosed and was told that it was sludge that caused the timing chain tensioner to freeze and knock the timing chain off which in turn caused a complete failure due to this being a interference engine. I was surprised when my local dealer was not aware of any problems with the 2. 7 litre engine. I called jasper engines, who is the nations leading seller of remanufactured engines, and they told me the design flaws in the original engine. I feel that if I was able to learn the truth, the manufacturer should have been able to.

Sludge in 2. 7 Dodge Intrepid, broken timing tensioner rebuild engine.

The tensioner unit on the timing chain caused the timing chain to fail completely, causing engine failure to the tune of $2,100. 00. Only 60,500 miles on vehicle. Also had cam sensor replace two days prior to the failure of the timing change, cam sensor cost was $205. 00.