Faults:

I bought the car in October 2001 and it had just over 29,000 miles on it. Yesterday, something gave way in the engine and the engine started to make a very loud tapping noise.

Today I was told the engine was completely damaged due to sludge build up and I needed a complete engine rebuild.

I changed the oil every 3,000 miles and it wasn't even due for it's next oil change yet.

General Comments:

I'm appalled at the lack of consumer care Daimler Chrysler has shown with regard to the engine defects in the design of their 2.7L V6 and the fact that they refuse to issue a mandatory recall to fix the problem.

Faults:

The problem started off as a kind of knocking noise coming from under the hood.

After hearing the sound for about a week, my husband and I decided to take the car to the shop.

On the way to the shop the car seemed to get louder, and eventually had to be towed from where it stopped.

After having our 2000 Intrepid checked out we were told the engine was not good.

It seemed to be that there was no oil burning, so the timing chain broke and it hit a piston, which pretty much left the engine garbage.

General Comments:

Before the engine going out we had never had any problems, but the engine going out made up for that. We have not contacted Chrysler/Dodge yet, because I heard on a recent news broadcast that there may be a possible recall.

Hopefully, they'll recall those cars, because we're stuck with a car note and no running car.

Faults:

This car has been very wonderful to drive until this past weekend. I got great gas mileage and it was a smooth, very comfortable drive, no matter where I took it. I had no problems with anything on the car until last Saturday morning. I dropped off my grandson and the engine died. This was the first time this had ever happened, so I thought it seemed rather strange. I took it in to have the oil changed right away - it had just passed the 3,000 mile mark and I am faithful about having it changed regularly. As the oil was draining from the engine, the technician remarked that there were metallic flakes in the oil and this was not a good sign. He claimed he had never seen anything like this in a car so well taken care of and he recommended that I take it in and have it checked immediately. I left the station and drove about a mile and a half when this horrible thunk sounded and the car died. I phone my family and we re-started the engine, but it was shot. I was told by the dealer that this is a common problem now among 2.7 liter engines and that there is no repair available under $5,000.00. I have only had the car for 6 months and I still owe $4300.00 on it, so I cannot afford a $5,000. engine that will probably do the same thing again in a short period of time. Dodge needs to own up to the fact that this is a critical problem. I imagine it will take someone's life to cause them to start paying attention to what the consumers are saying. It simply isn't fair to not stand behind one's product. Is there any recourse available?