Certain Chrysler 2.7L and 3.5L V6 engines used in the early 2000s are known for internal sludge buildup and premature engine failure. Poor oil return design, heat, and extended oil change intervals could lead to oil starvation, timing chain issues, and catastrophic engine damage.
These engines were used widely in Chrysler and Dodge sedans of the era and have a long-standing reputation for being high-risk for long-term ownership, especially if maintenance was not meticulous and documented.
Sludge caused - damage beyond repair:
Potential design constraints that could contribute to these issues:
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Reason | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 | Chrysler | Intrepid (2.7L) | Not Suggested | Severe sludge and early engine failure |
Engine: 2.7L V6 - EER Known for internal sludge, timing chain issues, and oil starvation Many engines failed well before typical mileage |
|
| 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 | Chrysler | Intrepid (3.5L) | Not Suggested | Sludge risk and cooling-related wear |
Engine: 3.5L V6 - EGG Less severe than 2.7L but still sludge-prone if poorly maintained Early failures reported in neglected vehicles |
|
| 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 | Chrysler | Concorde (2.7L) | Not Suggested | High risk of sludge and engine failure |
Engine: 2.7L V6 - EER Tight oil passages and heat contribute to sludge Requires very frequent oil changes to survive |
|
| 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 | Chrysler | Concorde, 300M (3.5L) | Not Suggested | Sludge and cooling system sensitivity |
Engine: 3.5L V6 - EGG Still vulnerable to sludge and overheating issues Long-term reliability depends heavily on maintenance history |
|
| 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 | Dodge | Intrepid (2.7L) | Not Suggested | Notorious sludge engine |
Engine: 2.7L V6 - EER Widely reported for oil sludge, chain failure, and spinning bearings Frequently cited as one of the worst Chrysler engines of its era |
|
| 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 | Dodge / Chrysler | Stratus, Sebring (2.7L) | Not Suggested | Sludge and early engine failure |
Engine: 2.7L V6 - EER Same core sludge-prone design as LH cars in a midsize package Engine replacement is common on higher-mileage examples |
|
| 2005 2006 2007 2008 | Chrysler / Dodge | 300, Charger (2.7L) | Not Suggested | Carryover sludge-prone 2.7L |
Engine: 2.7L V6 - EER Older 2.7L design carried into early LX cars Same sludge and early-failure risks as earlier applications |
|
| 2005 2006 2007 2008 | Chrysler / Dodge | 300, Charger (3.5L) | Caution | Less notorious but still sensitive to maintenance |
Engine: 3.5L V6 - EGG Not as infamous as the 2.7L, but can sludge with poor maintenance Only consider with excellent, documented service history |
Chrysler’s 2.7L (EER) and 3.5L (EGG) V6 engines from the late 1990s and early-to-mid 2000s developed a reputation for sludge buildup, oil starvation, and early engine failure—especially the 2.7L. These engines demand strict maintenance, and even then may not be suitable for long-term ownership. In most cases, they are best avoided in favor of more robust powertrains.