Class Claims Chrysler Engines Fail Early

MANHATTAN (CN) - The 2.7 liter engine used in Chrysler's Sebring and other models fails prematurely and Chrysler won't honor its warranty to fix or replace the engine, a class action claims in Federal Court.

The class claims the engine was used in 1998-2003 Chrysler Sebrings and Concordes, and Dodge Intrepids and Stratuses. They claim the engines require "enhanced maintenance" because, "among other things, the engine was prone to accumulation of oil sludge in the passageways of the cinder block, resulting in inadequate oil circulation to the engine valves, pistons and camshafts. This caused the engine parts to eventually seize, resulting in catastrophic engine failure and permanent seizure of the engine."

Named plaintiff Stephanie Newman Durst says she bought a new 2003 Sebring with a 70,000 mile warranty. She says the engine seized up under normal conditions at 52,000 miles, and when she took it to her dealer in Newburgh, she "was informed by that dealership that they were instructed by representatives of DaimlerChrysler Corporation not to honor the warranty by repairing the vehicle."

She says she had to pay more than $5,000 for a new engine.

The class is represented by John Durst Jr.

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