1996 Dodge Intrepid

505 federal complaints (709 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 5 federal investigations · 80 service bulletins
See all 15 model years of the Dodge Intrepid →
Engine
3.3L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
17 city / 24 hwy
Federal complaints
505
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
178
Engine & cooling
100
Fuel system
91
Power train
48
Suspension
47
Air bags
39
Brakes
38
Electrical system
32
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 32 complaints01 years old: 19 complaints2 years old: 56 complaints3 years old: 58 complaints4 years old: 64 complaints5 years old: 40 complaints56 years old: 32 complaints7 years old: 31 complaints8 years old: 22 complaints9 years old: 22 complaints10 years old: 6 complaints1011 years old: 13 complaints12 years old: 7 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 4 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 409 of 505 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 0 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 3 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 6 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 15 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 16 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 11 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 8 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 5 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 5 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 3 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 74 of 505 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

178 complaint records2 crash reports
"STEERING WAS GETTING SHAKY AND UNCONTROLLABLE DUE TO A FAULTY INNER TIE ROD. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE INNER TIE ROD. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

100 complaint records3 fire reports2 crash reports
"HAS OVERHEATED VARIOUS TIMES. SOME PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED A COUPLE OF TIMES. OTHER TIMES DEALER SAYS NO PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Fuel system

91 complaint records4 fire reports
"CONSUMER WAS SOLD A VEHICLE WITH INCOMPLETE SAFETY RECALL #790 OF THE FUEL RAIL O-RINGS DEALER REFUSES TO COMPLETE. NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP04007
opened Oct 2004
closed Oct 2004StructureFUEL RAIL, BRAKE FLUID, CHASSIS
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL...
EA03011
opened Jul 2003
closed Jan 2004Power TrainAUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK - led to recall 04V021000
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL...
EA99031
opened Oct 1999
closed Sep 2001SteeringSTEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINION
There is no summary currently available
PE99044
opened Jun 1999
closed Oct 1999SteeringSTEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINION
SINCE OPENING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS.DURING THE PE IT WAS DETERMINED MULTIPLE FAILURE MODES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS MATTER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS HIGH FOR A STEERING SYSTEM CONCERN.THE ISSUES REPORTED...
RQ98018
opened Oct 1998
closed Jul 2002Fuel System, GasolineFUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM FUEL LEAK - led to recall 98V184000

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
04V021000Power TrainON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED.Normally free
98V184000Fuel System, GasolineVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.Normally free

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
23-014-15
Apr 2015
EquipmentChild Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability.
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
0700202
Feb 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING LOW OR NO CABIN HEAD, ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM SYSTEM FILL PROCEDURE. *TT
0900801
Nov 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING CAMSHAFT / BEARING SERVICE. *TT
0801001
May 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
1801201
May 2001
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT
1900101
Mar 2001
SteeringSOME OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE LOOSE FEEL OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE WHEEL IS MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *TT
2100601
Mar 2001
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ
0800600REV
Dec 2000
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
2304600
Dec 2000
SeatsON SOME VEHICLES THE FRONT SEAT CUSHION PAN CRACKED OR THE MOUNTING WELD NUTS BROKE LOOSE. *JB
2300800B
Nov 2000
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
2303900
Oct 2000
VisibilityINFORMATION ON DOOR GLASS LIFT PLATE SERVICE. *TT
1900300B
Oct 2000
SteeringSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE LOOSE FEEL OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE WHEEL IS MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *TT
082700
Sep 2000
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT
0042
Sep 2000
SteeringADVANCE SERVICE INFORMATION FOR LOOSE STEERING. *TT
190300A
Sep 2000
SteeringEXPERIENCING LOOSE FEEL OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE WHEEL IS MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *TT
070200
Jun 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ENGINE OVERHEATING AND / OR COOLANT BOTTLE FAILURES AFTER SERVICE HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
190300
Jun 2000
SteeringA CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE A LOOSE FEEL OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE WHEEL IS MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *TT
080600
Feb 2000
Electrical SystemTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT
0006
Feb 2000
EquipmentINFORMATION REGARDING EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR REFRIGERANT LEAKS IN THE A/C EVAPORATOR COIL ON SUBJECT VEHICLES. *TT
230200
Feb 2000
Latches/Locks/LinkagesDAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTION VEHICLES. *TT
021699
Dec 1999
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONSTANT LEAD OR PULL ON A FLAT NON-CROWNED ROAD. *TT
190899
Dec 1999
SteeringINFORMATION WHEN SERVICING THE INNER TIE ROD END TO STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENTS. *TT
083799
Nov 1999
Air BagsDAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT
233599REVA
Oct 1999
StructureSUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS
090599
Sep 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL INDICATOR (DIP STICK) HANDLE MAY BE BROKEN OR CRACKED. *TT
210599A
Sep 1999
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT
233599
Sep 1999
SeatsINFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
211099
Jun 1999
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING AUXILIARY DIFFERENTIAL VENT. *TT
081399
May 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH HEX CODE $3E OR $42, POSSIBLE SAGS / HESITATION OR ROUGH IDLE. *TT
210699
Apr 1999
Vehicle Speed ControlCONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. *TT
210499
Feb 1999
Power TrainSERVICE AND PARTS INFORMATION ON 1999 RUNNING CHANGES TO TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) *TT
081798
Dec 1998
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC
250298
Oct 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING I/M ( INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ) TESTING - OBD II "CARB" READINESS MONITOR INFORMATION. *YC
190798
Oct 1998
SteeringINFORMATION ON STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BUSHING SERVICE. *AK
183298
Sep 1998
StructureSUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC
081798 REV B
Sep 1998
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING THE AIRBAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. *YC
232898
Jul 1998
StructureWATER AND / OR DUST COLLECTION IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL OR AT THE TRUNK FLOOR TO QUARTER PANEL SEAM. *YC
210298
Jun 1998
Power TrainINFORMATION ON DIAGNOSTIC / DRIVEABILITY IMPROVEMENTS, TRANSAXLE THAT INCORPORATES A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) ONLY. REDUCES A SHUDDER CONDITION THAT MAY BE EXPERIENCED DURING LIGHT THROTTLE 1-2 UPSHIFT. *AK
980327181598
Jun 1998
StructureA LIGHT SURGE MAY BE EXPERIENCED BETWEEN 42 AND 50 MILES PER HOUR AFTER/DURING ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED CLUTCH CONTROL (EMCC) OPERATION. *YC
020398
May 1998
SuspensionVEHICLE LEADS OR PULLS ON FLAT NON-CROWNED ROAD. *YC
980206091097
May 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSYMPTOMS WITH ENGINE OIL LEVEL INDICATOR TUBE. *YC
210798
Apr 1998
Power TrainSUBJECT ON DELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT. *AK
081698
Apr 1998
EquipmentINFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK
240198
Mar 1998
VisibilitySERVICE MANUAL PROCEDURES TO SERVICE THE HVAC HOUSING A/C EVAPORATOR/HEATER CORE. *YC
091097
Feb 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingCONCERNS WITH RUSTY ENGINE OIL LEVEL INDIACATOR TUBE. *NLM
090997
Dec 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION ON GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION ON ALUMINUM ENGINE COMPONENTS. *NLM
140897
Nov 1997
Fuel SystemINFORMATION ON POOR DRIVABILITY WITH HIGH DI (DRIVABILITY INDEX) FUEL. *NLM
020897
Oct 1997
SuspensionCONDITIONS WITH VEHICLE LEADS OR PULLS ON A FLAT NON-CROWNED ROAD. *YC
970919083297
Sep 1997
Air BagsAUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *YC
0832097
Sep 1997
Electrical SystemINFORMATION REGARDING NHTSA AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *NLM
241197
Jul 1997
EquipmentCONCERNS WITH A/C EVAPORATOR ODOR. *NLM
234097
Jul 1997
VisibilityCONCERNS WITH SUNFOOF SUNSHADE BINDING. *NLM

Showing 60 of 80 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Intrepid →