1994 Dodge Intrepid

High concern

Owners filed 718 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train › automatic transmission. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

34 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles; the median is 110,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission90
110
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System54
041
Exterior Lighting › Headlights33
100
Air Bags › Frontal26
20117
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline24
030
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip21
301
Structure18
000
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly18
000
Steering › Rack and Pinion17
100
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm16
100

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift04V021000
Filed Jan 13, 20042,315,768 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON 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. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.

Risk. EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm99V215000
Filed Aug 9, 1999402,830 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BRACKETS CAN CRACK DUE TO FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE TRANSMISSION HALF-SHAFT COULD PULL OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE ENGINE CRADLE AT THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHES TO IT.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System98V184000
Filed Aug 6, 1998722,600 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE 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.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL O-RINGS AND REINFORCE THE OUTLET (PASSENGER) SIDE FUEL RAIL. VEHICLES SHOWING FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL MUST HAVE THE OUTLET RAIL REPLACED WHICH INCLUDES CHANGING THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS OR FROM A CRACKED FUEL LINE, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Electrical System › Wiring94V024000
Filed Feb 8, 1994110,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. THE RIGHT STEERING TIE ROD CAN RUB THROUGH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH RESULTS IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING AND AN INOPERATIVE PARK/STARTER INTERLOCK SYSTEM.

Risk. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION CAUSING STALLING WHILE IN MOTION OR AN INOPERATIVE PARK/STARTER INTERLOCK SYSTEM, WHICH ALLOWS ENGINE START WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION, MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy. INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS BRACKET AND A PLASTIC CONVOLUTED SLEEVE TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 18, 2021142,483 milesOR

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I STARTED SMELLING GAS. THE FUEL RAIL ON TOP OF THE ENGINE STARTED LEAKING BY THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT INJECTOR. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE FOR THE SAME ISSUE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT IT AND THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER. YEARS LATER IT STARTED LEAKING AGAIN. APPARENTLY THE RECALL KIT DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE, EVENTUALLY THE FUEL RAIL ON TOP OF THE ENGINE WILL EVENTUALLY START LEAKING AGAIN WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE IF NOT FIXED. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO A SHOP AND AM STILL WAITING FOR A REPAIR KIT FROM CHRYSLER.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 3, 2012120,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE LEAKING. THE CONTACT PATCHED THE LEAK HIMSELF ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 01/25/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL LEAK WAS LOCATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CROSSOVER TUBE FOR THE FUEL RAILS. HE FIRST NOTICED THE ODOR OF FUEL ON NOVEMBER 13, 2088. BUT COULD NOT LOCATE THE SOURCE. IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND WAS FINALLY OBVIOUS WHEN IT STARTED TO SPRAY LATER IN 2099. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER, BUT THEY STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER COVERED THE TUBING INTERFACE WITH JB WELD BLACK/RED AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE LEAK. HOWEVER, THE FITTING LEAKED AGAIN WHEN THE SEASONS CHANGED. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN, AND WAS INFORMED A NEW FUEL RAIL WOULD COST $480. THE CONSUMER STATED A FRIEND INFORMED HIM THERE WAS A RECALL PERTAINING TO OTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLES AND THE 93 DODGE INTREPID. UPDATED 01/27/12 *BF UPDATED 02/01/12

Steering
Filed Jan 31, 2010175,000 milesNC

THE VEHICLE STARTED TO TURN ITSELF WHEN DRIVING AND COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED WHILE DRIVING. THIS LEAD TO US TAKING IT TO A TIRE SHOP AND WE WERE TOLD THE BUSHINGS ON THE RACK AND PINION AND THE BUSHINGS ON THE TIRE ROD WERE GONE OFF THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN UNTIL THE BUSHINGS WERE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE LOSS OF CONTROL WAS SO BAD ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OF THE BUSHINGS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE TO BE REPAIRED. WE ALMOST LOSS COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE TWICE BEFORE WE FOUND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE EXTREME PULL IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION BUSHINGS AND THE TIRE ROD BUSHINGS AND TIGHTENED THE TIRE ROD BOLTS. THIS WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION FOR US AND WE WERE CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILD. THIS WAS ALSO A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR TO THE VEHICLE. *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed Oct 7, 200915,148 milesIN

REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT ARM ON DRIVER'S SIDE FATIGUED AND SEPARATED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. SUPPORT ARM APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN WEAKENED BY RUST CORROSION, APPEARS TO BE INADEQUATE CORROSION RESISTANCE. INSPECTION OF PASSENGER SIDE REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT ARM APPEARS TO BE WEAKENED FROM RUST CORROSION AS WELL AND MOST LIKELY WILL FAIL FROM FATIGUE TOO. CONCERN THAT FAILURE OCCURS SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Dec 29, 2008170,000 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EMANATING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V184000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE DEALER WOULD NOT ASSUME FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000. UPDATED 2/2/09 *CN UPDATED 02/04/09. *JB

SteeringCrash
Filed Oct 23, 2008CA

TIE ROD BUSHING BOLT AT THE ATTACHMENT OF THE TIE ROD TO THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT IN THE SUBJECT VERHICLE (1994 DODGE INTREPID) ES ON RIGHT FRONT INTER BUSHING BOLT. *TR

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Sep 28, 2008VA

I HAVE A 1994 DODGE INTREPID AND I TOOK IT IN FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION. I WAS TOLD I HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION BECAUSE MY STEERING WAS TIGHT. I REPLACED IT BUT THE CAR IS STILL MAKING A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKE AT A RED LIGHT. IT IS VERY ANNOYING. *TR

Power Train
Filed Sep 16, 2008170,286 milesSC

I HAVE A 1994 DODGE INTREPID ES, THE VEHICLE IS GOING INTO GEAR AND POPPING OUT OF GEAR SOMETIMES. *TR

Wheels
Filed Jun 19, 2008115,000 milesKS

I HAVE A 94 DODGE INTREPID THAT HAD A FLAT TIRE IN A DRIVING RAIN. IN SHORT THE LUG NUTS HAVE A TIN COVER ON THEM THAT TWISTED OFF WHILE TRYING TO REMOVE THEM. THE LUG WRENCH ALSO ROUNDED OFF AND IS NO LONGER SERVICEABLE. THE REAL PROBLEM WAS THAT DUE TO GALVANIC REACTION THE ALUMINUM WHEEL WAS CORRODED ONTO THE STEEL HUB/DISC BRAKE. AFTER MYSELF AND THE HIGHWAY PATROLMAN THAT WAS ASSISTING ME WERE UNABLE TO REMOVE THE TIRE AND ALUMINUM WHEEL THE ONLY RECOURSE WAS TO CLIMB UNDER THE VEHICLE WHILE ON A JACK AND BEAT IT OFF WITH A DEAD BLOW HAMMER. IT SAYS RIGHT IN THERE OWNER MANUAL "NEVER TO GET UNDER A VEHICLE WHILE ON A JACK." I WAS VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE WHOLE SITUATION. UPON REPORTING THIS INCIDENT TO CHRYSLER CORP. THERE ONLY RESPONSE WAS THAT I SHOULD HAVE HAD IT TOWED INTO A SERVICING DEALER. I ASK YOU THEN, WHY IS THERE A JACK PROVIDED WITH THE VEHICLE? WHY DOESN'T THE LUG WRENCH PROVIDED WORK? WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO PUT ONES LIFE IN DANGER HAVING TO GET UNDER THE VEHICLE UPON A JACK TO REMOVE THE TIRE? AND FINALLY, WHY DOESN'T CHRYSLER CORP CARE ABOUT MY SAFETY? INCIDENT RESPONDED TO BY KANSAS HIGHWAY PATROL, BADGE #407 I'M A DEPUTY WITH THE BARTON CO. SO. BADGE #904. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 24, 2008OH

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 94 DODGE INTREPID FROM PA IN DEC 2007. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON AN EXTREMELY BUSY ROAD AND ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS TO IT SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A 40 MPH ROAD. THE CAR DIDN'T RESTART AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THIS INCIDENT IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE FROM MANY. OVER THE PAST 3 MONTHS I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP, STARTER, A SENSOR, SOME SORT OF TUBE, CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ALL SORTS OF THINGS,WHICH OF COURSE DID NOT SOLVE MY PROBLEM. I HAVE INVESTED OVER $1,000 TO TRY AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM. IT WAS NOT UNTIL TODAY 3/24/2008 THAT WHILE RESEARCHING MY CAR ON THE INTERNET THAT I FOUND THE RECALL. I CALLED BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER AND BECAUSE MY VIN WASN'T APART OF THE RECALL I WAS TOLD I COULD NOT BE HELPED. SO NOW WHAT DO I DO. I 'M A SINGLE MOTHER OF A SMALL CHILD, I WORK AND GO TO SCHOOL. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO CONTINUE TO GIVE OUT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS AND STOP GOING TO WORK OR SCHOOL BECAUSE MY CAR ISN'T RELIABLE. I CANNOT AFFORD TO BECOME STRANDED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. SO PLEASE, PLEASE FIND A WAY TO HELP THOSE WHO REALLY NEED YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed Aug 28, 2007145,623 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE INTREPID. THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE. THE AUTO MECHANIC REPLACED THE O-RINGS PER RECALL#98V184000; HOWEVER, THE FUEL RAILS HAD A HAIR LINE CRACK. THE MECHANIC CALLED THE MANUFACTURER PER THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WILL NOT AUTHORIZE THEM TO REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 145,623 MILES. THE PURCHASE DATE IS UNAVAILABLE.

SteeringCrash
Filed Nov 12, 2006170,000 milesTX

WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING THE STEERING SYSTEM SUDDENLY FAILED TO RESPOND, TOTAL FAILURE, NO STEERING CONTROL, WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR STEERED ITSELF HARD TO THE RIGHT INTO A CONCRETE BARACAD ON THE FREEWAY AND TOTALED THE CAR. AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO WORK. I HAVE STORED THE CAR. IT HAS NOT BEEN TOUCHED SINCE THE ACCIDENT. I WILL KEEP IT IN STORAGE FOR A SHORT TIME IN CASE YOU WANT TO INSPECT IT. IT APPEARS BASED ON AN EXTERNAL VISUAL ONLY INSPECTION THAT COMPONENTS IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM FAILED. I HAVE TAKEN SOME DIGITAL PHOTOS.*JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 27, 2006101,000 milesCT

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED, FOLLOWED BY UNWARRANTED ACCELERATION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS TAPPED, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE STALLING WAS ACCOMPANIED BY ALL THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THERE WERE NO IMMEDIATE REPAIRS MADE.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed Jul 27, 2006KY

IM WRITING THIS LETTER WANTING TO KNOW WHO SHOULD I TALK TO REGARDING THE RECALLS ON MY 95' DODGE INTREPID AS FAR AS THE FUEL RAIL LEAK I HAVE THAT CAN CAUSE A FIRE AND ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT RECALL DUE TO IT BREAKING CAN U PLEASE HELP ME! *NM

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Jul 23, 2006148,500 milesGA

1994 DODGE INTREPID TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CAR HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS - RIGHT TIE ROD RUBBING AGAINST AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS CAUSING A ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY, GET STUCK IN SECOND GEAR AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 22, 2006IA

1994 INTREPID STALLS WHEN DRIVING OR AT STOP LIGHT. *TS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE SITTING AT STOP LIGHTS, SLOWING DOWN TO STOP OR WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ON ONE OCCASION THE VEHICLE COULDN'T EVEN BE STARTED AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED TOT HE DEALER. THE PROBLEM WAS THE COATING AROUND THE WIRING. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift
Filed Apr 4, 2006104,000 milesMA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTED GEARS BY ITSELF AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. A NHTSA RECALL, #04V021000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection SystemFire
Filed Mar 20, 2006OH

1994 INTREPID ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS THE CONSUMER INFORMED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED ON THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER WHEN HE CONTACTED THE DODGE DEALER HE WAS TOLD THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO GIVE A DATE. CHRYSLER STATED THEY WOULD BUY THE CAR BACK IF THE INVESTIGATION SHOWED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE RECALL WORK.*JB

Electrical System
Filed Dec 3, 200570,000 milesWY

BOUGHT CAR IN 2001, WITH 69,000 MILES. 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, GAUGES STOPPED WORKING, CAR RAN FINE, NO NOISE, ETC. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE. HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING PAST DEALER, STOPPED AND THEY CHECKED FOR CODES, NONE FOUND. HAPPENED AGAIN, DEALER HAD CODE FOR AIRBAG MODULE THIS TIME, REPLACED PART. PROBLEM IS STILL INTERMITTENT. 2003, DRIVING AT 75 MPH ON HIGHWAY, CAR STALLED, NO RESTART. TOWED TO DEALER, THEY REPLACED TIMING BELT AND WATER PUMP. ALSO HAD BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED AT 72,000. THEY WERE DONE AT 55,000 ALSO. REPLACED TIE ROD ENDS 2004 AT 97,000. THEY HAD BEEN REPLACED A WEEK BEFORE PURCHASE AT 68,500. PASSENGER AIRBAG COVER WARPED, I FEAR IT MAY FAIL IN ACCIDENT. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Nov 22, 2005TX

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 94V024000 CONCERNING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING. THIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

20 of 718 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2004129250Routine
20031062101Fatalities reported
2002329391Fatalities reported
20016565220High concern
20001,0659220High concern
19999976133Fatalities reported
19983775125Fatalities reported
19973442262Fatalities reported
19965052220High concern
19955893277Fatalities reported
1994 — this page7184230High concern
19934085100Above average
19922000Routine

Compare every Intrepid year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 13, 2004. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.