1996 Dodge Intrepid

High concern

Owners filed 505 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Dodge Intrepid years to avoid. Which Dodge Intrepid years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
93,700 milesMedian miles at failure

75 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 1996 Dodge Intrepid problems

135 of the 505 complaints (27%) are about the steering.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering › Rack and Pinion58
101
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · fuel system35
010
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly25
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine25
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags21
17012
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission16
100
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights16
000
Steering15
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine15
120
Steering › Linkages11
000

1996 Dodge Intrepid steering problems

27% of all complaints

135 of the 505 complaints are about the steering. This is what owners describe:

  • loses steering assist or the wheel locks11% · 15
  • knocks, grinds or clunks7% · 10
  • vibrates or shakes4% · 6

Share of the 135 steering complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
80,000 mi
median of 22 reports
Peak year of filing
2000
35 steering complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 0 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the steering
None
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge intrepid. While driving approximately 5 MPH on normal road conditions, proceeding to make a left turn. There was a loud popping noise outside of the vehicle. Suddenly, there was a complete loss of steering. Immediately, the driver stopped in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A certified mechanic inspected the vehicle.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 4, 2009
“While backing out of driveway, right side inner tie rod connecting bolt broke causing loss of steering to right front wheel and total loss of contol of vehicle. Further inspection revealed failure of both inner tie rod bushings.veh towed to dealer for repair. Daimer chrysler contacted and refused to compensate for repairs.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 31, 2002

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1996: 21 complaints, 0 about the steering'961997: 20 complaints, 0 about the steering1998: 50 complaints, 4 about the steering'981999: 94 complaints, 33 about the steering2000: 81 complaints, 35 about the steering'002001: 58 complaints, 20 about the steering2002: 50 complaints, 14 about the steering'022003: 38 complaints, 10 about the steering2004: 30 complaints, 6 about the steering'042005: 29 complaints, 5 about the steering2006: 4 complaints, 1 about the steering'062007: 12 complaints, 0 about the steering2008: 7 complaints, 3 about the steering'082009: 3 complaints, 2 about the steering2010: 1 complaints, 0 about the steering'102011: 1 complaints, 1 about the steering2012: 3 complaints, 1 about the steering'122013: 2 complaints, 0 about the steering2014: 0 complaints, 0 about the steering'142015: 0 complaints, 0 about the steering2016: 1 complaints, 0 about the steering'16Recall 98V184000 (fuel system)Recall 04V021000 (transmission)NHTSA investigation DP04007NHTSA investigation EA03011NHTSA investigation EA99031NHTSA investigation PE99044NHTSA investigation RQ98018
All complaintsAbout the steeringRecall (red: the steering)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1996 Intrepid peaked in 1999, with 94 filed that year. No recall on file covers the steering, the subject of 27% of the complaints. In 2016 owners filed 1 so far.

2 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.

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.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 5 name the 1996 Intrepid.

FUEL RAIL, BRAKE FLUID, CHASSISDefect petition DP04007Closed
Opened Oct 13, 2004Closed Oct 27, 2004fuel system

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 leaking from the fuel injector rails; 2) brake fluid contamination resulting in brake failure; and 3) susceptibility of the vehicle frame to damage while the vehicle is being towed.mr. Galanty alleged that his 1996 dodge intrepid had each of these three problems.concerning fuel rail leakage, daimlerchrysler commenced a recall (98v-184) of …

AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCKEngineering analysis EA03011Closed
Opened Jul 17, 2003Closed Jan 30, 2004Led to recall 04V021000transmission

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 mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports cannot be determined due to missing or incomplete information.the fatality incident involved an elderly person who attempted to stop a roll away vehicle and received fatal injuries.odi also gathered information on my 1997-99 prowler vehicles in this investigation. The prowler …

STEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINIONEngineering analysis EA99031Closed
Opened Oct 29, 1999Closed Sep 13, 2001steering

There is no summary currently available

STEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINIONPreliminary evaluation PE99044Closed
Opened Jun 28, 1999Closed Oct 29, 1999steering

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 involve premature wear out at the rack and pinion interface with the inner tie rod end(s), binding and sticking of the steering gear, cracked or broken tie rod ends, sheared rack and pinion assembly bolts, and wear out of the rack and pinion mount bushings.many of the complainants mention steering wonder and loose steering.three of the most …

FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM FUEL LEAKRecall query RQ98018Closed
Opened Oct 7, 1998Closed Jul 8, 2002Led to recall 98V184000fuel system

Technical service bulletins

81 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1996 Intrepid. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

body and frame 12engine 12transmission 11equipment 9steering 8airbags 6electrical system 5visibility 4
0006Warranty extensionFeb 18, 2000equipment

INFORMATION REGARDING EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR REFRIGERANT LEAKS IN THE A/C EVAPORATOR COIL ON SUBJECT VEHICLES. *TT

1900101Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 23, 2001steering

SOME OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE LOOSE FEEL OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE WHEEL IS MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *TT

1900300BService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 6, 2000steering

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE LOOSE FEEL OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE WHEEL IS MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *TT

0042Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 13, 2000steering

ADVANCE SERVICE INFORMATION FOR LOOSE STEERING. *TT

190300AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 8, 2000steering

EXPERIENCING LOOSE FEEL OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE WHEEL IS MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *TT

190300Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 2, 2000steering

A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE A LOOSE FEEL OR CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE WHEEL IS MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *TT

190899Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 31, 1999steering

INFORMATION WHEN SERVICING THE INNER TIE ROD END TO STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENTS. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 8 bulletins about the steering, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 22, 201630,000 milesNC

TAKATA RECALL: I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION IN WHICH THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND A PIECE OF METAL WENT THROUGH MY EYE CAUSING IMMEDIATE BLINDNESS AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF THE LEFT EYE. THE PIECE OF METAL WAS PULL OUT IN THE ER. THERE WERE NO OTHER INJURIES. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET IN DETROIT MI TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MPH. I'VE BEEN WEARING A PROSTHETIC EYE SINCE.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 14, 2013131,937 milesGA

AFTER PURCHASING CAR FROM AUCTION, WE TOOK FOR EMISSIONS TESTING IN ORDER TO PURCHASE A TAG. WE WERE TOLD THE TEST COULD NOT BE DONE BECAUSE THE COMPUTER HAD NOT FINISHED THE TESTS. WE WERE ADVISED HOW TO COMPLETE THE DRIVING REQUIREMENTS AND TO COME BACK AFTER THAT. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS THE TESTS STILL SHOWED INCOMPLETE. NOW SIX YEARS LATER THE ODBII STILL WILL NOT COMPLETE AND ACTUALLY RESTARTS EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED. AFTER LOTS OF RESEARCH WE DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN WIDESPREAD AND A DEFECT THAT REQUIRES THE ECU TO BE FLASHED WITH UPDATED PROGRAM INFORMATION. THERE IS EVEN A TSB #181897 WHICH COVERED THIS. DEALERS ARE EITHER UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM OR WANT TO CHARGE CLOSE TO $100. WE BELIEVE THAT THEY SHOULD DO THIS SERVICE AT NO CHARGE SINCE IT IS S DEFECT THAT THEY ARE AWARE EXISTS. THERE ARE NO CODES BEING THROWN AND WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO TAG THE CAR FOR MANY YEARS. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Sep 11, 2013170,000 milesAR

THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHICH AFFECTS THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS & THE HEATING/AC COMPONENT. WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON THE WINDOWS & HEATER/AC STOPPED WORKING. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING MECHANISM IS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE IT DOES NOT LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE OFF POSITION. I HAD A 1993 DODGE INTREPID WITH THE SAME AIRBAG LIGHT PROBLEM DESCRIBED ABOVE, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE LIGHT TO GO OFF AT TIMES BY ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH ALLOWED THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS AND HEATER/AC TO WORK UNTIL THE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON. THE DIFFERENCE IS I CANNOT GET THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO TURN OFF AT ALL ON THE 1996 MODEL, THE DIFFERENCE BEING BETWEEN THE TWO MODELS IS THAT THE 93 HAD THE GEAR SHIFTER ON THE FLOOR CONSOLE; WHILE 96 IS ON THE COLUMN. THE FACT THAT THE 93 AND 96 BOTH HAVE THE SAME AIRBAG LIGHT AFFECTING THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS & THE HEATER/AC IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MECHANICS THAT ONE THING SHOULD AFFECT THE OTHER, BUT MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT TO BE UNTRUE. IN MY OPINION THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH EITHER THE SENSORS OR SOMETHING IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, OR POSSIBLY THE WIRING WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN DUE TO POSSIBILITY OF MANUFACTURING ISSUES. THIS DOES POSE AS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE WINDOWS WILL NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE HEATER/AC WILL NOT COOL/HEAT THE CAR AND THE DEFROSTER CANNOT CLEAR THE WINDOWS OF CONDENSATION; WHICH CREATES OBSTRUCTED VIEW. THE NONWORKING HEATER/AC SEVERELY RESTRICTS THE TIMES

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 1, 2012176,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ONCE SHE MERGED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD THE VEHICLE BECAME COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 17, 2012121,289 milesMN

VEHICLE WAS GETTING SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHEN TECHNICIANS NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP WHERE THE FUEL RAIL WAS DEEMED TO BE LEAKING GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE/PART WAS LISTED (ACCORDING TO CHRYSLER) AS HAVING BEEN REPLACED IN 1999. *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 15, 2012118,550 milesIA

ON 15MAR12 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30PM I WAS DRIVING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE LEFT. I IMMEDIATELY CORRECTED WHILE LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR. AFTER I REGAINED CONTROL, THE STEERING STILL FELT EXTREMELY LOOSE. *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 2, 201156,000 milesSC

I HAVE OWNED A 1996 DODGE INTREPID FOR 6 MONTHS NOW AND WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I WAS AWARE THAT THE STEERING WAS A LITTLE LOOSE, WHAT I DID NOT KNOW WAS THAT THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM AS WELL AS MOST OF THE TIE RODS AROUND THEM WERE COMPLETELY SHOT. MY STEERING WHEEL GRINDS WHEN I TURN IT LEFT AND RIGHT NOW AND MY STEERING HAS A HORRIFIC DRIFT WHEN TURNING FROM EXTREME TO EXTREME. THE BUSHINGS ON THE RACK AND PINION (AS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC) ARE COMPLETELY GONE. THE BROKEN PIECES ARE RATTLING AND VIBRATING SO VIOLENTLY THAT THE SHIMMYING I FEEL ON MY CAR IS ACTUALLY CAUSED BY THE STEERING. WHEN I BRAKE AT HIGH SPEEDS (50MPH) THE STEERING PULLS TO EITHER AN EXTREME LEFT OR RIGHT. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I FOUND OUT THAT I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE STRUGGLING WITH THESE SAME ISSUE. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY OWNER OF A 1996 DODGE INTREPID IS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME ISSUES. MY MECHANIC SAID TO ME THAT HE HAS NO GUARANTEE THAT MY STEERING WILL WORK RIGHT. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD NOW I'M AFRAID I'LL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MY GIRLFRIEND MIGHT FREQUENTLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT I AM AFRAID THAT THE STEERING MAY GO OUT WHEN SHE IS DRIVING IT. I SPOKE WITH MY MECHANIC AND I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACED. I PLAN TO SAVE THE PARTS THAT ARE DEFECTIVE IN HOPES THAT I WILL GET SOME COMPENSATION FOR THEM. *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 26, 2010124,620 milesPA

THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF IT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME WHEN IT IS ON THE HEATER WINDOWS HORN AND REAR BACK UP LIGHTS AND REAR DEFROSTER DO NOT WORK WITH NO HEATER/DEFROSTER IT IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP THE ICE OFF THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOWS EVEN WHILE HAVING THE PASSENGER CONSTANTLY TRYING TO SCRAPE OFF THE ICE IT JUST INSTANTLY RE FREEZES CAUSING VERY DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO THIS THE CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A DEEP DITCH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND WE HAD TO BE TOWED OUT OF THE DITCH WITH A HOIST AND A LIFT AND BACK TO THE ROAD BY A COMMERCIAL WRECKER FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN AND HEARD WHEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR INFORMATION THIS PROBLEM IS MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY THE CLOCK STOP THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH PROMPTED A RECALL ON DODGE AND CHRYSLER MINI VANS OF THE SAME YEAR WHY WASN'T THIS CAR RECALLED TOO? I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM THERE ARE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS LISTED ON THE INTERNET FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM BY OTHER DODGE INTREPID OWNERS THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD ALSO THE FACT THE WINDOWS DON'T WORK CAN CAUSE ENTRAPMENT IN THE VEHICLE

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
Filed Dec 4, 2009KY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, PROCEEDING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING. IMMEDIATELY, THE DRIVER STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO BROKEN BOLTS WHICH SUPPORTED THE TIE ROD BUSHING, AND THE RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 177,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 3, 2009160,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR WAS MOVING FASTER THAN NORMAL. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE CHANGED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTORS. HE DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V184000, BUT WAS UNAWARE IF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 160,000.

Steering
Filed Jan 7, 2009115,000 milesMN

RACK AND PINION PROBLEMS, THE BUSHINGS THAT HOLD THE RACK AND PINION KEEP GOING BAD I'VE HAD THE BUSHINGS REPLACED (NOVEMBER 2007) BUT THEN IT FAILED AGAIN (SEPTEMBER 2008). WHEN EVER I GO AROUND A TURN THERE'S A DELAY IN MY SHEER ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH. *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 15, 2008143,000 milesNC

IT STARTED OUT MY STEERING WOULD GET REALLY TIGHT AND YOU COULDN'T MOVE IT AT ALL AND IT HAPPENS EVERYDAY NOW WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE RACK-N-PINION AND SO THEY FIXED IT AND ITS STILL DOING IT. *TR

Steering
Filed Nov 25, 200898,000 milesAZ

BOLTS HOLDING TIE RODS TO STEERING GEAR (RACK) BROKE. UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS JUST LEAVING MY PARKING LOT AND DIDN'T CAUSE ANY ACCIDENTS AND/OR INJURIES. PAID $700 TO HAVE CAR FIXED. *TR

SuspensionCrash
Filed Nov 5, 2008TN

1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD TO HAVE ALOT OF FRONT END WORK DONE ON TIE ROD ENDS AND BUSHINGS WORN OUT THEN WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE BRAKES FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND CAUSED A ACCIDENT WHOLE FRONT END TOTALED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHY IS IT THAT DODGE AUTO AIR BAGS DO NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 24, 2008148,689 milesCA

REPEATED OVERHEATING PROBLEMS RESULTED IN REPLACING MY RADIATOR TWO TIMES, THERMOSTAT THREE TIMES AND THERMOSTAT W/ BREATHER HOUSING TWO TIMES. COOLING SYSTEM INCLUDES EXTERNAL METAL PIPES WHICH HELP CIRCULATE COOLANT TO HEATER. THE PIPES ARE HIDDEN FROM CLEAR VIEW AND WHEN MINE SPRUNG LEAKS DUE TO THEIR PLACEMENT THE LEAKS WERE DIAGNOSED AS BEING BLOWN HEAD/HEAD GASKET BY THREE SEPARATE SHOPS. REPLACEMENT OF PIPES SOLVED OVERHEATING. MOISTURE GETS TRAPPED IN AND AROUND THE FRAME AND SUBFRAME AREAS WHERE THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS ARE LOCATED AND ALLOWS FOR UNNECESSARY PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF ALL THE MOUNTS, BUSHINGS, MAIN FRAME AND SUBFRAME. THIS HIDDEN CONDITION HAS RESULTED IN ALL MOUNTS NEEDING REPLACEMENT, TRANSMISSION DROPPING, FRONT INNER&OUTER TIE RODS AND BUSHINGS GOING OUT, RACK N PINION PROBLEMS AND THE SUBFRAME COLLAPSING. DOCUMENTED RECORDS SHOW THAT FROM 2004 THROUGH 2008 ON AVERAGE I DROVE 7000 MILES A YEAR. IN THAT 28000 MILES I REPLACED ALL MOTOR/TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, ALL 4 INNER&OUTER TIE ROD BUSHINGS/ENDS TWICE, RADIATOR TWICE, THERMOSTAT HOUSING TWICE, COOLANT PIPES ONCE AND HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO SETS OF TIRES. I AM REPLACING SUBFRAME, TRANSMISSION MOUNTS AND FRONT AXLE AGAIN. I CONTINUE FIXING THE CAR BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE IT BUT I AM GETTING VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE STEERING, AXLE OR BRAKES GIVING OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN HEAVIER TRAFFIC. SO CONCERNED MY DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO FAMILY MEMBERS IN CASE OF FATALIT

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Rear WindowFire
Filed Apr 10, 2008198,721 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE REAR DEFOGGER. TEN MINUTES LATER, HE NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FLAMES APPEARED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND DROVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 198,721.

Steering
Filed Apr 7, 2008100,000 milesTX

THE STEERING SYSTEM IN A 1996 DODGE INTREPID TOTALLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THERE WAS NO ADVANCED WARNING OF ANY KIND. IT IS BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT I DID NOT WRECK. THE LEFT BOLT THAT SCREW INTO THE RACK/PIN STEERING BOX STRIPPED OUT AND CAUSED THE RIGHT BOLT TO SNAP CAUSING THE ENTIRE STEERING TO FAIL. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 20, 2008147,000 milesME

MY 1996 DODGE INTREPID, WHILE MOVING FORWARD AT APPROXIMATELY 20 - 25 MILES PER HOUR STRUCK AN ABRUPTLY STOPPED VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED LATE. EVEN WHILE WEARING MY SEATBELT, MY FOREHEAD STRUCK THE TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING INJURY, AND DIRECTLY AFTER THUS MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR

Fuel System, Other › Fuel Injection System
Filed Oct 10, 2007160,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. IN DECEMBER OF 2006, THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIR. HE INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT HE OFTEN SMELLED GAS FUMES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE O-RING IN THE INJECTORS WERE THE SOURCE OF THE FUMES AND THEY WERE REPLACED. IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING THE O-RING, THE MECHANIC NOTICED A CRACK IN THE FUEL INJECTION RAIL. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED OF A RECALL THAT DESCRIBED THE SAME FAILURE HE WAS EXPERIENCING. HE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAD THE RECALL REPAIRED, THEREFORE THE FAILURE COULD NO LONGER BE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES SHOULD BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY SINCE THEY WERE REPLACED. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 174,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 16, 2007WI

THERE ARE SEVERE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AND FRONT COMPONENTS SUCH AS TIE RODS, BUSHING FAILURE- MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS, ETC. STEERING HASN'T BEEN RIGHT FOR YEARS. LOW MILEAGE, STRANGE NOISES, HANDLING. CAR DOESN'T STAY IN ALIGNMENT, WHEEL DOESN'T RETURN TO CENTER, CAR JUMPS OUT OF DRIVING LANE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 13, 200786,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. AS OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,301.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 15, 2007236,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER LIFELINER TOURING SLE TIRES, SIZE 205/60R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES, WHICH CAUSED THEM TO BLOW OUT. THE FAILURES CAUSED THE FENDER TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. THE SPEED, VIN, AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 236,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Filed Jun 2, 2007NC

ON JUNE 1ST, 2007, I, SHARON S. HATCHER, WENT TO TUFFY AUTO SERVICE CENTER TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED. THEY PROCEEDED TO INSPECT MY VEHICLE WHEN THEY HOOKED IT UP TO THE COMPUTER TO PASS ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC II [OBD II] LANGUAGE...MY VEHICLE WAS REJECTED BECAUSE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAMMED! WELL, I DROVE THIS CAR ALL DAY YESTERDAY AND LAST NIGHT AND I TOOK IT TO 2 OTHER PLACES AND THE SAME THING SHOWED UP LIKE AT TUFFY AUTO SERVICE CENTER!! I TOOK IT TO STEVE WHITE MOTORS [CHRYSLER, DODGE, AND JEEP DEALERSHIP] AND THEIR SERVICEMAN SAID TO DRIVE IT AROUND FOR 20-30 MILES AT A CONSTANT SPEED OF 45-55MPH. WELL, I DID THAT AND I TOOK AT BACK TO TUFFY'S AUTO SERVICE CENTER AND THE SAME BULLENTIN POPPED UP AGAIN AS LIKE AT THE OTHER PLACES. SO THE COMPLAIT THAT I AM FILING IS ON A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. I HAVE BEEN TO 3 DIFFERENT PLACES TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED AND AT ALL 3 PLACES ITS SHOWING THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE FLASHED OR REPROGRAMMED. THE DODGE DEALERSHIP IS NOT WANTING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLENTIN [TSB] REFERENCE NUMBER AS ALONG WITH PAPERWORK FROM THESE PLACES. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A NEW RECALL ON MY VEHICLE THAT HASN'T BEEN RESEARCHED OR LOOKED INTO ON ALL MAKES OF DODGE INTREPID'S DURING 1996. I AM NOT PAYING FOR A RECALL THAT HAS TO DO WITH. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Apr 17, 2007NY

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED FROM A REPUTABLE DEALER. ALL REPAIRS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED. OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH OVERHEATING THAT NO ONE WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE. MY HUSBAND WENT OUT TO START THE CAR AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 12 HOURS AND THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES. THANK GOODNESS THERE WAS A SNOW BANK OR OUR HOUSE WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOSS AS WELL. THROUGH THE INTERNET I HAVE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR SYMPTOMS THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED, WITHOUT REPAIR, BUT ARE LISTED IN RECALL INFORMATION. WE ARE GETTING THE RUN AROUND ABOUT HOW TO PURSUE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL PROVISIONS. *AK

Electrical System
Filed Mar 9, 200775,000 milesGA

MY 1996 DODGE INTREPID RECEIVED A CLEAN AIR WAIVER IN THE YEARS 2003 AND 2004. THE OBD COULD NOT BE READ BY THE EMISSIONS STATIONS. FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE TRIED TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE CLEAN AIR FORCE SAYS THE SOFTWARE IS UPDATED AND SHOULD BE READABLE AND DODGE INSISTS IT'S THE CAF SOFTWARE. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (18-005-01) FOR 1996 DODGE VEHICLES FAILING FOR READINESS. I KEEP FAILING FOR READINESS, AND THE DEALER NOR CLEAN AIR HAS FURTHER INFORMATION. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY VEHICLE FOR TWO WEEKS WHILE A MASTER MECHANIC TRIES TO SOLVE MY SITUATION. THE LENGTH OF TIME TELLS ME A FAVORABLE REPLY MAY NOT BE FORTHCOMING. I WAS TOLD I CAN NOT SELL THE CAR, AS THE EMISSIONS ISSUE WILL ALWAYS BE MY (THE OWNERS) PROBLEM. I CAN NOT GET A TAG FOR THIS CAR AND THEREFORE LEGALLY CAN NOT DRIVE IT. WHAT CAN I DO? *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed Feb 5, 2007SD

FUEL RAIL LEAKS IN MY 1996 DODGE INTREPID. I READ THAT THERE WAS A RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE BUT DO NOT KNOW IF MY VEHICLE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED AS I PURCHASED IT IN 1999. *NM

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Jan 18, 200775,000 milesMD

PASSENGER AIR BAG COVER, WARPED, LOOSE, RATTLES, POSSIBLE UNINTENDED ENGAGEMENT. *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Jan 12, 2007WI

ON 11-23-06 I NOTICED A GAS LEAK IN MY WIFE'S, NOW EX-WIFE'S, 1996 DODGE INTREPID. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY INFORMED ME OF A POSSIBLE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP, POMMERING DODGE. POMMERING MECHANICS CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL RAIL WAS REPLACED AT NO COST UNDER A PRIOR RECALL RELATED TO BAD O-RINGS IN FUEL RAIL. HOWEVER, AFTER FUEL RAIL WAS REPLACED, DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT THE O-RINGS IN THE FUEL INJECTOR WERE ALSO BAD. O-RINGS AND FUEL INJECTOR WERE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, TOTAL COST $295.32. I INQUIRED BUT THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR O-RINGS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IT SEEMS APPARENT TO ME THAT IF THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE O-RINGS IN THE FUEL RAIL NECESSITATING A RECALL, THERE MAY VERY WELL BE A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL INJECTOR O-RINGS. *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed Jan 11, 2007GA

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID TO THE GOODYEAR AUTO SHOP 1/11/07 AND WAS TOLD THAT GAS WAS LEAKING FROM THE O-RINGS AND THE FUEL INJECTORS. THE GOODYEAR AUTO CENTER RECOMMENDED FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MECHANIC SAID THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE END OF THE RAIL. THE CONTACT DID TAKE HIS VEHICLE TO ANDY LEWIS DODGE AND WAS TOLD THAT HE WOULD BE CHARGED FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, AND THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HIM THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT FOR THE HAIR LINE CRACK IN THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE DID HAVE THE O-RINGS REPLACED BACK IN 1999. THE CONTACT HAS ALL REPAIR ORDERS.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 9, 2007ND

TL* - THE CONTACT A 1996 DODGE INTREPID WHICH HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS: HEADLIGHT MOUNTING BRACKET, HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, AND HEADLIGHT LENS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM. THE FAILURE CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WEREIN USE. SPEED AND WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Oct 8, 2006165,000 milesSC

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 98V184000 I OWN 1996 DODGE INTREPID. I AM AT LEAST THE 3RD OWNER OF THIS CAR. HAS THIS VEHICLE BEEN RECALLED AND REPAIRED? I RECENTLY HAD THE REPAIRS DONE AT MY EXPENSE; OCTOBER 6, 2006. THIS AFTER SMELLING GAS FOR MONTHS. CAN I RECEIVE A REIMBURSEMENT? *JB

Wheels
Filed Sep 22, 2006202,840 milesIA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE CRACKING.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection SystemFire
Filed Mar 31, 200666,000 milesVA

ON 3/16/06 THE ENGINE IN MY 1996 DODGE INTREPID CAUGHT ON FIRE OUT OF THE BLUE. THIS CAR ONLY HAD 60,000-70,000 MILES ON IT. AN INVESTIGATOR FOR CHRYSLER CORP. LOOKED AT THE CAR AND FILED A REPORT WITH CHRYSLER CORP. APPARENTLY THERE WAS A RECALL IN 1998 HAVING TO DO WITH FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTION RAIL OR O-RINGS WHICH I WAS NEVER AWARE OF. CHRYSLER DENIED MY CLAIM AND STATED THAT THEY HAD SENT ME A NOTICE IN FEB. 1999 AT MY CURRENT RESIDENCE, ALTHOUGH WE DID NOT EVEN CLOSE ON MY HOUSE UNTIL MAY 1999. I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE, AND THIS FIRE WAS A RESULT OF A FUEL LEAKAGE. WHEN I CALLED THE CUSTOMER CLAIMS RESOLUTION DEPT. AND EXPLAINED THAT I NEVER KNEW ABOUT THE RECALL ETC. I WAS TOLD THAT ONCE CHRYSLER MAKES A DECISION TO DENY A CLAIM THERE CAN NO REBUTTAL, AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO CONTACT A LAWYER IF I WANTED TO GO ANY FURTHER IN RESOLVING THIS. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WOULD COST A LOT TO GET A LAWYER SO I AM STUCK PAYING THE COSTS TO REPAIR THE ENGINE WHICH WAS A RESULT OF A DEFECT CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *NM

Steering
Filed Jan 24, 2006IN

YES, I WOULD LIKE TO ENTER A COMPLAINT ON THE 1996 DODGE INTREPID STEERING PROBLEMS. MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING , SOME EVEN LEADING TO DEATH. I HAVE NOT YET HAVE ANY FAILURES OF MY STEERING SYSTEM, BUT IT IS GOING BAD DAY BY DAY. I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM (DEALER QUOTED OVER $400), AND IT IS MY ONLY FORM OF TRANSPORTATION. I FIND MYSELF PRAYING EVERY TIME I STEP INTO MY CASKET ON WHEELS THAT SOMETHING WRONG DOESN'T HAPPEN TO ME. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY GOVERNMENT RECALL FOR THIS ITEM. THIS IS NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE WITH MOST OTHER MODELS SO WHY SHOULD INTREPID OWNERS HAVE TO PAY FOR THE FAULTY DESIGN. PLEASE HELP ME OUT IN THIS ISSUE. THANKS. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 28, 200564,000 milesSC

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 98V184000 FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE RECALL INDICATED THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL O-RINGS, AND REINFORCE THE OUTLET ON PASSENGER'S SIDE FUEL RAIL. ALSO, IT INDICATED THAT IF THE VEHICLE SHOWED SIGNS OF FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE RECALL LEAD THE CONTACT TO BELIEVE THAT THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL, THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS WOULD BE REPLACED AS PART OF THE RECALL REMEDY IF NECESSARY. SHE WAS INFORMED BY BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER THAT THIS WAS NOT TRUE. THE RECALL REMEDY WAS COMPLETED ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER GUIDELINES. ADDITIONALLY, THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS WERE REPLACED. *AK THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 01/25/06. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Dec 16, 2005179 milesIN

1996 DODGE INTREPID I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS IS AND GOT IT HOME AFTER THE SAME NIGHT I FOUND OUT THAT THE HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK, WHICH IS A SAFETY PROBLEM, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THAT I GOT THE CAR FROM THE LOOKED AT IT BUT WOULD NOT FIX IT CAUSE THEY CLAIMED THEY DIDN'T KNOW THE HEADLIGHTS DIDN'T WORK, I EVEN ASKED IF THEY HAD TO INSPECT THE CAR BEFORE SELLING IT, YES THEY DID BUT NEVER FIXED THE HEADLIGHTS... I WOULD LIKE THIS FIXED ASAP. *NM

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 14, 2005197,205 milesGA

1. THE EVENT OCCURRED WHILE BACKING INTO MY DRIVEWAY 2. 1996 DODGE INTREPID, 3.5L, 196,000 MILES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT THAT IS A STRUCTURAL ELEMENT OF THE CAR'S SUBFRAME HAD METAL FATIGUED AND SEPARATED FROM THE SUBRFAME. THIS CAUSED THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL TO MOVE OUTWARD AND LODGE AGAINST THE FENDER. WHEN THE WHEEL MOVED OUTWARD, THE HALF-SHAFT PULLED OUT OF THE CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT DISENGAGING THE DRIVETRAIN FROM THE FRONT WHEEL. 3. THE REPLACEMENT COST OF THE SUBFRAME WAS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE, SO THE CAR IS GOING TO BE SCRAPED.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Filed Sep 22, 200585,000 milesMD

PURCHASED 1996 DODGE INTREPID IN MAY 2005. FOLLOWING WEEK HAD TO TAKE CAR BACK TO DEALER RE: BRAKES, TO NO AVAIL. A MECHANIC STATED BRAKES WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. WAS ADVISED THAT TIRES WERE NOT IN SUCH GREAT CONDITION EITHER. KEPT HEARING STRANGE SOUNDS (RATTLING NOISES) FROM THE CAR. IN AUGUST, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CAR WOULD NOT STEER AT ALL. HAD TO TAKE CAR TO MECHANIC, WHO TOLD US FAN BELT HAD COME OFF WHILE DRIVING. POWER STEERING PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED AND POWER STEERING LINE. HE ALSO ADVISED THAT RACK AND PINION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. FINALLY, ON AUGUST 26TH, WAS GETTING IN CAR TO DRIVE AND DID NOT GET VERY FAR, WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND FOUND TWO BOLTS ON THE GROUND. PLEASE HELP !!! DISTRESSED. DO WE HAVE ANY RECOURSE HERE? HAVE RECEIPTS, BUT DO NOT HAVE OLD PARTS. *JB *AK *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Sep 19, 200587,500 milesNY

1996 DODGE INTREPID W/3.5 ENGINE HEARD LOUD BANG,SMOKE AND OIL,KNOCKING NOISE. NO WARNING AT ALL, THE GAUGES WERE IN NORMAL RANGE, NO PRIOR TROUBLE WITH ENGINE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO GOODYEAR TIRE STORE & UPON INSPECTION FOUND TWO (2) HOLES IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE BLOCK NEAR FRONT OF ENGINE ABOUT THE SIZE OF SILVER DOLLAR,WE THINK ENGINE CONNECTING ROD FOR ONE CYLINDER FAILED AND BROKE AT BOTTOM NEAR CRANKSHAFT AND PUNCHED BOTH HOLES IN BLOCK. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift
Filed Aug 31, 2005120,241 milesOK

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 04V021000/CHRYSLER RECALL C45 ON 1996 DODGE INTREPID CONCERNING FLOOR SHIFT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE REPAIRS DONE, AND THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE CONSUMER WHEN THEY CAME IN. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED 3 NOTICES FROM CHRYSLER ON THIS RECALL DURING THIS TIME. THE OWNER SAID THAT HE HAS CALLED THE DEALER TO SEE IF THE PARTS WERE THERE. IT HAS BEEN OVER 6 MONTHS AND THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE FIRST NOTICE IN MARCH 2005. AND AS OF RIGHT NOW THE CONSUMER WAS STUCK WAITING ON THE PARTS.*AK

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Aug 19, 2005112,000 milesPA

MY SON WAS TRAVELING TO WORK ON AUGUST 10 2005. HE WAS DRIVING A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. HE WAS TURNING A CORNER WHEN HIS STEERING CONTROL WAS SUDDENDLY AND COMPLETELY LOST. HIS CAR WENT OVER A CURB AT AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO STOP. NO ONE WAS HURT. INSPECTION OF THE CAR SHOWED THAT 2 BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE TIE RODS TO THE RACK AND PINION STEERING WERE COMPLETELY SEVERED. A PICTURE HERE IS WORTH 1000 WORDS. IF YOU GO TO THIS SITE : HTTP://WWW.ALLPAR.COM/FIX/INTREPID-STEERING.HTML YOU WILL SEE A CLEAR PICTURE OF 2 CENTER BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE INNER TIE RODS TO THE RACK AND PINION STEEING. THESE WERE THE 2 BOLTS THAT SUDDENLY BROKE LEAVING THE CAR WITH NO STEERING CONTROL. IF THAT HAD HAPPENED A WEEK EARLIER WHEN I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY SON ON A SUPER HIGHWAY I AM QUITE SURE THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE WOULD BE GOING TO THE HOSPITAL OR WORSE. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I FOULD ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I FEEL THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE DONE TO REPLACE THESE BOLTS. HIS CAR HAD 112,000 MILES ON WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURED. YOU'RE RECALL OF THESE CARS I FEEL WOULD SAVE OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES. THANK YOU!

Structure
Filed Jul 30, 200585,000 milesIN

RECENTLY I TOOK MY 1996 DODGE INTREPID INTO A COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALIST DUE TO SEVERE PAINT CHIPPING ON MY HOOD. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH DODGE VEHICLES - THAT THE HOODS AND TRUNKS ARE RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT DUE TO THE SEAMS BEING PINCHED WELDED WHICH IS ALLOWING MOISTURE TO GET INSIDE. ALSO FOUND THAT THE TRUNK IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT, BUT DIDN'T KNOW THIS UNTIL WE WERE INFORMED OF THE HOOD. THE CAR ONLY HAS 85,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF VERY WELL. OTHER THAN THAT - IT IS IN TOP CONDITION. *JB

Structure › Body › Door1 injured
Filed Jul 27, 2005100,000 milesMO

DT: CONSUMER STATED THAT 1996 , DODGE, INTREPID HAD A BOLT STICKING OUT ON BOTH BACK DOORS. THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING SAFETY DEVICE TO KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED IN CASE OF A COLLISION. CONSUMER WAS IN THE BACK SEAT GETTING GROCERIES OUT WHEN HER SHOE STRING BECAME ENTANGLED AROUND THE BOLT AND CONSUMER FELL ON CONCRETE AND BROKE HER HIP. CONSUMER DID NOT REALIZE THAT STRING WAS ENTANGLED AROUND THE BOLT. CONSUMER WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL, THEN SHE TAKEN INTO SURGERY, SHE HAD TO HAVE 3 SCREWS PLACED INTO HER HIP. CONSUMER WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 5 DAYS . THEN, CONSUMER WAS CONFINED TO A WALKER FOR SEVERAL WEEKS UNTIL THE BONE HEALED. CONSUMER CONTINUED WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON MAY 18, 2005. CONSUMER HAD TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BY SOMEONE ELSE FOR QUITE A WHILE. CONSUMER WAS IN CONTACT WITH CHRYSLER IN JUNE 2005. THEY SENT AN INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND TAKE PICTURES. CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM CHRYSLER ON JULY 5, 2005 STATING THAT HER CLAIM WAS DENIED. CONSUMER HAD NOT FILED ANY CLAIM WITH CHRYSLER. ALL CONSUMER WANTED WAS THE VEHICLE TO BE RECALLED SO THAT THE BOLT COULD BE REMOVED. CONSUMER HAD NOT TAKEN ANYONE TO CHRYSLER. SHE JUST WANTED TO INFORM OTHER PEOPLE THAT THE BOLT WAS DANGEROUS AND COULD INJURE OTHERS MORE SEVERELY. ALSO, CONSUMER HAD NOT DONE ANYTHING WITH THE VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE WAS STILL BEING DRIVEN. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Jul 22, 200582,901 milesIL

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. THE THERMO PLASTIC RAIL FOR THE FUEL SPLIT AND LEAKED GAS ALL OVER THE MOTOR, ALMOST CAUSING VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE.*AK *JB

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jun 4, 200577,000 milesCA

I WOULD FIRST AND FORMOST LIKE TO REPORT THE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE STEERING RACK ON MY 1996 DODGE INTREPID AT AROUND 77,000 MILES. THE RACK HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A HEFTY PRICE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS IS AN ALARMINGLY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH CHRYSLER LH BODIED VEHICALS, ESPECIALLY DODGE INTREPIDS, AND HAS BEEN FOR MANY YEARS. I HAD THE RACK REPLACED ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO AND ALREADY MY CAR IS SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF MORE STEERING RELATED PROBLEMS. I DRIVE ONLY A MODERATE AMOUNT SO THIS COULD NOT BE JUST "USUAL WEAR AND TEAR". IN ADDITION TO THE STEERING RACK, WITHIN THE LAST THREE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE AN AXEL REPLACED, ALL OF THE BREAKS DUE TO PREMATURLY WARPED ROTORS (THE BREAKS ACTUALLY WENT OUT ONCE AND I ALMOST REAR ENDED SOMEONE), THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND GETS STUCK IN GEAR FOR A MYSTEROUS REASON NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT, AND A LOOSE WIRE CAUSED THE CAR CAUSED MULTABLE DRIVABILITY PROBLEMS. (THE DATE BELOW IS NOT ACCURATE, THESE THINGS OCCURED BETWEEN 2003 AND PRESENT)

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Jun 3, 2005MI

1996 DODGE INTREPID WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH LED TO DAMAGE TO THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. *MR (TOTAL LOSS) *SC *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed May 31, 2005PA

CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS HAVING RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE 1996 DODGE INTREPID.*MR EACH TIME THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED, HE/SHE WAS TOLD NOTHING NEEDED TO BE DONE WITH THE OBD CODES AND ONLY THE GAS CAP WERE BEING CHECKED FOR POLLUTION. THE CONSUMER WAS GIVEN SEVERAL EXCUSES AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. *JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 20, 200534,500 milesOH

CONSUMER STATES: THE ENGINE CRADLE MOUNT ON THE RIGHT SIDE IS RUSTED IN THE BACK, AND THE ENGINE MOUNT ON THE LEFT IS STARTING TO RUST IN THE BACK. WAS MAKING NOISE, GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER, AND COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel RailFire
Filed May 1, 2005116,224 milesIN

I HAD A 1996 DODGE INTREPID PURCHASED IN 3/04 FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. ON /1/99 HE HAD THE FUEL RAIL RECALL PERFORMED AT PALMER DODGE. IN FEBRUARY 25 2005 I SMELLED GAS FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I TOOK THE CAR TO SHADELAND DODGE ON 2/18/05 AND THEY SAID THE FUEL RAIL AND O-RINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACE AGAIN AND DID SO UNDER THE RECALL. ON 4/21/05 I SMELLED GAS AGAIN AND WAS ON MY WAY TO SHADELAND DODGE, WHEN I HAD TO STOP AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CAR THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE FRONT HOOD. THE CAR WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Apr 20, 2005200,000 milesKS

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH, WHEN VEHICLE STARTED TO FILL WITH SMOKE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER , THEN, SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK

Complaints 1-50 of 505, newest first, 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
1996 — this page5052220High concern
19955893277Fatalities reported
19947184230High concern
19934085100Above average
19922000Routine

Compare every Intrepid year →

1996 Dodge Intrepid: questions buyers ask

Is the 1996 Dodge Intrepid a good car?

It is not among the Intrepid years to avoid. Owners filed 505 complaints, against about 457 for a typical Intrepid year. The most common complaint is about the steering (27%).

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Dodge Intrepid?

The steering: 135 of the 505 complaints (27%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses steering assist or the wheel locks (11%), knocks, grinds or clunks (7%) and vibrates or shakes (4%). The typical report comes at 80,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge Intrepid have?

2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jan 13, 2004. The largest, 04V021000, covered 2,315,768 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Intrepid problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 93,700 miles. For the steering the midpoint is 80,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1996 Dodge Intrepid?

Yes, 5 times. The latest, DP04007 ("FUEL RAIL, BRAKE FLUID, CHASSIS"), was opened Oct 13, 2004 and closed Oct 27, 2004.

Are there service bulletins for the 1996 Dodge Intrepid?

The manufacturer filed 81 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (12), the engine (12) and the transmission (11). They include a warranty extension, 0006, filed Feb 18, 2000. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

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.