1998 Dodge Intrepid

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 377 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

Avoid One of the Dodge Intrepid years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Dodge Intrepid years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
84,679 milesMedian miles at failure

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

Most common 1998 Dodge Intrepid problems

183 of the 377 complaints (49%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine104
030
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine48
010
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission17
100
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls14
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine12
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags11
1109
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration8
300
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes8
000
Steering › Rack and Pinion6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc · brakes6
000

1998 Dodge Intrepid engine problems

49% of all complaints

183 of the 377 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • knocks, grinds or clunks17% · 32
  • stalls17% · 31
  • sets off warning lights on the dash10% · 18
  • turns on the check engine light8% · 15
  • smokes or smells of burning6% · 11
  • overheats5% · 9

Share of the 183 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
85,000 mi
median of 138 reports
Peak year of filing
2004
56 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 4 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“The engine in my 1998 dodge intrepid with 56k miles n it is knocking. Several mechanics have told me the engine needs to be rebuilt. It is the 2.7 l dohc and I have been reading numerous reports/complaints of the engine.*tr”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 13, 2008 at 56,000 miles
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. While driving between 65-70 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk, rattle, make noise, and then shut off. The mechanic stated that the vehicle needed lifters. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 100,000 and failure mileage was 50,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 17, 2008 at 50,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1998: 9 complaints, 1 about the engine'981999: 28 complaints, 1 about the engine2000: 25 complaints, 0 about the engine'002001: 27 complaints, 2 about the engine2002: 34 complaints, 5 about the engine'022003: 67 complaints, 44 about the engine2004: 78 complaints, 56 about the engine'042005: 54 complaints, 35 about the engine2006: 30 complaints, 21 about the engine'062007: 9 complaints, 8 about the engine2008: 9 complaints, 7 about the engine'082009: 2 complaints, 1 about the engine2010: 2 complaints, 1 about the engine'102011: 1 complaints, 1 about the engine2012: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'122013: 1 complaints, 0 about the engineRecall 98V049000 (airbags)Recall 03V035000 (seats)Recall 04V021000 (transmission)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation EA03011
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1998 Intrepid peaked in 2004, with 78 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 49% of the complaints. In 2013 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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.

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner03V035000
Filed Feb 5, 20031,066,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.

Risk. IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Air Bags › Frontal98V049000
Filed Mar 9, 199854 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLE. SOME PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING SOME REQUIRED COMPONENTS.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE IN THESE VEHICLES.

All 5 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. 2 name the 1998 Intrepid.

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 …

THROTTLE CONTROL FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE03010Closed
Opened Feb 27, 2003Closed Sep 2, 2003throttle and acceleration

Based on the low failure rate, the absence of failures over the past year, the absence of injuries, and odi's field investigation of incident vehicles, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See attached report for additional information.

Technical service bulletins

155 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1998 Intrepid. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

body and frame 27engine 24electrical system 18equipment 17visibility 16steering 10transmission 10suspension 7
68332810Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 7, 2016engine

Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with …

R2118796AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 26, 2016engine

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

0900204Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 27, 2004engine

SHORT DURATION COLD ENGINE START-UP TICKING LIKE SOUND. THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO MARCH 31, 2003. *MN

0900503Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 21, 2003engine

SHORT DURATION COLD ENGINE START-UP TICKING LIKE SOUND. *TT

0900203Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 14, 2003engine

ENGINE STUMBLE AND/OR MISFIRE - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT

2500102AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 2, 2002engine

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0442, P0455, OR P0456 - LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP), LEAK DETECTED. THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 25-001-02 DATED FEB 11, 2002. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 24 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 14, 2013156,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE PEDAL DID NOT ENGAGE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MERGED ONTO THE SHOULDER. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 2, 201294,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE ABS SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR AND THEY HAD BEEN BACK ORDERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 6, 2011MO

ENGINE FAILURE CLICKING NOISE POSSIBLE VALVE TRAIN. CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL BUT NO PROPERLY LUBRICATING ENGINE PARTS. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Nov 18, 2010IA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE MOTOR FAILED DUE TO THE ANTI-FREEZE AND OIL MIXING TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 3, 201076,945 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED GASOLINE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINE THAT CONNECTED TO THE FUEL RAIL. THERE WAS ALSO AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER REPAIRED NOR DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,945 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,985.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 26, 200987,000 milesPA

IN 2007 I BOUGHT A 1998 DODGE INTREPID 2.7 L ENGINE....NONETHELESS THE ENGINE BLEW. THE CAR HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE. IT GAVE NO WARNING THAT THERE WERE ANY SIGNS OF ENGINE TROUBLE. I PAID $6995 FOR THE CAR, IT HAD 67,000 MILES ON IT.....2YRS LATER AT 87,000 IT DIED....LEAVING ME TO PAY THE REST OF THE LOAN OF $2200 ON A CAR THAT JUST SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY!!! *TR

Steering
Filed Jan 18, 2009280,000 miles00

POWER STEERING FEELS LIKE THERE IS NO POWER STEERING ,NO POWER STEERING LEAKS BELTS OK AND NO NOISE UNDER HOOD. *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 9, 2008122,544 milesWA

SEVERE STEERING PROBLEMS. WHEEL LOCKS WHEN TURNED COMPLETELY TO RIGHT OR LEFT. WANDERS ON DRY PAVEMENT, ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE IN WET WEATHER. HAVE BEEN TOLD TO REPLACE STEERING RACK AND INNER TIE RODS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 22, 200858,000 milesNY

I BOUGHT A DODGE INTREPID IN APRIL 08. IT HAD 53,000 MILES, IN GREAT CONDITION AND SPOTLESS CARFAX. THE CAR STARTED MAKING PROBLEMS AT 57000 MILES. IT OVERHEATED, SO WE GOT THE RADIATOR FIXED WHICH SOLVED MY PROBLEM FOR A WEEK OR SO. AFTER THAT WEEK, WHILE DRIVING ON THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY MY ENGINE QUIT ON ME, AND STARTED STEAMING WHEN TRYING TO TURN IT BACK ON. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THAT HAPPENING WHATSOEVER. NO LIGHTS ON, NO ENGINE OVERHEATING, NOTHING. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO TOLD ME THE ENGINE WAS BROKEN BEYOND REPAIR, AND WE DONATED THE CAR. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 13, 200856,000 milesWI

THE ENGINE IN MY 1998 DODGE INTREPID WITH 56K MILES N IT IS KNOCKING. SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. IT IS THE 2.7 L DOHC AND I HAVE BEEN READING NUMEROUS REPORTS/COMPLAINTS OF THE ENGINE.*TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Oct 7, 200894,000 milesIL

ENGINE PROBLEMS W/SLUDGE DODGE INTREPID W/2.7 ENGINE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 17, 200850,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK, RATTLE, MAKE NOISE, AND THEN SHUT OFF. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED LIFTERS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

SteeringCrash
Filed Aug 18, 2008AL

I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40MPH, CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN ORDER TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN ON TO ANOTHER STREET. ONCE MAKING THIS RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE WHEEL BEING TURNED BACK TO THE LEFT. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STRIKE THE CURB. ONCE STOPPED THE STEERING SEEMED TO BE CORRECTED BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST TWO MORE TIMES. THE INNER AND OUTER TIRE RODS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ALONG WITH THE STRUTS AND HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ALIGNMENTS NONE OF WHICH HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. NOW THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THE RACK AND PINION. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 23, 2008130,000 milesNC

ENGINE WAS RUNNING HOT TOWED INTO REPAIR SHOP SAID THAT THE VALVES WERE BURNT AND BLOCK WAS CRACKED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 29, 200880,100 milesWI

THE CAR STARTING SMOKING AND THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON...CANT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT...CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON AND STILL SMOKING LOTS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 11, 200887,052 milesME

I HAVE A 98 DODGE INTREPID WITH A 2.7L ENGINE. I BOUGHT CAR IN JULY 06, CAME WITH 90 DAY WARRANTY. HAD IT TO DEALER WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASE FOR "TICKING" NOISE. WAS TOLD WAS "NORMAL LIFTER NOISE". TWO WEEKS AGO, ENGINE BLEW. TIMING CHAIN BROKE, DAMAGING LIFTERS, PISTONS, ETC. NEED NEW ENGINE AT COST OF MERELY $6,000. OR USED AT $4,000. STILL OWE $4,600 ON CAR. I FEEL TOTALLY RIPPED OFF! I AM PAYING FOR A JUNK CAR THAT I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE. LOST ONE JOB BECAUSE OF NO TRANSPORTATION, AND MAY SOON LOSE SECOND JOB FOR SAME REASON. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 13, 200799,000 milesNY

I WAS ON VACATION FOR THE WEEKEND IN CANADA, ON THE WAY BACK, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY INTO A HOTEL PARKING LOT, AND THE KNOCK WAS SO LOUD, IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO EXPLODE. IT IS ONCE AGAIN A 1998 DODGE INTREPID 2.7 LITER ENGINE, THAT HAS GONE BAD. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2001, AND HAVE CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3000 MILES WITH SYNTHETIC OIL. I EVEN HAD THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONERS CHANGED JANUARY 2007, BECAUSE I HEARD THESE GO BAD AND RUIN THE ENGINE. I AM A FORMER MECHANIC, WHO REALLY TAKES CARE OF MY VEHICLES. EVERY MECHANIC TOLD ME IN 2001 THAT THESE ENGINES ARE JUNK, AND NOT TO BUY IT, BUT I DIDN'T LISTEN TO THEM. NOW THE CAR SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY, AND I STILL OWE MONEY ON IT. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Dec 8, 200727,000 milesTN

VERY LOUD KNOCKING FROM THE ENGINE OCCURRED THEN THE ENGINE DIED LIFTERS WERE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE COLLAPSED AND KNOCKING STILL OCCURS AND MECHANIC IS NOW CHECKING INTO THE TIMING CHAIN. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 8, 2007100,000 milesNY

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH ABOUT 100,000 MILES FOR $2,000. IT'S A BEAUTIFUL CAR IN AND OUT FOR THE PRICE GREAT CONDITION! I'VE NOTICED THAT WHEN I START IF UP TO LET IF WARM, IT WAR EXTREMELY LOUD, BUT I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A BIG DEAL SINCE IT'S COLD OUT AND IT NEEDED TO WARM. TONIGHT I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WHEN I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WHEN IT WENT SILENT, AND STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A !@#$% HIGHWAY AT A RED LIGHT TOO. NO LIGHTS CAME ON TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. I FINALLY GOT IT STARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF HARASSING DRIVERS AND GOT IT TO A PARKING LOT WHEN IT STALLED AGAIN RIGHT WHEN I PULLED IN. STARTED IT AGAIN AND PARKED IT. CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS BONE DRY. I BOUGHT AND PUT PLENTY OF OIL IN IT LET IT RUN DROVE A LITTLE AND IT WORKED GREAT. DROVE HOME WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. ITS NOW SITTING IN TOWN UNTIL I HAVE IT TOWED TOMORROW. NICE CAR INSIDE AND OUT!!!! DANGEROUSLY SHOTTY AMERICAN MOTOR. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 1, 2007NY

ENGINE KEEPS TURNING OFF , OIL LIGHT KEEPS FLICKERING WHEN STOP. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 9, 200762,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY REMAINS AT THE DEALER. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 24, 2007126,551 milesNC

I OWN A 1998 DODGE INTREPID, IT HAS 128,000 MILES ON IT...OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES....I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF...IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE...MY HUSBAND IS A AUTO MECHANIC, SO I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE WHERE MY HUSBAND CHECKED IT OUT AND TOLD ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WENT OUT, WHICH HAD BENT THE INTAKE VALVES...UPON INSPECTION OF THE BLOCK HE NOTICED A DEFECT IN THE BLOCK...THE OIL RETURN HOLES ARE TO SMALL AND BECOME CLOGGED, WHICH IN TURN CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE....AND ENGINE FAILURE CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS, IF IT FAILS AT THE WRONG TIME AND PLACE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 3, 200778,000 milesOH

COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL SLUDGE BUILD UP. MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2.7L ENGINES DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED, HAD IT BEEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS A SERIOUS CRASH COULD OF OCCURRED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Apr 20, 2007170,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS AND SAW SMOKE EXITING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAP ON TOP OF THE SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE HEAD. WHEN THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE SPARK PLUG THE SPRING BECAME LODGED INSIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE SPARK PLUG COULD NOT BE PLACED INSIDE THE HEAD AGAIN BECAUSE IT WAS STRIPPED OUT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 170,000.*AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Mar 28, 200768,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH,THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERABLE AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, AND WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 68,000.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 31, 200643,000 milesNC

1999 I BOUGHT A 98 DODGE INTREPID. 2000, ENGINE BLOWN FROM OIL SLUDGE AT 42,000. I WAS TAKING KIDS TO SCHOOL AND CAR STOPPED WITH NO WARNING ON RAILROAD TRACKS AND HAD TO BE TOWED. PAID $500.00 DEDUCTIBLES AT DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED ENGINE. HAD PROOF OF OIL CHANGES. 2002 BROKE DOWN AGAIN. THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND BROKE OTHER PARTS. THIS COST $800.00. ALSO, I HAVE REPLACE ALL WINDOW MOTORS AT LEAST ONCE AND TWICE AGAIN ON TWO MORE. AND RELAY SWITCHES. AT THIS POINT BECAUSE I PAID $21,000 FOR THIS CAR ALSO ALL THE MONEY IN REPAIRS. TOO MUCH INVESTED TO JUST LET IT GO. I STARTED USING FULLY SYNTHETIC OIL AND CHANGES OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. THIS WAS ALSO EXPENSIVE. I HAD TO TRY SOMETHING TO SAVE THIS CAR. WELL THAT DIDN'T WORK EITHER. 2005 THE ENGINE BLEW AGAIN, OIL SLUDGE. I HAS SET AT THE GARAGE UNTIL 12/06. I HAD TO BORROW A CAR FOR THE PAST YEAR UNTIL I COULD FIX THE INTREPID AGAIN. NOW I HAVE PAID ANOTHER $2000.00 TO SWITCH THE ENGINE WITH AT 3.2 LITER ENGINE. I GET IT BACK TODAY!! I CAN NOT FIND EVEN A JUNKYARD SALVAGE YARD THAT WILL THAT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. THAT IS SAD!! I HAVE BEEN TOLD BE EVERY MECHANIC AND SALVAGE COMPANY I HAVE CONTACTED, THAT EVERYONE IS AWARE OF THE 2.7 PROBLEMS AND WILL NOT TOUCH ONE. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 27, 2006152,000 milesMO

I HAVE A 1998 CHRYSLER INTREPID WITH A 2.7 ENGINE. THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT HAS REPEATEDLY COME ON AT AN IDLE. THE ENGINE WAS CHECKED NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AT LEAST A YEAR AND HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY CHECKED. NOW THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT AND HAS CAUSED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 7, 200679,000 milesAL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED A NEW MOTOR WAS NEEDED.

Power Train
Filed Dec 5, 2006PA

TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR 1998 DODGE INTREPID ES AT 103,000 MILES. REBUILT ONE PUT IN AND LASTED 30,000 MILES. PUT IN REBUILT ENGINE AGAIN AT 130,000 MILES. ENGINE STARTING TO ACT UP AGAIN ONLY AFTER 5 MONTHS OF DRIVING. TEMPERATURE CONTROL NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND ENGINE STARTING TO ACT UP AGAIN. ALL THIS IN LESS THAN THREE YEARS. SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR DEFECT IN TRANSMISSIONS. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Nov 22, 200675,000 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED ON THE FIRST VISIT, AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR ON THE SECOND. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AFTER BOTH REPAIRS. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Nov 4, 2006113,500 milesCA

HEADLIGHTS WILL TURN ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING , OR WILL TURN ON BY THEMSELVES WITHOUT THE KEY IN IGNITION. MY MECHANIC HAVE REPLACED 3 HEADLIGHT SWITCHES BUT ITS NOT WORKING. ALSO THE CAR HAS MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM INTERNAL LAMPS TO HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE READ LOT OF REVIEW FROM OTHER USERS. I CAN FILE A LAWSUIT WITH USER CONSUMERS IF I HAVE TO AGAINST DODGE. THIS THING IS VERY ANNOYING AND DODGE SHOULD PAY FOR THIS. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 21, 200686,000 milesIN

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, A LEAK WAS NOTICED UNDER THE ENGINE. THE DEALER REPLACED A PART ON THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE UPPER PLENUM WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 11, 2006140,000 milesMD

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING ON A HIGHWAY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE ENGINE SEIZED AND THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND THE OIL CHANGES WERE MAINTAINED EVERY 3,000 MILES.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 22, 2006110 milesMI

1998 DODGE INTREPID, OIL SLUDGE CAUSE TIMING CHAIN TO BREAK, DAMAGING EVERYTHING. CAR JUST QUIT. *NM

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Aug 22, 2006MI

1998 DODGE INTREPID'S RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. *KB WHEN THE TIRE SHEARED OFF IT SCRATCHED THE REAR DOOR AND DENTED AND SCRATCHED THE FRONT BUMPER. THE DAY PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THE CONSUMER HAD BRAKE REPAIRS DONE. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 14, 2006120,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED CAUSING BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT AROUND THE MUFFLER CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. THE BRAKES FAILED ONCE WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. PRIOR TO THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT ADDED BRAKE FLUID AS AN ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. SHORTLY AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE CONTACT NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 9, 200666,025 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME PROGRESSIVELY CLOUDY, TO THE POINT THAT THE LIGHT WAS OBSCURED AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. BOTH HEADLIGHTS WERE REPLACED.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2006105,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED , LEAVING THE CONSUMER STRANDED. A REPUTABLE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE HAD FAILED AND WAS IRREPARABLE. UPDATED 9/5/2006 - *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2006112,000 milesWA

CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 5/06 FROM PRIVATE DEALER. FUILD AND OIL LEVELS WHERE INSPECTED BY OWNER (AT JIFFY LUBE WITH DOCUMANTATION) WHICH WERE CLEAN AND FULL. OIL CHANGE HAD BEEN DONE LESS THEN 3,000 MILES PRIOR AND WAS NOT DUE. ON THE DAY OF THE INCIDENT THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON, THERE WAS A CLICK COMING FROMTHE ENGINE. THE CAR WAS PULLED OVER, FROM OFF THE FREEWAY, AND THE ENGINE SEIZED.

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Jul 20, 2006OH

1998 INTREPID ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS THE CONSUMER OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE FIRE. *NM UPDATED 07/20/06. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 5, 200615,000 milesDE

MY CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER ON A WEDNESDAY AND RADIATOR WAS REPLACED, AFTER GETTING THE CAR BACK ON FRIDAY EVENING, SAT. THE CAR OVERHEATED AGAIN AND HAD TO BE TOWED. AFTER CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM I WAS TOLD THE MOTOR BLEW AND THEY WERE TRYING TO FIND A REPLACEMENT. I WAS TOLD I MUST HAVE RUN THE CAR HOT. THE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE RUN HOT IF A NEW RADIATOR WAS INSTALLED THE DAY BEFORE. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A CAR PAYMENT AND NO CAR. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 24, 200689,000 milesPA

I BOUGHT THIS 1998 DODGE INTREPID ON 1-13-05 FROM A CAR LOT AND WITHIN 5 DAYS MANY PROBLEMS ARISE WHICH OF COARSE RESULTED IN COSTLY REPAIRS. IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY WHICH HARDLY COVERED ANYTHING SO IT WAS OUT OF MY POCKET A NEW ENGINE, MAP SENSOR, CAT CONVERTER, MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND MORE. I AM A SINGLE MOM AND A FULL TIME NURSING STUDENT. THIS WAS MY FIRST NEW NICE CAR I KEPT UP WITH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, MADE PAYMENTS ON TIME AND CONSISTENT I HAVE A FEW PAYMENTS LEFT BUT MY CAR IS ALL MESSED UP AND IN THE GARAGE. I DON;T HAVE THE MONEY FOR THIS CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE GET BACK TO ME JUST TO LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS HELP AND TO SEE IF SOMEBODY RECEIVED THIS. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 21, 200684,200 milesPA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ENGINE TERMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE LAST TWO TIMES, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO EACH INCIDENT. WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 20, 200656,500 milesMA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH AND IT WENT COMPLETELY FLOOR. THE BRAKE RETURNED BY A SPRING, BUT THERE WAS ONLY AROUND 2% OF BRAKING POWER. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS DOWN SHIFTED, BUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO MOVE FROM THE DRIVE POSITION, ALTHOUGH THE LEVER INDICATED AN AUTO STICK POSITION. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY SLOWED TO A STOP ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN SLOWLY TO A BRAKE REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED AND RUPTURED. THE BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED CONCERNING THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. THE VEHICLE IS BEING USED IN A SALT BELT STATE AND THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER CORROSION ISSUES, SUCH AS THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE ROTORS. UPDATED 07/05/06. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 2, 2006104,053 milesPA

VEHICLE'S ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING VERY LOUD THEN AND IT MADE A LOUD POP AND SEIZED, I WAS ON A ONE LANE HIGHWAY AROUND A CURVE WHERE CARS TRAVEL AT AROUND 65 MPH, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DEADLY ACCIDENT. LUCKILY I HAD A FRIEND FOLLOWING ME WHO PUSHED ME TO SAFETY. MECHANIC SAID THE ENGINE IS NO GOOD AND NOT REPAIRABLE, WOULD NEED REPLACED BUT HE DOES NOT RECOMMEND BECAUSE THESE ENGINES ARE KNOWN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN AFTER INVESTING $3000 OR MORE IN REPLACING IT. SO NOW I HAVE A VERY EXPENSIVE LAWN ORNAMENT! CHRYSLER SHOULD BE REPLACING THESE ENGINES FREE OF COST, WHAT TERRIBLE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND EVEN WORSE THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE! *JB

Structure
Filed Apr 24, 2006CA

FIRST THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT, HAD IT REPLACED THEN MY ENGINE BOTTOMED OUT AND NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *NM

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack
Filed Apr 12, 200631,000 milesMN

SINCE BUYING THE VEHICLE IN 1998, I HAVE EXPERIENCED ISSUE WITH: ELECTRICAL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS GOING ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING (DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE PROBLEM) RACK AND PINION HAD TO REPLACE AT 36,000 MILES I HAVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKES EVERY YEAR, THEY CONSTANTLY ARE MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE POWER WINDOW MECHANISM ON DRIVER SIDE WHEN FIRST BOUGHT VEHICLE, NOW THE AUTOMATIC POWER DOWN ON DRIVE SIDE IS NOT WORKING AS WELL AS NOT BEING ABLE TO USE POWER UNLOCK AND LOCK FOR REAR DRIVER PASSENGER DOOR. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEAK FROM HOSE, HAVE HAD TO REPLACE HOSE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2006MO

LTR FM (MO) RE THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE IN HIS 1998 CHRYSLER VEHICLE, WANTS CHRYSLER TO BE HELD RESPOSIBLE FOR PUTTING FAULTY ENGINES IN THEIR VEHICLES. *TS *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 22, 2006110,200 milesMO

I PURCHASED A 1998 INTREPID (V6 2.7L) IN FEB. OF 2005. IN OCT. 2005 WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I PARKED THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. THE NEXT DAY AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE, I HAD AN UNSCHEDULED OIL CHANGE DONE. WITHIN ONE WEEK, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK AND THE MOTOR WAS BLOWN. I HAVE PRICED REPAIRS, AND JUST A USED ENGINE ALONE IS $2000 TO $3500. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 18, 200640,000 milesNC

NO WARNING ENGINE BLEW AT 40,000 MILES, SITTING ON RAILROAD TRACKS WITH CHILD, HAD TOWED. OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES. PROBLEM OIL SLUDGE. PAID 500.00 CHRYSLER INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE AND REPLACED ENGINE. AT 80,000 FAILED AGAIN. OIL CHANGED EVERY 3000 MILES. OIL SLUDGE. REPLACED TIMING CLEANED OUT ENGINE AND OIL PAN PAID 750.00. STARTED USING FULLY SYNTHETIC OIL AND CHANGED OIL EVERY 1000 MILES AND AT 100,000 (60,000 ON REPLACED NEW MOTOR) ENGINE FAILED AGAIN. CHEAPEST USED ENGINE IS $2400.00 NOT INCLUDING LABOR. I HAVE HAD TO RENT AND BORROW VEHICLES WHILE WORK HAS BEEN DONE. WILL NOT REPLACE WITH ANOTHER 2.7 ENGINE BECAUSE IT WILL BLOW BECAUSE OF OIL SLUDGE ALSO. SOMEONE NEEDS TO MAKE THIS LARGE PROBLEM RIGHT!!*JB

Complaints 1-50 of 377, 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
1998 — this page3775125Fatalities reported
19973442262Fatalities reported
19965052220High concern
19955893277Fatalities reported
19947184230High concern
19934085100Above average
19922000Routine

Compare every Intrepid year →

1998 Dodge Intrepid: questions buyers ask

Is the 1998 Dodge Intrepid a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Intrepid years to avoid: an unusual share of its 377 complaints describe fires, crashes or deaths for a car of its age. The most common complaint is about the engine (49%).

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Dodge Intrepid?

The engine: 183 of the 377 complaints (49%) are about it. Owners most often say it knocks, grinds or clunks (17%), stalls (17%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (10%). The typical report comes at 85,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge Intrepid have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. 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 1998 Dodge Intrepid problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 84,679 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 85,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1998 Dodge Intrepid?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA03011 ("AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK"), was opened Jul 17, 2003 and closed Jan 30, 2004.

Are there service bulletins for the 1998 Dodge Intrepid?

The manufacturer filed 155 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (27), the engine (24) and the electrical system (18). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

5 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.