2001 Dodge Intrepid

High concern

Owners filed 656 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
76,000 milesMedian miles at failure

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

Most common 2001 Dodge Intrepid problems

512 of the 656 complaints (78%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine292
060
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine155
1103
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine21
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission17
201
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys · engine15
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags12
906
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine10
100
Steering9
000
Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack8
000
Steering › Rack and Pinion7
000

2001 Dodge Intrepid engine problems

78% of all complaints

512 of the 656 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • stalls19% · 95
  • knocks, grinds or clunks17% · 86
  • sets off warning lights on the dash11% · 56
  • turns on the check engine light7% · 38
  • smokes or smells of burning7% · 37
  • loses power6% · 32

Share of the 512 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
78,000 mi
median of 434 reports
Peak year of filing
2006
116 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 17 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“Engine light turned on, vehicle failed to start and was towed to garage. Mechanic diagnosed problem as timing chain sensor wear, due to stretched timing chain related to well documented oil sludge problem in 2.7l v6 engine. After the sensor was replaced, drove the vehicle for two weeks and engine light reappeared. For approximately 18 months, vehicle was driven with engine light turning on and off on its own.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 2, 2019 at 125,000 miles
“Purchased 2001 in 2004 driving to work car stalled on freeway and cut off. Took to auto shop determined engine froze. Replaced engine 2009(needed to save up) engine has given out again 2017. There is oil slug in engine.”
Owner complaint, filed May 20, 2017

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2000: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'002001: 6 complaints, 0 about the engine2002: 18 complaints, 4 about the engine'022003: 53 complaints, 28 about the engine2004: 124 complaints, 103 about the engine'042005: 132 complaints, 104 about the engine2006: 135 complaints, 116 about the engine'062007: 75 complaints, 71 about the engine2008: 62 complaints, 50 about the engine'082009: 25 complaints, 24 about the engine2010: 6 complaints, 5 about the engine'102011: 5 complaints, 3 about the engine2012: 1 complaints, 1 about the engine'122013: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2014: 4 complaints, 1 about the engine'142015: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine2016: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'162017: 2 complaints, 1 about the engine2018: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'182019: 2 complaints, 1 about the engine2020: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine'202021: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'222023: 1 complaints, 0 about the engineRecall 00V366000 (child seat)Recall 01V273000 (body and frame)Recall 03V035000 (seats)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation PE03010
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2001 Intrepid peaked in 2006, with 135 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 78% of the complaints. In 2023 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.

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.

Structure › Frame and Members01V273000
Filed Aug 2, 2001282,470 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD WERE TO CONTACT THE B-PILLAR.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE SENT A STORAGE BIN ACCESSORY UNIT THAT CAN BE ATTACHED TO THE B-PILLAR ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER WISHES, THE DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 17, 2001. 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.

Child Seat00V366000
Filed Nov 9, 20001,211,756 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

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. One names the 2001 Intrepid.

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

62 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2001 Intrepid. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 10electrical system 9equipment 8body and frame 8visibility 6transmission 4fuel system 3suspension 2
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 10 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seats
Filed May 1, 2023NY

The contact's father owned a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V035000 (Seats) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list as the vehicle was totaled. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was donated to the local fire department and no longer exists.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 16, 2020140,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE HORN FAILED WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ENGAGE AS HE HAD TO INCREASE HIS SPEED TO AVOID BEING REAR-ENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE03010 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND BELIEVES THE FAILURE WAS RELATED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 12, 2020134,865 milesMN

WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT NIGHT, THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL FUNCTION AND POWER. WHEN THIS OCCURS I HAVE NO POWER STEERING, LIGHTS, BRAKES, NOTHING. IT FLICKERS ON AND OFF LIKE THAT MULTIPLE TIMES. IT TOOK ME 1 1/2 HOURS TO DRIVE HOME, WHICH SHOULD HAVE TAKEN ONLY HALF HOUR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE NOW IN FEAR THAT I WILL BE IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH DODGE VEHICLES. I CAN'T DRIVE MY VAN IN FEAR IT WILL END UP KILLING MYSELF, MY FAMILY, OR SOME INNOCENT PERSON ON THE ROADWAY. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. A RECALL IS NEEDED TO FIND THIS ONGOING ISSUE. THERE ISN'T A SPECIFIC DATE BUT A CONSTANT ISSUE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 21, 2019162,000 milesIA

STRONG GAS SMELL COMING FROM THE CAR AND THROUGH THE AIR VENTS WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING. NO VISIBLE LEAKS UNDER CAR.

Engine
Filed Jul 2, 2019125,000 milesMI

ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON, VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WAS TOWED TO GARAGE. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS TIMING CHAIN SENSOR WEAR, DUE TO STRETCHED TIMING CHAIN RELATED TO WELL DOCUMENTED OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM IN 2.7L V6 ENGINE. AFTER THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED, DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR TWO WEEKS AND ENGINE LIGHT REAPPEARED. FOR APPROXIMATELY 18 MONTHS, VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH ENGINE LIGHT TURNING ON AND OFF ON ITS OWN. AT TIMES, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO START, PARTICULARLY IN COLD WEATHER, BUT WOULD RESOLVE ITSELF AND START FINE WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNING OFF. AFTER 18 MONTHS, THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED LIT ALL THE TIME. IT WOULD STALL IN TRAFFIC AND THE OIL LIGHT WOULD APPEAR. AT THIS POINT, AFTER READING THOUSANDS OF OTHERS COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE/ENGINE AND UNDERSTANDING ENGINE REPAIR COSTS WOULD ECLIPSE THE VALUE, I DECIDED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 27, 201864,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PLACING A CHILD IN THE REAR CHILD SEAT, THE SEAT BELT FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE INSPECTED BEFORE THEY WOULD DECIDE IF THEY WOULD COVER THE COSTS. THE DEALER (SPITZER MOTORS OF MANSFIELD CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, 1777 W 4TH ST, MANSFIELD, OH 44906, (419) 513-8278) STATED THAT THE CONTACT HAD TO HAVE A CASE NUMBER FROM THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE THEY WOULD REPAIR THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000...*BF CONSUMER STATED REAR SEAT BELT BOLT BROKE OFF. *JB

Air Bags
Filed Jul 25, 2017128,000 milesOH

TAKATA RECALL, THE CAR HAD A SAFETY BULLETIN FOR THE AIR BAG SWITCH. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED A FAULTY AIRBAG SWITCH. THEY SAID THE PART WOULD BE ORDERED, NO ONE GOT TO ME. THE AIRBAG IS PARTIALLY INFLATED.

Engine
Filed May 20, 2017CA

PURCHASED 2001 IN 2004 DRIVING TO WORK CAR STALLED ON FREEWAY AND CUT OFF. TOOK TO AUTO SHOP DETERMINED ENGINE FROZE. REPLACED ENGINE 2009(NEEDED TO SAVE UP) ENGINE HAS GIVEN OUT AGAIN 2017. THERE IS OIL SLUG IN ENGINE.

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Feb 9, 2015249,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE STALLED. AS A RESULT, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 249,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 3, 2015145,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH BY APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 7, 2014CA

SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR 09/2001 THE PASSENGER WINDOW MADE NOISE, BOTH OPENING AND CLOSING THE WINDOW. NOW BOTH WINDOWS MAKE THE SAME NOISE. WAS AND HAVE BEEN BASICALLY IGNORED WITH MY COMPLAINT. INTERIOR LIGHT FLICKER ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. HAVE HAD PASSENGERS IN THE CAR WHEN IT HAS HAPPENED, SO IT'S NOT MY IMAGINATION. THIS HAS WAS DISMISSED WHEN QUESTIONING WHY IS THIS HAPPENING. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 11, 201469,000 milesCA

WATER PUMP FAILURE THEN TIMING CHAIN SLIP. *TR

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jun 19, 2014CA

2001 DODGE INTREPID. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A WARRANTY CLAIM ISSUE ON A NEW OEM A/C COMPRESSOR THAT FAILED FOUR MONTHS AFTER INSTALLATION. *SMD

Air Bags
Filed Mar 18, 2014IN

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON , THEN NO CRUISE CONTROL, NO HORN, AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. WAS TOLD THAT THERE MIGHT BE A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. CALLED DEALERSHIP IN BLOOMINGTON, IN. AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW AND THAT THEY DON'T HANDLE RECALLS. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2012145,000 milesOH

CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT 60 MILES AN HOUR. I HEAR THIS IS NOT UNUSUAL BUT SEEMS TO BE A FREQUENT COMPLIANT ABOUT THIS CAR. IF SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SAFETY FACTORS. BUT I AM SURE THE BIG CAR COMPANY WILL NOT ALLOW ANY OF THIS TO COME TO FRUITION AND FOCUS ON THE SAFETY OF THE CONSUMER. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 30, 2011111,142 milesIL

2001 DODGE INTREPID R/T 3.5L WITH 111,422 MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON THE TOLLWAY, THE HEATER BEGAN TO BLOW OUT COOL AIR. LATER THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION AND THE CAR JUST DIED. GOT THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHILE IN TRAFFIC. HAD TO BE TOWED. ENGINE IS LOCKED UP. NEW ENGINE ESTIMATE $5000-$7500. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS OR WARNINGS. PRIOR TO THIS EVENT WE HAD A NEW RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT, ETC. PUT IN ALONG WITH FIXING OIL LEAKAGE PROBLEM. THAT WAS JULY 28, 2011 WITH 107,809 MILES ON IT. WE ALWAYS CHANGED OUR OIL REGULARLY AND TOOK CARE OF IT. WE BOUGHT THIS 2001 R/T INTREPID NEW. THE ONLY OTHER REAL PROBLEM WAS @ 106,939 MILES IT WOULDN'T GO BACK INTO DRIVE ONCE YOU PUT IT IN REVERSE SO WE PUT IN A USED CONTROL MODULE TO FIX THAT PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ABOUT A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE 2.7L ENGINE BUT CAN'T FIND MUCH INFORMATION ON THE 3.5 R/T MODEL. SO SCARY TO THINK HOW MANY 2001 INTREPIDS ARE JUST DYING ON THE ROAD WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE. VERY DANGEROUS. I AM SO GLAD THAT MY SON WAS DRIVING IT AND KNEW WHAT TO DO INSTEAD OF MY NEWLY-LICENSED DAUGHTER. IT WAS HER CAR FOR ONLY 4 1/2 MONTHS. DODGE SHOULD BE ASHAMED. WE GOT MORE MILEAGE OUT OF A CHEVY CAVALIER. ARE THERE ANY CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS OUT THERE? *KB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 29, 20116,700 milesIL

I WAS TOLD MY MOTOR 2.7 WAS TOTALED BECAUSE OF SLUDGE. *TR

Steering
Filed Aug 9, 201199,000 milesAR

STOPPED AT STOP LIGHT AND TURNED TO THE LEFT STEERING POPPED AND THEN THERE WAS PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL. PLAY GOT WORSE OVER TIME WENT TO PAYTON DODGE IN CLINTON THEY REPLACED TIEROD ON LEFT AND HAD CAR BALANCED GOT CAR BACK IT WAS WORSE INFORMED THEM, THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO PICK THE CAR UP NEVER DID AND AFTER 2 WEEKS TOOK CAR TO ANOTHER GARAGE WHERE I ALMOST GOT RUN OVER BY A BIG TRUCK BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT HARDLY TURN TO THE LEFT ON SHARP TURNS AND WAS MAKING POPPING NOISE THE RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPLACED. I THINK BECAUSE OF THE HISTORY OF DODGE AND THE RACK AND PINION PAYTON DODGE DID NOT WANT TO WORK ON IT.

Steering
Filed Jul 14, 201157,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 57,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Apr 30, 2011100,000 milesMN

I WAS ON MY WAY TO ALDI'S AND BEFORE I PULLED UP INTO THE PARKING LOT THE CAR SHUT OFF AND DID NOT START AGAIN FLUIDS WERE RUNNING FROM UNDERNEATH I HAD IT TOWED AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE WATER PUMP AND THE RESULT OF THAT MADE ANTI FREEZE MIX WITH THE OIL IN THE ENGINE AND I TOOK IT TO A SECOND MECHANIC AND THEY SAID PRETTY MUCH THE SAME THING EXCEPT THEY ADDED THAT THEY DID A COMPRESSION TEST AND IT FAILED SO IT NEEDED TO BE REBUILT AT SOME POINT OF TIME . *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling2 injured
Filed Oct 26, 2010120,000 milesOR

MY CAR HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE AND IT JUST SUDDENLY STARTED COUGHING AND CHOKING AND REVVING UP AND SLOWING DOWN - IT WAS COMPLETELY OUT-OF-CONTROL! I HAD TO PULL OVER ON A MAJOR FREEWAY (INTERSTATE 5 IN OREGON) AND WAITED ON THE SIDE FOR A TOW. WHEN I GOT IT HOME I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE IT A COUPLE OF BLOCKS TO GET THE ENGINE ANALYZER ON IT, BUT IT SOUNDED HORRIBLE, THE VALVES WERE KNOCKING FIERCELY AND IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS OUT OF OIL, WHICH I CHECK FREQUENTLY. THE GUY THAT CHECKED IT REALLY DIDN'T HAVE MUCH OF AN ANSWER EXCEPT A RELAY SWITCH. WE REPLACED IT BUT TO NO AVAIL. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE WANTED ABOUT $4500 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE - WHERE THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS AND SOME SORT OF BOLT THAT THEY COULDN'T GET TO DOWN IN THE VALVE. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE ANYTHING ON THIS CAR AND I AM AMAZED AND DISGUSTED THAT CHRYSLER WOULD PUT THIS KIND OF ENGINE OUT TO THE PUBLIC. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS NOW ABOUT THE 2.7 L ENGINE - WITH PEOPLE IN THE SAME PREDICAMENT. AND IT'S NOT JUST ONLINE - I HAVE A NEIGHBOR WITH ONE THAT HAS THE ALTERNATIVE ENGINE AND HE'S HEARD THE SAME THING. HIS CAR RUNS GREAT BECAUSE HE DOESN'T HAVE THE 2.7L....CHRYSLER SHOULD PICK UP THE PIECES FOR ALL THESE POOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAULTY CARS AND AT LEAST REPLACE THE VALUE OF THEIR CAR AS IT STANDS TODAY. PLEASE HELP. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 18, 201012,400 milesMI

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. 2.7L ENGINE. THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON AND NOW THE ENGINE IS TICKING. I WAS DRIVING AND THEN THE CAR JUST CUT OFF. THE OIL DIP STICK WAS AT THE RIGHT LEVEL. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Feb 24, 2010114,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. THE DRIVER STATED THAT SHE WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE MADE A CLICKING NOISE. THE DRIVER SHIFTED THE GEAR IN PARK, THEN DRIVE BUT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT RESTARTED SINCE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. SMOKE WAS VISIBLE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HOOD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 8, 201091,000 milesMA

I WAS JUST DRIVING MY 2001 DODGE INTREPID TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY. NO INDICATION WHAT SO EVER OF ENGINE PROBLEMS. COLD AIR STARTED TO RUN THROUGH THE HEATER VENTS INSIDE THE CAR, THEN I HAD NO ACCELERATION. I LOOKED IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND SAW WHITE GRAYISH COMING OUT THE REAR AND FRONT OF CAR. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN AND FAILED A COMPRESSION TEST. I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE BEFORE AND ALWAYS CHANGED THE APPROPRIATE FLUIDS. I BOUGHT A USED CAR AND MY INTREPID IS STILL SITTING BROKEN IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 8, 201079,000 milesMN

MY CAR STALLED OUT. TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE DIAGNOSING MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS A FAILURE OF THE WATER PUMP WHICH ALLOWED ANTIFREEZE TO BECOME MIXED IN WITH THE MOTOR OIL WHICH CAUSED THIS TO DESTROY MY ENTIRE ENGINE. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Jan 3, 2010142,000 milesMI

THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. AT THAT TIME I DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ELSE WAS WRONG. LATER ON DEC 27, 2009, WHILE TRAVELING TO FLORIDA AND FINALLY USING THE CRUISE CONTROL, I REALIZED THAT IT WAS NOT WORKING AND THE RADIO CONTROLS WERE NOT WORKING, PLUS THE HORN DOES NOT WORK AND OF COURSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS AS OF THIS DATE 1/3/10 STILL IS LIT. GOOGLING THE PROBLEM, IT MAY BE THE CLOCK SPRING. THIS IS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID, 3.2 L. I UNDERSTAND THERE MAY BE A SAFETY PROBLEM. I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS UNDER ANY KIND OF RECALL??? AT THIS POINT I AM WAITING TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL BEFORE I GET IT REPAIRED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 9, 200956,000 milesVA

I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 DODGE INTREPID SE AND WITH NO WARNING THE HEAT WENT OUT AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE AND CUT OFF AND I HAD TO COAST OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ON A DARK ROAD AND WAIT TILL THE ENGINE COOLED DOWN. IT TOOK ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR IN JULY AND IT DIED ON ME IN NOVEMBER. THE ENGINE IS A 2.7 AND IS KNOWN FOR THESE ISSUES. I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE ANTIFREEZE IS MIXING WITH THE OIL,THE HEADGASKET IS GONE AND HE GIVES IT A MONTH BEFORE THE MOTOR GOES. I GOOGLED THE 2.7 AND READ SIMILAR STORIES. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 16, 200991,000 milesPA

ENGINE SHUT DOWN.....THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY LOUD NOISE IN ENGINE.....GOT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD....SHUT OFF AND "DIED" ON THE SPOT !! LUCKILY IT WAS LATE AT NIGHT WITH NO OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD !! HAD THE CAR TOWED, LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC..WHO FOUND THE ENGINE COATED WITH OIL SLUDGE ON THE INSIDE. NEEDS A NEW ENGINE . *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 1, 2009150,000 milesMI

I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM MY BROTHER-IN-LAW ABOUT 5 MONTHS AGO. I CHANGED THE OIL LESS THEN 3,000 MILES AGO. I BEGAN NOTICING SOME WEIRD ENGINE NOISE OVER THE LAST WEEK. THE SOUND GOT ALOT WORSE TODAY ON A 30 MILE TRIP TO PICK UP MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER FROM HER GRANDMA'S HOUSE. THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD BANGING OR KNOCKING SOUND WHEN YOU LET OFF OF THE GAS WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR THEN JUST DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS, BUT WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE. I TRIED TO START IT AT HOME AND IT WOULD TURN OVER AND START, BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE HAS ROCKS OR SOMETHING IN IT AND ONLY IDLES FOR A SECOND OR TWO BEFORE DIEING AGAIN. I HOPE THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS SOME WAY OF GETTING FIXED AND THAT THE WAYS YOU DESCRIBED REALLY DO HELP. I AM NOW LEFT WITH ONLY ONE CAR TO SHARE WITH MY WIFE AND TRY TO FIND A WAY TO GET TO MY FULL TIME JOB AND MY CLASSES (I AM ALSO ATTENDING CLASSES 4 DAYS A WEEK). I HAVE ALWAYS HEARD ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2.7 LITER ENGINE, BUT I THOUGHT THEY WERE JUST HORROR STORIES THAT WERE ALWAYS TOLD AS "I KNOW THIS GUY WHO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THAT ENGINE" OR "THOSE ENGINES ARE JUNK, AND ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE MINE WILL BLOW". I REALLY DIDN'T EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN BECAUSE NOT EVEN 3000 MILES EARLIER I CHANGED THE OIL AND IT WAS CLEAN. I ALSO DROVE THE CAR UP NORTH WHICH WAS A 3HR DRIVE EACH WAY. NO PROBLEMS AND THE BAN

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 22, 200987,575 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WILL STALLED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNINGS. THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK FOR VEHICLE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN SPECULATED THAT CAM SHAFT OR CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,575. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,634.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 18, 200960,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER INTREPID WITH A 2.7 LITER ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE ENGINE BACKFIRED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNINGS. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH AND A FIRE WERE INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HIS PLACE OF RESIDENCE FOR INSPECTION AND A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE ENGINE WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling SystemCrash
Filed Sep 17, 2009112,124 milesCA

MY CAR INITIALLY STARTED OVERHEATED GOT THAT FIXED WHICH WAS THE WATER PUMP THEN THE ENGINE BLOWN AND I KEPT REGULAR MAINTANANCE ON THIS VEHICLE GOT THE HEAD GASKET FIXED THEN 3 DAYS LATER THE BOTTOM BLEW AND THE TIMING CHAIN TENSOR. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 16, 200980,000 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK LOUDLY. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE ENGINE HAD NEVER BEEN SERVICED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE OIL AND FLUIDS WERE CHECKED AND REPLACED THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Jul 15, 2009106 milesFL

WHILE I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK MY CAR STARTED RUNNING REALLY BAD LIKE I WAS GOING TO STOP. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM TAIL PIPE. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE. I DROVE A LITTLE FURTHER THE ENGINE JUST DIED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 2, 200985,000 milesCO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY DISCOVERED SEVERAL OIL LEAKS. THE NECESSARY REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED AND SEVERAL SEALS AND OTHER COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,000. THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIRS; HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE OIL LIGHT CONTINUED TO FLICKER ON AND OFF ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 65 MPH, FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE STALLING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ROD INSIDE OF THE ENGINE FAILED. IT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED HOW THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT PAID $5,900 TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 85,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 25, 2009124,114 milesAL

ON JUNE 4, 2009 I PAID MY 2001 DODGE INTREPID OFF. ON JUNE 20, 2009 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE I HEARD MY CAR MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. AS I PULLED OVER TO GET OFF ON THE EXIT THE CAR DIED AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS I CAME OFF THE EXIT. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO GET IT TO STOP. THIS IS SCARY BEING THAT MY YOUNG CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. ON YESTERDAY THE MECHANIC HAS ADVISED ME THE ENGINE IS GONE. I'VE HAD THE OIL SENDING UNIT REPLACED, THE TIMING, THE CAM AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, THE WATER PUMP, THE SERPENTINE BELT, NOT TO MENTION THE $600 JUST SPENT ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO TO HAVE THE AC FIXED. WHEN THE OIL LIGHT FIRST BEGAN TO FLICKER THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THIS WOULD BE THE OUTCOME. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS! *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2009110,000 milesMO

OUR 2001 DODGE INTREPID SEIZED UP ON US WHILE DRIVING ON SUNDAY. IT WAS FINE, THEN IT WASN'T, WE DID EVERYTHING TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE, OIL CHANGES AND REPAIRS WHEN NEEDED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jun 16, 200978,000 milesOH

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING. MY BRAKES WENT OUT ON ME AND I ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMEONE'S YARD, MUCH BETTER THEN THE BACK END OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, BUT STILL VERY SCARY. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND GET ONTO THE SIDE STREET BEFORE IT DIED FOR THE LAST TIME. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 11, 2009110,000 milesOH

2001 DODGE INTREPID 2.7 V6 HAD OIL LIGHT FLICKER ON AND OFF AT STOP SIGNS. CHECKED OIL, IT WAS FINE. TOOK IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE. I DID OIL CHANGES REGULARLY AS SUGGESTED BY DODGE. CAR STARTED MAKING KNOCKING NOISE. TOOK CAR TO MECHANIC. HE RAN COMPRESSION TESTS AND SAID TIMING CHAIN WAS BAD AND VALVES WERE BENT. IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 27, 200998,000 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER INTREPID. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY OF 2008. THREE DAYS LATER, THE SHIFTER CABLE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPONENT. IN APPROXIMATELY APRIL OF 2008, THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND WAS ALSO COVERED BY THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL BACK UP PROPERLY. A MONTH AGO, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER SYSTEM HAD COMPLETELY FAILED. THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONNECTOR ROD IN THE ENGINE SNAPPED, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE FAILURES WERE DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 07/01/09 *BF THE PCM WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 07/02/09.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Apr 29, 200988,600 milesMT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO RESTART. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE THREE FAULTY COILS AND THREE FAULTY SPARK PLUGS. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THE VALVE TRAIN IS FAULTY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND BLUISH-GRAY SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE TAIL PIPE, WHICH WAS AN INDICATION OF ENGINE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL CONSUMPTION INCREASED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 88,600.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 20, 2009103,839 milesTN

2001 DODGE INTREPID SE - 2.7L, LOST POWER ON THE WAY TO WORK. OIL LIGHT BEGAN FLICKERING (HAD SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE) AND COASTED OFF THE ROADWAY. HAD CAR TOWED IN TO THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. DIAGNOSED "CATASTROPHIC INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE." MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALL PAST REPAIR WORK HAD BEEN COMPLETED BY THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER. THEY HAVE REPLACED TWO OF THE MAIN BRAINS IN THE CAR (@ 40K & 55K - BOTH COST $850 EA.), OIL PAN GASKETS (@ 35K, 45K, & 60K), GENERATOR (@ 60K), RADIATOR (@ 65K), TRANSMISSION RADIATOR (@ 65K), REBUILT TRANSMISSION (@ 98K), AND NOW THE MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A JASPER REBUILD. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 18, 2009124,691 milesIL

#2 CYLINDER, RIGHT SIDE, ROD BEARING FAILURE. PISTON HITTING HEAD. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 11, 200973,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER AND HAD TO BE PLACED INTO NEUTRAL AS IT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE CONTROLLED. THE ENGINE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT A PISTON ROD BLEW A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $5,750. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY $1,000 TOWARDS THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DOES NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 04/16/09.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 9, 200950,069 milesIN

I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN APRIL OF 2002 FROM A DODGE DEALER. IT WAS A PROGRAM CAR AND HAD ABOUT 16,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR WAS NEVER RUN HARD WHILE I DROVE IT AND OIL WAS CHANGED APPROXIMATELY EVERY 5,000 MILES. THIS CAR WAS GREAT AND RAN LIKE A TOP FOR 2 1/2 YEARS. IN THAT TIME, THE ONLY CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED ON THE CAR WAS MINOR BRAKE WORK IN SEPTEMBER 2004. OCTOBER 8, 2004: NOTICED A SLIGHT KNOCKING FROM ENGINE, SO I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO JIFFY LUBE FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS SOME OIL DEPOSIT BUILD-UP AND THEY WOULD FLUSH THE ENGINE BEFORE REPLACING THE OIL. CAR STILL KNOCKED AFTER THE OIL CHANGE, SO I CALLED A LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP IN DANVILLE IN TO INQUIRE ABOUT SERVICE. I WAS TOLD TO BRING THE CAR IN ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY (OCT. 11) FOR TESTS. I DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR THAT WEEKEND. MONDAY MORNING, I STARTED THE CAR, AND IT SOUNDED AWFUL, BELCHING SMOKE. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, SO I CALLED A WRECKER SERVICE AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE NEXT DAY, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED AND INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE OIL-SLUDGE BUILDUP IN THE ENGINE "DUE TO NOT CHANGING THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES." I WAS QUOTED A COST OF $4,560.00 TO REPAIR THE ENGINE, OR $7,700.00 TO REPLACE IT. I DON\'T CLAIM TO HAVE RELIGIOUSLY CHANGED MY OIL; LIKE I SAID, ABOUT EVERY 5,000 MILES. BUT THIS IS NO DIFFERENT THAN EVERY OTHER CAR (13) I HAVE OWNED AND THEY ALL LASTED WELL OVER 100,000 MILES OR AT LEAST UP TO THE TIME THAT I S

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 5, 2009NC

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING A CLANKING NOISE. AS I PROCEEDED TO GET OVER INTO THE FAR LANE TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY I LOST SPEED AND THE CAR TURNED OF. I BARELY MADE IT ACROSS THE LAST TWO LANES OF HIGHWAY SAFELY COASTING ONTO THE EXIT RAMP. LONG STORY SHORT, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY ENGINE HAD DIED DO TO SLUDGE AND THE REPAIR WOULD BE, FOR ME, VERY COSTLY. SO NOW MY BEAUTIFUL RED DODGE INTREPID SETS IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH A $4,000 BALANCE THAT I CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY OR REPAIR. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 29, 200999,867 milesNE

THIS IS ABOUT A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. I CHANGE MY OIL ON A REGULAR BASIS AND AT ABOUT 99,000 MILES MY 2.7 ENGINE BLEW UP DUE TO OIL SLUDGE. I HEARD OF HUNDREDS MAYBE THOUSANDS OF THE SAME ENGINE BLOWING UP WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 28, 200980,000 milesNV

WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT AN OFFICER OF THE LAW WAS BEHIND ME AS THE LIGHT CHANGE I MADE MY WAY TO MY DESTINATION ONLY TO BE STOPPED BY SAID OFFICER. HE STATED THAT WHEN I PULLED AWAY AT THE LIGHT THERE WAS A BIG SMOKE TRAIL LEAVING MY EXHAUST. I INFORMED HIM OF THE MANY TROUBLES WITH THE 2.7L CHRYSLER ENGINE HE INFORMED ME THAT IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE I WOULD BE CITED FOR EPA VIOLATIONS. THE CAR HAS 80,432 MILES AND HAS BEEN BURNING OIL AT A CONSTANT RATE. NOW THE OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT IS LEAKING ALSO WHICH BY READING SOME COMPLAINTS IS WHAT HAPPENS JUST BEFORE TOTAL BREAKDOWN. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS WILL COST APRX. $2600 TO REBUILD ENGINE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 15, 2009150,836 milesCA

I PURCHASED MY 2001 INTREPID WITH THE HOPES OF FINALLY BUYING A QUALITY FAMILY CAR. IN 2005 I SPENT $2800 TO FIX THE COOLING SYSTEM, IT DROVE WELL FOR THREE YEARS UNTIL FINALLY I HAD A LEAK; TOOK IT TO A SHOP WHICH THEN NOTICED A LACK OF OIL PRESSURE AND FINALLY DISCOVERED THE SLUDGE BUILD UP IN THE ENGINE. I'VE BEEN USING SYNTHETIC FOR A WHILE AND THIS APPEARS NOT TO BE THE PANACEA FOR THIS CONTRAPTION. MY QUESTION IS WHY NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE, HOW ABOUT A BAIL-OUT FOR THOSE OF US WHO DEMONSTRATED GOOD FAITH FOR U.S. OWNED AND BUILT PRODUCTS ONLY TO BE TAKEN FOR A BAD RIDE. THE 2.7L ENGINE IS POORLY DESIGNED AND SOMEONE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS MONSTROSITY. AT SOME POINT IN THE DESIGN AND TESTING PHASE POOR PERFORMANCE OR SOME OTHER DATA SHOULD HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AND APPROPRIATELY ADDRESSED. THE PEOPLE WHO OWN AND PURCHASE THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT RICH, ELSE WE WOULDN'T BOTHER COMPLAINING AND DEMANDING A RECALL. WE ARE TYPICAL AMERICANS WHO WANT AND DESERVE VALUE FOR OUR HARD EARNED MONEY. I DON'T HAVE $8,000.00 TO FIX THIS CAR. MY KIDS HAVE HEALTH CONDITIONS AND I'M DOWN TO ONE CAR, AND MY WIFE AND I COMMUTE TO WORK. WHO'S GOING TO BAIL US OUT...NEVERMIND THAT WHO'S GOING TO HELP US! THE FAIR AND RIGHT THING TO DO IS RECALL THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 12, 200954,000 milesRI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HER TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 656, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2004129250Routine
20031062101Fatalities reported
2002329391Fatalities reported
2001 — this page6565220High concern
20001,0659220High concern
19999976133Fatalities reported
19983775125Fatalities reported
19973442262Fatalities reported
19965052220High concern
19955893277Fatalities reported
19947184230High concern
19934085100Above average
19922000Routine

Compare every Intrepid year →

2001 Dodge Intrepid: questions buyers ask

Is the 2001 Dodge Intrepid a good car?

It is not among the Intrepid years to avoid. Owners filed 656 complaints, against about 457 for a typical Intrepid year. The most common complaint is about the engine (78%).

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Dodge Intrepid?

The engine: 512 of the 656 complaints (78%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (19%), knocks, grinds or clunks (17%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (11%). The typical report comes at 78,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Intrepid have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 00V366000, covered 1,211,756 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Intrepid problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 76,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 78,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2001 Dodge Intrepid?

Yes, once. PE03010 ("THROTTLE CONTROL FAILURE") was opened Feb 27, 2003 and closed Sep 2, 2003.

Are there service bulletins for the 2001 Dodge Intrepid?

The manufacturer filed 62 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (10), the electrical system (9) and the body and frame (8). 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: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.