Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Rack and pinion issues. Issues with front wheels and steering. I've had it fixed three times, very expensive. I was pulling out of a parking space, when the steer stopped controlling the wheels. I'm grateful I wasn't on the free way.
When starting or while driving, the vehicle lost power without warning. A recall (99v2150000) was issued, however the vehicle identification number was outside of the remedy scope. Please provide additional information.
Factory struts(suspension) are inadequate to support the weight of the vehicle. My strut mount/plate &bolts broke at 55 mile per hour & the strut went through the strut housing/plate. The steering/suspension system is completely affected when the struts begin to fail on all vehicles. When struts fail springs also fail causing even more stress on the other steering/suspension parts(all bushings, tie rods. Control arms, ball joints, cv joints, transaxle, sway bar. I hope im making sense, this needs serious examination as clunk/ bump noises every Intrepid are bad struts or bad strut mount/bolts which immediately indicate your suspension/steering system is being banged up. The inner tie rod bolts in steering rack back out or try to due to torn bushings in the inner tie rods at the steering rack center. …
While driving vehicle would make clunking noise under hood. Took vehicle to dealership & was informed by the mechanic that problem was transmission. When mechanic drove vehicle, nothing happened. Was informed to drive vehicle until noise appeared & bring it back in. Had driven vehicle out of town when it stalled out suddenly. Afterwards was able to go 10mph. Took vehicle back to dealer and transmission was replaced. At present time, the vehicle makes clunking noise in the front area, especially when the front wheel is turned. Lower control arm or transmission failures are possible causes.
I purchased this vehicle with the intent on having last through the pay-off. I am very concerned about this happening. At 30,000 mile the air-conditioning system went out completely and had to be replaced. At 50,000 the transmission went out and had to be replaced. A transmission was replaced at a Dodge dealer but I was only given 12,000 mile warranty. At 70,000 miles the front-end struts, strut plates, inner tie rods, and other was replace. This front end is still not right as it drifts and has too much play in the steering. Many others with the exact same repairs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since purchase in 2000, front suspension problems, dealer only offered boot, not replacement of whole axle. Mechanic said boot would not fix problem. Air conditioner went out in 2001, while traveling, cost $500 to replace plus rental. Ignition switch was replaced in 2002, due to not operating properly. Could not remove key. Cost around $150 to repair. Now, there is a strong smell of gas in the car, while in use. Mpg seems to be lower than should be. This is my 3rd Intrepid and the only one I have had excessive problems with.
Consumer was in an accident which caused damage to a wheel as well as the frame of the vehicle. Consumer could not have recall repair 99v-215 of the control arm brakets done because the repair done to the vehicle after the accident was not done correctly, the dealer stated addition repairs would have to be done before the recall work could be completed. Consumer feels the shouldn't stand the cost of additional repaire required by the dealer since they repair the vehicle incorrectly. Nlm
Rear passenger restraint does not retract back into position. Dealer has inspected vehicle. Transmission failed three times. Front seering rack failed left front ball joint failed. Drive belt failed at 28000 miles. Water pump failed. Radio failed. Right front struts failed three times. Brake failed three times before 50000 miles. Hydraulic cylinders that hold hood up fell off. Heat/ac duct system fell down.
3 months ago it needed both inner and outer tie rod ends replaced. Today we went around a corner and the rack and pinion failed. No steering and almost hit a parked car. Vechile towed to repair shop and I am waiting to get a estimate. Front end problems and steering problems since we bought it. Transmission is starting to go and we have had the air conditioner worked on 3 years in a row. We are going to trade it in asap.
Vehicle was experiencing the exact same problems as indicated in manufacturer's recall 9424. Manfacturer advised consumer that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. Manufacturer's recall stated that lower control arm attaching brackets could crack due to fatigue, and separate from the engine cradle. Consumer's vehicle lower control arm attaching brackets have already started to crack.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm attaching brackets can crack due to fatigue and separate from the engine cradle.
Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the engine cradle at the point where the lower control arm attaches to it.
Suspension complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1995 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the suspension of the 1995 Dodge Intrepid, 10% of the model year's 589 complaints. The component named most often is front (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Intrepid suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-215 (lower arm, Aug 9, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Intrepid suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 150,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.