Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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. …
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.
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.
Driver noticed that smoke was coming out of the door assembly. The driver took the vehicle to the dealer 2 weeks before for the same problem. Smoke was coming from the door assembly, and the dealer said that they cannot find anything. Dealer did not see any smoke. So the dealr sent the vehicle home. 2 weeks later the vehicle caught fire on the driver's side door assembly. The vehicle was power controled. The fire was so bad that it melted the door assembly down.
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.
Rack & pinion has been replaced once & same symptoms are occuring again. There is a popping noise in the front when turning. Due to the failure of the steering, we have had to replace tires & struts sooner then normal. Brakes have also been replaced because rotors were bad & brake pads were warped. Rear window glass was removed & a new section between the rear door & back glass was replace while under warranty. The same condition exists again. The back door is very difficult to open due to misalaignment. Dealer refused to provide any service after original warranty. Chrysler corp. Authorized the replacement of rack & pinion, water pump, & rear wheel cylinders at 45450 miles. Due to defects, mainly in the steering, I continue to pay a mechanic to assess the safety of operation of this vehicle.
Bushings supporting 3 of the 4 connection points of the front subframe cradle have failed, resulting in a clunking sound when moving. The clunking sound has been around for a long time, but has gotten worse recently. In looking under the car I discovered that the lower halves of the rubber bushings have fallen out at three of the four locations. This cradle supports the engine, transmission, and all steering components.
A rubber bushing, frame mount has broke causing my car and motor to shake causing a oil leak and varies other problems. I don't fell like this is something that should broke, I body mount holds your whole car together. It is not a motor mount, it's a body/frame mount.
During normal operation of vehicle a rattling noise was coming from front end. A private mechanic diagnosed problem of rear engine cradle bolts corroding. Repairs have not been made at this time. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
Body complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1996 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the body & structure of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid, 5% of the model year's 505 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Intrepid body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1996 Dodge Intrepid, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Intrepid body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to body & structure 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.