Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
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 …
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.
I have had this ongoing problem with my 1996 Dodge Intrepid with the brakes. First I thought I just needed new brakes. Well I had new brakes put on the car and then a week later, the brakes caught on fire. Which damaged the new brakes, the rotar, the calliper, and the spindle. Then two weeks later I took the car for the fuel regulater to be replaced and the rotars needed to be turned again already. Then in another week and a half the brakes caught on fire again. There is absolutely no sense in this kind of trouble with a brake system. I am a single mother and I have to drive my car with my son in there. It is my belief that if you are gonna make a product you should stand behind it. Engine wise the car seems to be fine runs like a charm but that doesnt do me a bit of good if I cant drive it. Among the fact that I cant afford to pay for all this trouble with it and pay for the car too.
The rack an pinion bushing failed had to replace the whole rack and pinion.also the axle had to be replaced the ring for the ABS and tracion control come off the axle.theres a short in the igntion switch, the gauges dont work, and the car wont drive it gos in default.
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.
On several occasions while driving there is a gas odor. Recall campaign 98V184000 fuel injection was performed, but after recall repair the fuel odor returned, the recall repair has been done four times yet the problem still exist. The heater didn't work properly, the power door lock wouldn't lock, the doors wouldn't open, the water pump was leaking, the headlights were too dim, the doors squeaked, there was a vibration coming from the brakes, there was play in the front end of the vehicle from the inner tie rods and power steering gear bushings.
Vehicle has gone through 3 sets of brake pads and rotors have had to be turned and doesn't do well with any pads we have used, always noisy, have only had car for 1 1/2 years, front plastic center wheel caps keep falling off, have lost 4 already. Also, power steering pump is leaking, as well as, the o-ring recall problem. It also has a problem with the gas gauge, have run out of gas 2 times. The car also has a problem with overheating, doesn't matter if temperature is hot or cold outside, sitting in traffic or not.
I had almost constant problems I.e. Mechanical,equipment and fought a neverending battle with the dealership/warranty dept. And lost work/jobs ultimately leading to having no money to all my monthly bills or to get the car repaired, I had to voluntarily give up to reposession to the lender, and just recently over a year later I am recieving notices of traffic violations on this vehicle.caus. No safety defec tstated.
The light gauges on the dashboard flickered on and off intermittently while driving. Driver applied the brakes, and the pedal went to the floor while approaching the intersection. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle by pulling over and turning off the vehicle. Then, driver restarted the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic determined that the electrical sensor needed to be replaced.
Brakes on Dodge Intrepid's should be recalled and replaced with a quality product. I will never purchase another Chrysler product. These dealerships are only out for our money. They May say service is number 1 but this is a lie. Recall the braking system on these cars. Just look at all the complaints on this model, recall recall recall....do the right thing, recall!!!!
Brake complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid, 7% of the model year's 505 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Intrepid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes 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.