Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, smoke started to emit into the vehicle. The contact mentioned that once she merged to side of the road the vehicle became completely engulfed in flames. The fire department was contacted however, the vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was not inspected for the cause of the fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 176,000.
The multifuntion switch that controls the headlights and wipers started to smoke and burned out. My winshield wipers came on and I lost my low beam headlight. In the process of replacing the switch I found the wiring and plug to be burned and melted. One wire had about 3/4 inch insulation missing. The multifunction switch and wire lume now have to be replaced at a cost of $200.
Consumer was driving at 70 MPH, when vehicle started to fill with smoke. Consumer pulled over , then, saw flames coming from under the hood. The fire department responded, and the vehicle was totaled.
I have a 1996 Dodge Intrepid I bought in 1998 I have had numerous steering problems with this vehicle and have spent much money to fix this car. The bushings have been replaced,the bearings have been replaced, the power steering pump has been replaced, the steering hoses have been replaced,all this was done at under 55,000 miles and luckily gefore my fiance and my children were seriously hurt in an acident due to steering lose or control. These problems totaled around 2,500.to fix. Now we are having the same problems again with the car having 90,000 miles now the power steering pump is out again and the rack and pinion is out and it is impossible to steer. We are a low income family so trade the car in is out of the question and getting it fixed right away is sometimes not possible. …
After purchasing car from auction, we took for emissions testing in order to purchase a tag. We were told the test could not be done because the computer had not finished the tests. We were advised how to complete the driving requirements and to come back after that. After several trips the tests still showed incomplete. Now six years later the odbii still will not complete and actually restarts every time the car is started. After lots of research we discovered the problem has been widespread and a defect that requires the ECU to be flashed with updated program information. There is even a TSB #181897 which covered this. Dealers are either unaware of this problem or want to charge close to $100. We believe that they should do this service at no charge since it is s defect that they are aware exists. There are no codes being thrown and we have been unable to tag the car for many years.
My 1996 Dodge Intrepid received a clean air waiver in the years 2003 and 2004. The OBD could not be read by the emissions stations. For the past two years I have tried to rectify this problem without resolution. The clean air force says the software is updated and should be readable and Dodge insists it's the caf software. There is a technical service bulletin (18-005-01) for 1996 Dodge vehicles failing for readiness. I keep failing for readiness, and the dealer nor clean air has further information. I have been without my vehicle for two weeks while a master mechanic tries to solve my situation. The length of time tells me a favorable reply May not be forthcoming. I was told I can not sell the car, as the emissions issue will always be my (the owners) problem. I can not get a tag for this car and therefore legally can not drive it. What can I do?
While driving about 25 MPH, all of sudden windshield wipers activated and smoke started coming from dashbroad. Smoke fogged up all windows, causing poor driver visibility. Driver quckly pulled into an automotive shop. A mechanic disconnected the battery. Mechanic found all three wiring harness were melted together. Repairs to vehicle through state farm insurance.
Airconditioner came on by itself again - recurring problem over last 4 years. The interior of the car filled with smoke from the A/C vents. A few seconds later the rightside dashboard burst in to flames. Recurring dashboard, electrical & A/C problems. Vehicle has been for in for repairs 8 times in 4yrs same problem/.
While driving at 55mph the inside of the car got smoky and obstrucued the consumer's view. Consumer pulled to the side of the road to realize that it was an electrical fire that had started behind the back seat, causing none of the lights to function. Dealer has been contacted.
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.
Electrical complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1996 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid, 6% of the model year's 505 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Intrepid electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 132,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 10 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.