Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
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.
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?
As my wife was in a parked position in a parking lot, she proceeded to pull out. To do this she had to go around a light pole. As she pulled out she hit the light pole. She got out of the vehicle and inspected the damages. The damages were, crushed left front bumper, a small nic on the hood and a damaged left front headlight light assembly. With damaged not looking severe, she proceeded to bring the automobile home. On her way she immediately experienced a check enginge light, alternator ligh. As I went to inspect the car, I noticed the power steering pully was completely missing and the main serpentine belt was missing. The frame was no bent and the is no way that anything could have touched the power steering pump causing the pully to break off. I am courios to ask if this is a nown problem. Thank you for your time, larry roudebush.
Dt*: the contact stated there was NHTSA recall campaign 98V184000 for the fuel system. The recall indicated the dealer would replace the fuel rail o-rings, and reinforce the outlet on passenger's side fuel rail. Also, it indicated that if the vehicle showed signs of fuel leakage on the outlet fuel rail the upper and lower injector o-rings would need to be replaced. The recall lead the contact to believe that the outlet fuel rail, the upper and lower injector o-rings would be replaced as part of the recall remedy if necessary. She was informed by both the dealer and manufacturer that this was not true. The recall remedy was completed according to the dealer and manufacturer guidelines. Additionally, the upper and lower injector o-rings were replaced. The head gasket was replaced. Updated 01/25/06.
I have a 1996 model Dodge Intrepid. About a year and half ago, in one rainy morning I drove my car to work, just a few minutes driving on the road at approximately 50 MPH, the engine quit working... I had the car towed to the garage and finally took it to the Chrysler dealership to get it checked, and was told I have a intake gasket problem, it cost me more than $300 to get it fixed. However, similar problem still comes and goes mysteriously after that. The most recent occurrence was about 2 month ago. I keep taking to the auto shop but no one can tell me what is wrong with the car. It is a 3.5 engine and I am not the original owner, maybe the previous owner had the same problem.
I purchased this vehicle used from a reputable dealer. All repairs are well documented. Over the last 2 years there have been recurring problems with overheating that no one was able to diagnose. My husband went out to start the car after it had been sitting for approximately 12 hours and the engine burst into flames. Thank goodness there was a snow bank or our house would have been a loss as well. Through the internet I have discovered a recall for symptoms that we have experienced, without repair, but are listed in recall information. We are getting the run around about how to pursue repairing the vehicle under the recall provisions.
I own a 1996 Dodge inrepid with 61,255 miles on it as of today ( 1/16/2003). This vehicle has had three failuers of the water pump at a cost to repaire of $500.00 each time to repaire. I have also had the front suspension fail, which cost $1185.00 to repaire. This vehicle is not driven hard, mileage will show maybe 10,000 miles per year. I feel by the number of complaints on your system that the manufacture has had more than normal number of complaints for both these problems. I think a recall is called for, and some sort of remibrusment for the cost of repaires made. All my repaires where done by a Goodyear facility or dealership.
1996 Dodge Intrepid w/3.5 engine heard loud bang,smoke and oil,knocking noise. No warning at all, the gauges were in normal range, no prior trouble with engine. Had vehicle towed to Goodyear tire store & upon inspection found two (2) holes in the right side of engine block near front of engine about the size of silver dollar,we think engine connecting rod for one cylinder failed and broke at bottom near crankshaft and punched both holes in block.
The failure of my air conditioning system. Observed smoke coming out of the vents. Turned air conditioning system offbriefly. When I turned the system on again it no longer worked. The system was putting out warm air. I take it to be repaired and it only worked a few days. The result is no air condition system, inoperative. I have put spent so much money to get the system fixed.
Engine complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 83 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid, 16% of the model year's 505 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (30 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Intrepid engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.