Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
On 3/16/06 the engine in my 1996 Dodge Intrepid caught on fire out of the blue. This car only had 60,000-70,000 miles on it. An investigator for Chrysler corp. Looked at the car and filed a report with Chrysler corp. Apparently there was a recall in 1998 having to do with fuel leaking from the fuel injection rail or o-rings which I was never aware of. Chrysler denied my claim and stated that they had sent me a notice in feb. 1999 at my current residence, although we did not even close on my house until May 1999. I never received a notice, and this fire was a result of a fuel leakage. When I called the customer claims resolution dept. And explained that I never knew about the recall etc. I was told that once Chrysler makes a decision to deny a claim there can no rebuttal, and that I would need to contact a lawyer if I wanted to go any further in resolving this. …
I had a 1996 Dodge Intrepid purchased in 3/04 from original owner. On /1/99 he had the fuel rail recall performed at palmer Dodge. In February 25 2005 I smelled gas from the engine compartment. I took the car to shadeland Dodge on 2/18/05 and they said the fuel rail and o-rings needed to be replace again and did so under the recall. On 4/21/05 I smelled gas again and was on my way to shadeland Dodge, when I had to stop at a stop light. The car then caught on fire under the front hood. The car was not repairable.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Dodge Intrepid. In December of 2006, the contact took his vehicle to the dealer for a recall repair. He informed the mechanic that he often smelled gas fumes in the passenger compartment. The contact was informed that the o-ring in the injectors were the source of the fumes and they were replaced. In the process of changing the o-ring, the mechanic noticed a crack in the fuel injection rail. The contact was then informed of a recall that described the same failure he was experiencing. He was notified that the previous owner of the vehicle already had the recall repaired, therefore the failure could no longer be repaired under recall. The contact stated that the tires should be functioning properly since they were replaced. The recall number was unknown. The failure mileage was 160,000 and current mileage was 174,000.
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.
Leaking fuel injector o rings. Repair was refused by foot hills Chrysler on 10/13/04. NHTSA recall #98V184000. The fuel rail was resealed on nov. 28th 2003 by lithia foothills and subsequest to the repair the injector o rings are leaking. Invoice from lithia did not indicate that a pressure test was performed. The recall states that if the o rings fail under pressure they "will be replaced as well". This is the third time for this recall. The first time was in jan. 1999. Recall work was performed by lithia foothills at that time.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Dodge Intrepid. The contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline coming from the vehicle. He also noticed that the fuel gauge indicator was moving faster than normal. The spark plugs were changed and the contact noticed gasoline leaking from the fuel injectors. He discovered NHTSA campaign id number 98V184000, but was unaware if his vehicle was included in the recall. The current and failure mileages were less than 160,000.
Leaking fuel injector o rings. Repair was refused by foothills Chrysler on 10/13/2004. NHTSA recall #98V184000. The fuel rail was resealed on November 28, 2003 by lithia foothills and subsequent to the repair the injector o rings are leaking. The recall states that if the o rings fail under pressure they "will be replaced as well.
I took my 1996 Dodge to the dealer for recall #790 on 03/29/99 and I can prove that they did not replace the o-rings or reinforce the fuel rail. The car started leaking fuel and I am lucky that it did not burn up. I feel that someone should check and see if this 1 dealers fraud or if it is nationwide.
NHTSA campaign id number : 98V184000 I own 1996 Dodge Intrepid. I am at least the 3rd owner of this car. Has this vehicle been recalled and repaired? I recently had the repairs done at my expense; October 6, 2006. This after smelling gas for months. Can I receive a reimbursement?
Vehicle was getting serviced for an oil change when technicians noticed the smell of gasoline in the engine oil. The vehicle was taken to a shop where the fuel rail was deemed to be leaking gasoline. The vehicle/part was listed (according to Chrysler) as having been replaced in 1999.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built with 3.5l engines. The fuel injection delivery system can leak fuel from some of the sealing o-rings or from hair line cracks in the thermoset fuel injection rail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail o-rings and reinforce the outlet (passenger) side fuel rail. Vehicles showing fuel leakage on the outlet fuel rail must have the outlet rail replaced which includes changing the upper…
NHTSA investigations
Fuel injection delivery system fuel leak
Fuel rail, brake fluid, chassis
On September 5, 2004, mr. Robert galenty of iselin, nj, petitioned the agency to conduct defect investigations of certain model year (my) 1993-1997 vehicles produced by daimlerchrysler corporation.his petition identified three issues of concern: 1) fuel leaking from the fuel injector rails; 2) brake fluid contamination resulting in brake failure; and 3) susceptibility of the vehicle frame to damage while the vehicle…
Fuel System complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 87 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid, 17% of the model year's 505 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system (41 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Intrepid fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-184 (fuel injection system, Aug 6, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Intrepid fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 116,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.