Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
1996 Dodge Intrepid I bought this car as is and got it home after the same night I found out that the headlights don't work, which is a safety problem, I contacted the dealership that I got the car from the looked at it but would not fix it cause they claimed they didn't know the headlights didn't work, I even asked if they had to inspect the car before selling it, yes they did but never fixed the headlights... I would like this fixed asap.
Headlight dimmer switch is malfunctioning. The headlights are stuck on their high-beams. When cycling between the low/high beams, the low beam headlights will come on in addition to the high beams, which will not turn off. When "flicking" the dimmer switch or trying to flash someone, sometimes the headlights go out completely, leaving me with my parking lights.
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.
The headlights fill with condensation making their light output minimal and dangerous at night. They are $300 for a new pair and I can't keep purchasing a new pair every 20,000 miles. They are delaminating and the dealer says "this is a common problem with the Intrepid" yet they won't fix it. The dealer even suggested that I purchase "illegal" high output off road use only bulbs to make up for the "poor performance". Every Intrepid I see around town has the same problem!! Help!
Tl* - the contact a 1996 Dodge Intrepid which has a problem with the headlights: headlight mounting bracket, headlight assembly, and headlight lens are made of plastic corroded. The contact stated that this has been an ongoing problem. The failure caused poor visibility when the headlights werein use. Speed and weather conditions were not a factor. The contact would like to have the headlights replaced by daimler Chrysler.
Entire suspension replaced. According to mechanic suspension was shot, and he has seen this on numerous occasions. He suggested this May be a recall problem, but advised to check into it to be sure. Also, I have already replaced the multi-function switch approximately 3 years ago and have just been told it needs to be replaced again. I have been driving with high beams on because the lower beams do not work.
Consumer hit deer and broke headlight on driver's side. Dealer replaced headlight cover, new one is seen through, passenger's side one is milky from age and moisture that collects behind cover . When consumer drives at night, visibility is impaired due to one side being bright, and other side very dim.
When driving at night both headlights moved out of place, causing consumer to pull off the road to realign the headlights. Consumer stated that the plastic brackets, which support the headlights broke which caused the headlights to fall out of the housing.
Headlights are not very bright, even on high beam. It is very difficult to see at night because the headlights do not reflect but a few feet in front of the vehicle. It's even harder to see when a vehicle is coming toward you.
The headlight mounts broke causing extreme stopping conditions. The headlights flicker causing distraction to other vehicles which May result in collision. Consumer contacted dealer and manufacturer.
Headlight complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1996 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the lights of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid, 5% of the model year's 505 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Intrepid headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
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.