Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had a recall performed on vehicle last year at martin Dodge in bowling green, ky. After getting the services rendered I noticed several problems. One was that the turn signals were no longer operable, automatic transmission would not shift past second gear and would miss gears repeatedly, and ABS brakes failed. Also noticed that suspension was worse after they performed suspension recalls. I have tried on several occasions to contact the dealership and they only suggested that I bring it for a diagnostic at my cost, even though the problems existed after getting the recalls fixed. I incurred court cost of $166.00 because of improper equipment and the buy, here, pay here lot was requesting $2,280 for a car that I had no choice but to junk it because no being able to pass inspection for the road. I would appreciate anything you could do to aid in me absorbing the cost of this situation.
Engine lifters needed to be repaired. Would make loud ticking noise when it's suppose to go up & down. Took to dealer & informed by mechanic no noise was heard, but would repair the lifters. Owner picked vehicle up & it started leaking fuel in middle of road & made puffing sounds & finally stalled out. Towed vehicle back to dealer. The brakes were replaced after being hard to apply. Have squeaking noise in back of vehicle. The ticking noise came back.
Vehicle experienced the following problems: tie rod end replaced, brakes pulled to left, transmission and shocks replaced three occassions, windows won't stay up, steering wheel crooked, reservoir cap replaced twice, brake rotors out of round, rack and pinion replaced twice, fuel gauge replaced, driver window fixed 3 times, tires replaced 3 times in 4 years, child safety seat belt won't adjust and needs replacement.
Pads crumbled, they separated from metal backing. Driving on freeway and when pressing on brakes it felt like they were crumbling. Second time, it was metal on metal braking. Took vehicle in to dealer, and dealer fixed problem. Second time same problem happened while driving out of garage. Contacted dealer, and the dealer won't do anything second time around.
When consumer applies brakes they are hard. Also, when he applies brakes in sudden stop, they don't engage. Front end dips when consumer brakes, and there is a clanking noise coming from the front of the car while driving 25 to 30mph. Airbags didn't deploy when consumer had an accident while driving 30mph.
When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, the brakes were soft. When consumer went to apply brakes again, they went straight to the floorboard due to master cylinder failure. Also, consumer has had rotors and pads replaced. Dealer is aware of problem, and can't determine the cause.
Anti-lock brakes are defective. When driving 50-60 MPH on wet or dry pavements, the vehicle experiences extended stopping distance. The vehicle will slow down and keep rolling. It will not stop, the dealer cannot duplicate the problem.
Dealership would not fix the problems while the car was under warranty. With out a large amount to be paid to them for the services. Thanks. * no summary listed for above vehicle.
Consumer noticed excessive brake premature wear, every 1000 miles dealer has replaces 3 times pad and rotors. Please provide further information. Ts
When applying foot to brake pedal received no response. Extended stopping distance occurred. Dealer not aware of the problem.et.
Brake complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Dodge Intrepid, 6% of the model year's 344 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Intrepid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 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.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.