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 1997 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Engine light came on repeatedly and engine caught fire. The fire had come from the rear hood area. The dealer stated that the fire started from the #5 fuel injector/wiring harness/fuel rail. The vehicle also lost braking power and revved during the incident. There was an oil leak prior to the incident where the rocker arm cover was replaced, the power steering was noisy, leaked, and was replaced, and the bleeder screw was broken and the thermostat housing was replaced.
While driving, the consumer noticed smoke coming from the hood. The consumer pulled into a drug store parking lot and flames were coming from the bottom of the vehicle and the vehicle burned beyond recognition. Provide further details.
1997 Dodge Intrepid-169,610 miles > > I only had this car for 1-1/2 years with less than > 3,500 miles driven. > > today on March 16, 2008 at 1:15 pm, I came back to > college from spring break. I noticed that I was 29 > miles away from the college and the steering wheel > started to jerk to the right and move on its own. I > turn the steering wheel back to the left and had to > force the wheel to turn and move where I need to go. > > > the steering wheel never made noises as I was > driving > today, but I noticed that I had to force the wheel > hard to make a turn into the parking lot. When I > tried to park, the wheel would not respond, so I had > to force the wheel to turn and still did not work. > I'm now trapped in the parking lot because I'm not > sure that I'm safe on the road. …
I bought the car for 1500$ the inspection ran out at the end of that month, inspection was completed as a "lickem stickem" the car 2 weeks later was determined by an outside mechanic unsafe to drive and hazardous to public safety, car was left at place of purchase for two (2) weeks in which time nothing was done to correct the issue car remains unsafe to drive and not running.
My 1997 Intrepid's (Dodge) engine died suddenly while driving on the long island expressway a few weeks ago. The steering became difficult and t he braking much reduced as a result. Dangerous situation. Dodge doesnt take any blame even though they did major engine work about 2 months prior (head gasket replaced due to oil light intermittently coming on.
Dodge Intrepid '97 with v6 3.5 l engine - failed water pump requiring complete replacement for third time since purchased new. 1st - 42000 mi / 2nd - 55000 mi / 3rd - 64000 mi. Pump is internal driven by timing belt and so difficult and expensive to repair. Always used manufacturer recommended coolant.
I was driving home after work in my 97 Dodge Intrepid, my engine failed. My motor needs to be replaced. I had no signs of engine problems. If I would have been on the highway, I probably would have caused an accident.
When driving over 30 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to restart the vehicle on two occasion, but had the vehicle towed the third time. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Vehicle experienced intermittent problem with engine stalling. Vehicle would restart within a few minutes. Vehicle was taken to dealer, who replaced an engine sensor, but the problem recurred.
The problem with the coolant system is related to the water pump, specifically the o ring seal. My vehicle has overheated on 5 different occasions. Each time, I pulled to the side of the road as soon as I noticed the temp needle in the red or the idiot light illuminating. Once cooled down, I refilled the coolant resevoir and went along my way. Each time, I verified operation of the thermostat and the condition of the hoses. It's finally been narrowed to a bad o ring seal. I am very concerned about latent heat damage internal to the engine. The window seal problem is very irritating. The wind noise at speeds above 50 MPH is obnoxious. I've had it checked, but nothing was ever done under the warranty (to my knowledge). The window lock problem was due to a dislocated spring lock. I repaired it myself by repositioning the spring and reinstalling the assembly. …
Engine complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Dodge Intrepid, 16% of the model year's 344 complaints. The component named most often is engine (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Intrepid engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Intrepid engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 1 injury 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.