Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated the brake pedal was depressed while traveling at 50 MPH and it went completely floor. The brake returned by a spring, but there was only around 2% of braking power. The automatic transmission was down shifted, but the transmission failed to move from the drive position, although the lever indicated an auto stick position. The accelerator pedal was released and the vehicle eventually slowed to a stop on its own. The vehicle was driven slowly to a brake repair shop where it was determined the brake line was corroded and ruptured. The brake line was replaced. The vehicle has not been inspected concerning the transmission problem. The manufacturer has not been alerted. The vehicle is being used in a salt belt state and there have been other corrosion issues, such as the master cylinder and brake rotors. Updated 07/05/06.
The engine failure is what I'm sick about. We paid the car off in dec. 2002, and we were happy with a relatively new, low mileage car. However, in January, 2003 the oil light started to blink. Checked oil - fine. In February had oil changed. Pro team told us oil dirty - they did a flush. Oil light still blinking! End of March into April car started to blow a little black smoke, progressed to stuttering and stalling. Took car to Chrysler dealer (five star) first they said something with carburator was gone - fixed $1,l00!took car home, no change(?)back to dealer, then they told us engine (2.7 liter) was shot. Needed transportation. Had new engine done. Paid $5,500 - credit card - no other way. Being angry and sick about it ever since.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the brakes failed to respond and the pedal did not engage in order to stop the vehicle. The contact was forced to use the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle. The contact merged onto the shoulder. When the contact turned the vehicle off and back on, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 156,000.
Dt*: the contact stated the brake lines rusted causing brake fluid to leak out around the muffler creating a fire hazard. The brakes failed once while driving 30 MPH. The brake pedal went to the floor. Prior to the brake failure, the brake light illuminated on the dashboard. The contact added brake fluid as an attempt to remedy the problem. Shortly after this incident, the contact noticed brake fluid leaking from the vehicle again. The dealership was contacted.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, where it was determined the pump for the cooling system failed. This caused water to get into the engine, therefore, the engine must be replaced. Also, the brakes warped causing vibration in the front end. The vehicle was not seen by a mechanic for this and neither problem was repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised him that the ABS sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer also advised that there were no parts available for the repair and they had been back ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Car felt like it had a flat tire while driving, didnt happen immedialely, car had to be "warm". Steering wheel uncontrollable. Brake booster needed to be replaced and when removed it was filled with water. Now rotors need to be replaced from wear. New brake boosters were not accessible from dealer.
Coming out of driveway driver made a normal stop and brakes completely faile/d, vehicle lost control , resulting in a collision. Seat belts did not tighten, and dual airbags did not deploy.vehicle was totaled.
I am not very happy with these problems. Why do I have to keep my horns wrapped in plastic for a year. They say they are redesigning the horns but none have come out yet. When my warranty is out I will be out too. I am writing the manufactor. Today about this problem. It stinks!! Also I do not understand how my rotors could be warped. The pads are still in good shape. They only wanted to turn the rotors. I do not trust these guys. I am getting a second opinion wed. Oct. 27 about the rotors. I can see from your site that the drivers side window has given trouble to other owners. I just got the car back again Thursday and the window that they had to remove to put in the new motor is still not set right. When I call them back it willbe my 4th try. Also the theft alarm they fixed this oct 21, thurs. Was just rigged . I am taking it back and show them the poor work quality. …
I have found an excellent and informative website against dailmler Chrysler at www.daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com for anyone who would like more information mainly in regard to Intrepid, 300m, concorde, lhs premature engine, steering, transmission and other common failures. I have experienced many of these problems myself and dailmer Chrysler simply does not care, I could have even been killed in one instance. After owning another vehicle and putting nearly 30,000 miles on it I have not had any of the ridiculous problems experienced with Chrysler's Dodge brand of vehicles. …
Brake complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge Intrepid, 11% of the model year's 377 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Intrepid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Dodge Intrepid, though it has 3 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 1998 Dodge Intrepid brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.