Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Engine failure: I had the car for 7 months. It suddenly made a high pitch squeeling noise. I pulled over, popped the hood to see if I could find what was causing the noise. The noise stopped so I drove to my destination another 11 miles. I watched the temp. Gauge and the engine never overheated. I parked at my destination and noticed a trail of water and antifreeze. I never started it again. I towed it to the repair shop and they told me that the engine was blown, unrepairable, cost could be close to $5,000 for a new engine. Window: the back right passenger window will go down but will not come back up unless you turn the car on and off 5 or 6 times and keep trying the window. I didn't have the money to get it fixed. I figured I could live with it if I didn't roll the window down.
We have a Dodge Intrepid with the 2.7 motor burning oil a quart a week since we bought the car in 2000 went to the dealer they say it was a leak, low and behold it still burning the oil. Been to dealer several times they say its normal it had 78,000 when we got it, now has over 103,000 still adding oil weekly, also had to replace the entire fan assembly, the thermostat ,also problems with the power window tracks causing the windows not to close properly,tension pulley had to be replaced also the water pump, starter,(note all dealer parts so it isn't cheap to fix)battery cables rotted out Dodge should do or offer something to help fix or rectify all these motor problems but are they are to cheap in my mind.
Ltr fm travis phillips (ky) owner of a 1998 Dodge Chrysler Intrepid reporting defective engine, window off track writer believes vehicle should be recalled reply to the fort wright, ky district office. The vehicle engine blew while the consumer's wife was driving 65 MPH. There was no warning prior to this incident. The consumer indicated that he had the oil changed every 3000 miles and that the oil was just changed prior to the engine failure. The vehicles lights flickered, the windows came off the track when putting them up or down. The seals around the doors fell off. The air/heat only worked when on high. The starter failed.
Since buying the vehicle in 1998, I have experienced issue with: electrical interior and exterior lights going on and off while driving (dealer has not been able to locate problem) rack and pinion had to replace at 36,000 miles I have to replace the brakes every year, they constantly are making a grinding noise. Have had to replace power window mechanism on driver side when first bought vehicle, now the automatic power down on drive side is not working as well as not being able to use power unlock and lock for rear driver passenger door. Automatic transmission leak from hose, have had to replace hose.
Heat & A/C only works when on high oil light comes on whenever you stop the car driver side window works when it wants to car starts when ever it gets ready I had to replace the cam and crank sensor $400 now after all that there is a loud knocking noise under the hood found out it's the enegine and it needs to be replaced
When the buttons were pressed on any of the consoles for the power windows, the rear windows did not respond. Both rear power window units were replaced, and the front power window units will be replaced at a later date. The cause of the problem undetermined.
The electric windows on the vehicle do not work. The problem started with the windows not working occasionally, this progressed to not working at all. The vehicle also gives a violent shock when exiting with ignition off.
Dodge Intrepid 1998 this vehicle was purchased in July of 1998 new there are several problems here 1. Windows already had to purchase 4 motors for the windows. 2. My latest problem is the house where you take the car to fix is horrible mechanics. I took my car in for a check -up. They charged me 1,000.00 and told me everything was good brought the car home and anti freeze leaked all over garage floor. Brought the car back to take care of the problem. 3. Brought the car back home and I hear a rattling noise, take the car back and I am told another 600.00 for a coolant problem with the fan or I don"t know but they flushed the coolant so why do I have to pay for this and another motor for the window again this a problem from the house and not mine how can I resolve this they need to take this car back or offer me an adjustment of the monies I have spent sincerely mrs. Madelyn nagle
Wheels are rusting on outside. Surface rust. Dodge states this is normal wear and tear. Steering wheel is peeling away. Dodge says this is normal wear and tear. Starter is too close to the muffler without heat shield. Power windows shorted out internally, causing fuse breaker to be to hot to touch. . Driver side mirror just cracked. Dealer said it May be a flaw. They have had to replace several for this reason. The glass is not available you must be complete assembly. The car is one year and five months old and is coming apart. Dealer will not fix because it is out of warranty. All repairs paid for out of pocket.
My A/C evaporator has been hissing and Dodge says it was normal during my warranty period but now I find it was not the case and also about the odor that came with it . The driver side window stick in the up position but you never know when , boy I will tell you Dodge sure did pick the right name, even when they know there are these problems and even issued extended warranties for intrepids 93-97 up to 7 years...meaning???? A/C evaporators are suppose to last at least 7 years....well ours isnt lasting even 3 years!! Worst car I have ever bought and it was not cheap.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Dodge Intrepid, 7% of the model year's 377 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Intrepid window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 13% 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.