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 1999 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 45 MPH, the engine automatically stalled and the vehicle lost complete power. The dealer and manufacturer have not yet been notified. The contact notified an independent mechanic and he stated that there was sludge build-up, which caused the sensors to fail. The mechanic also stated that there was no current repair because the failure was too infrequent. In addition, the heater does not work properly and causes the vehicle to smoke and shut down. This failure also results from the sludge defect with the engine. There is no current recall information. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 135,000 and failure mileage was 125,000.
Without warning my 2.7l engine seized up while I was driving causing a complete loss of control I hit a concrete post. Highway patrol came but did not press charges against me for property damage. This is a dangerous but well documented design flaw of this particular engine and I hope I can recover enough money from the texas based impartial services group to buy a new engine because I love my Dodge Intrepid. I'm only 18 years old and can't afford another vehicle. Just two days after I bought this Intrepid - while driving on the highway all the gauges including the speedometer failed and I had to pay $1414.32 to have a new computer installed at my local Dodge dealership.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 MPH, an odor of smoke was noticed. When the vehicle was slowed and pulled over to the right lane, the contact saw smoke coming from under the front hood. The vehicle was pulled off the road and the engine compartment burst into flames. The contact exited the vehicle, moved to a safe distance and called 911. The police and fire department responded to the call and reports were taken by both departments. Also, photographs were taken and the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence.
While driving engine cut out . No warning lights came on, temp. Gage was normal. Car filled with smoke before I could get to a complete stop. Engine was a blaze when I opened the hood to see where the smoke was coming from. I was able to get it put out quickly with an extinguisher. I had recently had oil & filter's changed, the car was fine no knocking from engine. The car is/ can be classified as totaled due to age/mileage on it compared to replacement/repair cost.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Intrepid. While driving approximately 60 MPH, smoke emitted from under the hood. The contact drove to an independent auto shop and noticed that the engine had overheated and immediately dispensed water into the radiator reservoir. In addition, the radiator hose fractured. There were no prior warnings. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 172,533.
The driver's side power window didn't go down, the passenger's side power window operates intermittently. The window motor must be replaced. The anti-lock brakes were inoperative, and Dodge neglected to repair an oil valve which caused the engine to fail. The vehicle was involved in a fender bender after the leaving the dealership, the consumer believed it was due to the anti-lock brakes.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Intrepid. After performing maintenance on the vehicle, the contact started the vehicle and the intake manifold exploded. The contact sustained a stomach injury that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
While driving at 40 MPH consumer heard a loud bang then the vehicle lost power steering and brakes. As a result the vehicle hit a curb and came to a complete stop. The dealership indicated that the timing belt broke which caused the loss of power.
I was the owner of a 1999 Dodge Intrepid, that was completely wrecked at 36,000 miles after experiencing sudden loss of steering control prior to the wreck, my dealer assured me over and over that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle although I was very concerned and pretended to know nothing about steering problems with these vehicles. Prior to the total vehicle loss, the engine blew up with a rod knock at about 33,000 miles and had to be replaced, the transmission had to be overhauled after it failed, the input and output speed sensors both failed and much more. This is just 1 of 2 defective daimler Chrysler vehicles I have owned and daimler Chrysler accepts no responsibility. Many of these vehicles are defective and do not hold up reasonably. I have never had any of these problems with a 15 year old vehicle with over 220,000 miles on it. …
1999 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 VIN#[redacted], 43,913 miles, transmission sensor went out, $132.84. 9/14/00 75,085 miles, water outlet and transmission lines needed replaced. Mechanic informed me the transmission lines were factory installed defective. $582.24. 12/14/01 86,992 miles, timing chain broke, replaced water pump. $1,188.79. 6/14/02. 91,324 miles, transmission speed sensor broke. $350.60. 8/2/02 96,828 miles, dash lights went out. Mechanic informed me the dash lights were an internal wiring defect. $223.30. 10/2/02 98,003 miles, cooling fan went out. Mechanic informed me this was a factory defect. Chrysler had changed the design of the fans so I could not just repair one side of the fan since it was no longer available. $680.35. 10/24/02. 109,754 miles, engine blew, taking starter with it. …
Engine complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 702 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Dodge Intrepid, 70% of the model year's 997 complaints. The component named most often is engine (379 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Intrepid engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Dodge Intrepid, though it has 4 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 1999 Dodge Intrepid engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 6 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.