Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Intrepid. When the ignition was turned off and the key was removed, the gear shifter moved out of the park position on its own. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V021000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Intrepid. The contact noticed smoke coming from the exhaust. The dealer rebuilt the transmission and replaced the air conditioner pump. The failure mileage was 89,000 and current mileage was 104,000.
We bought our car new from gladstone Dodge, and noticed right off that there was an hesitation and lunging in the transmission. This problem was random, you never knew when it would happen.when we took it in anyways to be checked the wrote it up as they "could not verify" and next time "could not duplicate" . We kept calling and insisiting there was something. We were told to bring it in when it was doing it.they replaced the cam sensors and said that was problem, not the transmission itself. Then warranty expired we paid for the next sensor. They said still not the transmission. Now at 60,000miles the transmission is completely gone. Daimlerchrysler refuses to pay saying that the tech could not verify or duplicate the problem. Even though we tried to tell them on several times, that there was something wrong from the beginning. …
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. …
1999 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 liter 4 door 200,000 miles clean car would not shift into it's parking gear after a short trip. After several attempts I was able to shift the car into park. The next morning the car would not shift out of park. I tried with considerable force and the shift cable broke..I removed the center console and repaired the shift cable arm which had bent and twisted in a forward direction allowing the cable to fall off. I was able to reshape the damaged arm and re attach the cable..the car still would not shift. The engine was running so I know it is not a shift cable inter-lock problem...I have know idea as to what created the problem. …
My 1999 Dodge Intrepid had sludge in the oil making the engine in the car defective. I recently saw the report on wls in chicago and I would like some answeres. This car was very well maintained and this should have not happened. I would like the makers to at least he a recall for the repairs my car needs considering that the engine that they put into these cars are not equipped to handle te size of this vehicale. We also have 4 other family members with this type of car and I'm afraid that this is going to happen to them. I'm not alone there are thousands of people, I'm sure that this problem has happened to them as well, but with all these people reporting the same sludgeand the 2.7 engines in these cars going out, this is a defective engine in this car. What can I do with the help of you to get my car runing again. My family needs this car. …
Several problems with my 1999 2.7 liter Intrepid. First, problems with transmission shifting hard. Sent to dealer and diagnostics came back 'within parameters'. Told it must be how we drive it. Since then, transmission would not shift between 2/3 gears. Left me stranded out of town. Had to replace the control module twice ($35.00 part). Keep a spare in the glove box just in case. Second problem, a clunking sound and ticking noise when turning steering wheel in either direction. Took to an independent repair shop, they wouldn't touch it. Have not had this problem corrected or seen by dealer. However, I have seen many TSB's on your website concerning this issue. Third, engine starting making a banging sound at about 126K. Had to have the engine replaced (bought a remanufactured engine) at a cost of $5000.00, was told something in the bottom end went. …
I purchased a 1999 Dodge interpid on April 11, 2003, after having it for 25 days, the transmission went. Was repaired. In the shop for 2 weeks. After having it for 9 days, a loud noise in engine was noticed. It was not drove, but went into the shop again and is currently there. The engine has gone. Repair shop called Chrysler company and they said to replace it. Our extended warranty company wants me to authorize repairs and will decide what percentage they will pay for it. But the policy we have states engine repairs and replacement., according to their booklet. The cost to replace it, $8,300.00! That is more than what we paid for the car. This car has been driveable for 25 days before first breakdown with transmission job, undriveable and in the shop for 14 days, out for 9 days and is now in the shop awaiting a new engine. …
History includes blown transmission sensor, failure on the very first year inspection for brake rotors, driver's side window sticks in up position, intermittent heat control button not functioning properly, noisy when turning in front strut area, keyless remote does not function properly and now the worst of it. One month ago, took car in with oil and engine lights flashing, ticking noise from engine, stalling out. Dealer did electronic sensors repairs and tune up costing $500. One month later, car had to be towed back to dealer with loud banging in engine. Repair bill of over $6,000 to fix a car I've owned 3 years, 8 months and 60,000 miles. 2.7 l engines are blowing in these cars all the time making it next to impossible to purchase a used one to do repairs myself. One used car parts place said they have a waiting list. Recall anyone???!!
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
On certain passenger vehicles, the floor shifter ignition-park interlock May fail and allow the shifter to be moved out of the park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock May also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the park position.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. Owner notification began on June 14, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Auto trans ignition-park interlock
The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler?s (dc) analysis of model year (my) 1998 (population = 356,384) and 1999 (population = 486,948) ja, jx and lh family subject vehicle data (earlier mys excluded).the population number includes all mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports cannot be determined due to missing or incomplete information.the fatality incident involved an…
Transmission complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 95 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Dodge Intrepid, 10% of the model year's 997 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (67 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Intrepid transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-021 (floor shift, Jan 13, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Intrepid transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.