Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was wearing my seatbelt traveling 30 miles per hour in my 2001 Dodge Intrepid es. My right font tire somehow snapped while I was traveling in a straight course and did not hit any debris or potholes while on the road. I had no control of any steering while it happened and crashed into and oncoming car at 30mph as I said I had my seatbelt on and hit the right front side of the opposing vehicle. The result was a 4 inch gash in my forehead from the b bar of the vehicle because the seatbelt didn't properly restrain me even though it was adjusted to proper shoulder height and pulled tight around my waist. The air bags did not deploy in the car at all. As a result I suffered injuries resulting in the payment of $2900 to my local hospital and ambulance business. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the air bags warning light illuminated as well as the horn failed when depressed. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH the cruise control failed to engage as he had to increase his speed to avoid being rear-ended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that he researched the failure online and found NHTSA action number: pe03010 (vehicle speed control) and believes the failure was related. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available.
I was in a car collision on April 20th 2006 in lake zurich il. Approximate speed 48 to 50 miles per hr. I rear ended a truck & the air bags did not open. Neither the drivers' airbag or the passengers' air bags opened. Luckily I was not seriously injured. I did suffer neck pain & hip pain from the whip-lash. I was wearing my seat belt. The 2001 Dodge Intrepid with 54,274 vehicle was totaled. I have a picture.
Takata recall, the car had a safety bulletin for the air bag switch. The dealership confirmed a faulty airbag switch. They said the part would be ordered, no one got to me. The airbag is partially inflated.
The air bag light came on. At that time I did not know anything else was wrong. Later on dec 27, 2009, while traveling to florida and finally using the cruise control, I realized that it was not working and the radio controls were not working, plus the horn does not work and of course the air bag light is as of this date 1/3/10 still is lit. Googling the problem, it May be the clock spring. This is a 2001 Dodge Intrepid, 3.2 l. I understand there May be a safety problem. I want to know if this is under any kind of recall??? At this point I am waiting to see if there is a recall before I get it repaired.
Seems that there is a thing called a clock spring---in the steering mech-(sorta a replacement for the old horn contacts)---seems to be a common problem---when it fails it turns on the drivers side airbag light--you loose your horn and also the cruise control--no recall on this model yet--but some other same mfg. Products are under recall.
While driving 55mph, another vehicle clipped the Intrepid, causing the Intrepid to lose control and hit two different walls. Upon impact with both walls, neither air bag deployed. Driver sustained some injuries. Vehicle was totaled. Manufacturer notified.
While going approximately 50-60mph after rearending a vehicle driver's and passenger's air bags didn't deploy. No lights illuminated on dashboard. Dealer and manufacter were not contacted. Please provide more information.
While driving 5 MPH consumer's vehicle was hit by another vehicle and collided into a telephone pole head-on. Upon impact, driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. Dealer has been notified.
The airbag light is illuminated on my dashboard. I have a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. Have never had an accident or needed any other major repair. I took my car to the dealer and he advised that the airbag control module was broken with a repair cost of $288.00. This conveniently for Dodge is not covered under my warranty. Im looking for further evidence that a recall is needed for this airbag control module.
Airbag complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2001 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Dodge Intrepid, 3% of the model year's 656 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Intrepid airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2001 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 2001 Dodge Intrepid airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to air bags 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.