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 2002 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
An oil plug front left of engine block blew out pumping oil onto catalytic converter. Open flames melted wheel well, back bumper, and fuel hoses off of gas tank. Fire went out went all the oil was pumped out of engine and car stopped moving. I contacted Chrysler safety, they referred me to Dodge customer care; they initially created a case #31892226 but then sent a letter saying they were not responsible because the car was out of a three-year warranty period and also unspecified environmental factors. Although my wife and son were almost immolated, it wasn't important enough for them to check into. The car remains parked at a local garage awaiting investigation.
I was driving down hwy i75 south bound coming home from work in the middle of rush hr traffic. My car was at 70 MPH and was doing great, then it just stopped running with no warning, didn't get hot, nothing just done in one minute, mechanics said I needed a complete rebuild. Crank - cam - oil pump showed scars and metal fragments. Costs of 3500 in parts and machine time, 600 in labor. We couldn't get over fast enough to get off the rd and was able to stop traffic and then push it off to the side, later when picking up the car with a tow dolly was hit by a car, side swiping my other vehicle and leaving me an additional 3000 in repairs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that fuel fumes were emitting in and around the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the top of the engine and the check warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and smoke without warning. The contact had just taken the vehicle in for an oil change. The contact pulled off the road and the vehicle was towed. The dealer stated that the engine failed and will cost $6,800 to replace. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 12,000.
Immediate loss of vehicle power..car went dead and immediately started to smoke and within seconds the engine compartment was up in flames. Vehicle did not overheat.. Engine compartment suffered major fire damage,insurance company investigation still pending.
I financed a 2002 Dodge Intrepid in February 2003. The payments are over $400 per month for 6 years.on December 21, 2004, the engine failed. I still had a warranty on the vehicle, so I called to have it towed to the dealer where I purchased it. After authorizing them to break the engine down and see exactly what the problem was, I was told it needed a new engine. After the warranty company came out to do their inspection, I was told it was my fault and I was responsible for all charges. They said the problem was sludge buildup and lack of oil change. My problem is that there was no warning at all. There was no engine knocking , the check engine light never came on, the car was running good. And then one day the engine is no good. I still have 4 years to pay for this vehicle and I have to buy a new engine, which costs $4,000 to $7,000. …
Have had 2002 Dodge Intrepid in the dealers shop in various occasions re: the transmission not going into gear or shifting hard at the wrong speeds. We have had issues with the gears since the day we bought it '2003. We are continuously told nothing is wrong that they cannot duplicate the action. Last month it wouldn't go into gear or when it did it moved slowly then the engine shut off. We were told once again they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Recently 8/8/05 it begin kicking and bucking while driving on 8/9/05 the service tech told us it is something totally different a "cam sensor" that they "think is possibly bad or more internal issues with the engine." all through it they cannot duplicate what we have been complaining about. The check engine light is on now and the air bag light is on yet, they cannot seem to repair these. …
Hello I own a 2002 Dodge Intrepid, this vehicle has been giving me serious problems since it reached 60,000 miles. It all started with the oil light flickering on and off and the engine light would also do the same thing. Then the water pump and thermostat went out. Next the water outlet housing started leaking. Now the transmission is acting up and the car makes big jerking motions when driving and the RPM rises up. My wife has been in the car with our children and the car would just stall, while driving. Finally I had enough the safety of my family is number one priority. It seems Dodge owners around this country are having similar problems at such low mileage. My neighbors, friends and family members are telling the same story. These vehicles need to be recalled, due to engine defects. I have spent hundreds of dollars already in repairs. …
It all started with what I thought was just a broken water connector on the top of the Chrysler 2.7 liter engine in our 2002 Dodge Intrepid. I replaced the part myself and thought that it was just a simple issue. But the very next day my wife went to work and got stranded when the car overheated again but there was leak this time just an extremely hot engine. After the engine cooled down and I was able to start it again it was clear to me that the engine had cratered and that it was all due to an internal oil problem from the beginning. As I have researched this issue it has become very clear that this is an ongoing problem with this engine and when we took it to a Dodge dealer they were not aware of the problem until I told them about it. …
Tl*- the contact stated that he drove the 2002 Dodge Intrepid to work on 01/24/07. At the end of the day he tried to start the vehicle and the engine turned over, but the vehicle didn't start. The next day he started the vehicle and it did start. He stated that he let the vehicle run for a while and heard a tapping noise from under the hood. He turned the vehicle off and didn't restart it. The contact stated that 2 weeks prior he had the vehicle serviced for the 3,000 miles oil change. The contact had the oil changed every 3,000 miles. The vehicle was towed to technical tune up in chicago. The service mechanic did a diagnosis, and told the contact that the crank shaft sensor had failed, the battery was low and the spark plugs were worn. The contact had the sensor , the battery and the spark plugs replaced. Shortly there after, the tapping noise started again. …
Engine complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 212 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Dodge Intrepid, 64% of the model year's 329 complaints. The component named most often is engine (90 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Intrepid engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid, though it has 1 recall 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 2002 Dodge Intrepid engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 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.