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 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.
Consumer complained about automatic transmission gear position indicated (PRNDL) problem. While vehicle is parked, the consumer's child can move the gear shift without the key being in the ignition. The vehicle was in the drive way and the consumer's son inadvertently was able to push gear shift in to neutral, this resulted in a collision off of a rock retaining wall. The child was slightly shaken up inside the vehicle. The manufacturer and the dealer are aware of the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The contact was driving approximately 65 MPH when he observed smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was pulled over and towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was told that the inner core of the transmission was leaking transmission fluid. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 146,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was in park, without the keys in the ignition, the contact's unattended grandchild shifted the column shift and the vehicle rolled downhill and crashed into a tree. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle sustained moderate damage to the rear and left side panel area. A police report was taken. The dealer was alerted.
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. …
I own a 2002 Dodge Intrepid it has approx. 125,000 miles on it just got out of the shop 300 for transmission and it is not fixed it started to rain really hard mid June 10 since then car goes into what I know now as limp mode it goes into second gear and wont come out unless you pull over turn off and restart was fixing to call actual Dodge place then read on the internet of all the problems that are being had with these transmissions and engines as well. My car has started over heating. No warning has fluids. For 300 had everything services with fluids etc and an additive put in and told don't know how to replace transmission then I read person after person saying they are replacing the transmission over and over again and it is quitting in the middle of the road or continues to do what mine does. …
When you first start the car it would not move when you put it in any gear, then when it did finally move you May start moving and then it was like the transmission was shifted into neutral. Took the car in to the dealer, and had it checked, said it was a quart low on fluid, car was sent back home with me, a few days later did the same thing, took it back and the dealer where the transmission was replaced, new transmission would not shift out of low gear, had dealer tow it in, stated to me the the transmission controler needed reprogramming, it was reprogrammed and sent back out on the road, about 100 miles later it was a repeat, would not shift out of low gear, had the vehilce towed in again, dealer replaced transmission and controller, picked the car up from the dealer, I found a bracket that they had left loose that was within a fraction of coming in contact with the rack and pinion …
I have a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. In 2003 I had the torque converter replaced. Now in 2006 I've had transmission problems again . I took it to daytona Dodge and they said it was under warranty. Then they told me I needed a new torque converter again. Then they called me about 4 days later and said I needed a engine block too because the ear that lines up the transmission was broke. They also said I needed to call my car ins. Because it was due to a impact. To make a long story short both Chrysler and allstate have denied me twice I don't know what to do. I fell they messed up when I had the work done the first time by not lining it up right. The car has been there since jan. 26. I've had to rent cars for about 2000.00 (25.00 a day) till I couldn't afford it any more I bought a 600.00 car and the Dodge is still there I hope you can help me.
My 2002 Dodge Intrepid has had many problems since I bought it roughly four years ago. I was informed that it had a rebuilt engine and transmission. Just recently it has been having problems shifting out of know where. I was at the stop light and when it turned green I pressed on the gas and it did not want to go. I let up the gas and it kicked in to first gear. When I am driving and getting up to about 30-35 MPH it would go up to 3rpm and not shift. I do regular oil changes on both the transmission and engine. This problem can cause an accident because the car is just doing whatever it wants to. After reading all these other complaints it is very similar to my problem. I am understanding now why Dodge stopped making Intrepid. I am very disappointed and will never buy Dodge again.
Transmission complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Dodge Intrepid, 18% of the model year's 329 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (42 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Intrepid transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires 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.