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 2003 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The car has major engine problems like all the 03 2.7 l eng se. Connecting rods is falling out, and etc. The car is unbalance. I took the car today to find why the oli light was coming on when the vehicle thermostat rises. Turn out the engine isn't allowing the oil to reach the upper part of the engine and that is causing my vehicle to overheat and make noises on startup. And also when you reverse you hearthe car make a bad knock sound and feel the vibration. This car only has 86000 miles and the mechanics could only shake their heads. This car should be in better condition then this. Anyways, the cost for new engine with warranty is over $6000. And that includes everything! Now who has that type of money and why didn't Dodge recall this problem on the 03 Dodge Intrepid??? All I want is the engine replace and Dodge could do that at any of their companies or auto lots. …
I purchased a used 2003 Intrepid police car with 81,000 miles on it. Ran and shifted fine until 3 months ago. While braking from about 45 at a light, the MIL lamp came on and the car went into limp mode. We were able to reset it and get to the dealer who advised the transaxle valve body and solenoid pack needed replacement. After replacement, the car ran fine for 2 months. Now the same issue is occuring again. Again, the car went into limp mode while braking (a loud pop is heard each time it does this). The MIL lamp comes on and the DTC codes are p0700, p01776, & p0841. From research on the internet, it seems that this problem happens rather frequently with this model Dodge, but there is no clear answer as to what the underlying issue is (sensor, computer, valve body, etc). Could this be reviewed for possible manufacturer defect?
Consumer has had 2 replacement brakes and 4 new radios on 2003 Dodge Intrepid after being told that there was nothing wrong with either. The windshield and both side mirrors were pitted. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle jerked. The dealer replaced the camshaft position sensor. The second time the check engine light illuminated they replaced the maf sensor. The serpentine belt cracked. Transmission fluid leaked from cooler hoses. The front brake pads were replaced and the rotors were machined. The consumer request that the dealer reimburse his some of his money and return his trade-in vehicle.
I purchased my 2003 Intrepid in December 2003 with 20,000 miles.in the spring of 2004 I had to replace the front rotors and discs it is now August 2004 and the same problem is occurring starting with squeaking and pulsation followed by grinding. The vehicle now has 40,000 miles on it and I am once again replacing rotors and discs. I do not have the 1st pair of rotors and discs that were replaced however I will keep this set. Another problem I have started noticing is when shifting the car into drive it occassionally does not respond and I have to place the vehicle in park a couple of times before drive will engage.
While driving my 2003 Dodge Intrepid on the freeway at 60 MPH the engine light came on and the vehicle suddenly decelerated. The automatic transmission was stuck in first gear and wouldn't shift to the upper gears no matter how fast I drove. I turned the car off and after starting it approximately ten minutes later it ran fine. I took it to my mechanic and he recommended a transmission flush. After this was done I drove toward my house and the same thing happened. This is very discouraging because the vehicle only has 34,000 miles and was serviced every 3,000 miles since I purchased it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Intrepid. The contact was driving 50 MPH when the transmission started to slip and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he was able to merge to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the solenoid was defective. As a result, the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 88,604.
Consumer complained about a transmission problem. Owner took the vehicle to dealer, and was informed that transmission needed to be replaced. Owner stated while accelerating from a stop light transmission would go into 2nd gear and would only go up to 40 MPH, but will not change gears. Driver would have to shut the vehicle off and turn back on before the vehicle would climb back up to 40 MPH or greater. Owner was baffled as to why this happened since vehicle was only 2 years old and had 85,000 miles.
My car just went from fine to not fine. I felt like it was in 2 gear while driving it. So I had to pull over stop it and make sure I was in the right gear and I was but it wouldn't shift to drive. Stayed in 2 gear. Then check engine light came on and I got two codes. Po700 and po871. I love my car but cant pay thousands of dollars for the repair. This should be recalled, because to many people are having the same issues. Dodge should stand behind there cars or people will stop buying them.
Transmission light went on 8/11/04, and immediately, the car dropped into 3rd gear and would not go into overdrive. I took the car in for service. After a $100 deductable, the valve body was replaced. A few days later, it failed again. I returned to the same dealership (town & country Dodge in clarkston, mi). They reset the codes, in their description, and test drove it again. When I drove it home, it failed for a third time, same mode.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 65 MPH on the highway the vehicle lost power and the contact was unable to restart it. There were no warning indicator lights during, before or after the failure. The vehicle was towed. The manufacturer will not honor the warranty. The dealer stated that transmission and the engine needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileage were 53,000. Updated 05/21/07.
Transmission complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge Intrepid, 19% of the model year's 106 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Intrepid transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2003 Dodge Intrepid. 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 2003 Dodge Intrepid transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
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.