AC & Heater complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 50 MPH on dry road conditions, a thumping noise was heard coming from the front end, and smoke escaped from under the hood. Also, smoke entered the cab at the same time the thumping sound occurred. The vehicle was pulled over and flames erupted from under the hood seconds later. The fire department was contacted, extinguished the fire and determined that the fire was caused by an air conditioner hose that blew up. No injuries were sustained and a police report was not taken. The vehicle was later inspected by a certified mechanic, who determined that the air conditioner hose was too close to the manifold. The vehicle was towed to the residence and had not been repaired. The contact planned to contact the manufacturer after filing a complaint with the NHTSA.
8/13/02-we took our 2001 Dodge Intrepid 2.7l in to the dealer for warranty repair. The headlamps were change because of fogging lens covers. The power steering pump was whining so that was also replaced. The vehicle had 31,207 miles. 1/14/03-with 36,354 miles on it we had the rear glass replaced because the defroster was not working. No cost for this. Also had them check a knocking noise in the front end but they could not diagnose the problem. 12/16/03-47,658 miles. Engine light on for a problem in the EVAP system. Dealer fixed it for $248.69. We had them check for the front end knock but they could not find a problem. They also recommended that we have the timing chain tensioner looked at. I did not ask them to check that at all since everything seemed fine at the time. Looking back I can see that they were trying to prevent something they knew was going to happen in the future! …
Engine fire due to plugged pcv valve. Was not properly or fully inspected by van dyn hoven prior to sale. Also in six months after purchase, replaced mode door actuator, ignition tumbler, oil sensor and then the then the air conditioning compressor failed. Total cost of repairs for 1 year $1047. This car is a perfect example of why most people buy japanese cars.
I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid, purchased at 54,000 miles. I have already replaced the transmission and the front wheel bearings roar very bad, A/C went out needs evaporator, and the car rarely starts unless you rock the whole car, I am very displeased and no one will trade it in , when the transmission went out the car pulled to the left and I ran off the road.
First, the check engine light came on. I took it to the dealer where I got it from to find out that the EGR valve needed to be changed, did this. Then I drove it for 1 week and the check engine light came on again, took it back to the dealer to find out that there is a problem with the crank shaft and that it will be very costly to have it repaired. All of this happened when I was driving it. The car began to shake and I got very scared. I only had the car for 3 months and in the 3 months all of these problems have erupted. I need some justice in getting these problems addressed so that the car can be fixed without cost to me when checking the internet and finding out that this is a major problem with these cars. It is something that Dodge knows that these cars have those problems and they are not honoring helping the owners fix them.
In the summer of 2003, A/C failed to blow cold air. Dealership tested the system and found no leak, but for a fee, would further test the system. No repairs were done due to price of service. In the summer of 2004, still had no A/C, and dealership has told me the evaporator coil has failed to operate. They want approximately $1300 to fix the problem. I will not go to their service as I have found an independent mechanic who will fix the problem for approximately $800. I have had the transmission recall fixed, the driver's seat bolt recall fixed, and the right front window motor replaced. All of these things have been found defective by many customers as found on this web site. Are refunds available for these common complaints? I'm tired of spending hard earned money to fix what apparently seems like manufacturer flaws.
My A/C evaporator has been hissing and Dodge says it was normal during my warranty period but now I find it was not the case and also about the odor that came with it . The driver side window stick in the up position but you never know when , boy I will tell you Dodge sure did pick the right name, even when they know there are these problems and even issued extended warranties for intrepids 93-97 up to 7 years...meaning???? A/C evaporators are suppose to last at least 7 years....well ours isnt lasting even 3 years!! Worst car I have ever bought and it was not cheap.
Vehicle had vibration in the motor and transmission did not shift gears correctly. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealer 6 times, but was told by dealer that vehicle was fine, and that it was normal characteristic of vehicle. Cause was unknown. Radiator fan motor failed. Motor window regulator failed. Gearshift control faied. Rear strut assembly failed. Windshield wiper blade and windshieled pivot carrier assembly failed. A/C evaporator coil failed. Instrument panel trim failed. Battery failed. Door weather strip failed.
NHTSA investigations
Water in defroster system
A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further expenditure of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see the engineering analysis closing report (ea95-023)
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Intrepid years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (41), 1999 (22), 1996 (14), 1997 (9) and 2001 (9) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Dodge Intrepid ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Dodge Intrepid model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Intrepid ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (91 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (17).
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.