Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Hood support struts May slowly lose enough hydraulic pressure to prevent the hood from slamming down unexpectedly after the hood has been raised. This failure is consistent and my cause severe injury or death if anyone is working under the hood. I was fortunate enough to not be working on the engine when this event occurred. I have not replaced the struts, but will take the car to the dealer and inform them of this issue.
After watching a segment on local news on the dashboard collapse on the Dodge rams, I realized what has been the cause of what started as a hairline crack on dashboard. I purchased the 2004 Dodge Intrepid about 14 months ago in almost perfect condition. Months later I noticed a hairline crack, which I hadn't noticed when I purchased the vehicle. At first I thought maybe it was an oversight since the hairline was so small, as time went by I had seen the crack get longer and wider. Now, the crack was at a point where the dash board was starting to collapse. I have not seen any recalls on this make/ model/ year , yet there were various problems with other Dodge dashboards.
36 miles after the 30000 mile warranty, I took my car in because the glove compartment is separating from the dash. I was told it is not covered under the warranty. I am now only covered for power train now until 70000 miles. They offered to cover parts but I have to pay for the labor. I was looking at 5 -7 hours of labor.
After several days of owning the vehicle the driver side door has become noticeably out of alignment. The dealer was able to correct this and realign the door assembly. Also, I noticed that the rear light piece on the top part of the trunk seems to have been cut sloppy from the factory. The bottom edge is jagged and seems to have been poorly trimmed from the factory. I notice this when opening my trunk and when washing the vehicle and feel that it is tacky. Selling dealer stated that no one usually sees that so they are cut like that from the factory. The trunk also makes a rubbing sound when opening, which sounds like the wire cover rubbing. Vehicle includes a trunk cargo net with the floor mounting hooks not exposed and seems as if you are supposed to tear holes in the carpet from looking at the cargo net instructions. …
The paint on the body is good except for the hood. The paint is peeling badly. Nowhere else on the body is this happening. The color is forrest green ?? Please let know how I can get this hood repainted.
Nasty smell from A/C, suspension/axles and other problems with Dodge Intrepid. There were scratches on the cover of the radio program, problems with the window and door lock, the right passenger front had pin holes, the front end was loud grabbing and knocking, the driver door window displayed a thump noise and the motor on the window continued to run even after the window was closed, the passenger seat cover had a big gauge which was made on the console and the glove box cover door, there were spots on the interior of the front head light inside of the glass, the engine would surge, the front passenger door made squeaking noises, air bag light was intermittent, speaker damage, the right and left front windows squeaked mostly on the left side motor, the right window did not work at all, the left rear anchor cover was broken, the brakes were noisy, the engine light was intermittent, the …
Engine is bad. Loud knocking. Originally thought it was main seal that went out but upon further investigation and several mechanics, the engine is gone. Second thought was the oil pump went bad, no luck there either. No known reason for engine to go out and no warning signs. No "check engine" lights or anything else. Car has less than 52,500 miles. Up to this I never had any problems with the vehicle, other than the weather stripping around all four doors keep coming off, even after it was replaced at dealership.
While driving on the freeway at approximately 70 MPH, the engine seized without warning. Owner had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Updated 1/19/2006 - the oil light illuminated on the dash then the engine seized. The vehicle was sent to the salvage yard. The weather strips at the doors were leaking.
Related recalls (1)
Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles (non-sunroof only) fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact."
Remedy: Owners will be sent a storage bin accessory unit that can be attached to the b-pillar along with installation instructions. However, if an owner wishes, the dealer can perform the installation.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Intrepid years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (30), 1996 (23), 1999 (15), 2000 (13) and 1997 (9) model years. Body complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Dodge Intrepid body problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 01V-273 (frame and members, Aug 2, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Intrepid body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body › door (36 mentions), followed by the body › trunk lid (18).
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.