Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
We are writing to let you know of a major car fire that occurred in our Dodge Intrepid. The driver was driving on the interstate. The hot/cold needle began moving up and down. Then the brakes gave out. Then, the power steering gave out. The car started smoking producing black chemical smoke into the cabin. Then, fire started shooting out of the vents. With no brakes and fire and smoke into the car, the driver was forced to jump out of the vehicle and roll onto the middle of the interstate with the car still going 30-40 MPH. The driver was in extreme danger inside the car and obviously laying on the interstate as well. The car ended up in the ditch while completely engulfed in flames. He was able to get onto the shoulder of the road. The fire department arrived to put out the fire. They determined the fire started inside the area of the heating core. …
I learned after state safety inspection at inspection site 44994, spiros on boston street, salem, ma that my brakes are defective. My auto passed safety inspection with bad brakes. I suspect a special relationship with class ii auto dealer shamrock motors, the inspection overlooked the brake problem. T. Tires of cannel street salem found rotor and brake needed replacement, when fixing a flat tire. When approaching norm, owner, shamrock motors he insisted that I am a liar with memory problems. He explained pre-sales that demanding customers would have their cars purchased back rather than honoring the massachusetts consumer laws for the cars he sold. The mechanical work is done by [redacted] of creedon auto repair on canal street in salem. [redacted] was insistent that no auto leaves his shop with safety defects, yet the brakes of this auto are defective. …
While traveling at freeway speed a scraping noise was heard followed by the rear passenger wheel locking up. Tire and rim were ground down, while I brought the vehicle to a stop. Mechanics notes: "ebrake came apart passenger rear and locked brake up, causing backing plate to rip apart from ebrake mounting. Ebrake adjuster bracket damaged as well. The bracket adjusts the brake shoes and holds the brake cable in place. The part is not available from any vendor and has been discontinued by the dealer. Consequently new ebrake shoes and hardware can not be installed." of course a part can fail on a now 17 year old vehicle, but it seems that the routine failure mode and effect analysis overlooked this part. A less able driver might have lost control of the vehicle and crashed. As far as I know, the emergency brake has never been used in the 17 year life of this car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into a concrete wall. The contact indicated that during the failure the vehicle would not stop when the brakes were applied. The contact and the front passenger both suffered headaches and the contact also suffered an upper back injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,874. The consumer stated on June 13, 2014, immediately after she put the vehicle in reverse, the vehicle jerked suddenly and accelerated out of control. She tried to apply the brake but the vehicle would not stop. The consumer stated the air bags failed to deploy. Updated 09/03/14
Problems brake rotors and odometer on 2002 Dodge Intrepid es. The vehicle made an unusual noise and then shut down. The dealer indicated that the start-up alarm system needed to be regulated. The dealer made the repairs but the problem continued. A few days later the noises continued, the odometer stopped and the vehicle didn't indicate what gear it was in. The vehicle was taken to another dealer who corrected the problem. The consumer later learned that the vehicle needed new rotors and brake pads on all four wheels. The vehicle was returned to the sales dealer who was no longer in business. After contacting Chrysler, she was told there was nothing they could do. The consumer doesn't think the rotors should have failed within four months or ownership.
While wife was driving car to store on 2 June 2006, Intrepid engine shuttered and check engine light illuminated. Shuttering stopped and engine runs smooth but light is still illuminated. Mar 2006 engine oil change was accomplished along with a engine flush by ed's tire service, fayetteville, north carolina. July 2005 car failed inspection because of a bad battery, which was difficult to replace. Between 2002-2004 front rotors have been replaced twice, once by the Dodge dealership for $150.00 then once by me for $60.00. This sludge buildup problem that Dodge refuses to fix is becoming stupid! They are making the money off of us, they to at least own up to their design flaw and fix the problem. Does anyone know how to get sludge out of the engine other than tearing it down?
When driving down the road at night, the vehicle loses all function and power. When this occurs I have no power steering, lights, brakes, nothing. It flickers on and off like that multiple times. It took me 1 1/2 hours to drive home, which should have taken only half hour. This is a serious safety issue. I can't drive the vehicle now in fear that I will be in an accident. This appears to be an ongoing issue with Dodge vehicles. I can't drive my van in fear it will end up killing myself, my family, or some innocent person on the roadway. This needs to be addressed. A recall is needed to find this ongoing issue. There isn't a specific date but a constant issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The contact was able to avoid a crash by applying the emergency brake. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Vehicle description: non-ABS equipped passenger vehicles. The brake master cylinder piston retainer snap ring May have been bent inward during the assembly process. The master cylinder piston May be in a "brake applied" position due to the damaged piston retainer snap ring.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Intrepid years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (53), 1998 (40), 1996 (37), 2000 (31) and 1999 (30) model years. Brake complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Dodge Intrepid brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 00V-180 (master cylinder, Jul 10, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Intrepid brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (64 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (49).
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.