1994 Dodge Intrepid ES review from North America

After having the car for three days, the transmission had to be overhauled, including replacing clutches & torque converter.

Months later, the transmission was shifting roughly and the shifter was stiff. Dodge provided some "non-service".

At 44,000 miles the transmission needed to be serviced because of clunking noises and rough shifting.

At 53,000 miles, the transmission was again overhauled because it would not shift out of low gear.

At 59,000 miles, the transmission cooling lines needed to be replaced.

At 108,000 miles Dodge recommended that the transmission be overhauled again, quoting me $1540 for an "overhaul" and $2275 for a replacement transmission. I eventually went elsewhere and had the transmission overhauled for $900. At 130,000, it was still working OK when I sold the car last month.

Wind noise from the windows, which began in the beginning, was always a problem. Noise from the molding above the glove box was also constant.

At 18,000 miles, the antenna snapped off while driving due to road wind.

The traction control light and ABS light would turn on and off constantly, but Dodge could never detect a problem.

At 19,000 miles, the antenna bent again under normal road wind.

The air conditioning system had numerous problems over the years including the replacement of: a/c damper, freon leaks, suction line damper X2, power blower module connection, replacement of liquid line X2, new compressor X2, condenser lines -o ring gasket/seals X2, the A/C belt came off while driving the car, and a new fin sensor evaporator was needed.

The steering mechanism clunked whenever it was cold out, and eventually Dodge replaced the steering rack and mount, and later the steering rack bushings.

The driver's seat, when moved in its track, began making noise at 27,000 miles. Eventually, the seat rails broke but Dodge refused to fix it because the car was past the warranty mileage.

In 1995, Dodge convinced me that I should install an ECC valve to make the car run better and to achieve better fuel economy. To make a very long story short, it leaked excessive amounts of fuel (twice, after being "serviced" by Dodge).

The water pump went at 55,000 miles.

I lost electrical power while driving on several occasions, and they replaced the power control unit.

Next, problems developed with fuel leaks. I had smelled gas leaks for a year but Dodge could not find a problem. Dodge finally replaced the fuel rails ($315.00) at 75,767 miles, which was after my warranty expired. This was later the subject of a recall (TSB # 790).

The entire K frame developed a crack down the center of the frame, which Dodge would not warranty at 75,000 miles.

I had many tie rod problems, adjustments, and worn out tires as a result.

At 87,000 miles, the passenger side tie rod broke and the entire wheel assembly collapsed, which cost me $1200. The reinforcement of the lower control arms were later the subject of a recall (TSB#837).

The 1994, Dodge Intrepid ES was the most costly vehicle I have ever owned. I spent almost $10,000 on service for this terrible car.

I would never buy, rent or travel in a Dodge/Chrysler vehicle again. I tell everyone I know to avoid the company.

Chrysler has been non-responsive to my complaints and Dodge Service is the worst.