1999 Dodge Intrepid review from North America
"Nice, but too many major repair problems"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nov 19, 2003. 77,486 miles started making a ticking noise. The car never overheated, there were no indications of the actual problem. "Oil Sludge"
Dec 8, 2003 the engine quit running while driving on the highway at 60 miles per hour in the fast lane. The revolutions per minute had raced up to 4000 bouncing back down to 2000 RPM, then back and forth, finally dropping to 0.
After several quotes and finding out my extended warranty wouldn't pay for the repairs - these items were replaced:
Chain Guides Left and right
Timing Chain, Cam Chain, Cam Gear Left and Right, Crank Gear, Rod bearings,
Bearing Thrust Washers, Main Bearing,
Oil Pump, Intake Valve, Piston Rings,
Gasket Kit, Upper and Lower Cam Chain Tensioner, Water Pump, Oil Filter.
ENGINE OVERHAUL - COST $3,089.94.
May 2004 drivers window broke from the lift arm and had to be repaired.
June 2004 drivers door lock broke and had to be repaired.
Sept 26, 2004 my engine light came on and learned the code P0432 means "Main catalyst below threshold (Bank 2) " The dealer says this is an efficiency code and more than likely the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Plus there is more than one, so just replacing one will cost $500 to $600 with labor. This part in under factory warranty 8 years or 80,000 miles - of course my car is at 89,000.
General comments?
I have learned of so many issues about my car and others from Dodge that use the same 2.7 L engine, I wish this information had been available before I purchased this car.
The car always seemed to have a problem shifting from a stopped position.
The dome lights would come on for no reason and if set on dim for the dashboard lights they would always flicker unless turned all the way up.
The car is extremely roomy which I liked a lot, but now I keep looking for problems and something to break.
Recommended reviews
![]() ![]() | It is a piece of junk |
![]() ![]() | 1999 - Intrepid Base 2.7 Automatic Big, all-American cruiser |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.7 Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 28648 miles |
| Most recent distance | 89046 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Bonneville |
| Date of Entry | 29th September, 2004 |

