1998 Dodge Intrepid SE from North America - Comments

The oil pressure sensor went bad at 79,000 miles.

An engine accessory belt pulley fell apart at 85,000 miles.

A power window motor or switch went bad at 89,000 miles.

The engine suddenly began burning a quart of oil per week at 93,000 miles.

This is the second Daimler Chrysler product I've owned. As with the first experience I had with a Dodge Caravan years ago, I've regretted the trust I put into this company to build a decent quality vehicle.

The most aggravating and expensive problem I've had with this Intrepid is engine failure at such a young stage in the automobile's life cycle, despite exceeding the manufacturer's recommended interval for oil changes. The diagnosis: bad heads and/or valve guides.

Engine failure at 93,000 miles is shameful. This would have been considered high mileage in the early ‘80s or earlier, but not now.

I can't get an honest mechanic or rebuild shop to touch this engine because Daimler Chrysler has employed build techniques at the factory that re-builders can't duplicate, and may not be able to for some time.

My only options are to buy an engine from a salvage yard or a new one from a Dodge dealership for a quoted price range of $4,000.00 to $8,000.00!

I've picked up on some information that suggests the 2.7-liter engine used in this automobile and it's near clone, the Chrysler Concord, possibly has an engine sludge buildup problem. I also found a class-action lawsuit Web page that is soliciting owners of these cars about premature engine failure. It seems the feelers are being put out about the validity of such an action.

I still owe $8,000.00 on the car and have to make keep it insured in accordance with bank rules, which means I must keep "full coverage" on it, but it sits in my driveway rotting.

If you own one of these cars, get rid of it. If you're considering purchasing one, consider something else not made by Daimler Chryslers Dodge/Chrysler divisions.

The other problems I mentioned I've had with this auto are common and costly repairs.

When the engine runs correctly, acceleration power is more than adequate.

Interior comfort is good, but driver lumber support is non-existent.

The stereo system sounds great.

The resale value is the worst I've ever seen in any automobile.

I think this review is excellent! I have a 98 Dodge Intrepid SE.

My engine burned out at 70,000 miles on Sept 20th after having the oil changed on Sept 5. It turns out that the Oil Pressure Switch did not seal in the bottom of the oil pan. This caused the switch to fail, the seal leaked, thus burning out my engine. I had to pay $6500 to replace the engine.

Now, its June 2001 and the cooling fans both have failed causing the A/C to cease. The cost is going to be $600 for parts and labor. For two fans the cost is $400.

I would like to know the class action suit link. I was thinking of writing a nice letter to Dodge and Copying Consumer reports. Anyone want to join?

Please contact me at ralphcochran99@hotmail.com.

Please email me the Class action suit link.

I also own a 98 Intrepid, and am very unsatisfied with its performance. I have 60,000 miles on the engine and it not only is said to have engine sludge and I have taken excellent care of this car. The oil has been changed EVERY 3,000 miles, so why the sludge? I have had a lot of problems also with my a/c evaporator being bad as of like year and half ago. 5- STAR dodge was told about this when it was under warranty, but said it was the control panel on the dash.. and was brought in about two months later with the same problem...not blowing cold.

Anyone having problems with brakes??? Well it had been told by a lot of people owning 98 intrepids that the rotors are warped, which is what I was told about mine when they were being changed, because of excessive trembling in the steering wheel. But I also would like to know the address of the class action suit being filed.. Thank You.

Stylish to look at, troublesome to own.

I brought a 98 Intrepid ES new, based on its reviews, styling and value. Since that time I have done 35,000 miles and have had a host of small but annoying problems. These have included the power windows failing on numerous occasions, the headlights failing, power seat motors not working, rear floorboard water leaks, a transmission stuck in 2nd (twice) and the A/C not working for random periods. Most of these were cured by numerous visits to the dealer during the first three years, but whenever a dashboard needs to be removed to fix something you know the cure is going to be worse than the problem.

Reading the comments of other owners it seems I should sell this car soon before engine failures become my next concern. Apart from all that, it still handles well for a large car, is comfortable and has a good profile amongst all the other three box designs out there.

DJ/Atlanta GA

We bought a used 1998 Dodge Intrepid with 80,000 miles on it 2years ago. Since then we have had nothing but trouble.

* Radio quit working

* Belt for alternator went out ruining pulley and bending bracket. ($600)

* Tabs that hold window up broke off-You can't buy tabs replace whole window.

* Trunk key cylinder corroded - unusable.

* Motor trashed 120,000 miles ($4500) 1 day after oil changed.

* Constant problems with brakes and shimmy in front end when brakes applied.

I am trying to decide to pay and have a motor put in or just eat my losses (still owe $4000) or buy something foreign that I can rely on.

Sept 16th 2002.

My 1999 Dodge Intrepid (2.7) just received a new engine at 89000. The car had been smoking at the exhaust and would knock slightly during acceleration.

I had bought a 100K warranty and it actually paid off. The repairs were covered. However, the day I picked the car up it had to be towed in due to smoking in the engine and tailpipe, topped off with sparking around the Alt belt.

The car had all the power window motors fail before 35000 miles and the speed sensor went out twice.

Some of these stories in this survey sound very familiar.

Mike

Cary, NC.

I just paid $7,000.00 to put a new engine in my 2000 Chrysler Concord. The car has 23,000 miles on it. I was told that used or rebuilt engines were unavailable. I am interested in any information on class action law suits that might be initiated against Chrysler for this problem.

I already posted a comment on a post for a 1999 dodge intrepid. Engine failure at 68,000 miles and the dealership tried to blame it on me! They said that it was due to a lack of oil change. I eventually got the engine rebuilt through the dealership, but still had to pay a 100.00 deductible. Currently undergoing more headaches. I also would like to get involved with this class action law suite. good1973@bellsouth.net.

I have a 2000 Chrysler Concorde. The car has 30,800 miles. The operable car was placed in body shop for repairs due to theft. After the body work was completed, I was informed the car is now inoperable due to 'engine sludge' and that is not covered under warranty. Estimated cost $5,000.00. I am interested in any information on class action law suits that might be initiated against Chrysler for this problem.

I just traded my 1999 dakota sport 2.5 five speed for a 1998intrepid es a few days ago. we gotabout 500 miles on it as of 11 3 02.it had 86,000 miles when I traded the guy told me it was owned by an older couple since new and they needed a bigger car.as of now I really like mine it is very quick and I tried the auto stickand it is instant and immediate a good firm shifter on mine.ilove it it feels like a 14 second car ihave owned many fast mopars dusters,cuda, s challengers etc. and done good drag racing through about 15 years.i was tired of shifting gears for last seven years (1987 glhs shelby charger) maybe this one won, t be a hassle like most mopars can be I thank god for mine anyway,mine is white,and I pray it will last a while. dodge was lame to put a 120 horse 4 in a dakota sport,it was very good lookin,black with red letters,great on gas, but just really weak,mopar has always had the best lookin cars and trucks, just need to step up on reliability etc.

I bought a 2000 intrepid with a 2.7 liter engine in February of 2001 from the dodge dealership. It had 30,000 miles on it. In February of 2002, at 54,000, and having changed the oil 3 times, the engine light appeared. Dealership replaced camshaft, covered under extended warranty. One week later, engine seized due to sludge. Dealership will not cover. Estimated repair cost is $10,000. The sludge is so thick it is like Spackle. Dodge needs to be sued! Please contact me about class action.

Well...I'll add to the list...'99 Concorde... Engine gone on 50k miles... Sludge build problem also... Anyone with class action info, please email me at deeboll@hotmail.com...Or post it on this site so we all get it at once...

Like many of you I also own a '99 Dodge Intrepid, and have had pretty good luck so far, with only 53000 miles. Also I have had some A/C problems. When looking for service info on my Intrepid, I found this web site. If regular maintenance is performed (change oil every 3000 miles!!), an engine sludge problem will NOT occur. There is one person that made the statement on this site, that they had changed their oil 3 times in the last 24k. This is neglect on that owners part. In most cases a vehicle is the second largest investment we make. How about try and take care investment. I bet some of you are the same people that have poorly maintained homes.

My '98 Intrepid decided to die at 80K with no previous warnings. I am amazed at the hundreds of people having the same problem. I can believe that some of the problems are from poor maintenance and neglect, but all of them? Please! I personally had my oil changed every three thousand miles and there was still engine sludge, however the oil itself was clean. $4,000 for a junkyard engine is pretty steep when the problem will probably occur again. I will most likely take the financial hit, dump the dodge and never purchase another Chrysler product.

I am having all of the same problems. I have a 99 Intrepid with 78,000 miles on it. While having the water pump replaced, the mechanic showed me where oil sludge was coming from the engine, with lots of metal scrapings in it. He said it looked as if the oil had never been changed in the life of the car. A month later, the check engine light has come on, the car acts like it can't get gas, and there is a horrible knocking noise which get faster when you press the gas. Now the car will not start at all, and it looks like it will need a new engine. Any advice??

Other problems since I have owned the car May 2001(18 months):

1. August 2001 Rusted tire rims ( I painted these black to cover rust and put covers back on)

2. Sept 2001 Engine fan and blade replaced (At dealership $343)

3. May 2002 Front tie rods replaced ($100)

4. July 2002 Driver side window tabs broken. Dodge told me that the whole window would have to be replaced for $310 + labor. I chose not to have it fixed there. As of now window will not roll down.

5. October 2002 The other Engine fan and blade replaced at dealership $340. At this time I was informed the radiator, made of plastic, had a crack in it and would have to be replaced for $600. I chose not to have this done at the dealership, but at a local radiator shop for $385.

6. November 2002 One week after radiator repair car is leaking coolant, so I take it back to mechanic. No problem with radiator, but now it is the water pump. I now have to take it to a different mechanic to have this replaced. While there he informed me of the engine sludge and replaced some screens filters, pans, etc. to do with the oil problem Total Cost: $620

I have had over $1800 in repairs in the last year, and now I am being told $4000-$8000 for a new engine. The whole car isn't worth that much.

Just got news from my Dealer about the strange tapping noise during acceleration. Seems as though my 2000 Intrepid with a 2.7L engine and 29,000 miles needs to be replaced. ($7500). They blame me for neglect (oil changes every 6000 and that follows schedule b in the manual) I owe $13,000 and trade in is $7600.

I looked inside the valve covers and the sludge looked like black tar. This will be my last Chrysler product. I really can't afford one. (Literally)

There is definitely a problem with the 2.7L design, any engine that develops that much sludge should not be sold to the public.

BUYER BEWARE. I have learned a lesson and I hope whoever reads this does too.