1999 Dodge Intrepid from North America - Comments

22nd Jan 2005, 07:03

"This car is lovely to look at and sit in, but not worth the mechanical hassles"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Air conditioning completely failed and had to be replaced.

Both motor fans failed and had to be replaced.

Transmission speed sensors failed twice.

Wiring harness to speed sensors dry rotted and failed causing speed sensors to fail the second time.

Drivers side window partially off track and won't raise properly. Only half of the window comes up.

Drivers door won't open sometimes. Once I had to actually kick the door open while another person yanked on it from the outside.

Dash light switch causes battery to drain. I don't illuminate the dash panel unless the headlights are turned on. So far problem is intermittent and no one has been able to diagnose it. Mechanics just say it's some kind of electrical problem.

Doors don't close firmly enough to prevent dust and grime from entering cabin. Once drove down a dirt road and almost choked on the dust that entered the cabin. Maybe a ventilation problem? All upholstery and interior had thick film of dirt after that ride.

General comments?

I really like this car, but it's become an expensive indulgence now that my extended warranty has expired.

I guess I'm lucky because my 2.7 L engine still runs good at 108,000 miles.

I seem to be having the same problems as everyone else with the speed sensors, but wonder if anyone else has had trouble with the wiring harness.

I haven't bothered to fix the drivers side window yet. I just yank it up by hand when I absolutely must lower it. Really don't want to spend any more money on this car.

I can say one good thing: I love the comfy leather interior. The upholstery and trim have held up well against the onslaught of kids and dogs. Unfortunately that's a moot point considering the mechanical faults.


22nd Feb 2005, 16:17

I have a 1999 Dodge Intrepid, 2.7 Liter engine, and it runs great! I have nearly 180,000 miles on it, and the engine and transmission run just fine.

The air conditioning failed at 160,000 miles, but everything else runs. I got new struts at 100,000 miles, and a battery and alternator at 150,000.

Other than that it's been what I consider to be routine upkeep - oil changes at 3,000-mile intervals - for me that's about every six to eight weeks. Transmission fluid and filter change every 30,000 miles or once a year, and a fuel injector cleaning once a year. I also flush out the radiator twice a year. Take care of your car and it will take care of you.

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