2000 Dodge Intrepid ES from North America - Comments

Wind noise because of door seals that shrunk at 35,000 Miles. Dealer repaired under warranty.

Complete rack and pinion steering assembly failure at 59,900. Dodge offered NO assistance. estimate 1000 to repair.

This car looks great and handled great for about 50,000 miles. The engine and transmission have been trouble-free and smooth. The fit and finish of this car was fair when purchased. Great trunk space and comfort. At 50,000 miles, there was a noise (bottoming sound) coming from the firewall when going over small bumps. The steering wheel developed about 3-4 inches of play and the wheel had to be continuously centered. New tires and alignment did not correct problem. After a few more weeks, the steering began to bind up in turns. There was a louder noise and the wheel had to be fought to get centered. I called Dodge and wrote 3 emails and they refused to even consider repairing this obvious defect under courtesy. As I researched this issue, I discovered that there are hundreds of complaints of premature steering failure in LH models. Dodge hotline acted as if they never heard of these problems from anyone, but there is a class action suit going forward. I have been quoted 800-1000 for replacement of this obvious defect. Dodge (now German owned) will lose my business.

"has a fatal defect"

WATCH OUT!!! That could kill you!!!

If your steering goes out at say 70 mph, it could be fatal or "deadly" as you so sarcastically referred to it. Also fatal could refer to the car. My car had a fatal engine failure at 57,561 miles. Fatal as in it was dead.

I have a 2001 Dodge Intrepid and had to replace the engine at approximately 35,000 miles. Luckily my extended warranty paid for it the first time. I was told by the mechanic that there was a "write up" about the engine's having a lot of sludge build up. There was no warning at all, it just started making a knocking noise right before the engine failed. Well, they put a used engine in the car with approximately 5000 miles on it and it just happened again about 60,000 miles later. I have been getting regular oil changes and without a warning it started "knocking" again. So now I am stuck without a car and still owe $7000 to the finance company.