1999 Dodge Intrepid ES from North America - Comments

Currently own a 1999 Dodge Intrepid ES (3.2), with about 132,000 miles. I have all the power options (sunroof, Infinity speakers, leather, upgraded radio (with/ CD changer controls - used for iPod). I LOVE MY CAR!

I honestly have had very FEW problems with this car. I am the 2nd owner (purchased used with 26k on the clock). It is HUGE, gets decent gas mileage, and has taken a family of four (along with ALL our gear -full trunk, etc) from Maryland to Georgia and back -- all this at 130k miles on the odometer and running, ahem, well over the posted interstate speed limits.

As far as issues are concerned: (1) an ABS sensor replaced in '03. (2) through a parking lot accident (someone hit me while my car was parked) - my front passenger window doesn't quite roll down with the speed prior to the accident. (3) again, through an accident (someone else was driving my car) the hood was damaged/replaced in '02. (4) had the electric fan replaced in '05. (5) had the rear main seal/ valve cover gaskets/ oil pan gaskets replaced in '06. (6) muffler replaced in '05. Not bad for a 8 year old car!

The only other issues that seem to be ever present is (1) my dashboard lights "flicker" -probably due to a short (doesn't do it all the time, but I do notice it from time to time) and it only lasts for a short 30 seconds to 1 minute. (2) THE BRAKES are a KNOWN issue (they are too small for such a large car- Dodge really should have gone the extra mile and put bigger/better brakes on this vehicle. and (3) just recently (Nov '07) there is some white smoke coming from my tailpipe. Going to have this checked out to make sure it doesn't get too bad (or expen$ive).

I honestly have had very FEW problems with this car. I am the 2nd owner (purchased used with 26k on the clock). It is HUGE, gets decent gas mileage, and has taken a family of four (along with ALL our gear -full trunk, etc) from Maryland to Georgia and back -- all this at 130k miles on the odometer and running, ahem, well over the posted interstate speed limits.

The flickering that you observe is due to the worn out or dirty dimming pot. Either you replace it, or you can live with it by moving it thoroughly up and down a few times; in my case that worked. Or better yet, change its position regularly.