1.) Have had constant cooling issues. Replaced the thermostat the first time, I also needed to replace the radiator for a leaking drain valve, (which will also cause an air pocket and cause to overheat). I am getting ready to replace the head gasket, and in the process will probably do the water pump, and timing belt just to be on the safe side.
2.) Replaced the o-rings in fuel rails, paid $200.00 and then found out it was a recall.
3.) Headlight knob fell off in my hand. Took car in for PA. inspection and when I got it back it was fixed.
4.) Leaking power steering pump.
5.) Transmission does not always shift the same. That worries me, how long till I need to replace that?
6.) Headlight lenses are cloudy, and can't adjust because adjustments are broken. (I'll deal with it)
7.) Black plastic molding flaking off.
8.) Clear coat flaking off of rear quarter panels.
When first shopping around for a family vehicle I thought I was doing OK, snappy motor with lots of power. Plenty of room for someone six feet tall, and still room in the backseat for family. After the first overheating problem, and smelling fuel running over a hot exhaust manifold I started having second thoughts. The car is great on the highway, with good gas mileage for its size, but its just not reliable. I do most of my own mechanic work, and its NOT a nice car to work on. I know that Ford can't keep the same part, or even model of vehicle for more than a year without changing them, but I had less hassle, and better reliability. Maybe I'll buy a Le Car, do they still exist. Anything has got to be better than the Intrepid.
This engine didn't come with dual overhead cam. If it did, then I made a horrible, horrible mistake when rebuilding the engine for this particular model car.
I bought a 1997 Dodge Intrepid with 96,000 miles for $3,000.00. I test drove it and loved it. It is comfy and nice to drive, but two days later the water pump went out, so we went ahead and changed the timing belt. Dodge sold us a bad pulley so it broke and shredded the belt. After all that was fixed my v belt broke. Now that we have fixed that I smell fuel. I watch my fuel guage drop as I drive it. I cannot find a leak. My intrepid has lots of power and shifts fine for now, it needs front struts, is suddenly a half a quart low on oil, leaking gas somewhere. Is it worth it to fix this thing??? I love the car and the interior is mint I just got the windows tinted and the car sales place I am buying it from had a cheap paint job done so it looks half way decent. My bonneville is from ohio and the body is rusting along with the fuel lines, but other than that the 3.8 has extreme power (@150k) and the transmission is excellent should I take the dodge back and fix my rust bucket or will I get my $3,000 out of the intrepid???
My boyfriend used a plastic polishing compound on my headlight lenses and it made an incredible difference. It didn't take him long, and the compound is cheap. You just have to be sure to use the proper one for plastic. I hope this helps you as it did me!
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