2002 Dodge Intrepid SE from North America - Comments

There is a small water leak under the driver's seat at the location of the rug fastener. The windshield wiper blade is difficult to purchase as it is twenty-four inches long. I needed to buy the entire blade from the dealer.

The car is very reliable, roomy, comfortable, and handles well. The engine could have more power for a large sedan. It's a shame at this day and age, American dealerships in general cannot correct minor problems. I cannot rely on having any major problem corrected.

I purchased a 2002 Dodge Intrepid SE in March 2003. Having been a rental, it had less than 17,000 miles on it and was in great shape. The exterior and interior were perfect. It handled wonderfully. At just over 36,000 miles (warranty), problems began. It was sticking at take off and would go dead sometimes. I immediately checked the transmission fluid and it was at the acceptable level. Later it continued to increase in sticking and stalling. I took it to have it put on the computer to find out what the problem was and that came back as a faulty transmission. I proceeded to a local dealership to inquire of a recall on this trouble. The dealership had no word of a recall and proceeded to put the intrepid on their own computer to locate the problem. They came back with dirty transmission fluid lead to a clogged screen and several sensors going out. Repairs would cost $1,100. What I fail to understand is why even a former rental car with under 17,000 miles on it would make the transmission fluid so dirty that it would cause this much damage. Since buying the car, I have had every scheduled oil change and tune-up and would not think that a problem like this would spring up right after the manufactures warranty goes out. There has to be a recall on this problem.

You can check on recalls and service bulletins at a web site called www.alldata.com. You can't read the specifics without paying some money, but you can get the tech service bulletin numbers and ask for the dealer for a copy of them.

I purchased a 2002 Dodge Intrepid SE in 2003 with 20,000 miles. I also had the transmission go bad shortly after the manufacturer warranty was up. It started with the cat not getting out of second gear and the check engine light came on. The transmission shop stated that there was pieces of metal flaking off in the transmission. Cost $1600 to replace transmission. Within a month the light came on 3 more times. Which turned out to be leaks in the gas lines. I called dodge directly for assistance and they wanted to take it to a dodge dealership and pay $75.00/hr to have it diagnosed, to see if the transmission was defective. They would not offer assistance. I still don't understand how a car less with less than 50,000 miles can have a bad transmission. They sure don't make them like they used to.

Sorry, but you don't need to order the wiper blade from the dealer. If you can't find 24" refills, you can get the entire assembly for $9 from Target -- Michelin brand. You can easily find cheaper 24" assemblies at auto parts stores.