1999 Dodge Intrepid SE from North America - Comments

Wow, I guess I'm adding my name to the long list of disappointed Intrepid owners! I have a 2000 Intrepid with over 95,700 miles on it. I cannot complain about warranties because I bought it used as is at a used car dealership. The car runs fine except now I notice the infamous oil light is flickering during idle at a traffic lights. The car has to be warmed up before this starts. By the way the oil was just changed as well as the filter. Also the engine has a slight rattle to it during idle and feels like its not shifting gears at high speeds. I had the lemon check done at the Dodge dealership for $69.00 and they verified the slight rattle means the transmission needs service. I'm glad its tax refund month!! I hope the oil problem is just a sensor (I'm praying it is!) Oh and I did have the transmission fluid flushed, but that did not help the slight rattle, a little, but not resolved. I love my Intrepid, but I wonder after reading all these comments at what cost?? Email me at larich1970@aol.com.

Today was the end of the line. My wife's 1999 intrepid died yesterday and after a full days worth of running around the Dodge folks gave us a quote of $7000 for a new engine. We've had the car 5 whole months. I guess we both had our worries the Intrepid was going to be a money pit after the check engine light came on a couple times, then the oil light made it's appearance on a few occasions. Called the extended warranty Co. and they said we are just past our 6 mon./7500 mile coverage. The only good thing I can say is that we bought it cheap and it's paid off. But it wasn't worth a $4700 lesson to never buy a dodge again. Got law suit??? email supag@yahoo.com.

I own a 99 Intrepid 3.2L, and I am so glad I found this site! I have had many of the same problems everyone else here has experienced. The passenger window mechanism had to be replaced. The speed sensor was replaced. The radiator fans died, and the AC went out. I replaced the radiator fans. Last month, another transmission problem (I'm thinking another speed sensor) ended up being some sort of computer inside the transmission. 900.00 (+) later, the problem was fixed (or so I thought). Driving in to work this morning, the car shut off while idling at a light (after driving for about an hour on the way to work). I restarted the car immediately, but noticed it would not shift out of second gear (the "limp-home" condition, programmed into the transmission. You think they KNEW this transmission would have problems?!?!?)!! I suspect another speed sensor this time, since the speedometer stopped working, as well. Maybe it's just a fuse for the speedometer. At this point, I'm tired of guessing, and broke from fixing a car I'm still paying for. I would GLADLY repeat this story in a Court of Law. Just give me the opportunity to do so. I can be reached at CbrRydah@Comcast.net. Meanwhile, more web-searches are in order to pinpoint the cause of my issue because I can't afford to take it Dodge and have them tell me what's wrong. Wish me luck!

After reading all the complaints about Chrysler cars I feel pretty damn lucky. Compared with all these horror stories my problems are little, yet very annoying! My Intrepid is now almost 9 years old and most of the time driving fine at 125,000 miles. I have pretty much replaced every part of the car except engine and transmission. Right now I am experiencing a mysterious problem that neither Pep Boys nor an electrical shop I took it to was able to fix. When I start the car the dashboard (instrument panel with all the gauges) does not come on, which basically means I have no idea how fast I am driving, how much fuel I have left, etc. But the biggest problem is that when this problem occurs, I can only drive about 35-40 mph, which can obviously be very dangerous on the highway. Also very often the airbag light comes on and stays. Pep Boys have told me this is probably an electrical problem, but when I took it to an electrical shop the mechanic there said it could be 'anything' and they couldn't even give me an estimate on how much time it would take to pinpoint the cause. He suggested it might be sensor-related, bad ignition-wiring, bad ground wire, etc. But he was perplexed as to my not being able to drive at regular speed when this happens. Is there a connection between instrument panel and engine power/speed? If anybody has experienced anything similar or is able to help pinpoint this problem pls email me. I really don't want to take it to the Dodge Dealer in my area because of very bad experiences with them in the past. Any help is greatly appreciated. Email: mars_marina@hotmail.com.

Wow, I am so glad I found this site. I have a 1998 Intrepid 3.2L with 70,000 miles on it. I too bought it used in 2001. I have the blinking lights problem, window problems and have noticed something in the front end, but am afraid to have it checked out, and am definitely not looking forward to the problems I have read here that are yet to come. My newest problem is that the car won't start, although the battery is brand new, (what a pain that was to replace) and the starter and alternator both test to be fine. After a few tries of turning the key, it usually turns over. If anyone has any idea what my next step would be, I would appreciate it.

I am in the same boat with funds and the "extended" warranty. I tried to find out if there was an oil leak and the dealer told me it wouldn't be covered because I didn't have my oil changed by them and the plug was not a factory plug. I didn't have the plug changed, and since the car was bought used, I am sure they didn't check the plug to make sure it was a factory part before they sold the car to me. They still wouldn't cover it.

I love my car and hate to have to think of getting a new one, especially since I too still owe $7,000 on it. Any help would be appreciated. Also, when I bought the extended warranty, I was told that it would be a $100 deductible, so I should save things and have them all looked at at once, but when I tried to do that, they tried to charge me to look at each problem. What a waste of money that warranty has been.

I own a 1999 2.7 liter Intrepid. My husband and I purchased it in Feb 2003 with 56000 miles. After the second oil change the transmission sensor went and the bearings spun and needed replaced. The front passenger window motor went a few months ago, and on my way to the store today the ABS and battery lights came on with a ding on my console. I only have 76630 miles on it! Our warranty just ran out a few months ago. Lawsuit??? email navajomom@comcast.net.

We have a 98 Chrysler Intrepid, 105 000 KM. Nice car - except lately it's giving trouble to start. The Dome lights and windows have also given us a bit of trouble in the past, but always "returns" and is normal again. Mostly it runs well, but twice today we had to try with the key, turning for about 10 minutes, before it starts. During these "bouts" the clock goes out and loses time (10 minutes or however long we were trying) Would really appreciate if anyone had similar trouble and have any ideas on how and what to fix.

I own a 2000 Dodge Intrepid that had problems starting. I had the starter replaced, only to have the problem reappear. It turns out that the problem was in the ignition switch. Once that was replaced, the problem was solved. Apparently this is a common problem with the Intrepid and Concord, but most mechanics do not recognize it as a switch problem.

I have had two of the window motors replaced as well as the driver side door lock. One of the motors was replaced under warranty. I saved quite a bit of money by having a local mechanic replace the other window motor and door lock.

The oil light was coming on regularly. It turned out to be a leaking oil sensor.

1999 Intrepid ES 3.2l Automatic with manual bump shifting option. I purchased it new over the internet.

Here are my two cents. Well built solid car. I have 136,000 miles, but have had a couple of problems I blame on design - the steering rack end bushings apparently prematurely wore causing rattling.

The following are my Intrepid's problems and my general comments:

-Replaced rack $2,000 at 50-60k miles - I think this is a design flaw

-Replaced both electric engine fans - seemed to me to be related to dust accumulation in motor

-Cam sensor failure caused engine malfunction - false impression that transmission is acting up

-Replaced timing belt at 99,000 miles - normal and very cheap insurance

-Driver electric window switch failure - moisture or dirt creeps in because of orientation of up/down window control

-I have used synthetic oil since new and have changed it or had it changed every 3,000miles. Engine runs like new.

- Broken seat mounts were fixed by recall. This could have been a rude awakening if the seat back failed at speed.

- Hard start after refueling has been my only constant problem. The dealer never could fix it and has been a problem since my first year of ownership.

- Broken windshield washer fluid tank - I can't explain this one.

-Replaced water pump when mechanic noticed small leak.

- AC loses cool at least once per year. No trace of leak after the dye test.

- Bad smell on air startup - I think I have some recess of the ventilation system where gunk has built up and harbors mold.

-Had air conditioning computer reprogrammed. I didn't even know they could do this one. It was documented by Alldata and seemed to help.

- OEM Eagle tires wore out quickly. The front tires carry most of the Intrepid's weight - something over 60%.

- Michelin X tires have lasted 70,000miles. Quality replacement tires make good sense.

- Walmart stripped oil plug. I don't think their folks know about hand tightening first to prevent cross threading.

- Plugs replaced with Bosch platinum at 70,000 and 110,000miles - ditto quality replacement parts

- Full 100k mile maintenance by dealer. Even if you change your own oil religiously and do the proper air filter changes, these computers on wheels need to be checked by someone with the right bulletins and tools.

I will keep the car until it dies.

Bob P

Kansas.

I have a 99 Intrepid that has also had the driver side window problem. And for some reason the front door locks work sometimes and sometimes they don't. I have also had the oil light problem. And the drivers side window has come out of it's track and had to be repaired. now I'm having problems with the car's check engine light coming on and setting codes P1684 and P0203 and P0303. P1684 is the battery has been disconnected in the last 50 starts which it hasn't. P0203 & P0303 have something to do with a fuel injector. I also have had to replace both cooling fans and had the leaky thermostat housing problem. Thank God I use to be a Auto Service Manager so a lot of the repairs were done under a extended warranty. But I am intrested adding my car to a class action lawsuit over the 2.7l motor so please include me. snakesraiders12@yahoo.com

I believe the design of the motor was done poorly and this motor should be recalled. This car has been well taken care of and aI have all the records and repairs documented.

HEY! Another me too here! My 99 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 liter w/110,000 miles ran great when I bought it from the dealer with 89,000 miles in November 2003, It now uses a Quart of Oil every 1500 miles in town, but oddly enough consumes barely any oil on the on the highway, has the check engine light on with a Catlatic Converter Code - Needs an O2 sensor I think (Thanks Autozone), The Thermostat housing is leaking, Struts are making noise and are shot (with my mileage I expect this) its making a noise from the front of the motor, Transmission Speed sensor went out which brought me here - looking for a answer why I had no speedometer and no 3rd or 4th gear, Should have known better with this car, the Oil Light came on at low idle when driving it home from the dealer the first day I had it. Looks like a big "For Sale" sign is going in the window soon. Thanks Guys for the "Heads Up"

I also own a 1999 DODGE INTREPID with regular oil changes and only 88,000 miles from 1 day with engine sounding great to the next day motor seizing and oil disappearing

(never a sign of leakage where vehicle is parked 98% of its so called life) With proper care and not a sign of trouble I found myself with a lot of money thrown away to a body with good looks and no power to show it off. To get this running a new engine needs to be bought and for what to find myself having the same problem again at probable less than the 88,000 because others seem to have this problem at almost half that many miles. Would it make sense to buy a used motor for say 2,000.00 with 50,000 miles and go another month or so and have the 2.7 engine need replaced. I think the class action lawsuit makes more sense. If there is any help let me know I am willing to not be suckered again. email at jursuery@yahoo.com.

I Too have a 1999 Dodge Intrepid with many problems. I brought my car in 2001, with 57,000 miles now it has less than 68,000 miles. My 1st problem was with the windows not working, all was changed under warranty. The car alternator went out twice within 1 year, ABS brakes locks up when alternator went out, scared me half to death. Now today, my check engine light comes on and stays on. I am noticing as I am driving the car I can feel what seems like my transmission is slipping. Anyone have any ideas as to what this can be. Unfortunately I am stuck with this car because I still owe over $7,000 and I have no other mode of transportation. Any help will be appreciated... Class action suit.. Count me in... email me at Jazming_99@Yahoo.com.

Thanks.

I too have a 1999 dodge Intrepid and have and some if not the same problems that everyone else seems to be having.

The car shuts off at about 60-70 mph. It also has had an engine replacement and now after only a couple of months is doing the same thing again. There really needs to be something about this.

I have had all the window problems just all the engine problems and I have waisted at least 5 to 6 thousand dollars in just the engine itself not adding the 22 inch rims and the candy paint because I thought that I had fixed or dodge had fixed all the problems in the 2.7 until I seen site. i too believe that the 2.7 needs to recalled and I too support it 100% so please anybody with help please contact me at tomlinb@saipan.navy.mil

PLEASE.

Another thing is its real funny that the only place i take the car is to a so called 5 star dealership but they never told me any of theses things.

:- (I have a 1999 Dodge Intrepid and let me just say I need a clean pair of shorts after reading all these comments... its like I reading a book about my car???

So we bought the car about Nov 2002 and of course got the warranty... first year was awesome then when the car was running you could hear a clicking noise... ddnt really thing to seem to much about it, but I did go have the oil change etc... we took about a 200 mile trip and while almost home it started shifting funny (Nov 2003), so we came up with our 100$ deductable and checked it into service at Quinn Dodge in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after they checked it out they sd it needed a new engine?? and that the engine that they are auth. to put in costs more than the value of the car... so after a lot of argueing... and providing proof that we changed the oil ontime (THANK GOD FOR WALMART AND THEIR COMPUTER!!) they agreed with the warranty company to put a $6900 engine in it... also they found out and fixed the following:

(Engine, Airconditioner compressor, Drier, O-rings, Speed Sensor, Shifter cable, transmission hose. driver/passenger bolt (Recall) All window Switches, 2 window motors (for rear) some hose clamp, some AC connector)

Now since we got the car back it idles up and down the check oil lite comes on when it wants to, one thing I forgot to mention it that the passenger window seems like it rolls up to much and has come off track a few times, the right raditor fan went out and the AC stopped working instantly afterwards... when I looked under the hood the fan looked like it ripped it off the motor just rattling around... i also found out that the service company didn't put my power stearing cap back on... so I call the warranty company and I they said I used up my entire warranty up? my? what is the point of a warranty?

We have 2 years left to pay on it and a part of me wants to get rid of it and the other wants to fix it... since I've put so much into it... if I replace the fans will the A/C start working again? cause if it does the service dept will fix any problems with what they replaced,