1997 Dodge Intrepid: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 344 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (21% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 344 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The pressure on my fuel rail does not hold so that means a leak.if I ask first chrysler any thing they say no recalls.I know better 98v184000. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2013
“I bought the car for 1500$ the inspection ran out at the end of that month, inspection was completed as a "lickem stickem" the car 2 weeks later was determined by an outside mechanic unsafe to drive and hazardous to public safety, car was left at place of purchase for two (2) weeks in which time nothing was done to correct the issue car remains unsafe to drive and not running. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge intrepid. The contact reversed and drove over a two inch beam. As a result, the front passenger side control arm fractured. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic and the contact was told that the control arm would need to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact of a recall associated with the failure under NHTSA campaign id number: 99v215000 (suspension: front: control arm: lower arm). The recall however, was only issued for the 2004 model dodge intrepid and not the 1997 model. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and the current mileages were 190,000.”Owner report · Suspension · May 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“Rack and pinion / steering issues in 1997 dodge intrepid. After just driving 65-70 on the I-15 in southern california, I felt an odd vibration and pull in the steering of the 1997 dodge intrepid I was driving. Exited the highway and attempted to turn into a business parking lot to examine the issue when the front end sent a pop sound and the vehicle came to a screeching halt. Driver side front wheel was stuck in a right turn position during any position set on the steering wheel, while the passenger side remained intact and normal. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge intrepid. While attempting to operate the vehicle, the contact noticed that the steering column was inoperative. A technician stated that the rack and pinion fractured and needed to be replaced. In addition, the bolt in the kit offered by the dealer has a smaller head and an improper locking pad that would inevitably lead to a failure. The contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired and is waiting for a response from the dealer. The failure and current mileages were 222,000.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge intrepid. While driving relatively low speeds including 10 mph, there was shaking sensation accompanied by difficulty steering. The dealers technician stated that the control arm would cost $1000.00 to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 95,700 and the current mileage was 95,890.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2008
“Problems with the rack and pinion steering hesitant on turns when turning the steering wheel. Took it to hayward dodge repair they told me that I needed a $4500.00 of repair this is along with some other things they say is wrong with the vech. They didn't acknowledge the main problem of the steering . Also after I picked up the vech. I was driving on the free way & my hood flew open & came through my windshield. I was charged $135.00 for this 21 point inspection. With my hood &winshield damaged I went back the next day, the service mgr.told me to take him to court they wont take responsibility for the damage. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2008
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge intrepid. The contact noticed that the ball joints, tire rods, sway bar bushing and motor mounts wore prematurely and needed constant repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls. The current mileage was 128,000 and the failure mileage was 98,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2008
“Rack and pinion steering broke on our 1997 dodge intrepid with no warning while it was being backed up, it was total steering failure. We have owned this car since new and it has never been an accident. Thank goodness we had already made it to our destination and this happened before we headed home. The vehicle was towed home and is still parked in the garage until I can get some info on why this happened, and how can it be prevented. I have been told this is not a defect, but the more I look into it the more I see it as the norm. This is a very dangerous situation not only for the drivers of these vehicles but also for anyone in their path. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2008
“Warmed up car before going to work while parked in driveway. Got out to leave and could smell gasoline even though car was operational and got me to work. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 25 of these complaints and injuries in 20 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL O-RINGS AND REINFORCE THE OUTLET (PASSENGER) SIDE FUEL RAIL. VEHICLES SHOWING FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL MUST HAVE THE OUTLET RAIL REPLACED WHICH INCLUDES CHANGING THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS OR FROM A CRACKED FUEL LINE, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
How other years compare
Check your exact Intrepid by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Dodge Intrepid reliable?
NHTSA has 344 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Dodge Intrepid. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Intrepid problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 93,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Dodge Intrepid have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.