2002 Dodge Intrepid: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 329 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (59% of complaints); the 2003 and 2004 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 329 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the seat back fell backwards onto the rear driver's side seat. The contact grabbed the steering wheel and held himself up and safely stopped the vehicle. The contact braced the seat upright and drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched and referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V035000 (Seats) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2022
“An oil plug front left of engine block blew out pumping oil onto catalytic converter. Open flames melted wheel well, back bumper, and fuel hoses off of gas tank. Fire went out went all the oil was pumped out of engine and car stopped moving. I contacted chrysler safety, they referred me to dodge customer care; they initially created a case #31892226 but then sent a letter saying they were not responsible because the car was out of a three-year warranty period and also unspecified environmental factors. Although my wife and son were almost immolated, it wasn't important enough for them to check into. The car remains parked at a local garage awaiting investigation.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. The contact stated that fuel fumes were emitting in and around the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the top of the engine and the check warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 145,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tires consistently lose air pressure and must be re-inflated anywhere from 5 to 14 days apart. Taken to tire dealer who inspected the wheels and tires on various occasions over the last three years and told that the tires are fine, and the lost air pressure is due to the wheels.”Owner report · Wheels · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. While the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the horn and cruise control feature were activated, but failed to function. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000. Updated 02/23/16*lj the consumer contacted the dealer. However they refused to do anything about the air bag problem. Updated 02/23/16.*jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2015
“The car hit a patch of black ice and car slid into another vehicle going 55 mph on the highway. Driver was wearing a seatbelt at time of accident and the airbag never deployed. Driver had facial injuries and elbow went through windshield. Very fortunate that was all. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. While driving approximately 35 mph, the driver seat reclined independently and fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2014
“Tl-the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph in reverse, he heard a pop. The contact inspected the vehicle and stated the rack and pinion bolts have fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was unavailable. Ap”Owner report · Steering · May 2014
“Engine failure 2.7l 2002 dodge intrepid vehicle owned over 10 years 111k miles current odm, oil change was not due at the time of engine failure. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2013
“My pregnant wife was leaving a friends wedding with my three year old in the car, she was turning around on a side street she lost all steering I was there in a separate car I went out and checked for the problem. I found that both bolts that connect the inner tie rods to the rack and pinion steering had been broken completely. This is my wife's daily driver she has it on the freeway everyday. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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 2002 Dodge Intrepid reliable?
NHTSA has 329 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (59% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Intrepid problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Dodge Intrepid have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.