1996 Dodge Intrepid problems
Owners have filed 709 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Intrepid with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 25.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 14.1%.
Complaints709
Crashes41
Fires25
Injuries37
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 25.1% · 178
Engine and engine cooling 14.1% · 100
Fuel system, gasoline 11.7% · 83
Power train 6.8% · 48
Suspension 6.6% · 47
Air bags 5.5% · 39
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.9% · 35
Electrical system 4.5% · 32
Severity
Of those complaints, 41 describe a crash, 25 describe a fire and 37 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 12 model years of the Dodge Intrepid in this data, 1996 sits 6th by complaint volume. 1999 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 7 in the last three years against 5 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 90,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While pulling out of a parking space, the steering failed. Subsequent examination showed that the inner tie rod attachment bolts both shearred off and the tie rods separated from the steering rack. The vehicle had these tie rods replaced in sept 98 and the steering rack replaced in jan 1999. Unknown if this is related to tsb 190899 but attachment bolts do appear to have failed from improper torque values. Steering
Bushings and the seals in the steering wheel are bad and make a loud noise. This has not effected the steering of the vehicle yet. Took vehicle to dealer and was told that the bushings are non-replaceable, and that the only way to correct the problem is to replace the entire rack and pinion. Owner feels that the vehicle would not pass safety inspection in its current condition. Steering
Consumer heard noise under hood & went to the dealer. Dealer indicated that the whole rack & pinion had to be replaced because it comes as a unit and was caused by some of bushings being worn out. Consumer has an extended warranty on the vehicle, but replacement was not covered under warranty. Dealer finally agreed to have replacement done and to pay for part of the cost. *Ak Steering
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…