2003 Dodge Intrepid problems
Owners have filed 140 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Intrepid with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 44.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of power train at 15%.
Complaints140
Crashes6
Fires10
Injuries15
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 44.3% · 62
Power train 15.0% · 21
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.6% · 12
Electrical system 5.0% · 7
Air bags 4.3% · 6
Steering 4.3% · 6
Vehicle speed control 2.9% · 4
Engine 2.1% · 3
Severity
Of those complaints, 6 describe a crash, 10 describe a fire, 15 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 12 model years of the Dodge Intrepid in this data, 2003 draws comparatively few complaints; 1999 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 66,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Intrepid. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a knocking sound in the engine. When the vehicle reached 2 rpm, the knocking became louder. The vehicle would not exceed 25 mph. A diagnostic was performed that indicated there was an issue with the engine sensors. Currently, the engine will not start. The current and failure mileages were 87,604. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 87,604 miles
My car had loss of power and yet it seemed ok except my gas mileage was not so good, and with no warning, no check engine light, or anything, I heard a really loud knocking noise in my engine and I had almost no power, I took it to a shop and they told me I have a rod knocking and I need a new engine. My car is a 2003 Dodge Intrepid, I have had it only a year, and I owe $9,000 on it still. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 86,260 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle failed due to sludge build up inside the engine. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not properly maintained. The contact begs to differ and stated that several others have experienced the same failure. The vin, # of cylinders, and engine size were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 44,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 44,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Dodge Intrepid years
1998 493 complaints · 41.8% engine and engine cooling 1999 1,236 complaints · 57.9% engine and engine cooling 2000 1,227 complaints · 65.2% engine and engine cooling 2001 729 complaints · 72.4% engine and engine cooling 2002 413 complaints · 51.6% engine and engine cooling 2004 155 complaints · 52.3% engine and engine cooling