1996 Dodge Intrepid Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 5%of 505 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid, 5% of the 505 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Recently I took my 1996 Dodge Intrepid into a collision repair specialist due to severe paint chipping on my hood. I was informed that this is common with Dodge vehicles - that the hoods and trunks are rusting from the inside out due to the seams being pinched welded which is allowing moisture to get inside. Also found that the trunk is rusting from the inside out, but didn't know this until we were informed of the hood. The car only has 85,000 miles and has been taken care of very well. Other than that - it is in top condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10130665, filed 2005-07, 85,000 miles“Repeated overheating problems resulted in replacing my radiator two times, thermostat three times and thermostat w/ breather housing two times. Cooling system includes external metal pipes which help circulate coolant to heater. The pipes are hidden from clear view and when mine sprung leaks due to their placement the leaks were diagnosed as being blown head/head gasket by three separate shops. Replacement of pipes solved overheating. …”
NHTSA complaint #10246579, filed 2008-10, 148,689 miles“Consumer states: the engine cradle mount on the right side is rusted in the back, and the engine mount on the left is starting to rust in the back. Was making noise, got louder and louder, and couldn't see anything.”
NHTSA complaint #10121694, filed 2005-05, 34,500 miles“Dt: consumer stated that 1996 , Dodge, Intrepid had a bolt sticking out on both back doors. This was a manufacturing safety device to keep the door closed in case of a collision. Consumer was in the back seat getting groceries out when her shoe string became entangled around the bolt and consumer fell on concrete and broke her hip. Consumer did not realize that string was entangled around the bolt. Consumer was rushed to the hospital, then she taken into surgery, she had to have 3 screws placed into her hip. Consumer was in the hospital for 5 days . …”
NHTSA complaint #10130337, filed 2005-07, 100,000 miles“1. The event occurred while backing into my driveway 2. 1996 Dodge Intrepid, 3.5l, 196,000 miles. The lower control arm mount that is a structural element of the car's subframe had metal fatigued and separated from the subrfame. This caused the bottom of the front passenger side wheel to move outward and lodge against the fender. When the wheel moved outward, the half-shaft pulled out of the constant velocity joint disengaging the drivetrain from the front wheel. 3. The replacement cost of the subframe was prohibitively expensive, so the car is going to be scraped.”
NHTSA complaint #10139668, filed 2005-10, 197,205 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% |
| 2000 | 13 | 1% |
| 1999 | 15 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 2% |
| 1997 | 9 | 3% |
| 1996 | 23 | 5% |
| 1995 | 30 | 5% |
| 1994 | 58 | 8% |
| 1993 | 13 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid
152 complaintsFuel system
87 complaintsEngine cooling
83 complaintsSuspension
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
44 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsEquipment
16 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge Intrepid
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology