1997 Dodge Intrepid Problems
- Complaints
- 344filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 91,000miles, 78 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Dodge Intrepid (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe fuel smells and leaks traced to the fuel rail and its O-rings, along with front-end steering wear that in some cases ended in loss of steering. Cooling-system parts, transmission problems and an ignition/gear-shift interlock that lets the key come out are also recurring themes. Many complaints are filed well past 75,000 miles, so wear and age are part of the picture, though some fuel and gear-shift reports appear at lower mileage.
- Steering
Steering rack, tie rod and bolt failure
- 59 complaints (17%)
- median 97,248 mi at 8.5 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,400 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 1998–2011
Owners describe a pop or clunk from the front end followed by a steering wheel that spins without turning the wheels, or that must be forced to steer. Complaints mention sheared tie rod bolts, worn or missing tie rod bushings, and rack-and-pinion units that came apart, several at low speed while backing out of a driveway. Shops replaced the rack, inner and outer tie rods and bushings; some owners say a fix was attempted and the noise or looseness came back. Mostly reported between about 36,000 and 222,000 miles, often after front-end work or alignment, and frequently at low speed while backing up or turning.
What to check: Have a shop inspect the tie rods, bushings and rack for play or corrosion, and ask whether the rack has ever been replaced. Listen for clunks over bumps on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1997 Dodge Intrepid, inner tie rod bushing failed while taking the vehicle to get front end alignment, I was told the inner tie rod bushings needed replacing. I am in the process of repairing the bushing now. I have found one bushing completely gone except for the metel bushing part, and the other nearly as bad, suspect it would be totally gone in another month or two.”
NHTSA complaint #10171797, filed 2006-10, 36,000 miles“1997 Dodge Intrepid-169,610 miles > > I only had this car for 1-1/2 years with less than > 3,500 miles driven. > > today on march 16, 2008 at 1:15pm, I came back to > college from spring break. I noticed that I was 29 > miles away from the college and the steering wheel > started to jerk to the right and move on its own. I > turn the steering wheel back to the left and had to > force the wheel to turn and move where I need to go. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221382, filed 2008-03, 11 miles - Fuel system
Fuel smell or leak from the fuel rail / O-rings
- 75 complaints (22%)
- median 93,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2015
Complaints describe a strong gasoline odor, inside the cabin or around a warmed-up car, and in some cases fuel found spraying or seeping onto the intake manifold from the fuel rail. Owners say the dealer or shop replaced the rail, O-rings or seals, and several report the same leak returning within months. Some were told their vehicle fell outside recall 98V184000 because of its build or VIN, and a few say the leak persisted after the recall work was done. Reported from roughly 17,000 to 206,000 miles, with most in the 75,000-130,000 mile range and often noticed after the engine warms up or while driving.
What to check: Ask for the recall 98V184000 repair record and check the fuel rail and injector seals for weeping or a gas smell with the engine warm. Confirm there is no fuel residue on top of the intake manifold.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have 1997 Dodge Intrepid (3.5 l engine). Passenger side fuel rail has developed leak. Problem is not o-ring, but appears to be crack. Dealer and Dodge customer service say this is no problem, is simple wear and tear item. I believe this is a defect issue with the fuel rail and a serious safety issue and should be a recall item. Est cost of repair (including diagnosis , multiple accesses to rail) $600.00 (one side only).”
NHTSA complaint #10023036, filed 2003-06, 75,000 miles“Consumer smelled a gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. Consumer lifted up the hood and notice fuel spraying onto the manifold from the plastics fuel rail. Dealer was notified. Dealer informe consumer that this vehicle was not covered under the4 recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10090047, filed 2004-08, 206,000 miles - Electrical system
Engine stalling or quitting while driving
- 23 complaints (7%)
- median 87,004 mi at 7.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2006
Owners report the engine shutting off without warning at highway or city speeds, sometimes restarting after a few minutes and sometimes requiring a tow. Complaints mention dealers replacing sensors, batteries, alternators and computers without a lasting fix, and no warning light or stored codes in some cases. Some describe losing power steering and brake assist once the engine quit. Spread from about 37,500 to 132,000 miles, with several reports at highway speed and no consistent warning beforehand.
What to check: Ask whether the car has a history of stalling or any stored fault codes, and take a longer test drive including highway speeds. Note any warning lights or intermittent no-start behavior.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Purchased car in sept.2002 ran great till june 2003. Car shuts of when driving. I will be driving on the beltway 55mph and car will just shut off no warning no check engine light nothing. It has been towed 4 times to 3 different garages. No one can find anything wrong. Have replaced battery, altinater, 2 sensors sofar. No codes are sent to computer when car acts up. I feel this is a hazard and an accident waiting to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10033001, filed 2003-08, 97,500 miles“I was driving home after work in my 97 Dodge Intrepid, my engine failed. My motor needs to be replaced. I had no signs of engine problems. If I would have been on the highway, I probably would have caused an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10172125, filed 2006-10, 101,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Key can be removed or shifter moves without the key
- 31 complaints (9%)
- median 70,000 mi at 7.3 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2007
Complaints describe removing the ignition key with the car not in park, or moving the gear selector out of park with the key out, and in several cases the car then rolled. Owners reference recall 04V021000 for the floor shift interlock and say their vehicle was excluded by VIN or had a column shifter instead. A few also report transmission failures requiring rebuilds, with the shifter not fully engaging park beforehand. Reported from about 40,000 to 147,000 miles, often noticed while parked or when exiting the vehicle.
What to check: Ask whether recall 04V021000 was performed and confirm the key cannot be removed unless the shifter is fully in park. Test that the car cannot be shifted out of park with the key removed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 1997 Dodge Intrepid transmission has gone 3 times since I've owned it I purchased it in early 1999 with 48000 miles the 1st time the shifterwould not go all the way in to park and at 62000 miles it went and all I had was reverse. I had a warranty through the car dealer with a 250.00 deductible. They rebulit transmission and at 84000 the samething happen 13mos. Later and of coarse no warranty so I had to pay full shot this time at the sum of $ 1,300.00. Now it seems that it is starting to act up again .what to do? …”
NHTSA complaint #10048837, filed 2003-11, 48,000 miles“After parking the vehicle and exiting, with the door opened the vehicle rolled and the door knocked the consumer down and the vehicle rolled away and crashed. A recall was received on the shift interlock 04v021000. Shift interlock inoperative.”
NHTSA complaint #10095503, filed 2004-11, 40,000 miles - Engine cooling
Repeated water pump and cooling-system failures
- 35 complaints (10%)
- median 63,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2007
Complaints describe water pumps failing and being replaced multiple times, sometimes only a few thousand miles apart, with owners noting the pump is driven by the timing belt and costly to reach. Others mention coolant reservoir leaks, thermostat housing replacement and a broken bleeder screw. Owners say they used the recommended coolant and still had repeat failures. Reported from about 30,000 to 66,000 miles in the sampled complaints, mostly on the 3.5L V6.
What to check: Ask how many times the water pump and timing belt have been replaced and when the last coolant service was done. Check for coolant residue or weeping at the pump area and reservoir.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dodge Intrepid '97 with v6 3.5 l engine - failed water pump requiring complete replacement for third time since purchased new. 1st - 42000 mi / 2nd - 55000 mi / 3rd - 64000 mi. Pump is internal driven by timing belt and so difficult and expensive to repair. Always used manufacturer recommended coolant.”
NHTSA complaint #10047402, filed 2003-11, 63,000 miles“The consumer stated that the water pump has been replaced on two occasions, from 30,000 miles to 66,000 miles. At the current mileage, the problem has reocurred. The dealer had been notified. Ts the consumer stated that the problem is when you pull the water pump, it causes stress to the housing and the gasket. The consumer stated that this is the fourth water pump, and it's like having an oil change. …”
NHTSA complaint #8022406, filed 2002-11, 30,000 miles
Buying note. Have any 1997 Intrepid inspected for fuel leaks at the rail and injector seals, front-end steering play, and whether the shift interlock recall was completed, since these are the areas owners write about most. Records of water pump and transmission work are worth asking for, as repeat repairs in those areas are commonly described.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 344 consumer complaints for the 1997 Dodge Intrepid. 78 of the complaints include a mileage, and 18% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 91,000 miles. Of all complaints, 25 involved a crash, 26 a fire, 22 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 9 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system83 24%
- Steering61 18%
- Engine cooling53 15%
- Electrical system29 8.4%
- Suspension23 6.7%
- Brakes21 6.1%
- Air bags18 5.2%
- Other or unknown16 4.7%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (14), Body and structure (9), Vehicle speed control (8), Equipment (5), Seats (5), Seat belts (4), Tires (4), Wheels (3), Electronic stability control (1), Engine (1), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “This car belonged originally to my brother-in-law as his company car. He sold it to his mother, who, for 2 years, drove it only 1000 miles. She had told me several times that she kept smelling fuel. And, her air conditioner leaked and had to be recharged several times during this period. Upon her death in march, I acquired the car. On 7/09/04 I took the 1997 Dodge Intrepid to dodgeland of columbia to check for a fuel leak. At the time of check-in for the vehicle I sited the recall 98v-184 and the odi resume summary for investigation rq98-018. …”
NHTSA complaint #10083138, filed 2004-08, 106,287 milesSteering: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10389884, filed 2011-03, 186,112 milesEngine cooling: “My 1997 Intrepid's (Dodge) engine died suddenly while driving on the long island expressway a few weeks ago. The steering became difficult and t he braking much reduced as a result. Dangerous situation. Dodge doesnt take any blame even though they did major engine work about 2 months prior (head gasket replaced due to oil light intermittently coming on.”
NHTSA complaint #10056738, filed 2004-02, 87,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “There was a gas odor in the cabin of the vehicle when the air vents were on. This was due to the fuel leakage recall 98v184000 but the vehicle identification number was outside the remedy scope. At 112,000 miles the consumer was able to remove keys from the ignition without the vehicle being in park. This was the same defect as stated in the floor shift ignition switch recall 04v021000 but this vehicle had a column shifter and the vehicle identification number was outside the remedy scope.”
NHTSA complaint #10055860, filed 2004-01, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
18% of the 78 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 63,000 and 106,287 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Dodge Intrepid. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intrepid · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1997 Dodge Intrepid version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intrepid FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Intrepid FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Intrepid FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V021000Jan 13, 2004Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Dodge Intrepid 1993–1999, Chrysler Concorde 1993–1999, LHS 1993–1999 +6 more
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…
- 98V184000Aug 6, 1998Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection systemCovers: Dodge Intrepid 1993–1997, Eagle Vision 1993–1997, Chrysler Concorde 1993–1997 +3 more
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.
Recall details for the 1997 Dodge Intrepid → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RP04001Remedy failures of recall 98v-184Closed · Mar 1, 2004
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 9 on record; the latest 9 are shown.
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use 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, 2019Body and structure. Use 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 parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use 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 parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Engine cooling. Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10150552Apr 23, 2015Equipment. Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the…
Other model years of the Dodge Intrepid
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 129 | 73,750 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 106 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 329 | 74,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 656 | 76,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 1,065 | 75,000 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 997 | 82,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 377 | 84,679 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 344 | 91,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 505 | 93,700 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 589 | 98,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 718 | 107,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 408 | 106,500 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Dodge Intrepid model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge Intrepid?
Owners of this model year most often describe fuel smells and leaks traced to the fuel rail and its O-rings, along with front-end steering wear that in some cases ended in loss of steering. The issues reported most often: Steering rack, tie rod and bolt failure; Fuel smell or leak from the fuel rail / O-rings; Engine stalling or quitting while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Dodge Intrepid have?
NHTSA recorded 344 consumer complaints for the 1997 Dodge Intrepid as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Dodge Intrepid is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 83 complaints (24% of the total), followed by steering with 61.
Has the 1997 Dodge Intrepid been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Dodge Intrepid get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Dodge Intrepid (Intrepid, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Dodge Intrepid reported?
Among the 78 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 91,000 miles and the middle half falls between 63,000 and 106,287 miles; 18% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.