1997 Dodge Intrepid Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 8%of 344 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Dodge Intrepid, 8% of the 344 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 11 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 kept smelling something hot when the headlights were on. When the low beams quit working, I removed the cover from the steering column since that is where the smell seemed to originate and it often felt hot. I found the wire to the low beam terminal of the dimmer switch had overheated burning off about an inch of insulation and damaging both the switch and the connector on the wiring harness. I have purchased a new switch and am preparing to repair the connector.”
NHTSA complaint #10054235, filed 2004-01, 105,450 miles“The last couple of months the headlights would go out without warning. Upon clicking the high beam switch they would come back on. Intermittent wipers starting not working also. High beam switch stopped working (not staying in place) day prior to meltdown. While driving home on 11/22/03 there was a smell of something burning. I checked under hood and around outside of car when I got home. Smelled nothing outside. Got back in car and at that point the headlights would not work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10049165, filed 2003-12, 95,000 miles“Vehicle has experienced numerous electrical problems since its purchase requiring repairs at my expense. The latest being a short in the wiring harness leading to a failure in the wiring connection to the radiator cooling fans on 2 occasions. Replacement of the fan harness does not fix the problem in the wiring harness and it will short out and burn the connection again. This should be fixed by the manufacturer as a manufacturing defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10206760, filed 2007-10, 86,000 miles“Strong smell of electrical fire while driving, as well as strong gasoline odor. When car was pulled over it was discovered that the fabric covering the ceiling of the car was burning. Took to dealership, but they could not figure out what was causing the problem. They removed fuse that contols indoor lights and cruise control. We have had not solution to the problem as yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10039475, filed 2003-09, 87,600 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 7 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 7% |
| 2002 | 15 | 5% |
| 2001 | 16 | 2% |
| 2000 | 33 | 3% |
| 1999 | 56 | 6% |
| 1998 | 33 | 9% |
| 1997 | 29 | 8% |
| 1996 | 32 | 6% |
| 1995 | 43 | 7% |
| 1994 | 68 | 9% |
| 1993 | 23 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Intrepid
83 complaintsSteering
61 complaintsEngine cooling
53 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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