1997 Dodge Intrepid Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 15%of 344 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Dodge Intrepid, 15% of the 344 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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. > > > the steering wheel never made noises as I was > driving > today, but I noticed that I had to force the wheel > hard to make a turn into the parking lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221382, filed 2008-03, 11 miles“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 miles“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“While driving, the consumer noticed smoke coming from the hood. The consumer pulled into a drug store parking lot and flames were coming from the bottom of the vehicle and the vehicle burned beyond recognition. Provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10097410, filed 2004-10, 110,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 79 | 61% |
| 2003 | 61 | 58% |
| 2002 | 207 | 63% |
| 2001 | 520 | 79% |
| 2000 | 785 | 74% |
| 1999 | 698 | 70% |
| 1998 | 198 | 53% |
| 1997 | 53 | 15% |
| 1996 | 83 | 16% |
| 1995 | 67 | 11% |
| 1994 | 72 | 10% |
| 1993 | 51 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Intrepid
83 complaintsSteering
61 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsElectrical system
29 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