2002 Dodge Intrepid Problems

What owners report

Owners of the 2002 Dodge Intrepid most often describe engine problems — particularly with the 2.7L V6 — involving oil sludge buildup, oil and coolant leaks, knocking noises, and in many cases engine seizure or failure, often documented by dealers who then recommend an engine replacement at high cost. A smaller share of complaints describe automatic transmission failure (slipping or not shifting), premature brake rotor wear and warping, and occasional steering or airbag concerns. Complaints cluster in the 60,000-125,000 mile range, though several report failures well under 50,000 miles.

1. 1
   Engine cooling

   Engine oil sludge and engine failure (2.7L V6)

   • 183 complaints (56%)
   • median 78,475 mi at 5.4 yrs old (164 state mileage)
   • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $4,000 (median of 32 quotes)
   • filed 2003–2017

   Owners describe the check engine or oil pressure light coming on, knocking or tapping noises, and in many cases the engine stalling or seizing — sometimes while driving. Dealers and mechanics reportedly found heavy oil sludge and told owners the engine needed replacement; in several complaints owners say they kept to regular oil changes. Some report the failure happened without warning and left the car undriveable. Mostly reported between roughly 45,000 and 125,000 miles, with a few failures under 40,000 miles; several owners note the vehicle was maintained on schedule.

   What to check: Check the oil level and condition for dark, sludgy deposits or a fuel/coolant smell, and ask for service records showing regular oil changes. Ask whether the oil pressure light has ever come on or whether the engine has been replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I began having trouble with my heater in my car and I took it into pep boys and they replaced the water pump and seals. Then it began again and then the check engine light came on and I was told that I had a transmission sensor going out. Soon after the car stalled and would not start. Before the car stalled the engine had a loud knocking coming from it.”

   NHTSA complaint #10185101, filed 2007-03, 70,800 miles

   “My family and I while driving down the highway in our 2002 Dodge Intrepid se 2.7 liter the engine failed with no warning after further research have found that chrysler is aware of this problem yet has done nothing and will do nothing to correct it. This is unfortunate as this problem presents real danger for people around these cars when the engine fails.”

   NHTSA complaint #10204630, filed 2007-10, 111,000 miles
2. 2
   Engine cooling

   Overheating, coolant leaks, water pump and head gasket

   • 54 complaints (16%)
   • median 86,523 mi at 6.0 yrs old (47 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 8 quotes)
   • filed 2003–2012

   Owners report the temperature gauge climbing suddenly, coolant leaking onto the ground or into the engine, and loss of heat from the heater. Dealers and shops described failed water pumps, leaking coolant pipes, and head gasket problems; in some complaints coolant mixed with the oil and the engine seized. Several owners had the water pump, timing chain and gaskets replaced together. Reported from around 40,000 miles up to about 140,000 miles, sometimes during highway driving with no prior warning.

   What to check: Look for coolant residue or staining around the water pump and hoses, check that the heater works, and confirm the coolant level and condition. Ask whether the water pump or timing components have been replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I am extremely upset because recently I purchased a Dodge 2002 Intrepid just a little less than a year ago an without any warnings my water pump went out which cause my timing belt to destroy the engine instantly. And I just recently read hundreds of reports of similar incidents. I also was on the freeway at the time in the middle of traffic.”

   NHTSA complaint #10183466, filed 2007-02, 75,000 miles

   “There was a failure of 2 cooling fans on 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The shaft of both motors were loose. The r/r new cooling fan motor. The consumer requested reimbursement for the money spent o the n repairs due to the fact that the vehicle was only 79 miles out of warranty.”

   NHTSA complaint #10106901, filed 2005-01, 36,079 miles
3. 3
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Automatic transmission failure or slipping

   • 51 complaints (16%)
   • median 65,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (44 state mileage)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $2,507 (median of 6 quotes)
   • filed 2002–2020

   Owners describe the check engine light coming on with slipping, high revs at speed, harsh or delayed shifts, or the car dropping out of gear. In several complaints the vehicle stalled or failed to accelerate on the road. Dealers and mechanics reportedly said the transmission had internal damage and needed replacement; some repairs were covered under the 60,000-mile warranty. Mostly reported between about 38,000 and 84,000 miles, often at highway or moderate speeds.

   3 related service bulletins

   What to check: Test drive at highway speed and note any slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts; check the transmission fluid level and color. Ask whether the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “2002 Dodge Intrepid. 2.7l motor, with a 42le automatic transmission. With only 84000 miles on the odometer, and being driven quite moderately by my wife, this transmission failed, costing me $1714.00 in repairs. This was my first, and only chrysler vehicle purchase. I have had ford and GM products that have gone well over 100000 with never a transmission problem.”

   NHTSA complaint #10196592, filed 2007-07, 84,153 miles

   “We have had so many problems with our Dodge Intrepid leading up to the failure of the engine. First, the engine starting stalling, we would have to restart the car and it wouldn't shift from one gear to another. Then there was a leak in the coolant pipe so we had to replace that. My boyfriend then drove the car for few hours straight to go visit his family. He couldn't get the car started to come home. Finally he got it started and started driving home. It died on the way home and hasn't been running since. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10205709, filed 2007-10, 112,000 miles
4. 4
   Brakes

   Warped brake rotors and repeat brake work

   • 17 complaints (5%)
   • median 28,806 mi at 2.4 yrs old (14 state mileage)
   • filed 2002–2008

   Owners, including operators of police-package cars, report rotors warping or wearing out at low mileage and needing repeated replacement or resurfacing. Some describe vibration or pedal pulsation; in one complaint a shop told the owner nothing was wrong despite continued noise. Repeat brake service within a short span is a common theme. Reported at very low mileage in several cases, from a few thousand up to about 61,000 miles, often on vehicles used for patrol or frequent stop-and-go duty.

   What to check: Drive and brake firmly from moderate speed to feel for pedal pulsation or vibration, and ask how recently the rotors and pads were replaced. Inspect rotor surfaces for grooving or blue heat spots.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “2002 Intrepid police cruisers experiencing brake failure including warped rotors at low mileage. We've had two (out of 7 vehicles) with the problem already. Staunton va police issued bulletin 5/15 to their forces. D/c is denying any problems. Please keep this anonymous - they are a significant customer of our company.”

   NHTSA complaint #10018968, filed 2003-05, 17,900 miles

   “Had to replace front brakes 5 times over the course of 4 1/2 years. Also had rotors turned and replaced 4 times. The last set of rotors were warped within 6 months. They were drilled and slotted rotors to help heat escape, but were soon destroyed. I now have 61,000 miles on my car. I used an independent shop to replace my brakes. On my last check-up at the dealership, I asked the serviceman to check my brakes. The new set have been squealing. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10202789, filed 2007-09, 10,000 miles
5. 5
   Air bags

   Airbag warning light and non-deployment

   Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

   Owners report the airbag warning light staying on while parked, with a dealer advising the airbag module needed replacement. One complaint describes a collision in which the airbag did not deploy even though the driver was belted. Reported from about 75,000 to roughly 110,000 miles.

   What to check: Check that the airbag warning light comes on briefly at startup and then goes out; if it stays lit, have the system scanned before purchase or driving.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I purchased a 2002 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 liter engine from honda cars of mckinney in may of 2005 for $7000 and felt very happy about my purchase until a about a year and half later, the engine begin leaking oil. I followed the normal maintenance schedule and had the oil changed every 3000 miles. I took my Dodge to allen samuels of fort worth, texas and they fixed my oil leak problem for $893 but was never told about the 2.7 engine design problems which cause major oil sludge problems. After about 2 months, the engine light came on again. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10226417, filed 2008-05, 95,000 miles

   “The car hit a patch of black ice and car slid into another vehicle going 55 MPH on the highway. Driver was wearing a seatbelt at time of accident and the airbag never deployed. Driver had facial injuries and elbow went through windshield. Very fortunate that was all.”

   NHTSA complaint #10660287, filed 2014-11, 97,000 miles

Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection focused on the engine — oil condition, coolant leaks, oil pressure light history and service records — matters most on this model year, given the volume of engine-related complaints. Also test the transmission at highway speed and check the brakes and airbag warning light, since repeat repairs in those areas are documented in the complaints.

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.