1998 Dodge Intrepid
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Intrepid › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Dodge Intrepid. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1998 Dodge Intrepid. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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 placed in the park position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Either circumstance may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. owner notification began on june 14, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
On certain passenger vehicles, seat back recliner bolt breakage can occur resulting in the seat back reclining unexpectedly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the seat back unexpectedly reclines while the car IS being driven, it could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the recliner bolts. owner notification began on april 23, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicle. some passenger air bag module assemblies are missing some required components.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the air bags would not deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury to the passenger seat occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag module in these vehicles.
Owner complaints
377 complaints30 involved a crash12 involved a fire25 injuries5 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, the brakes failed to respond and the pedal did not engage in order to stop the vehicle. The contact was forced to use the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle. The contact merged onto the…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, the brakes failed to respond and the pedal did not engage in order to stop the vehicle. The contact was forced to use the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle. The contact merged onto the shoulder. When the contact turned the vehicle off and back on, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 156,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. The contact stated that the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised him that the ABS sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer also advised that there were no parts available for the repair and they had been back ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Engine failure clicking noise possible valve train. Consuming large amounts of oil but no properly lubricating engine parts. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph when the engine began to smoke. The vehicle was inspected by a independent mechanic who informed her that the motor failed due to the anti-freeze and oil mixing together. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was unavailable.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. The contact stated gasoline fuel was leaking from the fuel line that connected to the fuel rail. There was also an overpowering odor of gasoline from the interior of the vehicle. The contact was advised by both the dealer and manufacturer that the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. The contact stated gasoline fuel was leaking from the fuel line that connected to the fuel rail. There was also an overpowering odor of gasoline from the interior of the vehicle. The contact was advised by both the dealer and manufacturer that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was neither repaired nor diagnosed for the failure. The failure mileage was 76,945 and the current mileage was 76,985.
- Engine and engine cooling
In 2007 I bought a 1998 dodge intrepid 2.7 l engine....nonetheless the engine blew. the car had regular oil changes and maintenance. it gave no warning that there were any signs of engine trouble. I paid $6995 for the car, it had 67,000 miles on it.....2yrs later at 87,000 it died....leaving me to pay the rest of the loan of $2200 on a car that just sits in the driveway!!! *Tr
- Steering
Power steering feels like there IS no power steering ,no power steering leaks belts ok and no noise under hood. *Tr
- Steering
Severe steering problems. Wheel locks when turned completely to right or left. Wanders on dry pavement, almost impossible to drive in wet weather. Have been told to replace steering rack and inner tie rods. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I bought a dodge intrepid in april 08. It had 53,000 miles, in great condition and spotless carfax. The car started making problems at 57000 miles. It overheated, so we got the radiator fixed which solved my problem for a week or so. After that week, while driving on the long island expressway my…
I bought a dodge intrepid in april 08. It had 53,000 miles, in great condition and spotless carfax. The car started making problems at 57000 miles. It overheated, so we got the radiator fixed which solved my problem for a week or so. After that week, while driving on the long island expressway my engine quit on me, and started steaming when trying to turn it back on. There was no warning of that happening whatsoever. No lights on, no engine overheating, nothing. I had to get the car towed to a mechanic, who told me the engine was broken beyond repair, and we donated the car. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
The engine in my 1998 dodge intrepid with 56K miles n it IS knocking. several mechanics have told me the engine needs to be rebuilt. it IS the 2.7 l DOHC and I have been reading numerous reports/complaints of the engine.*tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Engine problems w/sludge dodge intrepid W/2.7 engine. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. while driving between 65-70 mph, the vehicle began to jerk, rattle, make noise, and then shut off. the mechanic stated that the vehicle needed lifters. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current mileage was 100,000 and failure mileage was 50,000.
- Steering
I was driving around 40mph, came to a complete stop in order to make a right turn on to another street. Once making this right turn the vehicle's steering would not respond to the wheel being turned back to the left. This caused the vehicle to strike the curb. Once stopped the steering seemed to be…
I was driving around 40mph, came to a complete stop in order to make a right turn on to another street. Once making this right turn the vehicle's steering would not respond to the wheel being turned back to the left. This caused the vehicle to strike the curb. Once stopped the steering seemed to be corrected but this has happened at least two more times. The inner and outer tire rods have been replaced along with the struts and have had multiple alignments none of which have fixed the problem. Now the problem has been diagnosed as the rack and pinion. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine was running hot towed into repair shop said that the valves were burnt and block was cracked. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The car starting smoking and then check engine light came on...cant find anything wrong with it...check engine light still on and still smoking lots. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have a 98 dodge intrepid with a 2.7L engine. I bought car in july 06, came with 90 day warranty. Had it to dealer within a month of purchase for "ticking" noise. Was told was "normal lifter noise". Two weeks ago, engine blew. Timing chain broke, damaging lifters, pistons, etc. Need new engine at…
I have a 98 dodge intrepid with a 2.7L engine. I bought car in july 06, came with 90 day warranty. Had it to dealer within a month of purchase for "ticking" noise. Was told was "normal lifter noise". Two weeks ago, engine blew. Timing chain broke, damaging lifters, pistons, etc. Need new engine at cost of merely $6,000. Or used at $4,000. Still owe $4,600 on car. I feel totally ripped off! I am paying for a junk car that I can't even drive. Lost one job because of no transportation, and may soon lose second job for same reason. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I was on vacation for the weekend in canada, on the way back, and all of a sudden heard a loud knocking sound. I pulled over immediately into a hotel parking lot, and the knock was so loud, it sounded like it was going to explode. It IS once again a 1998 dodge intrepid 2.7 liter engine, that has…
I was on vacation for the weekend in canada, on the way back, and all of a sudden heard a loud knocking sound. I pulled over immediately into a hotel parking lot, and the knock was so loud, it sounded like it was going to explode. It IS once again a 1998 dodge intrepid 2.7 liter engine, that has gone bad. I have owned it since 2001, and have changed the oil every 3000 miles with synthetic oil. I even had the timing chain and tensioners changed january 2007, because I heard these go bad and ruin the engine. I am a former mechanic, who really takes care of my vehicles. Every mechanic told me in 2001 that these engines are junk, and not to buy it, but I didn't listen to them. Now the car sits in my driveway, and I still owe money on it. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I bought this car used with about 100,000 miles for $2,000. It's a beautiful car in and out for the price great condition! I've noticed that when I start if up to let if warm, it war extremely loud, but I didn't think it was a big deal since it's cold out and it needed to warm. Tonight I was…
I bought this car used with about 100,000 miles for $2,000. It's a beautiful car in and out for the price great condition! I've noticed that when I start if up to let if warm, it war extremely loud, but I didn't think it was a big deal since it's cold out and it needed to warm. Tonight I was driving on a busy highway when I stopped at a red light and when it went silent, and stalled in the middle of a !@#$% highway at a red light too. No lights came on to indicate a problem. I finally got it started after a few minutes of harassing drivers and got it to a parking lot when it stalled again right when I pulled in. Started it again and parked it. Checked the oil and it was bone dry. I bought and put plenty of oil in it let it run drove a little and it worked great. Drove home when it happened again. Its now sitting in town until I have it towed tomorrow. Nice car inside and out!!!! Dangerously shotty american motor. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Very loud knocking from the engine occurred then the engine died lifters were replaced because they were collapsed and knocking still occurs and mechanic IS now checking into the timing chain. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine keeps turning off , oil light keeps flickering when stop. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. while driving 30 mph, the engine failed. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the engine needed to be replaced. the vehicle currently remains at the dealer. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 62,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
I own a 1998 dodge intrepid, it has 128,000 miles on it...oil has been changed every 3,000 miles....i was sitting at a stop light when the engine shut off...it was towed to the dealership where I was told that I needed a new engine...my husband IS a auto mechanic, so I had the car towed to my house…
I own a 1998 dodge intrepid, it has 128,000 miles on it...oil has been changed every 3,000 miles....i was sitting at a stop light when the engine shut off...it was towed to the dealership where I was told that I needed a new engine...my husband IS a auto mechanic, so I had the car towed to my house where my husband checked it out and told me that the timing chain went out, which had bent the intake valves...upon inspection of the block he noticed a defect in the block...the oil return holes are to small and become clogged, which in turn causes engine failure....and engine failure can cause accidents, if it fails at the wrong time and place. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Complete engine failure due to oil sludge build up. Mechanic stated that this was a common problem with the 2.7L engines due to a design flaw. My wife was driving the car when failure occurred, had it been at highway speeds a serious crash could of occurred. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. while driving 55 mph the contact smelled gas and saw smoke exiting from the exhaust pipe. he took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the cap on top of the spark plug detached from the head. when the mechanic removed the spark plug the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. while driving 55 mph the contact smelled gas and saw smoke exiting from the exhaust pipe. he took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the cap on top of the spark plug detached from the head. when the mechanic removed the spark plug the spring became lodged inside of the engine. the spark plug could not be placed inside the head again because it was stripped out. the current and failure mileages were 170,000.*ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge intrepid. while driving 60 mph,the vehicle began to hesitate and the check engine indicator illuminated. the power steering became inoperable and eventually shut off. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic, and was awaiting a diagnosis. the current and failure mileage were 68,000.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Auto trans ignition-park interlock
The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler?s (dc) analysis of model year (my) 1998 (population = 356,384) and 1999 (population = 486,948) ja, JX and lh family subject vehicle data (earlier mys excluded).the population number includes all mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports…
The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler?s (dc) analysis of model year (my) 1998 (population = 356,384) and 1999 (population = 486,948) ja, JX and lh family subject vehicle data (earlier mys excluded).the population number includes all mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports cannot be determined due to missing or incomplete information.the fatality incident involved an elderly person who attempted to stop a roll away vehicle and received fatal injuries.odi also gathered information on my 1997-99 prowler vehicles in this investigation. The prowler vehicles were manufactured with a different design shifter mechanism (the shift lever IS shorter).there are no complaints of prowler interlock failure in odi?s database, and dc has received no reports either.the prowler IS excluded from the recall scope.the investigation involved a condition where the interlock system could fail (or be made inoperative by the operator) during vehicle use, possibly inadvertently.the interlock system IS required under fmvss 114.with the transmission in the park position and the ignition key off, the combined action of pressing the shift button and pulling the shift lever rearward may result in the operator overcoming the interlock system and cause the mechanical linkage of the system to disconnect.when this occurs, there IS no overt indication to an operator that the system IS defeated, and an increased risk of vehicle roll-away exists.under recall 04v021, dc will replace damaged shift mechanisms, and will install on all vehicles a device which inhibits the operator?s ability to overcome the interlock and defeat the system.beginning with my 2000, dc incorporated a brake and transmission shifter interlock (btsi) system into the subject vehicles.introduction of btsi involved design changes to the shift mechanism, one of which resulted in reduced mechanical advantage (rma) of the shift button.the rma shifter requires increased forces to overcome the interlock system, making the shifter less susceptible to damage.
- Throttle control failure
Based on the low failure rate, the absence of failures over the past year, the absence of injuries, and odi's field investigation of incident vehicles, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a…
Based on the low failure rate, the absence of failures over the past year, the absence of injuries, and odi's field investigation of incident vehicles, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See attached report for additional information.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10223854Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 Nm [21 ft. lbs.].
- 10221686KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use 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.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging 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 reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use 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.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10150552Child 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 following list that are marked **** for the model year are no longer supported with OEM retrofit kits. NOTE: Dealers are encouraged to honor any customers? request for the installation of the Child Seat Tether Anchors and Dealer reimbursement will be made by FCA US LLC regardless of vehicle age or mileage. See the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual and/or Warranty Bulletin D-08-33 for reimbursement detail.
- 10009729Air conditioner and heater performance.
- 10007922Interior front door handle/bezel replacement.
- 10006129Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination, diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0442, p0455, or p0456 - leak detection pump (ldp), leak detected. This bulletin supersedes 25-001-02 dated feb 11, 2002.
- 10005587Short duration cold engine start-up ticking like sound. This bulletin applies to vehicles built prior to march 31, 2003.
- 10005297Short duration cold engine start-up ticking like sound.
- 10002403Sag or rattle at rear of headliner.
- 10002279Engine stumble and/or misfire - malfunction indicator lamp illumination.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6092235Experiencing loose feel or clunk in the steering wheel as the wheel IS moved from side to side.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089717Discussion stating that currently, window motors are being serviced separately from the window regulator.
- 6089391Some vehicles may exhibit a short cyclical noise as the hvac unit temperature door cycles against the stop when operating only in full cold position or full hot position.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089134This bulletin involves hvac unit temperature door cyclical tapping noise. *Nlm
- 6089132Information on erroneous dtc 45 "a/c control blend door input open or shorted to ground. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088858Information on gasket surface preparation on aluminum engine components. *Nlm
- 6088849Information on erroneous dtc wiper" on/off relay open or shorted low"
- 6088841Information on instrument cluster service. *Nlm
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 635687Concerns with malfunction indicator lamp illumination with a catalyst efficiency failure diagnostic trouble code (dtc p0420) recorded in the power train control module (pcm).
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634082Chrome wheel care. *Slc
- 634077Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 629133Subject regarding low or no cabin head, engine cooling system system fill procedure.
- 625650Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement.
- 623243Subject pertaining to a/c heater performance.*slc
- 623210Some vehicles may have a power seat adjuster loose fore/aft.*slc
Every Dodge Intrepid model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.