1999 Dodge Intrepid SE 2.7

Summary:

Good car, but can be very problematic

Faults:

Timing tensioner replaced for the first time at 38,000 miles.

Timing tensioner replaced for a second time a week later.

Air conditioner evaporator replaced at 38,000 miles, also.

Number 3 cylinder coil replaced at 59,000 miles.

Primary coolant hose connector replaced a 59,000 miles, also.

As of 7-17-04 car is in shop for unknown problem. Car stalls at idle speed then loses power. Later, car won't start. Fuse to ignition coil keeps blowing, problem being investigated.

General Comments:

This is a very comfortable car that drives well.

However it is very, very problematic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th July, 2004

1999 Dodge Intrepid 2.7

Summary:

Piece of junk

Faults:

The first problem I had with the car was the interior lights keep blinking on and off. The dealer could not find anything wrong with it.

Then the tie rod ends went bad cost $400 to fix.

The shifting cable broke, another $300.00

Then the engine started making noise, took it to the dealer and they did a reverse flush, said the noise is caused by sludge build up on the engine. I change my oil every three thousand miles. The mechanic said it was a defect with the engine. The dealer told me I needed a new engine, $6000.00. I am still driving with the noise could not afford a new engine.

Then the cooling fans went out. I found a company out of California that sold me the complete housing with both motors for $169.

My front head lights are clouding up. This is a poor design plastic and the Florida sun do not go good together, they want $179.00 a piece to replace not including labor.

Now my car stalls at stop lights and idles rough after about 20 minutes. of driving.

Also the front brakes have been replaced three times in two years.

General Comments:

This car is a money pit. Dodge knows it has problems with this car, but refuses to do any thing about it. From the outside this car looks wonderful, don't let the looks fool you. If any one is interested there is an attorney in Ohio that is putting together a class action lawsuit. He has had thousands of calls with people with the same complaints. He is looking for help from other victims or attorneys that want to help. This is going to be a big recall. The lawyers name is David Roloff, Attorney At Law 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 1550 Cleveland, OH 44115-1817 Phone # (216) 781-1700 or (800) 321-9199 E-mail droloff@shaperoroloff.com.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2004

15th Jul 2004, 20:49

I've heard the 'interior lights blink on and off sometimes" a lot. I have a 1999 Intrepid that does this from time to time too. It took me a long time to figure out what was happening. Next time it happens, reach over to the interior dimming wheel and see if it has jumped over the detent from 'auto' to the dimming section. It's been the cause every time I've checked it.

1999 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.2

Summary:

Timing Belt - What to do

Faults:

Hey.

I recently bought a Dodge Intrepid ES 1999 (3.2 L engine). The car has 60,500 miles and a mechanic at a local dealer ship told me that I should change the timing belt plus the water pump (at a total cost of $1,000). My car runs good, the engine doesn't make any noise I'd say it is perfect. The only thing I'd say that in comparing to my previous Toyota Camry 3.0 V6 (136,000 miles when sold) the Dodge lacks power and accelerate not as fast as the Toyota. My question is about the timing belt. When should I change the timing belt?

I'd appreciate any input about this car. My e-mail: Kusmarr@aol.com Thank you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th July, 2004

12th Jul 2004, 14:57

If you have an actual metal timing chain, then I would let it go. But if it's a belt, you should do what the mechanic says. Those belts are fiberglass, and they are prone (designed) to break. If the belt pops, then it's going to cost you more than a $1,000 to fix the motor. They usually tell you to change the belts from 50-75,000 miles. Some never pop, but you don't want to be the statistic.