1996 Dodge Intrepid Std 3.5L from North America

Summary:

A high performance, high maintenance car

Faults:

I have replaced the water pump 4 times. The last time the pump froze up and broke the timing belt.

The tramsmission has locked up twice (at 31,000 and 64,000 miles) and was replaced both times.

Both inner tie rods were replaced at 75,000 miles.

Front right brake rotor was replaced (cracked).

I have had both heads replaced.

Had a issue with the "check engine" light staying on. Computer was replaced to fix the problem.

I now have a bad rod-bearing which will require the engine to be replaced.

General Comments:

Great looking car.

The Chrysler extended warranty covered all items listed above except the last item. Rod-bearing started knocking one month after the extended warranty expired.

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

Review Date: 14th September, 2001

1996 Dodge Intrepid 3.5L from North America

Summary:

Stay away from Chrysler products

Faults:

Water pump blew after 1 1/2 years.

Rack & pinion steering.

Oil leak in the spark plug tubes.

A/C stopped working.

Rear sway bar linkage replaced.

Dashboard speakers blown.

C-pillar plastic moulding cracked (both sides).

Power steering box is leaking.

General Comments:

I own a 1996 Dodge Intrepid that I purchased new in 1996. I am the original owner and only have 35,000 miles on the vehicle. I have a family of 5 and do not "beat" on the car, I treat it as if I will own it forever.

After 1 1/2 years (1998) the water pump went bad and had to be replaced.

Last year, the rack & pinion steering had to be replaced, which my Dodge dealership miss diagnosed. They said I needed front end repairs, where as my own mechanic found it to be the rack & pinion steering, which is fairly common to this vehicle (and the Eagle Vision & Chrysler Concorde).

Two months ago, my air conditioning went and I discovered an oil leak in the 3 spark plug tubes. When I called Chrysler, they were aware of the problem, but could do nothing for me, not warranted.

I would never waste my money on another Chrysler product, would not even take it if you gave it to me. STAY AWAY FROM CHRYSLER.

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

Review Date: 12th June, 2001

14th Sep 2004, 11:57

All cars have their problems, I own a new GM product and in 35,000 miles its had a U-joint, trunk lock mech.,AC compressor and one ABS wheel rotor replaced, the more complex we build them the more prone to breakage.

20th Sep 2007, 21:10

There is a tech service bulletin that indicates that the evaporator goes bad in the 1996 Intrepid. Dodge would have fixed it free if the car was less than 7 years or had less than 70,000 miles, but only if one took it into a dealer. Since this was not public knowledge, my 1996 Intrepid got a freon charge in 2002 and again in 2003 at local shops. It has lost freon again and will require another charge. Since the car is now past 7 years, Dodge won't do anything for me. They will however replace the evaporator at a cost of $1800. Dodge knew they had a problem, but effectively kept in from the public and reneged on professional and ethical obligations to their customers. How can I ever consider buying a Dodge/Chrysler car again?

1996 Dodge Intrepid 3.3 from North America

Summary:

Not a reliable auto and very high cost to maintain

Faults:

Power steering pump replaced at 70,000 due to leaks.

Front main oil seal started leaking about 85,000 miles.

Valve cover gaskets replaced at 72,000 and again at 90,000.

Steering rod bushings replaced at 75,000. Mechanic told me this was common on this model about every 40,000 miles. Cost $140.

Windshield wiper bushings worn and allow slop and slack in the wipers.

Driver door window support began cracking before 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

Car handles well. I was very pleased with my first Dodge purchase until about 50,000 miles.

I probably will not own another Dodge/Chrysler product.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th March, 2001

29th May 2001, 17:26

I take care of my intrepid and it has done very well.

4th Aug 2001, 12:48

I agree. I got rid of this piece of crap after spending thousands $$$$$$ for repairs. Topped 90K with bruises.

Overheated constantly; changed the water pump THREE times.

Replaced the tie-rod bushings after 55K; and whole rack-n-pinion after 75K. Mechanic told me the same damn thing about these cars. Transmission was also a pain that would have finally cost me $1500 to replace - so I ditched her. Chrysler-Dodge, never again.

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