Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||||
| 070397 | 05/09/1997 | 07-05-93 | 6088786 | Concerns with engine coolant usage. *nlm | 01/07/2000 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 0700202 | 02/04/2002 | 070200 | 629133 | Subject regarding low or no cabin head, engine cooling system system fill procedure. *tt | 03/27/2002 |
| 070200 | 06/16/2000 | 614154 | Some vehicles may exhibit engine overheating and / or coolant bottle failures after service has been performed on the engine cooling system. *tt | 09/29/2000 | |
| 091097 | 02/06/1998 | 6088861 | Concerns with rusty engine oil level indiacator tube. *nlm | 01/11/2000 | |
| 070397 | 05/09/1997 | 52963 | Various car owner's have expressed interest in using engine coolants made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. *yc | 11/13/1997 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 180100 | 02/04/2000 | 609988 | Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456. *tt | 04/12/2000 | |
| 182497 | 08/08/1997 | 6088926 | Information on no start diagnostic cam/crank sensor $01 and $28. *nlm | 01/11/2000 | |
| 980206091097 | 05/18/1998 | 600489 | Symptoms with engine oil level indicator tube. *yc | 05/18/1998 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 090997 | 12/19/1997 | 6088858 | Information on gasket surface preparation on aluminum engine components. *nlm | 01/10/2000 | |
| 090599 | 09/24/1999 | 607912 | Customers may complain that the engine oil level indicator (dip stick) handle may be broken or cracked. *tt | 10/18/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||||
| 250298 | 10/23/1998 | 602881 | Subject regarding i/m ( inspection maintenance ) testing - obd ii carb readiness monitor information. *yc | 01/20/1999 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | |||
| 07/14/2012 | 169000 | 1 | |
| I bought the car for 1500$ the inspection ran out at the end of that month, inspection was completed as a lickem stickem the car 2 weeks later was determined by an outside mechanic unsafe to drive and hazardous to public safety, car was left at place of purchase for two (2) weeks in which time nothing was done to correct the issue car remains unsafe to drive and not running. *tr | |||
| 07/14/2012 | 169000 | ||
| I bought the car for 1500$ the inspection ran out at the end of that month, inspection was completed as a lickem stickem the car 2 weeks later was determaned by an outside mechanic unsafe to drive and hazardous to public safety, car was left at place of purchase for two (2) weeks in which time nothing was done to correct the issue car remains unsafe to drive and not running | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 03/16/2008 | 11 | 2 | 02/20/2007 |
| 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. when i > tried to park, the wheel would not respond, so i had > to force the wheel to turn and still did not work. > i'm now trapped in the parking lot because i'm not > sure that i'm safe on the road. > > i'm located in southfield, mi and in 8 weeks, i need > to drive back to indianapolis, in (approximately 312 > miles, 7-9 hours). incident two i was 4 miles away from school and noticed that i had steering problems. as i was forcing the wheel to corporate a truck was to my right and i could not control the car as the car jerked to the right. causing me to hit the trunk from my front right to the passenger tire. now my engine is having several problems that deal with one of the cylinders not responding after the incident. the car shakes violently if idled for seconds and moving sometimes. when this happened, my steering still didn't work so could not move the car without help and my car blocked several cars. i have spent over $1400 in keeping the engine from collapsing to the ground after the incident, a part that keeps the car from flipping over when turning. i still continue to have problems with the steering wheel. *tr | |||
| 02/21/2005 | 37500 | 2 | 02/21/2005 |
| Vehicle experienced intermittent problem with engine stalling. vehicle would restart within a few minutes. vehicle was taken to dealer, who replaced an engine sensor, but the problem recurred. *ak | |||
| 10/21/2004 | 110000 | 1 | |
| 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. *jb | |||
| 03/05/2004 | 73000 | 3 | |
| When driving over 30 mph vehicle stalled. consumer managed to restart the vehicle on two occasion, but had the vehicle towed the third time. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak | |||
| 01/16/2004 | 87000 | 1 | 02/01/2003 |
| 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.*ak | |||
| 08/18/2003 | 0 | 3 | 02/13/2003 |
| Vehicle over-heated took to my mechanic. flushed system, changed thermostat and checked water pump. vehicle still overheats mechanic then advised me of head gasket problems. *jb | |||
| 04/14/2003 | 61500 | 6 | 01/04/2001 |
| Engine light came on repeatedly and engine caught fire. the fire had come from the rear hood area. the dealer stated that the fire started from the #5 fuel injector/wiring harness/fuel rail. the vehicle also lost braking power and revved during the incident. there was an oil leak prior to the incident where the rocker arm cover was replaced, the power steering was noisy, leaked, and was replaced, and the bleeder screw was broken and the thermostat housing was replaced. *scc *nlm | |||
| 2 | 01/28/1998 | ||
| While driving, steering locked. could not turn wheel left or right. took to mechanic to change rack and pinion. dealer contacted. *ak a worn belt was replaced but did not remedy stalling problem, now radiator leaks. consumer states that when replacing the air filter, the plastic case that holds the screws instantly breaks. dealer stated vehicle had a recent front end alignment, however the tires wore in 8000-10000 miles. *tt | |||
| 01/15/1999 | 5 | 07/01/1997 | |
| The problem with the coolant system is related to the water pump, specifically the o ring seal. my vehicle has overheated on 5 different occasions. each time, i pulled to the side of the road as soon as i noticed the temp needle in the red or the idiot light illuminating. once cooled down, i refilled the coolant resevoir and went along my way. each time, i verified operation of the thermostat and the condition of the hoses. it's finally been narrowed to a bad o ring seal. i am very concerned about latent heat damage internal to the engine. the window seal problem is very irritating. the wind noise at speeds above 50 mph is obnoxious. i've had it checked, but nothing was ever done under the warranty (to my knowledge). the window lock problem was due to a dislocated spring lock. i repaired it myself by repositioning the spring and reinstalling the assembly. finally, the weather seal problem is worrisome to say the least. there is a musty smell indiciative of a water leak within the vehicle. i have not found it yet and i am very concerned about mold/mildew/rust damage to the entry and pooling sites. please advise me as to any recalls/service bulletins that apply to these problems. thanks. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 10/28/2003 | 63000 | 3 | 09/20/1996 |
| 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. *la | |||
| 06/15/2000 | 51000 | 2 | 04/01/1998 |
| After replacing 2 water pumps, the coolant bottle is leaking. i have to pay for the repair. *nlm **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734294 | |||
| 06/15/2000 | 2 | 04/01/2098 | |
| After replacing 2 water pumps, the coolant bottle is leaking, i have to pay for the repair | |||
| 12/08/1999 | 1 | ||
| Water pump leaking causing t-belt to jump tooth. nlm | |||
| 12/12/1996 | 07/04/1996 | ||
| Vehicle experienced the following problems: tie rod end replaced, brakes pulled to left, transmission and shocks replaced three occassions, windows won't stay up, steering wheel crooked, reservoir cap replaced twice, brake rotors out of round, rack and pinion replaced twice, fuel gauge replaced, driver window fixed 3 times, tires replaced 3 times in 4 years, child safety seat belt won't adjust and needs replacement. *ak *ml | |||
| 01/11/2000 | 05/01/1999 | ||
| Water pump locked up, causing timing belt to break, causing instant engine fairure. this left me in the middle of a very busy highway at risk of collision. the police had to block the lane i was in until a tow truck could remove the car. it is my understanding the water pump p/n has been superceded because of high failure rates.*ak | |||
| 01/15/1999 | 5 | 07/01/1997 | |
| The problem with the coolant system is related to the water pump, specifically the o ring seal. my vehicle has overheated on 5 different occasions. each time, i pulled to the side of the road as soon as i noticed the temp needle in the red or the idiot light illuminating. once cooled down, i refilled the coolant resevoir and went along my way. each time, i verified operation of the thermostat and the condition of the hoses. it's finally been narrowed to a bad o ring seal. i am very concerned about latent heat damage internal to the engine. the window seal problem is very irritating. the wind noise at speeds above 50 mph is obnoxious. i've had it checked, but nothing was ever done under the warranty (to my knowledge). the window lock problem was due to a dislocated spring lock. i repaired it myself by repositioning the spring and reinstalling the assembly. finally, the weather seal problem is worrisome to say the least. there is a musty smell indiciative of a water leak within the vehicle. i have not found it yet and i am very concerned about mold/mildew/rust damage to the entry and pooling sites. please advise me as to any recalls/service bulletins that apply to these problems. thanks. | |||
| 11/02/1998 | 2 | 11/01/1996 | |
| N0 summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak | |||
| 09/22/1997 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| Have had repeated problems with this car since purchase 2 years ago. water pump has been replaced at least 3 times. check engine light keeps coming on, unable to determine cause. rough idling since water pump #2 - unable to determine cause. power steering failure. numerous minor problems with interior/exterior that do not seem to stay fixed for any length of time. (we consider this car a lemon!!!!) | |||
| 1 | 05/01/1997 | ||
| Water pump failed. | |||
| 10/15/1998 | 3 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Every two months the car overheats. we have brought it to two different mechanics and they can't seem to find the problem. have replaced thermostats and sensor to no avail. | |||
| 10/17/1997 | 1 | 01/07/1997 | |
| Water pump failed. | |||
| 10/17/1997 | 1 | 01/07/1997 | |
| Power steering pump failed. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||
| 10/27/2000 | |||
| Was driving vehicle when it started to lose power for no reason. it failed to go over 30mph. took it to a private mechanic & was informed a drum broke off in transmission. part holding drum had sheared off. transmission needed complete overhaul. also, had rear tie rods replaced/thermostat was replaced twice for overheating, and 02 sensors replaced twice due to engine check light coming on.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 10/05/2006 | 101000 | 1 | 02/05/2003 |
| 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.*jb | |||
| 06/17/2004 | 53520 | 1 | 03/15/1997 |
| Vehicle caught on fire while driving. vehicle was serviced regularly, and this incident occured only two weeks after the last service date.*ak *jb | |||
| 04/17/2004 | 40000 | 1 | 12/01/2004 |
| Engine failure to my dodge intrepid 3 months after driving it off the lot. *ak | |||
| 60000 | 3 | ||
| Without warning vehicle stalled while driving. *ak | |||
| 06/04/2003 | 1 | ||
| While traveling on the highway and without prior warning vehicle is leaking oil from underneath the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 11/25/2001 | 0 | ||
| Engine check light kept coming on, although automobile was being taken to the shop. but after taking it to the shop, she was told that cylinder was misfiring. then, was told after engine light came back on again, and cylinder was burned out.*ak | |||
| 12/02/2001 | 3 | 12/01/1996 | |
| Engine needs new valves/cylinder heads. *ak | |||
| 11/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| Vehicle had a serious oil leak. dealership wasaware of problem.*ak | |||
| 01/29/2001 | |||
| While driving about 40mph engine shut down for no apparent reason. had vehicle towed to dealership, and mechanic indicated to owner that push rod inside engine broke. engine was repairable. *ak | |||
| 01/20/2001 | 1 | 09/01/1997 | |
| Owner noticed an odor, and upon visual inspection anti freeze on engine. *ak the caue was found to be head gasket failure. *yh | |||
| 11/01/1999 | 3 | ||
| Valve cover gasket leaks oil onto engine compartment which may cause a fire. dealer had to replace valve cover gasket 3 times. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 01/11/2000 | 05/01/1999 | ||
| Water pump locked up, causing timing belt to break, causing instant engine fairure. this left me in the middle of a very busy highway at risk of collision. the police had to block the lane i was in until a tow truck could remove the car. it is my understanding the water pump p/n has been superceded because of high failure rates.*ak | |||
| 02/11/2000 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| Rust on oil level dipstick. handle broken off oil level dipstick due to heat. metallic scraping noise from left from of vehicle. clunking from left front when wheels turned to right and driving in reverse. steering column moves up and down contacting the dash over bumps. car taken to dealer for all issues except dipstick tube. none of the problems were corrected. charged $300 for sway bar end links and power steering pump. new power steering pump still noisy after driving 500 miles as directed by dealer. *ak | |||
| 06/11/1999 | |||
| Engine lifters needed to be repaired. would make loud ticking noise when it's suppose to go up & down. took to dealer & informed by mechanic no noise was heard, but would repair the lifters. owner picked vehicle up & it started leaking fuel in middle of road & made puffing sounds & finally stalled out. towed vehicle back to dealer. the brakes were replaced after being hard to apply. have squeaking noise in back of vehicle. the ticking noise came back. *ak | |||
| Coming to complete stop vehicle will stall unexpectaedly, causing a safety hazard. dealer has replaced timing belt, but defect still occurs. dealer has vehicle for 5 weeks, and cannot determine cause of defect. *ak | |||
| When coming to complete stop or driving speeds less than 20 mph vehicle will stall without warning, causing safety hazard. timing belt has been replaced, but defect is still occurring. dealer cannot determine defect, and has had vehicle for over 5 months. *ak | |||
| 04/11/1999 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| Took car in for routine oil change, when service tech attempted to remove the dipstick to check oil level, the yellow plastic top broke off, prohibiting removal. had to go to a local chrysler dealership to purchase new dipstick and have broken one removed. on the second entry, the trunk lid did not stay open, and hit person(s) placing items in or removing items from trunk. and on the third entry, there is a constant film on the windshield which severely limits clear vision and also causes extreme glare, especially during night driving. *ak | |||
| 1 | 05/01/1997 | ||
| O-rings failed. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 08/22/2002 | 09/01/2096 | ||
| I think this should have been a recall .motor could have fell out of car.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2000 | |||
| Left bank sensor has gone out.consumer noticed that engine check light was coming on. dealership told consumer about sensor, consumer has had sensor replaced once before.*ak | |||
| 04/24/2002 | 1 | 04/01/2002 | |
| Other 1997 intrepids had recalls on this part #04663601ab, but my particular vehicle does not have a recall yet the same part on my vehicle has also cracked & broken off. no safety defect mentioned. *ak | |||
| When starting the ignition or driving the vehicle, it idles very high. which makes it hard to stop the vehicle. the idling becomes erratic at times. please provide any further information. nlm | |||
| 10/03/1999 | |||
| The vehicle had a recall done for the fuel systems leakage. (#98v184000) the motor had ran hot. vehicle had worked fine prior to the repairs. will be taking vehicle back to dealer. | |||
| 03/18/1998 | 7 | ||
| Engine stats and then dies, and it takes about six to eight times before it will run at all. then it stalls again. *ak | |||
| Coming to complete stop vehicle will stall unexpectaedly, causing a safety hazard. dealer has replaced timing belt, but defect still occurs. dealer has vehicle for 5 weeks, and cannot determine cause of defect. *ak | |||
| When coming to complete stop or driving speeds less than 20 mph vehicle will stall without warning, causing safety hazard. timing belt has been replaced, but defect is still occurring. dealer cannot determine defect, and has had vehicle for over 5 months. *ak | |||
| 06/18/1999 | 1 | 12/01/1998 | |
| I took my car in to have it serviced and have the check engine light looked at for the second time. i picked up the car and the service tech told me the check engine light was coming on because of a loose spark plug wire on cylinder 2, again. that was the reason they gave me the first time also. the oil had been changed and the fluid levels checked at this time. i drove the car approx. 30 miles over the week-end. sunday 7/18/99, while setting in a mcdonalds drive thru line i noticed my car, i thought it was smoking, it was probably steaming. i pulled over to a parking place and shut the car off. i left it set for 3-4 hours. this was the first indication of overheating that i had ever had. the temp. indicator light did not come on until the car pouring steam from under the hood. drove it home and it was getting hot in that short distance. took it to the repair shop on monday 7/19/99 and it remains today 8/12/99. the heads on this vehicle were warped. tried milling them to 8 this is the max recommended by the company, it did not work. tried to get used heads, found 2 different sets, and both pairs were warped and the service tech would not install them. order refurbished heads and those are being installed today. i had this car serviced regularly and there was no indication of fluid leaking. i believe there is a problem with this type of overhead cam and the aluminum heads. i also noticed on nhtsa consumer site there were alot of complaints about water pumps going out on this year of intrepid. my vehicle had a water pump replaced in oct of 1998, and it has also been replaced as a result of this incident. it is not even 12 months old yet. i am sure there is a connection to this incident, and since the water pump is under warranty i feel the extreme damage is cause by the make up of the vehicle itself. i also feel mislead by the rave reviews this vehicle is receiving in the media. thanks for your time. | |||
| 02/02/1999 | |||
| Car caught on fire. *ak | |||
| 7 | 01/03/1997 | ||
| Vehicle continually stalling, seven repair attempts however continues to stall. mjs | |||
| 1 | 03/19/1998 | ||
| Whining noise heard from engine compartment. mjs | |||
| 1 | 01/03/1997 | ||
| In cold weather the vehicle starts and constantly stalls without warning cause unknown. *ak the vehicle failed to start several times. the dealer tried to fix the problem but the problem reoccured. transmission fluid and power steering fluid leaks. the consumer believes the vehicle was lemon. *yh | |||
| 02/01/1998 | |||
| O ring recall for dodge intrepid 1993-1997 | |||
| 08/14/1998 | |||
| While driving vehicle intermittently shuts down and will not restart. vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on 6 occasions, and problem has not been resolved. dealer/mfr. notified. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1998 | |||
| While driving at 40 mph vehicle is stalling, and driver can hear some rubbing noise. vehicle will cut off while driving. also, consumer is having problems with the tie rods. *ak | |||
| Suddenly vehicle stops running with no warning. regional engineers have not been able to determine a cause. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 09/06/1999 | |||
| While traveling 35mph belt tensioner fell out of the engine. vehicle stopped running. was towed to mechanic. informed consumer the bolts holding tensioner to engine had fallen out. this caused the tensioner to fall off. would need to replace the 2 bolts. *ak | |||
| 1 | 03/19/1998 | ||
| Alternator belt cracked. mjs | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 05/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| In october the driver and rear catalytic converters became clogged in turn heating up the transaxle and causing unrepairable defects. in december, i began smelling gas fumes and checked under the hood, i noticed that there was a leak from the top of the fuel injector rail in the passenger rear of the engine. water pump was replaced in may 2002 and again in december 2002. in december a pulley and piston were also replaced | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| 10/27/2000 | |||
| Was driving vehicle when it started to lose power for no reason. it failed to go over 30mph. took it to a private mechanic & was informed a drum broke off in transmission. part holding drum had sheared off. transmission needed complete overhaul. also, had rear tie rods replaced/thermostat was replaced twice for overheating, and 02 sensors replaced twice due to engine check light coming on.*ak | |||
| 11/17/1998 | 1 | 03/19/1998 | |
| Oxygen sensor failed causing engine light to illuminate. mjs | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 2 | 01/28/1998 | ||
| While driving, steering locked. could not turn wheel left or right. took to mechanic to change rack and pinion. dealer contacted. *ak a worn belt was replaced but did not remedy stalling problem, now radiator leaks. consumer states that when replacing the air filter, the plastic case that holds the screws instantly breaks. dealer stated vehicle had a recent front end alignment, however the tires wore in 8000-10000 miles. *tt | |||
| 03/18/1998 | 1 | ||
| Muffler developed a hole. nlm | |||