1996 Dodge Intrepid Problems

ON 15MAR12 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30PM I WAS DRIVING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE LEFT. I IMMEDIATELY CORRECTED WHILE LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR. AFTER I REGAINED CONTROL, THE STEERING STILL FELT EXTREMELY LOOSE. *TR

I HAVE OWNED A 1996 DODGE INTREPID FOR 6 MONTHS NOW AND WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I WAS AWARE THAT THE STEERING WAS A LITTLE LOOSE, WHAT I DID NOT KNOW WAS THAT THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM AS WELL AS MOST OF THE TIE RODS AROUND THEM WERE COMPLETELY SHOT. MY STEERING WHEEL GRINDS WHEN I TURN IT LEFT AND RIGHT NOW AND MY STEERING HAS A HORRIFIC DRIFT WHEN TURNING FROM EXTREME TO EXTREME. THE BUSHINGS ON THE RACK AND PINION (AS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC) ARE COMPLETELY GONE. THE BROKEN PIECES ARE RATTLING AND VIBRATING SO VIOLENTLY THAT THE SHIMMYING I FEEL ON MY CAR IS ACTUALLY CAUSED BY THE STEERING. WHEN I BRAKE AT HIGH SPEEDS (50MPH) THE STEERING PULLS TO EITHER AN EXTREME LEFT OR RIGHT. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I FOUND OUT THAT I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE STRUGGLING WITH THESE SAME ISSUE. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY OWNER OF A 1996 DODGE INTREPID IS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME ISSUES. MY MECHANIC SAID TO ME THAT HE HAS NO GUARANTEE THAT MY STEERING WILL WORK RIGHT. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD NOW I'M AFRAID I'LL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MY GIRLFRIEND MIGHT FREQUENTLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT I AM AFRAID THAT THE STEERING MAY GO OUT WHEN SHE IS DRIVING IT. I SPOKE WITH MY MECHANIC AND I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACED. I PLAN TO SAVE THE PARTS THAT ARE DEFECTIVE IN HOPES THAT I WILL GET SOME COMPENSATION FOR THEM. *TR

VEHICLE WAS GETTING SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHEN TECHNICIANS NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP WHERE THE FUEL RAIL WAS DEEMED TO BE LEAKING GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE/PART WAS LISTED (ACCORDING TO CHRYSLER) AS HAVING BEEN REPLACED IN 1999. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR WAS MOVING FASTER THAN NORMAL. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE CHANGED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTORS. HE DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V184000, BUT WAS UNAWARE IF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 160,000.

REPEATED OVERHEATING PROBLEMS RESULTED IN REPLACING MY RADIATOR TWO TIMES, THERMOSTAT THREE TIMES AND THERMOSTAT W/ BREATHER HOUSING TWO TIMES. COOLING SYSTEM INCLUDES EXTERNAL METAL PIPES WHICH HELP CIRCULATE COOLANT TO HEATER. THE PIPES ARE HIDDEN FROM CLEAR VIEW AND WHEN MINE SPRUNG LEAKS DUE TO THEIR PLACEMENT THE LEAKS WERE DIAGNOSED AS BEING BLOWN HEAD/HEAD GASKET BY THREE SEPARATE SHOPS. REPLACEMENT OF PIPES SOLVED OVERHEATING. MOISTURE GETS TRAPPED IN AND AROUND THE FRAME AND SUBFRAME AREAS WHERE THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS ARE LOCATED AND ALLOWS FOR UNNECESSARY PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF ALL THE MOUNTS, BUSHINGS, MAIN FRAME AND SUBFRAME. THIS HIDDEN CONDITION HAS RESULTED IN ALL MOUNTS NEEDING REPLACEMENT, TRANSMISSION DROPPING, FRONT INNER&OUTER TIE RODS AND BUSHINGS GOING OUT, RACK N PINION PROBLEMS AND THE SUBFRAME COLLAPSING. DOCUMENTED RECORDS SHOW THAT FROM 2004 THROUGH 2008 ON AVERAGE I DROVE 7000 MILES A YEAR. IN THAT 28000 MILES I REPLACED ALL MOTOR/TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, ALL 4 INNER&OUTER TIE ROD BUSHINGS/ENDS TWICE, RADIATOR TWICE, THERMOSTAT HOUSING TWICE, COOLANT PIPES ONCE AND HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO SETS OF TIRES. I AM REPLACING SUBFRAME, TRANSMISSION MOUNTS AND FRONT AXLE AGAIN. I CONTINUE FIXING THE CAR BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE IT BUT I AM GETTING VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE STEERING, AXLE OR BRAKES GIVING OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN HEAVIER TRAFFIC. SO CONCERNED MY DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO FAMILY MEMBERS IN CASE OF FATALITY RESULTING FROM THE DEFECTS MENTIONED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. AS OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,301.

IT STARTED OUT MY STEERING WOULD GET REALLY TIGHT AND YOU COULDN'T MOVE IT AT ALL AND IT HAPPENS EVERYDAY NOW WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE RACK-N-PINION AND SO THEY FIXED IT AND ITS STILL DOING IT. *TR

1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD TO HAVE ALOT OF FRONT END WORK DONE ON TIE ROD ENDS AND BUSHINGS WORN OUT THEN WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE BRAKES FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND CAUSED A ACCIDENT WHOLE FRONT END TOTALED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHY IS IT THAT DODGE AUTO AIR BAGS DO NOT DEPLOY. *TR

ON JUNE 1ST, 2007, I, SHARON S. HATCHER, WENT TO TUFFY AUTO SERVICE CENTER TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED. THEY PROCEEDED TO INSPECT MY VEHICLE WHEN THEY HOOKED IT UP TO THE COMPUTER TO PASS ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC II [OBD II] LANGUAGE...MY VEHICLE WAS REJECTED BECAUSE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAMMED! WELL, I DROVE THIS CAR ALL DAY YESTERDAY AND LAST NIGHT AND I TOOK IT TO 2 OTHER PLACES AND THE SAME THING SHOWED UP LIKE AT TUFFY AUTO SERVICE CENTER!! I TOOK IT TO STEVE WHITE MOTORS [CHRYSLER, DODGE, AND JEEP DEALERSHIP] AND THEIR SERVICEMAN SAID TO DRIVE IT AROUND FOR 20-30 MILES AT A CONSTANT SPEED OF 45-55MPH. WELL, I DID THAT AND I TOOK AT BACK TO TUFFY'S AUTO SERVICE CENTER AND THE SAME BULLENTIN POPPED UP AGAIN AS LIKE AT THE OTHER PLACES. SO THE COMPLAIT THAT I AM FILING IS ON A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. I HAVE BEEN TO 3 DIFFERENT PLACES TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED AND AT ALL 3 PLACES ITS SHOWING THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE FLASHED OR REPROGRAMMED. THE DODGE DEALERSHIP IS NOT WANTING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLENTIN [TSB] REFERENCE NUMBER AS ALONG WITH PAPERWORK FROM THESE PLACES. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A NEW RECALL ON MY VEHICLE THAT HASN'T BEEN RESEARCHED OR LOOKED INTO ON ALL MAKES OF DODGE INTREPID'S DURING 1996. I AM NOT PAYING FOR A RECALL THAT HAS TO DO WITH. *TR

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 04V021000/CHRYSLER RECALL C45 ON 1996 DODGE INTREPID CONCERNING FLOOR SHIFT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE REPAIRS DONE, AND THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE CONSUMER WHEN THEY CAME IN. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED 3 NOTICES FROM CHRYSLER ON THIS RECALL DURING THIS TIME. THE OWNER SAID THAT HE HAS CALLED THE DEALER TO SEE IF THE PARTS WERE THERE. IT HAS BEEN OVER 6 MONTHS AND THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE FIRST NOTICE IN MARCH 2005. AND AS OF RIGHT NOW THE CONSUMER WAS STUCK WAITING ON THE PARTS.*AK

PURCHASED 1996 DODGE INTREPID IN MAY 2005. FOLLOWING WEEK HAD TO TAKE CAR BACK TO DEALER RE: BRAKES, TO NO AVAIL. A MECHANIC STATED BRAKES WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. WAS ADVISED THAT TIRES WERE NOT IN SUCH GREAT CONDITION EITHER. KEPT HEARING STRANGE SOUNDS (RATTLING NOISES) FROM THE CAR. IN AUGUST, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CAR WOULD NOT STEER AT ALL. HAD TO TAKE CAR TO MECHANIC, WHO TOLD US FAN BELT HAD COME OFF WHILE DRIVING. POWER STEERING PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED AND POWER STEERING LINE. HE ALSO ADVISED THAT RACK AND PINION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. FINALLY, ON AUGUST 26TH, WAS GETTING IN CAR TO DRIVE AND DID NOT GET VERY FAR, WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND FOUND TWO BOLTS ON THE GROUND. PLEASE HELP !!! DISTRESSED. DO WE HAVE ANY RECOURSE HERE? HAVE RECEIPTS, BUT DO NOT HAVE OLD PARTS. *JB *AK *NM

I WOULD FIRST AND FORMOST LIKE TO REPORT THE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE STEERING RACK ON MY 1996 DODGE INTREPID AT AROUND 77,000 MILES. THE RACK HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A HEFTY PRICE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS IS AN ALARMINGLY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH CHRYSLER LH BODIED VEHICALS, ESPECIALLY DODGE INTREPIDS, AND HAS BEEN FOR MANY YEARS. I HAD THE RACK REPLACED ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO AND ALREADY MY CAR IS SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF MORE STEERING RELATED PROBLEMS. I DRIVE ONLY A MODERATE AMOUNT SO THIS COULD NOT BE JUST "USUAL WEAR AND TEAR". IN ADDITION TO THE STEERING RACK, WITHIN THE LAST THREE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE AN AXEL REPLACED, ALL OF THE BREAKS DUE TO PREMATURLY WARPED ROTORS (THE BREAKS ACTUALLY WENT OUT ONCE AND I ALMOST REAR ENDED SOMEONE), THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND GETS STUCK IN GEAR FOR A MYSTEROUS REASON NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT, AND A LOOSE WIRE CAUSED THE CAR CAUSED MULTABLE DRIVABILITY PROBLEMS. (THE DATE BELOW IS NOT ACCURATE, THESE THINGS OCCURED BETWEEN 2003 AND PRESENT)

TAKATA RECALL: I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION IN WHICH THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND A PIECE OF METAL WENT THROUGH MY EYE CAUSING IMMEDIATE BLINDNESS AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF THE LEFT EYE. THE PIECE OF METAL WAS PULL OUT IN THE ER. THERE WERE NO OTHER INJURIES. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET IN DETROIT MI TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MPH. I'VE BEEN WEARING A PROSTHETIC EYE SINCE.

THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHICH AFFECTS THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS & THE HEATING/AC COMPONENT. WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON THE WINDOWS & HEATER/AC STOPPED WORKING. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING MECHANISM IS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE IT DOES NOT LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE OFF POSITION. I HAD A 1993 DODGE INTREPID WITH THE SAME AIRBAG LIGHT PROBLEM DESCRIBED ABOVE, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE LIGHT TO GO OFF AT TIMES BY ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH ALLOWED THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS AND HEATER/AC TO WORK UNTIL THE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON. THE DIFFERENCE IS I CANNOT GET THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO TURN OFF AT ALL ON THE 1996 MODEL, THE DIFFERENCE BEING BETWEEN THE TWO MODELS IS THAT THE 93 HAD THE GEAR SHIFTER ON THE FLOOR CONSOLE; WHILE 96 IS ON THE COLUMN. THE FACT THAT THE 93 AND 96 BOTH HAVE THE SAME AIRBAG LIGHT AFFECTING THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS & THE HEATER/AC IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MECHANICS THAT ONE THING SHOULD AFFECT THE OTHER, BUT MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT TO BE UNTRUE. IN MY OPINION THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH EITHER THE SENSORS OR SOMETHING IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, OR POSSIBLY THE WIRING WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN DUE TO POSSIBILITY OF MANUFACTURING ISSUES. THIS DOES POSE AS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE WINDOWS WILL NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE HEATER/AC WILL NOT COOL/HEAT THE CAR AND THE DEFROSTER CANNOT CLEAR THE WINDOWS OF CONDENSATION; WHICH CREATES OBSTRUCTED VIEW. THE NONWORKING HEATER/AC SEVERELY RESTRICTS THE TIMES YOU CAN DRIVE THE CAR, UNLESS YOU WOULD LIKE TO RISK HEAT EXHAUSTION DURING SUMMER OR FROSTBITE DURING THE WINTER. *TR

AFTER PURCHASING CAR FROM AUCTION, WE TOOK FOR EMISSIONS TESTING IN ORDER TO PURCHASE A TAG. WE WERE TOLD THE TEST COULD NOT BE DONE BECAUSE THE COMPUTER HAD NOT FINISHED THE TESTS. WE WERE ADVISED HOW TO COMPLETE THE DRIVING REQUIREMENTS AND TO COME BACK AFTER THAT. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS THE TESTS STILL SHOWED INCOMPLETE. NOW SIX YEARS LATER THE ODBII STILL WILL NOT COMPLETE AND ACTUALLY RESTARTS EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED. AFTER LOTS OF RESEARCH WE DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN WIDESPREAD AND A DEFECT THAT REQUIRES THE ECU TO BE FLASHED WITH UPDATED PROGRAM INFORMATION. THERE IS EVEN A TSB #181897 WHICH COVERED THIS. DEALERS ARE EITHER UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM OR WANT TO CHARGE CLOSE TO $100. WE BELIEVE THAT THEY SHOULD DO THIS SERVICE AT NO CHARGE SINCE IT IS S DEFECT THAT THEY ARE AWARE EXISTS. THERE ARE NO CODES BEING THROWN AND WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO TAG THE CAR FOR MANY YEARS. *TR

THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHICH AFFECTS THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS & THE HEATING/AC COMPONENT. WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON THE WINDOWS & HEATER/AC STOPPED WORKING. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING MECHANISM IS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE IT DOES NOT LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE OFF POSITION. I HAD A 1993 DODGE INTREPID WITH THE SAME AIRBAG LIGHT PROBLEM DESCRIBED ABOVE, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE LIGHT TO GO OFF AT TIMES BY ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH ALLOWED THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS AND HEATER/AC TO WORK UNTIL THE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON. THE DIFFERENCE IS I CANNOT GET THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO TURN OFF AT ALL ON THE 1996 MODEL, THE DIFFERENCE BEING BETWEEN THE TWO MODELS IS THAT THE 93 HAD THE GEAR SHIFTER ON THE FLOOR CONSOLE; WHILE 96 IS ON THE COLUMN. THE FACT THAT THE 93 AND 96 BOTH HAVE THE SAME AIRBAG LIGHT AFFECTING THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS & THE HEATER/AC IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MECHANICS THAT ONE THING SHOULD AFFECT THE OTHER, BUT MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT TO BE UNTRUE. IN MY OPINION THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH EITHER THE SENSORS OR SOMETHING IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, OR POSSIBLY THE WIRING WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN DUE TO POSSIBILITY OF MANUFACTURING ISSUES. THIS DOES POSE AS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE WINDOWS WILL NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE HEATER/AC WILL NOT COOL/HEAT THE CAR AND THE DEFROSTER CANNOT CLEAR THE WINDOWS OF CONDENSATION; WHICH CREATES OBSTRUCTED VIEW. THE NONWORKING HEATER/AC SEVERELY RESTRICTS THE TIMES YOU CAN DRIVE THE CAR, UNLESS YOU WOULD LIKE TO RISK HEAT EXHAUSTION DURING SUMMER OR FROSTBITE DURING THE WINTER. *TR

REPEATED OVERHEATING PROBLEMS RESULTED IN REPLACING MY RADIATOR TWO TIMES, THERMOSTAT THREE TIMES AND THERMOSTAT W/ BREATHER HOUSING TWO TIMES. COOLING SYSTEM INCLUDES EXTERNAL METAL PIPES WHICH HELP CIRCULATE COOLANT TO HEATER. THE PIPES ARE HIDDEN FROM CLEAR VIEW AND WHEN MINE SPRUNG LEAKS DUE TO THEIR PLACEMENT THE LEAKS WERE DIAGNOSED AS BEING BLOWN HEAD/HEAD GASKET BY THREE SEPARATE SHOPS. REPLACEMENT OF PIPES SOLVED OVERHEATING. MOISTURE GETS TRAPPED IN AND AROUND THE FRAME AND SUBFRAME AREAS WHERE THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS ARE LOCATED AND ALLOWS FOR UNNECESSARY PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF ALL THE MOUNTS, BUSHINGS, MAIN FRAME AND SUBFRAME. THIS HIDDEN CONDITION HAS RESULTED IN ALL MOUNTS NEEDING REPLACEMENT, TRANSMISSION DROPPING, FRONT INNER&OUTER TIE RODS AND BUSHINGS GOING OUT, RACK N PINION PROBLEMS AND THE SUBFRAME COLLAPSING. DOCUMENTED RECORDS SHOW THAT FROM 2004 THROUGH 2008 ON AVERAGE I DROVE 7000 MILES A YEAR. IN THAT 28000 MILES I REPLACED ALL MOTOR/TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, ALL 4 INNER&OUTER TIE ROD BUSHINGS/ENDS TWICE, RADIATOR TWICE, THERMOSTAT HOUSING TWICE, COOLANT PIPES ONCE AND HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO SETS OF TIRES. I AM REPLACING SUBFRAME, TRANSMISSION MOUNTS AND FRONT AXLE AGAIN. I CONTINUE FIXING THE CAR BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE IT BUT I AM GETTING VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE STEERING, AXLE OR BRAKES GIVING OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN HEAVIER TRAFFIC. SO CONCERNED MY DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO FAMILY MEMBERS IN CASE OF FATALITY RESULTING FROM THE DEFECTS MENTIONED. *TR

1. THE EVENT OCCURRED WHILE BACKING INTO MY DRIVEWAY 2. 1996 DODGE INTREPID, 3.5L, 196,000 MILES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT THAT IS A STRUCTURAL ELEMENT OF THE CAR'S SUBFRAME HAD METAL FATIGUED AND SEPARATED FROM THE SUBRFAME. THIS CAUSED THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL TO MOVE OUTWARD AND LODGE AGAINST THE FENDER. WHEN THE WHEEL MOVED OUTWARD, THE HALF-SHAFT PULLED OUT OF THE CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT DISENGAGING THE DRIVETRAIN FROM THE FRONT WHEEL. 3. THE REPLACEMENT COST OF THE SUBFRAME WAS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE, SO THE CAR IS GOING TO BE SCRAPED.*JB

TL* - THE CONTACT A 1996 DODGE INTREPID WHICH HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS: HEADLIGHT MOUNTING BRACKET, HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, AND HEADLIGHT LENS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM. THE FAILURE CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WEREIN USE. SPEED AND WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER. *AK

1996 DODGE INTREPID I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS IS AND GOT IT HOME AFTER THE SAME NIGHT I FOUND OUT THAT THE HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK, WHICH IS A SAFETY PROBLEM, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THAT I GOT THE CAR FROM THE LOOKED AT IT BUT WOULD NOT FIX IT CAUSE THEY CLAIMED THEY DIDN'T KNOW THE HEADLIGHTS DIDN'T WORK, I EVEN ASKED IF THEY HAD TO INSPECT THE CAR BEFORE SELLING IT, YES THEY DID BUT NEVER FIXED THE HEADLIGHTS... I WOULD LIKE THIS FIXED ASAP. *NM

DRIVER'S SEAT "FALLS" BACKWARD WHEN "TAKING OFF" FROM STOP. *NLM

THE HOOD LATCH RELEASED, WHICH CAUSED THE HOOD TO SLAM UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONSUMER WAS BLINDED BY THE HOOD AND WAS FORCED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE REAR DEFOGGER. TEN MINUTES LATER, HE NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FLAMES APPEARED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND DROVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 198,721.

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE WIPERS BECAME STUCK. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED FROM A REPUTABLE DEALER. ALL REPAIRS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED. OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH OVERHEATING THAT NO ONE WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE. MY HUSBAND WENT OUT TO START THE CAR AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 12 HOURS AND THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES. THANK GOODNESS THERE WAS A SNOW BANK OR OUR HOUSE WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOSS AS WELL. THROUGH THE INTERNET I HAVE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR SYMPTOMS THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED, WITHOUT REPAIR, BUT ARE LISTED IN RECALL INFORMATION. WE ARE GETTING THE RUN AROUND ABOUT HOW TO PURSUE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL PROVISIONS. *AK

IN JUNE OF 2002 MY A/C COMPRESSOR "FROZE" LEAVING ME WITHOUT MY AIR CONDITIONER DURING JUNE, JULY, AND PART OF AUGUST. I HAD THE COMPRESSOR AND OTHER COMPONENTS FIXED AT THE END OF AUGUST AT THE COST OF $504.00. I GOT TO USE MY A/C FOR A WHOLE 3 WEEKS UNTIL THE WEATHER COOLED OFF! NOW (MAY 2003), MY A/C DOESN'T WORK AGAIN! APPARENTLY THERE IS A LEAKY H-VALVE AND OTHER COMPONENTS THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $680.00. I REFUSE TO SHELL OUT ANY MORE MONEY FOR THIS PIECE OF CRAP CAR AS THIS IS MY 3RD COMPLAINT TO NHTSA. *JB

REPEATED OVERHEATING PROBLEMS RESULTED IN REPLACING MY RADIATOR TWO TIMES, THERMOSTAT THREE TIMES AND THERMOSTAT W/ BREATHER HOUSING TWO TIMES. COOLING SYSTEM INCLUDES EXTERNAL METAL PIPES WHICH HELP CIRCULATE COOLANT TO HEATER. THE PIPES ARE HIDDEN FROM CLEAR VIEW AND WHEN MINE SPRUNG LEAKS DUE TO THEIR PLACEMENT THE LEAKS WERE DIAGNOSED AS BEING BLOWN HEAD/HEAD GASKET BY THREE SEPARATE SHOPS. REPLACEMENT OF PIPES SOLVED OVERHEATING. MOISTURE GETS TRAPPED IN AND AROUND THE FRAME AND SUBFRAME AREAS WHERE THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS ARE LOCATED AND ALLOWS FOR UNNECESSARY PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF ALL THE MOUNTS, BUSHINGS, MAIN FRAME AND SUBFRAME. THIS HIDDEN CONDITION HAS RESULTED IN ALL MOUNTS NEEDING REPLACEMENT, TRANSMISSION DROPPING, FRONT INNER&OUTER TIE RODS AND BUSHINGS GOING OUT, RACK N PINION PROBLEMS AND THE SUBFRAME COLLAPSING. DOCUMENTED RECORDS SHOW THAT FROM 2004 THROUGH 2008 ON AVERAGE I DROVE 7000 MILES A YEAR. IN THAT 28000 MILES I REPLACED ALL MOTOR/TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, ALL 4 INNER&OUTER TIE ROD BUSHINGS/ENDS TWICE, RADIATOR TWICE, THERMOSTAT HOUSING TWICE, COOLANT PIPES ONCE AND HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO SETS OF TIRES. I AM REPLACING SUBFRAME, TRANSMISSION MOUNTS AND FRONT AXLE AGAIN. I CONTINUE FIXING THE CAR BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE IT BUT I AM GETTING VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE STEERING, AXLE OR BRAKES GIVING OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN HEAVIER TRAFFIC. SO CONCERNED MY DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO FAMILY MEMBERS IN CASE OF FATALITY RESULTING FROM THE DEFECTS MENTIONED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE INTREPID. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER LIFELINER TOURING SLE TIRES, SIZE 205/60R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES, WHICH CAUSED THEM TO BLOW OUT. THE FAILURES CAUSED THE FENDER TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. THE SPEED, VIN, AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 236,000.

ENTERING HIGHWAY AND PUSHED ON GAS PEDAL HARD TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, GAS THROTTLE STAYED OPEN AND CAR KEPT GOING FASTER AND FASTER. WAS GOING FROM 10 MPH TO 80+ MPH FOR ABOUT 3/4 OF A MILE AND SOMEHOW WAS FINALLY ABLE TO SLOW CAR DOWN ENOUGH TO DROP CAR INTO PARK. ENGINE RAN HARD FOR ANOTHER 10 TO 12 SECONDS BEFORE IT DISINGAUGED FROM TRANSMISSION. FOUND OUT THAT CABLE FROM GAS PEDAL HAD A FRAYED WIRE AND WAS GETTING STUCK ON THE PLASTIC HOUSING THAT COVERS THE WIRE. THOUGH MY LIFE WAS COMING TO AN END BECAUSE I COULD'T STOP MY CAR AND IT KEPT GETTING FASTER AND FASTER. THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO DITCH IT SOMEWHERE AND TAKE A CHANCE ON MAKING IT. IF YOU NEED MORE INFO, PLEASE CONTACT ME. ENDED UP ALSO GOING TO THE HOSPITAL LATER THAT DAY BECAUSE I STARTED TO HAVE AN AXCIETY ATTACK FROM ALL THIS GOING ON. NLM

UPON STARTING VEHICLE FIRE BROKE OUT IN THROTTLE BODY. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

I JUST TURNED 18 AND GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL GOT A JOB BOUGHT A SO CALLED GOOD USED INTREPID. IT LOOKED AS THOUGH IT WAS WELL MAINTAINED I PAID OVER $3,300 FOR THE CAR AND TAXES. I DROVE IT FOR LESS THAN TEN DAYS AND LESS THAN 200 MILES. NOW IT WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DODGE DEALER WHERE THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION KICKEDOUT 4 DIFFERANT INTERNAL CODES. THEY SAID IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR INTREPID TRANSMISSIONS.IF DODGE WOULD HAVE POSTED A LETTER OF THE PROBLEMS THEY HAVE HAD WITH THE INTREPID TRANSMISSIONS I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT A DODGE INTREPID! I LIKE THE CAR BUT THE BANK THAT I RECEIVED THE LOAN THROUGH SAID THE CAR IS NOT WORTH $5,700.00. THAT IS HOW MUCH THAT 1996 DODGE INTREPID WILL END UP COSTING ME. NOT COUNTING THE LOSS OF TRANSPORTATION TO GET TO AND FROM WORK.

I BOUGHT THIS CAR LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AGO, I HAVE NOT EVEN PUT TWO THOUSAND MILES ON THE CAR AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS QUIT WORKING IN THIRD AND FOURTH GEAR. THE MOTOR HAS BEGUN TO USE OIL AND IS KNOCKING. WHILE DRIVING,THE CAR LOSES POWER AND EVEN DIES. IT ALSO,WHILE IDLING,BEGINS TO REVS THE ENGINE TO AN UNSAFE LEVEL AND YOU MUST SHUT THE CAR OFF. I CONTACTED THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM, GREENE COUNTY AUTO AUCTION & SALES - 6319 HWY. 49 SOUTH PARAGOULD, AR 72450. THE SALESMAN I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AND WAS EXTREMALY RUDE WHEN I SUGGESTED THAT HE TRY TO WORK WITH ME ON GETTING THE CAR FIXED OR TRADING IT IN. AS I SAID I HAVE HAD THE CAR BUT A SHORT TIME AND ALL THESE PROBLEMS ARE OCCURING. HE ASSURED ME THAT THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND THAT HE HAD, HAD IT SERVICED AND CHECKED OUT AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT.

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE CONSUMER. *JB

CAR EQUIPPED WITH GEN 3 TYPE SEAT BELTS PROVEN UNSAFE IN TESTING.*AK

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED FROM A REPUTABLE DEALER. ALL REPAIRS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED. OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH OVERHEATING THAT NO ONE WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE. MY HUSBAND WENT OUT TO START THE CAR AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 12 HOURS AND THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES. THANK GOODNESS THERE WAS A SNOW BANK OR OUR HOUSE WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOSS AS WELL. THROUGH THE INTERNET I HAVE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR SYMPTOMS THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED, WITHOUT REPAIR, BUT ARE LISTED IN RECALL INFORMATION. WE ARE GETTING THE RUN AROUND ABOUT HOW TO PURSUE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL PROVISIONS. *AK

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE CRACKING.