1996 Dodge Intrepid
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 412 |
| 1994 | 728 |
| 1995 | 590 |
| 1996 | 505 |
| 1997 | 344 |
| 1998 | 377 |
| 1999 | 997 |
| 2000 | 1065 |
| 2001 | 656 |
| 2002 | 329 |
| 2003 | 106 |
| 2004 | 129 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: steering — 175 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120315
18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 93 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and engine.
CRASH FIRE16% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 81 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system and delivery.
FIRE9% of complaints: power train — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: suspension — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and wheel bearing.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM FUEL LEAK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJ
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL O-RINGS AND REINFORCE THE OUTLET (PASSENGER) SIDE FUEL RAIL. VEHICLES SHOWING FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL MUST HAVE THE OUTLET RAIL REPLACED WHICH INCLUDES
Campaign 98V184000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINION
STEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINION
AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK
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 AL
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
Campaign 04V021000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL RAIL, BRAKE FLUID, CHASSIS
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Dodge Intrepid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (175 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (93 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (81 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V184000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V021000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Dodge Intrepid reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Dodge Intrepid is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge Intrepid?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge Intrepid have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.