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
- 505
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 505 complaints
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 | 1,065 |
| 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.
Steering
35% · 175 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.
Show 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, 2012-03-15
Engine and engine cooling
18% · 93 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system and engine.
Fuel system, gasoline
16% · 81 reportsMost commonly citing fuel injection system and delivery.
Power train
9% · 46 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.
Suspension
9% · 46 reportsMost commonly citing front and wheel bearing.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1998-10-07Recall queryClosed 2002-07-08 Fuel injection delivery system fuel leak
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1999-01-11Fuel system, gasoline98V184000 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…
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…
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1999-06-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-10-29 Steering system rack and pinion
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1999-10-29Engineering analysisClosed 2001-09-13 Steering system rack and pinion
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2003-07-17Engineering analysisClosed 2004-01-30 Auto trans ignition-park interlock
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2004-06-14Power train04V021000 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…
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…
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2004-10-13Defect petitionClosed 2004-10-27 Fuel rail, brake fluid, chassis
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Dodge Intrepid — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 175 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 93 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 81 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V184000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 04V021000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.