1997 Dodge Intrepid
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
24% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 83 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system and fuel rail.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030514
19% of complaints: steering — 67 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 63 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
CRASH FIRE INJURY16% of complaints: power train — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: electrical system — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and interior/under dash.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES WHEN HE WAS DRIVING AND NO WARNING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20021231
THE ELECTRICAL FUSE SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING A FIRE IN THE RADIO PANEL AREA. PRIOR TO THIS FIRE, HAD 3 FUSES REPLACED, CAUSING THE HORN/LIGHTER AND RADIO NOT TO WORK. *AK *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 19970828
SAFETY 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
AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK
REMEDY FAILURES OF RECALL 98V-184
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
1997 Dodge Intrepid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (83 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (67 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (63 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 1997 Dodge Intrepid reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Dodge Intrepid is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge Intrepid?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 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.