2002 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.
65% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 213 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN DRIVING AT 60-65 MPH VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF , DASHBOARD LIGHTS WILL TURN ON, BUT ALL OTHER LIGHTS WILL GO OFF. THIS HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020204
19% of complaints: power train — 61 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION INDICATED (PRNDL) PROBLEM. WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED, THE CONSUMER'S CHILD CAN MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031222
THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WILL ONLY GO INTO PARK EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, ESPECIALLY WHEN ITS WARMED UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20200514
TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY BUMP SHIFTS OR SLAMS INTO GEAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020220
6% of complaints: service brakes — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
5% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and front underhood.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WAS DRIVING SMELLED HOT WHEN GOT HOME 3 MILES LATTER OPENED HOOD COOLING FAN WAS SMOKING THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE
NHTSA ODI report, 20150903
5% of complaints: steering — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and rack.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
THROTTLE CONTROL FAILURE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE
Campaign 03V035000 — check if this car was fixed
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Dodge Intrepid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (213 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (61 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V035000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Dodge Intrepid reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Dodge Intrepid is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Intrepid?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Intrepid have?
3 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.