2003 Dodge Intrepid

▲ Better than typical
2003 Dodge Intrepid
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:31.233Z

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
106
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

58% of complaints

Complaints per year

1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 2 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 412 complaints 1994: 728 complaints 1994 1995: 590 complaints 1996: 505 complaints 1996 1997: 344 complaints 1998: 377 complaints 1998 1999: 997 complaints 2000: 1,065 complaints 2000 2001: 656 complaints 2002: 329 complaints 2003: 106 complaints 2003 106 2004: 129 complaints
1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 2 complaints 1988 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 412 complaints 1993 1994: 728 complaints 1994 1995: 590 complaints 1995 1996: 505 complaints 1996 1997: 344 complaints 1997 1998: 377 complaints 1998 1999: 997 complaints 1999 2000: 1,065 complaints 2000 2001: 656 complaints 2001 2002: 329 complaints 2002 2003: 106 complaints 2003 106 2004: 129 complaints 2004
1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 2 complaints 1988 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 412 complaints 1993 1994: 728 complaints 1994 1995: 590 complaints 1995 1996: 505 complaints 1996 1997: 344 complaints 1997 1998: 377 complaints 1998 1999: 997 complaints 1999 2000: 1,065 complaints 2000 2001: 656 complaints 2001 2002: 329 complaints 2002 2003: 106 complaints 2003 106 2004: 129 complaints 2004

2003: 106 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19871
19882
19922
1993412
1994728
1995590
1996505
1997344
1998377
1999997
20001,065
2001656
2002329
2003106
2004129

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

58% · 62 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

FIREDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-29

Also filed under Engine

Power train

20% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.

Service brakes

14% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into a concrete wall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-16

Also filed under Air bags

While traveling at freeway speed a scraping noise was heard followed by the rear passenger wheel locking up. Tire and rim were ground down, while I brought the vehicle to a stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-02-05

Electrical system

7% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and ignition.

FIRE

Air bags

6% · 6 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While traveling at 30 to 35 MPH, the consumer slammed into another vehicle that ran a stop sign. None of the air bags deployed. The dealer has been contacted. *ph refer to cl 11682195.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-20

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2003-02-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-09-02 Throttle control failure
  2. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    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.

  3. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Dodge Intrepid — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 62 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Dodge Intrepid reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Dodge Intrepid is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Intrepid?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Intrepid have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.