9.5

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,500
Average Mileage:
102,050 miles
Total Complaints:
40 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace blown engine with a new engine (22 reports)
  2. not sure (12 reports)
  3. put engine under waranty up to 100,000 miles (3 reports)
  4. class action law suit (2 reports)
  5. replace the defective design(rod bearings) (1 reports)
1998 Dodge Intrepid engine problems

engine problem

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1998 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #40

Nov 092012

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This car is a piece of shiza. Less than 100k on it. Randomly stalls. Replaced the TPS and CPS. Battery cables look good. Remind me again why we bailed out Chrysler? Remind me again why we pay these union workers 60+ bucks an hour to screw on lugnuts? I'm an American, through and through, but I refuse to support a corporation that puts their consumers in danger. I used to love driving, whether for work or pleasure, now I dread it. Will my car randomly stall on the freeway while going 65-75 mph? Or will it stall at a stop light? Or even better! Will it stall while going through an intersection? I literally have to leave for work 2 hours earlier than a normal person would, just to cover for any issues that may happen with the vehicle. I will never purchase another Dodge again.

- vectorm77, Hemet, CA, US

problem #39

Jun 152012

Intrepid ES 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

I HAVE A 98 DODGE INTREPID ES WITH A 3.2L V.6 THAT IS GETTING NO FIRE AT ALL. I PUT A NEW CRANK SENSOR ON IT AND STILL NOTHING DON'T HAVE A DAMN CLUE WHAT IT COULD BE HELP ME!!!!!!!

- Josh M., Delbarton, W.V, US

problem #38

Jun 242011

Intrepid 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,385 miles

I HAVE A 1998 DODGE INTREPID THAT WHEN U CRANK IT AND DRIVE IT ON HOT DAYS IT WONT CRANK BACK UP UNTIL IT SITS FOR AROUND 20 OR 30 MINS, WONT DO IT ON COOL DAYS, ANY SUGGESTIONS

- MIKE W., Lagarnge, NC, US

problem #37

Apr 012008

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,439 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

i bought this piece of sh*t car and on my way to pik up my son 2 hours away 4 the weekend ,,i heard a small noise like clanging,,not a heavy sound,and im like,,what the hell was that scared to bone sound??i look in the rear view mirror and all i cood see was smoke coming out of the bak end of the car,and i coodnt see anything else behind me..then there i am on the side of the 401..a major hiway in Ontario ,Canada..i just bought it 2 months b-4 off a car dealership in madoc Ontario called pattersons auto..i called them up and they said to me,,you boght it "as is"..i didn't get the warranty on it because i went through this b4 with another dealer and they didn't honor it,saying i must of drove the crap out of it,,and i don't drive like a maniac.i do oil changes and all the maintenance.,and i watch the temp. lite all the time.after i got the car,,i changed the oil rite away and as soon as i left the garage i heard a small ticking noise which i didnt hear when i got the car,,i wooda heard it then,,cause i listen 4 that sound..so save your oil when u buy a used car,and get it tesred,,i wish i wood dun that cause i think something was put in the oil to quiet the car down,why wood it start making noises rite after i leave the garagr??? i watched everything the mechanic did..so anyway,i had to get a tow truk,,find another engine get a guy to throw it in,,,another 2000.00 later,,then almost rite away im on the side of the road 5 more times,,powersteering pump,,then soon alternator,,then battery,,then starter,,do know what a hassle it is to change out the alternator ,,i did it and without the car being off the ground5 feet,,its impossible to fit under there..if u know u have a good battery and alternator and the car makes a clicking sound but wont turn over,,,guaranteed its the ground wire on the starter,,have someone put it on a clean location on the other side of the starter cuase it gets dirty down there,,and the battery is a big pain in the butt to get at too...chrysler wanted a bailout,,,,how about a bail out 4 me chrysler 4 all the k-cars and Chrysler and trucks ive had major problems with???? they dont deserve anything.....signed........pissed -off......randy

- moify, Tweed, Ontario, Canada

problem #36

Jun 012010

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

Got this car in 2009. After two months, water pump went out -- no big deal, we figured normal wear and tear. We replaced water pump, continued regular maintenance and oil changes. (I mention water pump because several of the other complaints mention the water pump failing not long before the engine failed.)

In spring of 2010 we noticed an occasional light ticking noise, and the oil light started to come on intermittently. We checked it, then had it checked by outside mechanics, and no one could find a problem; oil was clean and at proper level. Suddenly one day, while driving, the engine made a loud screech and just froze. We got it home, changed the rods and bearings, and it ran fine for a day. The second day it started ticking and seized again. Now it sits in the barn, awaiting its fate. Hardly worth changing the rods and bearings every time we want to drive it. :)

- R J., Newark, IL, US

problem #35

Jun 032010

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,345 miles

Recently I heard my engine make a clicking noise. I had no idea what it was. I figured it was not a big deal since I maintain my car like you normally should. I never go over when I change my oil or anything like that. I do everything on time! My car being a 1998 looks like a mint condition car. Anyways, I get into my car and noticed the clicking. I therefore, take my car to Tuffys Auto Care to get it checked out. I was told the engine being a 2.7 is about to fail. This is due to the manufacturing problems by Daimler Chrysler. I am extremely pissed off. There is not way to fix the car!!! The only way to fix it is to either replace the engine or just buy a new car. I can't afford anything like that right now! Basically, I have to fix something that Daimler Chrysler f*ed up. I am never ever in my life going to buy another car from them again!!!!!

- dw7631, Macomb, MI, US

problem #34

May 082010

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,250 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought this vehicle off of my sister in April of 2009. She owned the car since it was practically new. We both ran full synthetic oil in the car and changed the oil at regular intervals. In the year I had the car, I changed the oil six times, and every time it was right at one quart low on oil. Suddenly, at just over 150,000 miles, and less than 100 miles from its next oil change, the engine seized and the car was shot. Since this engine is the same as the '98 to '02 Dodge Intrepid (just built in Canada), it's safe to assume the oil passages became clogged, as was a common problem on those models. Considering that engine accounts for five of the top 20 worst cars on Auto Beef, I'd say Chrysler/Dodge made the overall worst engine ever.

- krestep, Elkton, VA, US

problem #33

Aug 102009

Intrepid ES 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles

my father bought his car 2 years ago after his car was totaled in an accident (not his fault). The car had less than 90,000 miles on it! Mechanic says it would cost more to switch out the engine than the car is worth. Now he has a dud for a car and nothing to drive and he has to put out more money he doesn't have for another used car! This is not fair!! Chysler needs to recall these engines and fix it for all the owners!

- M. M., Albany, OR, US

problem #32

Jan 022007

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

I don't understand how a company can just turn its back on an obvious design flaw. They made a huge error and passed it on the customer then refused to address the problem. While the American people bail this company out of bankruptcy (twice) Chrysler sticks it to the very people that kept them in business. No more chances...let Chrysler fail on their own. You build sh*t, you eat it.

- Brian B., Chesterfield, MI, US

problem #31

Jun 102008

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Dodge engineers in Detroit should all have been fired for this design. Don't they have a place where they test these things or did everyone call in sick.

- David K., Manteca, CA, US

problem #30

Dec 042008

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

AFTER SPENDING $2000 ON OTHER PROBLEMS CAR ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON THEN IT STALLED AND STOP RUNNING, NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, THIS IS A PIECE OF JUNK CAR, MANAGEMENT FOR CHRYSLER SHOULD NOT BE BAILED OUT BY CONGRESS, AFTER CHEATING AND PROVIDING SUB-STANDARD PRODUCTS TO CONSUMERS, IT WOULD BE A SLAP ON THE FACE TO ALL CONSUMERS.

A CLASS ACTION SUIT SHOULD BE STARTED TO COMPENSATE ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS FRAUD, AND VEHICLE DEFECTS. WHAT A JUNK!!, DODGE INTREPID , NEVER HAD SUCH A TERRIBLE CAR IN MY LIFE AND I HAD MAY DIFFERENT TYPES OF MODELS, AND THIS ONE REALLY SUCKS.

WHAT ARE LAWYERS ARE TOO CHICKEN TO TAKE ON THE GIANT SCAM ARTISTS ? I GUESS THEY ARE.

- vega777, Elmsford, NY, US

problem #29

Jun 062008

Intrepid ES 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 137,000 miles

The 1998 Dodge Intrepid ES has been a great car for my wife and I to drive. I have regular preventive maintenance and oil changes.Our mechanic replaced the water pump, timing chain and gear, both electric radiator fans, and a front end sway bar of some sort in the past 3years. My problem has stumped my mechanic. He cannot find the problem. Here is whats going on. If you drive the car at least 30 miles before stopping the car will not start again until it cools down.( about 1hour). the temp. gauge does not read hot however the engine will not start until is has cooled. Our mechanic said all the censors seem to be all good (they checked out). Also when driving some times the engine will make a high pitched whistle that comes and goes and stops when the engine is turned off. Please respond with any suggestions.

- Tim M., Columbus, OH, US

problem #28

Mar 272008

Intrepid ES 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

A Nice Sharp Candy Apple RED Low Miles Intrepid is a best bet to get your daughter through high school and some of college before you have to go deeply on maintenance and those $$$ can carry over to school, Right? W R O N G This is a losers' car. It dropped her in heavy traffic on Charlotte's busiest road and made my worst nightmare just luck of the draw from happening. NO MORE DODGE/CHRYSLER EVER. 71k is almost new with 2 new tires and $1200 in new tie rods,struts,oil& lube 1 week before the loud clank and oil light sidelined her out of nowhere.

- ernienc, Charlotte, NC, US

problem #27

Jul 212006

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • 112,000 miles

Car was purchased in 5/06 from private dealer. Fluid and oil levels where inspected by owner (at Jiffy lube with documentation) which were clean and full. Oil change had been done less then 3,000 miles prior and was not due.

On the day of the incident the engine light turned on, there was a click coming from the engine. The car was pulled over, from off the freeway, and the engine seized.

THis car was just purchased and now it needs a new engine. There was no warning that this was going to happen. The oil level was just checked and it was fine, now there's a whole in the block.

- Tammy D., Mesa, WA, US

problem #26

Mar 012008

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

I have a 1998 Dodge Intrepid that has been acting up. When driving all of a sudden the car shuts down and won't restart for twenty minutes or more. I have had it in and computer checked and they have told me their is nothing wrong with the car. Obviously it has a short or something somewhere that is sporadic. This is very annoying and if anyone can help me solve this it would be greatly appreciated.

- laskowski, Burlington, WI, US

problem #25

Nov 012007

Intrepid ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

1998 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.2 engine. Intermittent engine failure, initially I could start in neural before car came to stop, more recently has started after 10-20 minutes, motor will turn over but will not start, no trouble code in computer, replaced fuel pump, disconnected cam sensor during one incidence, to see if this was the problem, still would not start (this also gave the predictable P0340 trouble code. Any recommendation would be appreciated. Any thoughts on how to duplicate this problem by simply disconnecting fuse or sensor to help identify the problem?

- H S., South Jordan, UT, US

problem #24

Dec 062007

Intrepid 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

If there are any mechanics out there that remember the problem with the Buick 231 that had a aluminum housing with a steel oil pressure regulator and the Chevy 231 had a 350 style oil pump which was a steel housing with a steel regulator and there was never a problem with the Chevy 231. The Buick 231 would spin rod bearings at 70,000 almost a guarantee. The Dodge Intrepid 2.7 runs the same as the Buick 231 a steel regulator in an aluminum housing. I've taken a couple apart, found no sludge, only scored regulators. Which would starve the engine of oil pressure and spin the bearings. This is my assumption after taking a couple apart to try and figure out what happened. That is what I came up with.

- gradyl, Schenectady, NY, US

problem #23

Dec 082007

Intrepid SE 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

i bought this car used with about 100000 miles for $2000. it's a beautiful car in and out for the price great condition! i've noticed that when i start if up to let if warm, it war extremely loud, but i didn't think it was a big deal since it's cold out and it needed to warm. tonight i was driving on a busy highway when i stopped at a red light and when it went silent, and stalled in the middle of a damn highway at a red light too. no lights came on to indicate a problem. i finally got it started after a few minutes of harassing drivers and got it to a parking lot when it stalled again right when i pulled in. started it again and parked it. checked the oil and it was bone dry. i bought and put plenty of oil in it let it run drove a little and it worked great. drove home whan it happened again. its now sitting in town until i have it towed tomorrow. nice car inside and out!!!! dangerously shotty American motor

- Ryken R., Owego, NY, US

problem #22

Nov 102007

(reported on)

Intrepid SE 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 163,000 miles

OMG! I bought this beautiful car 4 years ago and would have never thought I would have had problems like this. My family was getting too big for our little 2002 Sunfire which I bought brand new, so we decided to trade it in for a 1998 Gold Dodge Intrepid. I loved it soooo much, and it still looked new inside and out. I drive 100 miles to and from work each day and never had any major problems. Last year we even paid it off early. Put 4 new tires on it 2 weeks before our problem. Went to the grocery store and I thought I smelled something funny, but thought it was coming from the nearby factories. On my way home, I looked down to see temperature light on, and immediately followed by oil and engine light coming on. I didn't have time to pull over when it just died and started smoking bad. Lots of estimates done on it and all the same conclusion, It needs a new engine. Well, looks like I have a new driveway ornament! I can't get it fixed because I have no money and no 401k because I used that to pay off the car early because of a job loss. Oh well I guess that's life. I just wish I new about this site earlier.

- Christine S., Hanoverton, OH, US

problem #21

Nov 082007

(reported on)

Intrepid 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

Last year I picked up a 98 intrepid with a 2.7L in excellent condition. I noticed that when I came to a stop after getting off the interstate the oil light kept coming on. I continued to check the oil level and never found a problem. I changed the type of oil filter I had been using and the light never came on again. The next month my 9 month pregnant wife was driving home in rush hour when the car just dies on her with no warning. She manages to get the car of the road and tried to restart the car. It made some funny screeching and grinding noises. When I got there to pick her up I noticed that there was some radiator fluid under the car that was coming from the front of the engine block. I concluded that the watter pump had gone out and took it to the shop.

At the shop I found out that the eighter the timing belt ot the watter pump had failed taking out the other witch caused the valves to bend wile trying to restart the car. I was quoted a minimum of $2500 and that was if nothing major was broken inside the engine.

Four months later and about $1500 later I almost have a 3.2L engine running in my car.

- Paul P., Ankeny, IA, US

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