Model year record

1993 Dodge Intrepid recalls & problems

The 1993 Dodge Intrepid has 5 safety recalls and 408 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (119 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints408filed by owners

Crashes · fires24 · 10reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths22 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Power trainJan 13, 2004

Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift

Recall 04V0210002,315,768 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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 ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Risk: EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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 1-800-853-1403.

SuspensionAug 9, 1999

Front › Control arm › Lower arm

Recall 99V215000402,830 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BRACKETS CAN CRACK DUE TO FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE TRANSMISSION HALF-SHAFT COULD PULL OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE ENGINE CRADLE AT THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHES TO IT.

Fuel system, gasolineAug 6, 1998

Fuel injection system

Recall 98V184000722,600 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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 INJECTION RAIL.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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 CHANGING THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS OR FROM A CRACKED FUEL LINE, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Fuel system, gasolineJun 12, 1998

Delivery

Recall 98V13000084,600 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.3L ENGINES. THE 'O-RINGS' USED TO SEAL THE INTERFACE OF THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL SUPPLY, RETURN AND CROSS OVER TUBES ARE NOT AS ROBUST AS THOSE USED IN LATER MODEL YEARS. DETERIORATION OF THE 'O-RINGS' CAN CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL.

SuspensionSep 15, 1992

Front

Recall 92V1280003,000 vehicles

Problem: THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM TENSION STRUT WASHERS CAN CRACK AND FALL OFF DUE TO HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT.
Risk: LOSS OF A WASHER WILL CAUSE A CLUNKING SOUND, HEARDDURING BRAKING. IF LEFT UNATTENDED, THE LOSS OF THE WASHER WILL EVENTUALLYRESULT IN TENSION STRUT ATTACHMENT FAILURE THAT CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR STRUT BAR WASHERS AND NUTS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1993 Dodge Intrepid 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Intrepid

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Intrepid

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system; Delivery	119	0	6	2	86,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	66	0	3	1	105,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle assembly	63	2	0	0	108,000 mi
SuspensionRear; Front › Control arm › Lower arm	50	1	0	0	115,000 mi
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Glass, side/rear	29	2	0	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	25	2	0	1	—
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Module	24	1	1	0	82,500 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner	24	1	0	1	—
Air bagsFrontal	23	19	0	16	—
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Headlights › Switch	22	0	0	0	65,000 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Power adjust; Front assembly › Recliner	22	0	0	0	—
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Linkages › Tie rod assembly	18	1	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE INTREPID. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH DORAL FDL60 TIRES, TIRE SIZE 225/60/16. THE DOT NUMBER WAS 7TA6 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND AN AUTO SHOP, WHO BOTH STATED THAT THE FOUR TIRES WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SEVERE TREAD BELT SEPARATION AND UNEVEN WEAR. IN ADDITION, THE TIRES WERE OUT OF ROUND. PREVIOUSLY, FRONT SUSPENSION REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE; UNCERTAIN OF THE SPECIFIC REPAIRS WHICH ALSO INCLUDED A TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCING ON THE FOUR TIRES. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE…
Apr 7, 2011 · 159,370 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL SMELL IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING, THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE THE O-RINGS ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V184000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) BUT ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE O-RINGS WERE COVERED BY THE RECALL, NOT THE DRIVER SIDE O-RINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Jul 29, 2011 · 67,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
MY CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS RECALLS AND I BOUGHT IT USED A FEW MONTHS AGO MY CAR IS A 1993 DODGE INTREPID WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS?CAR WILL RUN FOR 20 MINUTES OR UNTIL SHUT OFF AND THEN DIE FOR 20 MINUTES TO 10 HOURS, NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON DIAGNOSTICS SAY CAR IS FINE EVEN WHEN IT WILL NOT START. I WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALLS TODAY AS I SOUGHT TO FIND ANSWERS TO THE PROBLEM I HAVE SPENT MORE THAN 500 DOLLARS TO FIX ONLY TO BEGIN AGAIN WITH NO SOLUTION, DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE AGAINST DODGE?PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR,I SAVED FOR MONTHS TO BUY THIS CAR ONLY TO BE IN WORSE SHAPE THAN BEFORE. *TR
Jan 9, 2009 · 105,000 miles
Suspension › Rear
NOTHING LED UP TO THE FAILURE, IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I NOTICED MY CAR STARTED SWAYING AND "FLOATING" I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY AND LOOKED UNDER THE LEFT REAR TO SEE THAT THE SWAY BAR SNAPPED AT THE JOINT, AND THE SWAY BAR LINK HAD DISCONNECTED. THE RUBBER BUSHING IS STILL IN THE ARM, BUT NOT THE BOLT. CAN'T FIND A NEW SWAY BAR, BUT I HAVE A REPAIR KIT FOR THE LINK. THIS INCIDENT DOESN'T ALLOW ME TO DRIVE OVER 20 MPH WITH WHEEL SHAKING. CANNOT REVERSE AS WELL. *TR
Jan 5, 2009 · 130,000 miles
Power train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFT WAS HESITANT TO MOVE INTO THE PARK POSITION AND HAD TO BE FORCED. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK IN FRONT OF HER HOME AND UPON EXITING, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. HOWEVER, THE GEAR SHIFT WAS STILL IN THE PARK POSITION. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V021000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT) WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 108,000.
Sep 1, 2008 · 108,000 miles
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, A 12-YEAR OLD CHILD ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWNHILL AND STRUCK A TREE. THE 12-YEAR OLD STATED THAT HE DID NOT TOUCH THE GEARS, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT, THE PASSENGER WINDOW, AND A DENT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WERE THE ONLY DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NUMBER (04V021000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT) IN MAY OF 2007. THE VEHICLE NO LONGER SHIFTS OUT OF GEAR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…
Jan 20, 2006 · 100,000 miles
Suspension › Rear
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RADICAL CHANGE IN THE STEERING. THE STEERING WENT FROM ORDINARY TO MORE COMPLEX. WHILE HOLDING THE STEERING WHEEL THE VEHICLE WOULD WONDER. HE WOULD HAVE TO OVER COMPENSATE TO GET BACK ON COURSE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL SERVICE STATION ,AND THE MECHANIC STATED THE REAR END ALMOST SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE REAR END WAS RUSTED. THE MECHANIC HAD TO GET A REAR END ASSEMBLY FROM A JUNK VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE ENTIRE REAR END. HE SPOKE WITH CHRYSLER , THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE DONE, AND REFERRED HIM TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
Sep 1, 2004 · 56,000 miles
Exterior lighting › Headlights
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS. ONCE THE HEADLIGHT LENSES BEGIN TO OXIDIZE, VISIBILITY BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. THERE IS A YELLOW TINT THAT DEVELOPS DURING THE PERIOD OF OXIDATION. *AK *BF *NM
Jan 15, 2005 · 40,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

FUEL RAIL, BRAKE FLUID, CHASSISClosed
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT…
DP04007 · opened Oct 13, 2004 · closed Oct 27, 2004
AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCKClosedLed to recall 04V021000
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE…
EA03011 · opened Jul 17, 2003 · closed Jan 30, 2004
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATIONClosed
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR…
DP03002 · opened May 7, 2003 · closed Jul 22, 2003
FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM FUEL LEAKClosedLed to recall 98V184000
RQ98018 · opened Oct 7, 1998 · closed Jul 8, 2002
REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM/BOLTClosed
ALLEGED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING AND/OR ITS ATTACHMENT BOLT MAY FAIL, POSING A RISK OF LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND LOSS OF REAR SERVICE BRAKE OPERATION
PE98022 · opened Apr 14, 1998 · closed Aug 31, 1998
FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGEClosedLed to recall 98V184000
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
EA98007 · opened Mar 10, 1998 · closed Feb 1, 1999
FUEL RAIL LEAKAGEClosedLed to recall 98V130000
ALLEGED GASOLINE LEAKS FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSS-OVER TUBE FITTINGS
PE98014 · opened Mar 6, 1998 · closed Jun 15, 1998
UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKSClosed
A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WAARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.
EA95028 · opened Sep 22, 1995 · closed Feb 24, 1997
WATER IN DEFROSTER SYSTEMClosed
A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT (EA95-023)
EA95023 · opened Aug 31, 1995 · closed Dec 31, 1996
TRUNK LID SUPPORT FAILUREClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE94056 · opened Jul 26, 1994 · closed Nov 30, 1994