VehicleVerdict

1994 Dodge Intrepid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,024 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Intrepid year — the 1994 model ranks #3 of 15 Intrepid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 54 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (173), fuel system (124), and engine (92), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,024

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

14

Investigations

66

Crash-involved

25

Fires reported

54

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Intrepid years?

Intrepid NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted1,236 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 2 complaints1992: 2 complaints1993: 554 complaints1994: 1,024 complaints1995: 919 complaints1996: 709 complaints1997: 473 complaints1998: 493 complaints1999: 1,236 complaints2000: 1,227 complaints2001: 729 complaints2002: 413 complaints2003: 140 complaints2004: 155 complaints
Intrepid NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Intrepid years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Dodge Intrepid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission17317%
Fuel System12412%
Engine929%
Steering868%
Electrical System778%
Brakes757%
Suspension687%
Body & Structure646%
Lighting616%
Airbags454%
Seats343%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)343%
Speed Control283%
Visibility & Wipers252%
Other162%
Seat Belts91%
Tires & Wheels91%
Latches & Locks40%

Does the 1994 Dodge Intrepid have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V021000TransmissionJanuary 13, 2004 · 2,315,768 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.

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 1-800-853-1403.

99V215000SuspensionAugust 9, 1999 · 402,830 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BRACKETS CAN CRACK DUE TO FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE TRANSMISSION HALF-SHAFT COULD PULL OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE ENGINE CRADLE AT THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHES TO IT.

98V184000Fuel SystemAugust 6, 1998 · 722,600 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

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 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.

94V024000Electrical SystemFebruary 8, 1994 · 110,000 units

Defect

THE RIGHT STEERING TIE ROD CAN RUB THROUGH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH RESULTS IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING AND AN INOPERATIVE PARK/STARTER INTERLOCK SYSTEM.

Consequence

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION CAUSING STALLING WHILE IN MOTION OR AN INOPERATIVE PARK/STARTER INTERLOCK SYSTEM, WHICH ALLOWS ENGINE START WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION, MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS BRACKET AND A PLASTIC CONVOLUTED SLEEVE TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“9-2-98 TRANSMISSION FAILED. REPLACED ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION WITH A USED MODEL WITH 7000 MILES ON IT. ON 9-9-98 THIS TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN, AND THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS. AN INDEPENDANT INSPECTOR DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION SHIFT MODULE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 9, 1998 · fire

“1994 INTREPID ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS THE CONSUMER INFORMED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED ON THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER WHEN HE CONTACTED THE DODGE DEALER HE WAS TOLD THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO GIVE A DATE. CHRYSLER STATED THEY WOULD BUY THE CAR BACK IF THE INVESTIGATION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 6, 2006 · fire

“I WAS IN PARKING GARAGE AT JFK AIRPORT. WHEN I STARTED CAR AND PUT IT INTO GEAR, THE CAR SHOT FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO CONCRETE BARRIER AND PILLAR. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND THE BRAKING DID NOT SLOW IT DOWN. THE CAR WAS TOTALLED AND THE TRAVELERS INSURANCE HAS OFFERED $2275 LESS THE $500…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 15, 2002 · crash

“WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AT 20-25 MPH CONSUMER HEARD POPPING NOISE. STEERING STARTED TO SHAKE ,AND THEN SUDDENLY STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO LEFT ON ITS OWN , CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN INTO A CONCRETE LIGHT POLE . VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · crash

“I WAS IN PARKING GARAGE AT JFK AIRPORT. WHEN I STARTED CAR AND PUT IT INTO GEAR, THE CAR SHOT FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO CONCRETE BARRIER AND PILLAR. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND THE BRAKING DID NOT SLOW IT DOWN. THE CAR WAS TOTALLED AND THE TRAVELERS INSURANCE HAS OFFERED $2275 LESS THE $500…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 15, 2002 · crash

1994 Dodge Intrepid — common questions

Is the 1994 Dodge Intrepid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,024 complaints put the 1994 model at #3 of 15 Intrepid years. It is one of the Intrepid years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 Intrepid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (173 complaints), fuel system (124 complaints), engine (92 complaints).

Does the 1994 Dodge Intrepid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Dodge Intrepid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 Dodge Intrepid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 14 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Intrepid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Intrepid years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 1994, 1995. The cleanest record among Intrepid years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.