VehicleVerdict

1996 Dodge Intrepid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1996 Dodge Intrepid sits mid-pack among Intrepid years: 709 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 492, with 2 recalls and 5 closed investigations. Complainants reported 37 injuries in total across these filings.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 178 reports (25% of the total).

709

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

5

Investigations

41

Crash-involved

25

Fires reported

37

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Intrepid years?

Intrepid NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 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, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Intrepid years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Dodge Intrepid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering17825%
Engine10014%
Fuel System9113%
Transmission487%
Suspension477%
Brakes416%
Airbags396%
Electrical System355%
Lighting274%
Body & Structure233%
Other152%
Visibility & Wipers142%
Tires & Wheels132%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)122%
Latches & Locks71%
Speed Control71%
Seat Belts61%
Seats51%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1996 Dodge Intrepid have recalls?

2 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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO POORLY DESIGNED RACK AND PINION BUSHINGS THAT MOUNT THE ASSEMBLY TO THE CHASSIS, 90 DEGREES OF EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING CAUSING .CRASHED INTO THE A HILL SIDE AT 15 MILES PERHOUR.VEHICLE IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE, EXCESSIVE WEAR ON TIRES.MOST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 25, 2000 · crash

“DEFECT OF TRANSAXLES FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK, MANY PARTS IN ENGINE ARE EFFECTED, NEED REPLACEMENT. *BF ENGINE DAMAGE AS A RESULT IN A COLLISION. LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS AFFECTED. *TC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 30, 2004 · crash

“WHILE CAR WAS SHUT OFF FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHILE CONSUMER WAS SHOPPING, HEARD AN ANNOUCEMENT THAT SOMEONE'S CAR WAS BURNING IN THE PARKING LOT. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. IT BURNED SO BADLY THAT IT WAS TOTALLED. DRIVER S WAS AFFECTED THE MOST BY THE FIRE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 2, 1999 · fire

“THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE AND DRIVER WAS INSIDE. ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE BUILDING. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SHIFTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 1, 2005 · crash

“1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD TO HAVE ALOT OF FRONT END WORK DONE ON TIE ROD ENDS AND BUSHINGS WORN OUT THEN WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE BRAKES FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND CAUSED A ACCIDENT WHOLE FRONT END TOTALED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHY IS IT THAT DODGE AUTO AIR BAGS DO NOT DEPLOY. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 5, 2008 · crash

1996 Dodge Intrepid — common questions

Is the 1996 Dodge Intrepid reliable?

It is close to typical for the Intrepid: 709 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 5 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1996 Intrepid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (178 complaints), engine (100 complaints), fuel system (91 complaints).

Does the 1996 Dodge Intrepid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Dodge Intrepid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Dodge Intrepid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 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.