VehicleVerdict

1997 Dodge Intrepid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1997 Dodge Intrepid sits mid-pack among Intrepid years: 473 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 493, with 2 recalls and 4 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 34 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (90), engine (67), and steering (67), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

473

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

4

Investigations

35

Crash-involved

29

Fires reported

34

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Intrepid years?

Intrepid NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Intrepid years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Dodge Intrepid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System9019%
Steering6714%
Engine6714%
Transmission5512%
Electrical System368%
Suspension245%
Visibility & Wipers245%
Brakes235%
Airbags184%
Other163%
Lighting153%
Body & Structure92%
Speed Control82%
Tires & Wheels71%
Seats51%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%
Seat Belts41%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 1997 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.

“PETITION FOR RECALL REMEDY ON RECALL #98V184 RE THE 1997 CHRYSLER DODGE INTREPID FOR CRACK IN THE FUEL RAILS AND FAIL O-RINGS IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM CAUSING VEHICLE FIRES. *PH THE CONSUMER BEGUN TO SMELL FUEL FUMES BUT WAS DID NOT VIEW EXTERIOR LEAKAGE ANYWHERE THROUGHOUT THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · fire

“WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER PULLED INTO A DRUG STORE PARKING LOT AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 21, 2004 · fire

“ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON REPEATEDLY AND ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE HAD COME FROM THE REAR HOOD AREA. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE #5 FUEL INJECTOR/WIRING HARNESS/FUEL RAIL. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST BRAKING POWER AND REVVED DURING THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK PRIOR TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 14, 2003 · fire

“AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND EXITING, WITH THE DOOR OPENED THE VEHICLE ROLLED AND THE DOOR KNOCKED THE CONSUMER DOWN AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED. A RECALL WAS RECEIVED ON THE SHIFT INTERLOCK 04V021000. *JB SHIFT INTERLOCK INOPERATIVE. *TC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 5, 2000 · crash

“STEERING WIRE HARNESS HAD CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING 30MPH. SMOKE WAS ENTERING VEHICLE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE CHECKED AFTER STOPPING. DROVE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS REPAIRED. WAS DRIVING 70MPH AND PROBLEM HAD REOCCURRED. TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS REPAIRED. PROBLEM HAPPENED A THIRD TIN DOWN.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

1997 Dodge Intrepid — common questions

Is the 1997 Dodge Intrepid reliable?

It is close to typical for the Intrepid: 473 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 4 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1997 Intrepid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (90 complaints), engine (67 complaints), steering (67 complaints).

Does the 1997 Dodge Intrepid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Dodge Intrepid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Dodge Intrepid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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.