VehicleVerdict

2002 Dodge Intrepid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Dodge Intrepid sits mid-pack among Intrepid years: 413 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 492, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 53% of all reports (218 of 413), far ahead of transmission at 61.

413

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

9

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Intrepid years?

Intrepid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Intrepid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Dodge Intrepid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine21853%
Transmission6115%
Electrical System205%
Brakes195%
Steering154%
Airbags102%
Suspension102%
Fuel System92%
Lighting72%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Seats61%
Speed Control61%
Tires & Wheels61%
Other51%
Body & Structure41%
Latches & Locks41%
Seat Belts41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2002 Dodge Intrepid have recalls?

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

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

03V035000SeatsFebruary 5, 2003 · 1,066,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.

Consequence

IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SMOKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD JUST TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND WILL COST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 18, 2007 · fire

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION, THE CONTACT'S UNATTENDED GRANDCHILD SHIFTED THE COLUMN SHIFT AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWNHILL AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MODERATE DAMAGE TO THE REAR AND LEFT SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 28, 2006 · crash

“IMMEDIATE LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER..CAR WENT DEAD AND IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO SMOKE AND WITHIN SECONDS THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS UP IN FLAMES. VEHICLE DID NOT OVERHEAT.. ENGINE COMPARTMENT SUFFERED MAJOR FIRE DAMAGE,INSURANCE COMPANY INVESTIGATION STILL PENDING. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 16, 2007 · fire

“TRANSMISSION FAILED WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED. RPMS GOT VERY HIGH, AND VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. DEALER PUT THE VEHICLE ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE YET THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE BRAKES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 15, 2004

“LEAVING A PARKING LOT SPACE, CAR SUDDENLY HAD TROUBLE TURNING, AND FELT AS THOUGH TIRE LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL STEERING PROPERLY RESULTED IN CRASH INTO A CEMENT LIGHT POST IN PARKING LOT. DAMAGES APPROX. $ 2,500 TO CAR. CAR BEING REPAIRED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 30, 2008 · crash

2002 Dodge Intrepid — common questions

Is the 2002 Dodge Intrepid reliable?

It is close to typical for the Intrepid: 413 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2002 Intrepid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (218 complaints), transmission (61 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints).

Does the 2002 Dodge Intrepid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Dodge Intrepid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Dodge Intrepid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.