VehicleVerdict

2003 Dodge Intrepid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2003 Dodge Intrepid is among the quieter years of the Intrepid on NHTSA's books: 140 complaints (72% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 46% of all reports (65 of 140), far ahead of transmission at 21.

140

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

15

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Intrepid years?

Intrepid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Intrepid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Dodge Intrepid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6546%
Transmission2115%
Brakes1511%
Electrical System96%
Steering64%
Airbags64%
Speed Control43%
Suspension32%
Latches & Locks21%
Body & Structure21%
Other21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Fuel System11%
Lighting11%
Seat Belts11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2003 Dodge Intrepid have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND THEN SMOKE ENGULFED THE ENGINE. HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY, AND A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE ENGINE MISFIRED. HOWEVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 16, 2008 · fire

“THE VEHICLE LEAKED TRANSMISSION FLUID. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD SHIFT VERY HARD. THE RPM REVVED VERY HIGH. UPON TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 2, 2004

“WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS BRAKES WEREN'T FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE BRAKES FELT SPONGY, AND WERE HARD TO DEPRESS. A FEW MINUTES AFTER PARKING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE IT BURST INTO FLAMES. CONSUMER NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BRAKES AND BRAKE LINE FIRES.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 21, 2004 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, AN UNKNOWN LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE CONTACTED AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 5, 2010 · fire

“WHILE TRAVELING AT 30 TO 35 MPH, THE CONSUMER SLAMMED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT RAN A STOP SIGN. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *PH REFER TO CL 11682195. *SC *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 22, 2003 · crash

2003 Dodge Intrepid — common questions

Is the 2003 Dodge Intrepid reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 140 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Intrepid year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2003 Intrepid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (65 complaints), transmission (21 complaints), brakes (15 complaints).

Does the 2003 Dodge Intrepid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Dodge Intrepid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 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.