1995 Dodge Intrepid: complete transmission failure

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 133,600 miles · CA

I have a 1995 dodge intrepid. Until 4 months ago, it never had a problem, only did routine maintenance and that was constantly done. It has a new transmission and radiator (under extended warranty), and new starter, alternator, and battery. The fuel pump was replaced about 2-3 years ago. Four months ago, the car started to act up. First, I noticed a "burnt oil or anti-freeze" smell. I took it to my mechanic, who I have had for more than 15 years. He couldn't find any leaks or problems and reminded me that all the hoses and accessories were replace a year before. He said that he saw nothing dripping or building up anywhere. A week later, I would drive it somewhere, get out and do whatever it was I needed to do, go back and it wouldn't start. Everything sounds normal, like it wants to start, but doesn't. If I wait 30-90 minutes and try again, it will start right up and a check engine light would come on, but go back off within a few minutes. A month later things got worse. It started to die while driving. I would be in the car for less than 10 miles and all the lights on the dash would "flash" and the car would die. It takes between 2-3 hours before getting it to restart when this happens. This puts me in serious danger as the car no longer has power steering or power brakes and I live on a mountain with no where I can get off the road. I have nearly been hit/killed when this has happened. Since then, I can't go 1 mile without it dying or not start again. As a matter-of-fact, if I leave it idling in my driveway, it will die with 2-4 minutes. I have taken it to my shop 4 times and 2 other ones trying to find out what is wrong. They all say that since the "check engine" light only flashes and then goes off, the computer can't catch the problem. Sometimes they think it is the fuel pump or fuel lines; sometimes they think it is electrical; most of the time they just have no idea what is wrong!

Filed Jul 11, 2001 · Transmission · NJ

Transmission failed twice, the last time it failed was only 30000 miles after the first was replaced.

Filed Mar 8, 2001 · Transmission · NJ

The transmission failed causing the vehicle to hesitate and jerk upon acceleration , the consumer requested financial assistance but was denied, transmission had been replaced before, the new one failed after only 30000 miles. Nlm

Filed Dec 4, 2000 · Suspension, Transmission · MN

While driving vehicle would make clunking noise under hood. Took vehicle to dealership & was informed by the mechanic that problem was transmission. When mechanic drove vehicle, nothing happened. Was informed to drive vehicle until noise appeared & bring it back in. Had driven vehicle out of town when it stalled out suddenly. Afterwards was able to go 10mph. Took vehicle back to dealer and transmission was replaced.*ak at present time, the vehicle makes clunking noise in the front area, especially when the front wheel is turned. Lower control arm or transmission failures are possible causes.

Filed Nov 1, 2000 · Engine, Suspension · MN

Transmission failed and was replaced. Water pump has been replaced twice. Sway bar links were replaced at 24,000 miles.

Filed Oct 31, 2000 · Body, Brakes · NC

Rear passenger restraint does not retract back into position. Dealer has inspected vehicle.*ak transmission failed three times. Front seering rack failed left front ball joint failed. Drive belt failed at 28000 miles. Water pump failed. Radio failed. Right front struts failed three times. Brake failed three times before 50000 miles. Hydraulic cylinders that hold hood up fell off. Heat/AC duct system fell down.

Filed Aug 24, 2000 · Transmission · MD

On a on ramp, during rush hour the transmission failed without any warning this was very, very dangerous, had to have it towed to a repair shop ,they told us that they work on alot of the dodge intrepid 's transmissions , and they said it was a catastrophe failure on dodge's behalf .

Filed May 29, 2000 · Steering, Suspension · KY

I purchased this vehicle with the intent on having last through the pay-off. I am very concerned about this happening. At 30,000 mile the air-conditioning system went out completely and had to be replaced. At 50,000 the transmission went out and had to be replaced. A transmission was replaced at a dodge dealer but I was only given 12,000 mile warranty. At 70,000 miles the front-end struts, strut plates, inner tie rods, and other was replace. This front end is still not right as it drifts and has too much play in the steering. Many others with the exact same repairs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Jan 18, 2000 · Transmission · MN

Consumer had to replace transmission with only 74,0000 miles on it. When car was purchase it had only 30,000 miles. Dealer said that they could do nothing about it because it was not under warranty. Car has had multiple problems.

Filed Dec 17, 1999 · Acceleration, Transmission · OH

There were 3 problems relating to automatic transmission; 1) while stopping at an intersection and then proceding to cross, the car wouldn't go forward. The transmission line had come off and all the transmission fluid had sprayed across the driver's side of the car. The transmission line was fixed at a dodge dealership. 2) two weeks later, while driving 65mph on a highway, the car started to shake and the engine was racing out of control. The transmission kept surging in and out of gear and we pulled the car off the shoulder right before the car wouldn't shift at all. Again the transmission line had come off and all the transmission fluid had spilled out. We had another dodge dealership install a new transmission line. 3) a week later, the transmission would not shift into reverse unless the car was shifted into drive then back to reverse several times. While driving the car, it would shug along in and out of gear until it decided to shift into the correct gear. We ended up getting the transmission rebuilt. Several transmission shops that we went to for estimates said that they see an unusually high number of chrysler products (even 1998 models) that required the transmission to be rebuilt. We spent $1,500 in having the transmission rebuilt and in time and $ lost to fixing the first two transmission problems. We have taken excellent care of this car and believe that the transmission should last the life of the car . This problem should be investigated, as there are design engineering problems in the chrysler transmissions.

Filed Dec 1, 1999 · Transmission · CA

Original transmission failed at 70,000. Replacement ($2,400.00) failed after 31,000 miles.

Filed Nov 22, 1999 · Transmission · NJ

Transmission shuddered (felt like car was going over alot of little bumps). The symtoms were intermittent during the weekend of the 15th. Also noticed that transmission was leaking fluid . Took car to dealer and they said transmission needed to be rebuilt at a cost of approximately 1500 dollars. I contacted diamler chrysler after viewing your website and told them of all the other transmission problems documented on the site and diamler offered to split the bill with us. I still think that tey are getting away with murder because it is cheaper to settle individual cases than to admit wrong and recall all the chrysler vehicles with these transmissions. Also it is documented in consumers report that a couple from puttstown pa. Proved chryslers knowledge of this problem, and got them to put in a new transmission and the couple only paid 371 dollars in labor. I really think chrysler should be made to recall these cars. How much is enough.