1996 Dodge Intrepid body problems

Filed Oct 24, 2008 · Body, Engine · 148,689 miles · CA

Repeated overheating problems resulted in replacing my radiator two times, thermostat three times and thermostat w/ breather housing two times. Cooling system includes external metal pipes which help circulate coolant to heater. The pipes are hidden from clear view and when mine sprung leaks due to their placement the leaks were diagnosed as being blown head/head gasket by three separate shops. Replacement of pipes solved overheating. Moisture gets trapped in and around the frame and subframe areas where the motor and transmission mounts are located and allows for unnecessary premature deterioration of all the mounts, bushings, main frame and subframe. This hidden condition has resulted in all mounts needing replacement, transmission dropping, front inner&outer tie rods and bushings going out, rack n pinion problems and the subframe collapsing. Documented records show that from 2004 through 2008 on average I drove 7000 miles a year. In that 28000 miles I replaced all motor/transmission mounts, all 4 inner&outer tie rod bushings/ends twice, radiator twice, thermostat housing twice, coolant pipes once and have gone through two sets of tires. I am replacing subframe, transmission mounts and front axle again. I continue fixing the car because I cannot afford to replace it but I am getting very concerned about the steering, axle or brakes giving out while driving on the highway or in heavier traffic. So concerned my documentation has been given to family members in case of fatality resulting from the defects mentioned.

Filed Oct 14, 2005 · Body, Suspension · 197,205 miles · GA

1. The event occurred while backing into my driveway 2. 1996 dodge intrepid, 3.5l, 196,000 miles. The lower control arm mount that is a structural element of the car's subframe had metal fatigued and separated from the subrfame. This caused the bottom of the front passenger side wheel to move outward and lodge against the fender. When the wheel moved outward, the half-shaft pulled out of the constant velocity joint disengaging the drivetrain from the front wheel. 3. The replacement cost of the subframe was prohibitively expensive, so the car is going to be scraped.

Filed Jul 30, 2005 · Body · 85,000 miles · IN

Recently I took my 1996 dodge intrepid into a collision repair specialist due to severe paint chipping on my hood. I was informed that this is common with dodge vehicles - that the hoods and trunks are rusting from the inside out due to the seams being pinched welded which is allowing moisture to get inside. Also found that the trunk is rusting from the inside out, but didn't know this until we were informed of the hood. The car only has 85,000 miles and has been taken care of very well. Other than that - it is in top condition.

Filed Jul 27, 2005 · Body · 100,000 miles · MO · 1 injury

Dt: consumer stated that 1996 , dodge, intrepid had a bolt sticking out on both back doors. This was a manufacturing safety device to keep the door closed in case of a collision. Consumer was in the back seat getting groceries out when her shoe string became entangled around the bolt and consumer fell on concrete and broke her hip. Consumer did not realize that string was entangled around the bolt. Consumer was rushed to the hospital, then she taken into surgery, she had to have 3 screws placed into her hip. Consumer was in the hospital for 5 days . Then, consumer was confined to a walker for several weeks until the bone healed. Consumer continued with physical therapy. The accident happened on may 18, 2005. Consumer had to be taken care of by someone else for quite a while. Consumer was in contact with chrysler in june 2005. They sent an inspector to inspect the vehicle and take pictures. Consumer received a letter from chrysler on july 5, 2005 stating that her claim was denied. Consumer had not filed any claim with chrysler. All consumer wanted was the vehicle to be recalled so that the bolt could be removed. Consumer had not taken anyone to chrysler. She just wanted to inform other people that the bolt was dangerous and could injure others more severely. Also, consumer had not done anything with the vehicle, and vehicle was still being driven.

Filed May 20, 2005 · Body, Engine · 34,500 miles · OH

Consumer states: the engine cradle mount on the right side is rusted in the back, and the engine mount on the left is starting to rust in the back. Was making noise, got louder and louder, and couldn't see anything.

Filed Sep 8, 2002 · Body · KY

Bushings supporting 3 of the 4 connection points of the front subframe cradle have failed, resulting in a clunking sound when moving. The clunking sound has been around for a long time, but has gotten worse recently. In looking under the car I discovered that the lower halves of the rubber bushings have fallen out at three of the four locations. This cradle supports the engine, transmission, and all steering components.

Filed Jun 25, 2002 · Airbags, Body · MO

On several occasions while driving there is a gas odor. Recall campaign 98v184000 fuel injection was performed, but after recall repair the fuel odor returned, the recall repair has been done four times yet the problem still exist. *tt the heater didn't work properly, the power door lock wouldn't lock, the doors wouldn't open, the water pump was leaking, the headlights were too dim, the doors squeaked, there was a vibration coming from the brakes, there was play in the front end of the vehicle from the inner tie rods and power steering gear bushings.

Filed Jan 16, 2002 · Body · AR

A rubber bushing, frame mount has broke causing my car and motor to shake causing a oil leak and varies other problems. I don't fell like this is something that should broke, I body mount holds your whole car together. It is not a motor mount, it's a body/frame mount.

Filed Oct 3, 2001 · Body · MA

During normal operation of vehicle a rattling noise was coming from front end. A private mechanic diagnosed problem of rear engine cradle bolts corroding. Repairs have not been made at this time. Please provide any additional information / attachments.

Filed Aug 21, 2001 · Body, Transmission · NY

Front sub-frame mounts failed.