1996 Dodge Intrepid: engine overheating

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 Apr 17, 2007 · Engine · NY · fire

I purchased this vehicle used from a reputable dealer. All repairs are well documented. Over the last 2 years there have been recurring problems with overheating that no one was able to diagnose. My husband went out to start the car after it had been sitting for approximately 12 hours and the engine burst into flames. Thank goodness there was a snow bank or our house would have been a loss as well. Through the internet I have discovered a recall for symptoms that we have experienced, without repair, but are listed in recall information. We are getting the run around about how to pursue repairing the vehicle under the recall provisions.

Filed Oct 20, 2004 · Engine · TX

The consumer stated the vehicle overheated. A new thermostat was placed in the vehicle. Several weeks later, while driving the vehicle overheated again. This time she had the vehicle towed to a dealer, who told her he thought that her motor was blown. But later she found that since the engine restarted, it may not have been the engine after all

Filed Oct 24, 2003 · Engine · MS

When antifreeze was poured into the reservoir, it leaked out of the radiator which caused the vehicle to overheat. Please provide further details.

Filed Mar 14, 2001 · Engine · OH

Water pump failed causing timing belt to need to be replaced. This is very expensive and very inconvenient. There have been a lot of reports on the failure of the water pump in the 96 dodge intrepid and this problem needs to be addressed by the company! Vehicle overheated on interstate both times causing smoke to pour from vehicle.

Filed Sep 18, 2000 · Engine · WA

Water pump failed / engine overheated / heads warped / cylinder walls damaged now engine needs to be replaced

Filed Mar 21, 2000 · Engine, Steering · FL

Engine overheated. Consumer pulled to side, added coolant, and it immediately reheated. Took vehicle to dealer, and they said engine head gasket needed to be replaced. Also, vehicle was unsafe because there was no power steering when car went dead.

Filed Jan 24, 2000 · Engine · FL

The water pump failed on the highway, causing engine to overheat so bad the engine had to be replaced , all the while the temperature gauge stayed in the normal range.

Filed Nov 25, 1999 · Engine · NC

Has overheated various times. Some parts have been replaced a couple of times. Other times dealer says no problem can be found.

Filed Oct 20, 1999 · Engine · CA

While driving vehicle at various speeds engine would overheat. The temperature gauge would run hot. Had noticed smoke from under the hood. Took vehicle to dealer more than 5 times for problem to be repaired. Had engine cylinder/ engine head gasket cover kit/bracket pump/mtg/temperature gauge & outlet cylinder replaced.

Filed Jun 30, 1999 · Engine · MS

Engine continuously overheats. Water loss coming for somewhere, possibly the water pump. The water loss never reaches the ground.

Filed Feb 18, 1999 · Engine, Fuel system · KS

Fuel line fitting leak at front of manifold spills gasoline onto hot manifold. Fire hazard. Water pump leak caused overheat due to low cooant level. Coolant reservoir is not transparent enough to check coolant level - always looks full.