1999 Dodge Intrepid: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jul 31, 2009 · Engine, Steering · 108,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chrysler intrepid. While driving 55 MPH, the contact heard a clunking sound and all power steering ability was lost. The steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. She then heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warnings prior to the failures. The contact is in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer for further inspection. She called the manufacturer and was informed that no compensation would be provided because there were no recalls for the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2006 · Engine · 125,000 miles · KS

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's engine abruptly stopped working after hearing clunking noises while driving 35 MPH on a normal road condition. After a few minutes of driving, the engine stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for repair who determined that the engine needed to be replaced.

Filed May 18, 2006 · Engine · 92,000 miles · TN

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling at various speeds, the cruise light illuminated and the tachometer dropped then the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and after 15 minutes would restart. The dealership determined the crank sensor needed to be replaced. After this was replaced, the engine made a clunking noise, and the vehicle has not been driven off of the lot.

Filed Mar 28, 2006 · Engine · 6 miles · CA

I was driving on the I -5 northbound to oceanside, when I started hearing a clacking/clunking noise from the engine. I pulled in towards the nearest gas station and checked the oil levels for the car, which were fine. I drove another 2 miles and started to exit the freeway when a total power loss to the engine occurred. I managed to recover control of the vehicle, and parked it in a parking lot where it was towed to my place of residence. The next day I had it towed to a mechanic and was told that the engine needed to be replaced. I had just replaced the oil 2,000 miles ago, and was perplexed. The oil light had been on intermittently, but oil levels were fine, I was told this was probably due to a failed sensor. I am young and have just started a family, with a newly born infant who could have been involved in an accident. From further research, I have found 1000s of incidents similar to my own concerning the 2.7 liter engine, and implore chrysler to recall this engine.

Filed Dec 29, 2005 · Engine, Steering · 126,000 miles · NC

Several problems with my 1999 2.7 liter intrepid. First, problems with transmission shifting hard. Sent to dealer and diagnostics came back 'within parameters'. Told it must be how we drive it. Since then, transmission would not shift between 2/3 gears. Left me stranded out of town. Had to replace the control module twice ($35.00 part). Keep a spare in the glove box just in case. Second problem, a clunking sound and ticking noise when turning steering wheel in either direction. Took to an independent repair shop, they wouldn't touch it. Have not had this problem corrected or seen by dealer. However, I have seen many tsb's on your website concerning this issue. Third, engine starting making a banging sound at about 126k. Had to have the engine replaced (bought a remanufactured engine) at a cost of $5000.00, was told something in the bottom end went. Couldn't afford to buy new car and have car payment. Only had 6 more payments to go. Was also told that this was common with these engines. Why is this engine still on the market if it has soooo many problems?

Filed Sep 22, 2005 · Engine · 93,000 miles · KS

I had a 99 dodge intrepid. My car was having problems with the oil and we believed there to be a leak because it would never hold oil very long before the tank would be bone dry. But even after taking it to a mechanic we could not find a leak. In march was driving back into town when my car broke down. It started making a really loud clunking noise like the engine was about to fall out. After having it towed home a mechanic looked at it and said that the engine had gone out and I needed a new one. I ended up having to file bankruptcy due to the fact that the car was only worth $3000 or so and it would have cost more than that to fix it and that I was already $4000 upside down. However, I am about to be sued by the credit union that I had the loan for my car on due to them losing so much money on it.

Filed Sep 21, 2004 · Acceleration · 96,000 miles · IL

I was on my way to work that morning and there was a loud clunk and then the wheel locked up. I was unable to break or turn the steering wheel without major difficulty. My speedometer went from 45 to 10 in seconds so I was able to coast to a stop. When the car was towed and checked by the mechanic I was told that the timing change prematurely "popped" and one for the pulley's bent all of the valves which blew my motor. I was then told that it would take $5000 to replace the motor. I don't have $5000 so I had the car towed to my mothers home where she has room for the car and it has been sitting ever since. I have a 5 year loan on this vehicle that must be paid and no vehicle. Even a used motor is going to cost me at least $2800-$3000 and this is not money that I have available to me. The car was well-maintained and recieved oil changes and I made sure to get everything done before it was needed. I still have 3 years to go on the loan and absolutely no way to pay for the repairs. And I know that the longer the car sits the worse the overall damage will be because things will begin to wear down from non-use. But what else can I do??

Filed Sep 3, 2004 · Electrical · 71,800 miles · OK

On 7/30/04 while driving to work my car seemed to begin idling high. While taking off from a stop sign, my whole car jerked and made a loud "clunk" sound. My speedometer quit working, my check engine light came on and my car would not shift out of high. I made it to work and called the closest dealer and was told it was a sensor. Made it to the dealership, to have car checked and was told it was definately the sensor. I was also told that I had the best warranty and would be "no problem". Also told them the passenger window in the front only worked occasionally and I had received recalls. Also explained that windshield washer bottle was broken. Ended up paying over $380.00 to have car repaired and declined fixing the windshield washer bottle because that would cost an additional $200+. I feel this is very dangerous, since speedometer quit working and engine was stuck in high. Dealership acted like no big deal and I am still upset at paying over $380 and having "the best warranty.

Filed Oct 2, 2003 · Transmission · WI

We have a 1999 dodge intrepid, for the last 2 years the same mechanical problems occurred. You would feel and hear a clunking noise, check engine light comes on and the car locks in low gear. We had a 5 star dealer service the car 10 times over the past 2 years. Each time they thought they fixed the problem. Now they tell me it can't be fixed. Daimler would not give us the time of day. They tell us we should go to a different dealer. We told them we were sick of getting the run-around, the response was: we can't fix your car over the phone. Imagine going 55 MPH and having down shift into low gear.

Filed Aug 1, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 18,000 miles · ME

A loud clunking sound was heard when driving. The rack and pinion was replaced. The noise returned again.*ak the sway bar link was replaced.*ts *jb-

Filed May 21, 2002 · Suspension · NY

Consumer is having problems with front end. It is causing steering to be loose, and hearing clunking noises.

Filed Nov 21, 2001 · Transmission · CA

1999 dodge intrepid es: transmission had been overhauled three weeks ago because of intermittent bump, surging in automatic, rough shifting in lower gears. There was also a one time slippage, a jam in fourth gear and transmission once shifted back in fourth rapidly in lower gears. Transmission was overhauled, input/output speed sensors, torque converter, disc clutch replaced. Transmission seemed to work better since overhaul and replacements three weeks ago. Problems are now slowly starting to come back. Transmission does not function consistantly as it should. Recent examples: 11/19 made u-turn, let of accelerator pedal then pressed pedal for medium acceleration, tranny hesitated then bumped then finally worked. 11/20 while driving to work I stopped at traffic light then lightly pressed accelerator pedal, tranny seemed to lock down hard and vehicle accelerated very quickly, faster than usual. Vehicle almost smashed into car in front of me. Engine did not rev as like it was a throttle request. This has only happened once or twice since owning the vehicle. Dealership says transmission is fine and shifts fine. I asked dealership to check for fault codes, they state that no codes were found. I will be taking it to another dealership.