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2002 Dodge Intrepid problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Dodge Intrepid is engine and cooling, typically around 78,711 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Intrepid model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
329
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
59
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19-21mpg
Typical repair
$6,100

The worst 2002 Dodge Intrepid problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Dodge Intrepid

Engine failure 87Stalling 40Check engine light 39Knocking 26Transmission failure 19Overheating 17Harsh shifting 12Won't shift 10Won't start 9Fire or smoke 8Jerking 8Ball joint 7Grinding brakes 7Hesitation 6Steering noise 6No deployment 5Oil consumption 5

Recalls 1

Seats: front assembly: reclinerReported February 5, 2003 · 1,066,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, seat back recliner bolt breakage can occur resulting in the seat back reclining unexpectedly.
Risk
If the seat back unexpectedly reclines while the car is being driven, it could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the recliner bolts. Owner notification began on april 23, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 03V035000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid

Defect investigations

Throttle control failureOpened February 27, 2003, closed September 2, 2003

Based on the low failure rate, the absence of failures over the past year, the absence of injuries, and odi's field investigation of incident vehicles, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See attached report for additional information.

PE03010

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid 59

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 59 bulletins for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid

2002 Dodge Intrepid fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.7L 6‑cylFWD1825-2621
3.5L 6‑cylFWD162419

What 2002 Dodge Intrepid owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 24, 2022 · Seats · 84,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the seat back fell backwards onto the rear driver's side seat. The contact grabbed the steering wheel and held himself up and safely stopped the vehicle. The contact braced the seat upright and drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched and referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 03V035000 (Seats) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Filed May 14, 2020 · Transmission · AR

The transmission shifter will only go into park every once in a while, especially when its warmed up.

Filed Jul 7, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 105,208 miles · NM · fire

An oil plug front left of engine block blew out pumping oil onto catalytic converter. Open flames melted wheel well, back bumper, and fuel hoses off of gas tank. Fire went out went all the oil was pumped out of engine and car stopped moving. I contacted chrysler safety, they referred me to dodge customer care; they initially created a case #31892226 but then sent a letter saying they were not responsible because the car was out of a three-year warranty period and also unspecified environmental factors. Although my wife and son were almost immolated, it wasn't important enough for them to check into. The car remains parked at a local garage awaiting investigation.

Filed Jun 10, 2016 · Engine, Fuel system · 145,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. The contact stated that fuel fumes were emitting in and around the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the top of the engine and the check warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Oct 28, 2015 · Wheels · 68,000 miles · MO

Tires consistently lose air pressure and must be re-inflated anywhere from 5 to 14 days apart. Taken to tire dealer who inspected the wheels and tires on various occasions over the last three years and told that the tires are fine, and the lost air pressure is due to the wheels.

Filed Sep 21, 2015 · Airbags · 146,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. While the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the horn and cruise control feature were activated, but failed to function. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000. Updated 02/23/16*lj the consumer contacted the dealer. However they refused to do anything about the air bag problem. Updated 02/23/16.

Filed Sep 3, 2015 · Electrical · 227,000 miles · WI · fire

Was driving smelled hot when got home 3 miles latter opened hood cooling fan was smoking then caught on fire

Filed Nov 22, 2014 · Airbags · 97,000 miles · MI · crash · 1 injury

The car hit a patch of black ice and car slid into another vehicle going 55 MPH on the highway. Driver was wearing a seatbelt at time of accident and the airbag never deployed. Driver had facial injuries and elbow went through windshield. Very fortunate that was all.

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Seats · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the driver seat reclined independently and fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Electrical · FL

Ignition switch failure. After turning off car, switch slips into accessory position and drains battery. Car does not start when I return to the car to go somewhere. I need to pay for a jump or new battery, or tow to my mechanic. Then I have to keep replacing the ignition switch. The original ignition switch lasted until 2011. The after market ignition switches fail within about a year. Sometimes within a few months. Since jan. 2011, I have had to replace the ignition switch on 1/10/11 cost $147.50, 2/16/2012, cost $220.39, alternator assembly, cost $588.28 (mechanic thought it couldn't be the switch again), starter assembly again 2/21/14, cost $384.23; recommended I replace the radio since the electrical system shorted out 3/14/2014, cost $45:ignition switch again on 8/01/14, cost $110.56. Also this car keeps having the left rear taillights fail. They tell me this is all part of the electrical system short which they guess is causing all of the above problems. But all these problems didn't exist until I made the first replacement of the original ignition switch. I believe that the aftermarket was full of faulty gm ignition switches and there was no way for my mechanic to tell if we were getting bad gm designed switches. Luckily for me and my passengers my car didn't fail while I was driving. It always happened when the car was parked. But having 95 year old passengers, on hot florida days, get into a car that won't start, cannot be cooled down, cannot even roll down the windows since they are electric , these conditions could have killed my elderly fragile passengers. There should be some way of insuring that all those bad switches are removed from the aftermarket.

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Questions about the 2002 Dodge Intrepid

Is the 2002 Dodge Intrepid reliable?

Owners have filed 329 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Intrepid, close to a typical Intrepid model year.

What is the 2002 Dodge Intrepid year score?

The 2002 Dodge Intrepid scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Intrepid: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge Intrepid?

Engine and cooling, with 212 complaints, typically around 78,711 miles. Next is transmission (60).

How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Intrepid have?

1 recall, covering seats.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Dodge Intrepid get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.7L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 25-26 highway.

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