Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge intrepid. While driving 55 MPH the vehicle stalled, and then smoke engulfed the engine. He was able to extinguish the flames using the fire extinguisher. The vehicle was towed to a local repair facility, and a mechanic concluded that the engine misfired. However the head gaskets were not replaced. The failure and current mileages were 88,000. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.
2003 Dodge Intrepid: fire, smoke or burning smell
6 of the 106 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Intrepid describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
I never had a major problem, except cloudy smoke coming from the tailpipe and an oil. All of a sudden the oil light came on it began to over heat and stopped in the middle of the interstate. I had it towed to landmark dodge, the mechanic said it was the timing chain (upon my arrival, I explained the mechanic, what happened to get to the point where the vehicle stalled, he immediately told me it was the timing chain and I needed and engine, without doing a diagnostic. I asked the mechanic to do a diagnostic to be exact and not guess what the problem might be. They responded by having a sales rep call to try and sale me a vehicle). I wanted a second opinion, therefore, I had it towed to steve rayman dodge that's when the mechanic discovered I needed an engine for sure after a diagnostic was performed. The mechanic said it lost oil pressure, and had sludge build up. At first, the mechanic said he could replace the head gaskets for $3000.00 but he could not guarantee the motor would last. Upon further investigation, that's when the mechanic discovered the sludge build-up, no oil pressure and I needed an engine. The mechanic at landmark recognized the nature of the problem without a diagnostic and tried keep my car for non payment of service that was never performed. Is this common for dodge/chrysler vehicles? As a consumer, I have the right to investigate, protect and pursue legal action.
Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 dodge intrepid with a current and failure mileage of 58,000 the contact was driving under normal dry conditions about 55 MPH when the vehicle pulled hard to left and hit a tree. Prior to the crash the contact felt the vehicle shaking. The contact got out and looked at the vehicle and found that nothing was wrong. After the vehicle hit the tree it caught on fire. The driver and two passengers were injured in the crash. The police and fire department came to the scene.
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was still under warranty stalling occurred causing problems to the brakes and the steering. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who determined the tire rod ends were shot and vehicle was not drivable. Repairs were made to the censor of the vehicle to repair the problems on the steering and the brakes. The vehicle soon also had problems with overheating causing the engine to smoke and an oil burning smell to occur. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they determined the cause for overheating was due to sludge in the motor and that the cost for repairs were not covered under warranty.
While driving under normal driving conditions brakes weren't functioning properly. The brakes felt spongy, and were hard to depress. A few minutes after parking and exiting the vehicle it burst into flames. Consumer noticed several other complaints related to brakes and brake line fires.
2003 dodge intrepids' brakes caught fire during hard braking maneuvers. The metropolitan government put four intrepids through the metropolitan police department's standard driving course which included many stops and turns requiring repeated braking. Two cars were tested on march 11, 2003. The test was repeated with two different intrepids on april 3, 2003. The front brakes on all four cars caught on fire. At least one vehicle was found to have no brakes after completing the course. In addition, on april 11, 2003, the front brakes on an intrepid burst into flames while the car was being driven in normal afternoon traffic by an employee of the metropolitan government working for the parks department. None of these incidents resulted in any fatalities, personal injuries or property damage beyond the damage to the cars.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2003 Dodge Intrepid fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 2003 Dodge Intrepid?
6 of 106 owner complaints about the 2003 Dodge Intrepid (6%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Dodge Intrepid?
There are 0 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Dodge Intrepid
Engine failure 18Check engine light 15Stalling 15Knocking 8Loss of power 8Won't shift 5
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