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2003 Dodge Intrepid engine complaints

Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 63 of 63, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Dodge Intrepid engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Mar 22, 2007 · Engine · IL

The engine lite has been coming on in my 2003 dodge intrepid despite regular oil changes, when I had the last oil change I told the machanic of the problem and he told me of the 2.7 engine. Now I have no idea what to do. It will cost me 6000 to replace the engine and I stillowe 10000 on the car. Please help!

Filed Dec 22, 2006 · Engine · GA

Car has 94,000 odd miles on it. While driving my car the oil light came on. I had a oil change 2 months prior. Checked the oil was 1 quart low, added one quart. Drove car a couple hours later it started smoking and the oil starting leaking entirely out of car. Made it home crunk the car back up and the car sounded like a lawn mower was under my hood. When mechanic looked at it he informed me that the engine was shot and that it was unsual for the engine to go out so soon because I didn't have a lot of mileage on my car. I have been out of a car since then, the cost estimate for repairs are from 3.000 to 6,000. It is not under warranty. I am in the process of sending information to the impartial services group. And I have filed a complaint with the center for auto safety.

Filed Nov 6, 2006 · Engine · 39,875 miles · CA

While at cruising speed on the freeway my 2003 dodge intrepid sxt suddenly and without warning stopped running, leaving me with no power on a very crowded freeway. After pulling to the side of the road (after many near misses with other vehicles, I was able to restart the car and proceed home. The check engine light was on from the time of the incident. After running a diagnostic check the dodge dealer advised that the camshaft position sensor had failed.

Filed Jul 10, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · WA

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.

Filed May 19, 2006 · Engine · 70,000 miles · OH

The oil light in my wife's car would come on at an idle. The car had only 70,000 miles on it. The oil was changed every 3000 miles. Found very low oil pressure ( under 5 psi ). Removed rod and main bearings. The bearings looked like new. Used plastic gauge to measure bearing clearance. Found the clearance to be .003". The spec is .0015" to .002". I found that dodge makes a .001" undersize bearing for this problem. This leads me to believe that the crank shafts were undersize from the factory. With only .001" of "wear" the engine could not maintain oil pressure. When I ordered the undersize bearings I got another surprise. In all the engines I have rebuilt the bearing kits run about $50. Dodge is charging $40 each for the main bearings and $64 each for the rod bearings. The total bill for rod and main bearings came to $500. Could there be a little price gouging going on to finance the legal battle with these engines.

Filed Apr 28, 2006 · Engine · 62,000 miles · CT

Below, please find a partial copy of an email complaint sent to dodge on 4/27/06 complaint! Please be advise that on the evening of tuesday 4/25/06, my 2003 intrepid overheated severely (without warning) after a ten minute ride. Sadly, the dashboard indicators and temperature gauge were not working properly and thus I was not aware that the vehicle (which was recently maintenance by the dealer) was in such distress. The vehicle was towed on 4/26 and I received a call from the dealer during the mid-afternoon of 4/27 stating that two cooling fans had failed (due to electrical malfunctioning) and a gasket pertaining to the thermostat had broken, all of which was believed to be responsible for the overheating of the vehicle. It was recommended that thermostat be replaced as a ??precautionary measure??. It was also stated that the situation was "uncommon". When questioned, I was told by the dealer that the distress indicators would not have been triggered off by this event. My question is simple: why not? Is that not the purpose of the temperature gauge or thermostat indicator? I directed the dealer to review the fuses, switches and anything pertaining to the electronics of these indicators and was grossly informed that the events leading up to the failure of my car were no more "predictable or preventable" than "knowing when a light bulb in your home will blow". This commentary was both appalling and unprofessional. Furthermore, my vehicle will not be available to me until 5/1/06 (6 days since the towing), I was informed that I will have to pay an estimated cost of $500 for repairs, estimated $300 in rental car fees, not to mention the 26k+ that was paid to purchase the vehicle 2 1/2 years ago.........

Filed Apr 7, 2006 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MD · fire

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 MPH a loud noise was heard from the vehicle and the engine stalled. Smoke and fire erupted from under the hood and the vehicle was pushed off to the side of the road. The fire was extinguished; however there were no fire or police reports filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, upon inspection a rod had blown through the engine causing oil splatter which caused the smoke and fire. The manufacturer was not alerted.

Filed Dec 24, 2005 · Engine · 47,770 miles · MI

My 2003 intrepid had 43000 miles on it when I bought it in june of 2005. It has the 2.7 liter v-6 engine. The oil has been changed twice since then, once at 43000 and 45000. There was no hint of trouble from the engine and I checked the oil regularly. I also can't vouch for what the previous owner did as far as maintenance either. The incident happened while in farmington, michigan on a business meeting. The oil light came on and then went off while the car was at a traffic signal. It also flickered while driving home to lansing, a seventy mile trip. It also did the same thing on my way home from work to next day and there was still no usual signs of failure such as clicking, etc. Not wanting to take chances I took the car where I bought it, I also purchased a warranty with it; that friday morning. They replaced and oil sender and checked the engine. The oil light immediately stayed on and they called me back to tell me the engine needed to be replaced because of sludge and it would in fact be covered under warranty. The dealer, sundance chevrolet has been very cordial thus far. I'm hoping there's a more permanent solution for this fix rather than spending so much money on an engine that might fail again. The car has 47700 miles on the odometer.

Filed Dec 2, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 1,000 miles · PA

Dt: the contact stated while driving vehicle stalled and lost power. There were no warning signs or lights indicating a problem. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer, but they have not determined the cause of the problem. The dealer said it could be the engine or an electrical problem.

Filed Nov 30, 2005 · Brakes, Engine · GA

I purchased this car used, with 24,000 miles on it, 18 months ago. 6 times to shop: 1) about 3 months after purchase, had to have tie rod replaced 2) brakes needed after approx 14 months from purchase 3) engine needed to be replaced 14 months after purchase 4) water pump housing cracked and had to be replaced, at my expense, after dealership crimped water pump housing when putting in replacement power train 5) sway bar bushings needed replacement at 16 months 6) was just driving home from work and 4 miles from home engine began making weird noises and by the time I got home was making very loud engine noises, sounds like transmission? Didn't want to accelerate. Turned car off when I got home and didn't want to start an hour later, just cranked and cranked. I believe this is a lemon, but since I bought it used, don't think I'm covered under lemon law. Will attempt to force dealership to replace car with a different model tomorrow. Oh, and also the inner driver's door handle doesn't open the car door. It broke about 3 months ago, and I haven't fixed it because they want to charge $50 for the part and who knows how much for the labor.

Filed Nov 9, 2005 · Body, Brakes · 34,960 miles · CA

Consumer has had 2 replacement brakes and 4 new radios on 2003 dodge intrepid after being told that there was nothing wrong with either. *ts the windshield and both side mirrors were pitted. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle jerked. The dealer replaced the camshaft position sensor. The second time the check engine light illuminated they replaced the maf sensor. The serpentine belt cracked. Transmission fluid leaked from cooler hoses. The front brake pads were replaced and the rotors were machined. The consumer request that the dealer reimburse his some of his money and return his trade-in vehicle.

Filed Nov 1, 2005 · Engine · GA

Dt: the contact stated while driving the check oil light came on and there was a loud tapping noise in the engine. Afterwards the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to a local dealership. They said the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge build up. The engine has not been replaced.

Filed Oct 11, 2005 · Engine · 62,000 miles · TX

The 2.7 liter engine on our 2003 dodge intrepid seized without warning while on the road. We were on a two-lane highway on a bridge with no shoulders, in-between two large motorhomes traveling at 60 MPH with no power steering and limited braking ability. We were extremely fortunate that we were able to coast across the bridge and get to the shoulder of the road without further incident. The car only has 62,000 miles on it, and the engine seized because of excessive sludge build-up despite regular oil changes that occurred at less then the factory recommended interval of 7500 miles.

Filed Sep 29, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · 43,200 miles · IN

Purchased 2003 dodge intrepid 6/3/05, as used. While driving a couple weeks after purchase, engine light illuminated. Took car back to dealership while still under dealership 30 day warranty. Informed car had faulty o2 sensor and sensor was replaced. August 9th, driving with young daughter at night at approximately 50 MPH, car made 'pop' sound, engine and oil light both illuminated, car engine died, but was able to veer onto shoulder of road without being hit by other cars. Called dealership where car was purchased and was told to bring it back. Car was found to have faulty cam sensor. Cam sensor was replaced-at my expense. Almost out of the month of september, was driving this car on the 26th, once again with my young daughter when engine light illuminated, car felt as though down shifted hard through all gears, then transmission acting as if not proper shifting. Close to local auto zone which I had them run diagnostics on. Found "transmission system failure." the computer of the car was reset at auto zone. Called local dodge dealership and was told to bring it in the next morning. Was informed that because the computer had been reset they could not repeat, nor find the problem. Was told that the problem was "more than likely 2 sensors," and to continue driving this car until the light comes on again, then notify the dealership. So, now I have the pleasure of driving a car that I know in the month of october will have some sort of "sensor" failure, if not outright major transmission damage. Did I mention I have only owned this car since june? I have no idea if the previous owner was notified of service bulletins. I would think that as much as I owe on the car (over $10,000.00), the year (2003), the mileage (43,000 miles) would at the very least guarantee me a road worthy, safe vehicle. My son owns a '99 dodge neon clunker that I just bought for $1000.00 that is becoming apparently more reliable than my pricey luxury ride.

Filed Aug 25, 2005 · Engine · 50 miles · AL

My 2003 dodge intrepid engine failed while my daughter was driving it in october 2004. The engine had approximately 50,000 miles on it. There were no warning lights, no indication that anything was wrong with the vehicle until it started making a horrible knocking sound. It was taken to the dodge dealership and the service technician told us the problem was caused by sludge. The oil had been changed every 3000 miles. The dodge technician said the sludge could not have built up to the point it was even if the oil had never been changed. We consulted an independent technician who says the sludge is a result of manufacturer's defect in the design of the engine. The cost of a new engine would be around $6000 which we cannot afford, and is in fact about the same as the trade-in value of the vehicle if it were working, which it isn't. Even if we could afford it, our research indicates that we would probably have to replace the engine yet again before the car is even paid for. We believe there is a major defect in the design of the engine, resulting in financial and emotional injury to our family.

Filed Jun 24, 2005 · Engine · 10,000 miles · PA

While driving at approximately 5 MPH and turning through an intersection, the vehicle shut down completely. After 3 tries, the vehicle began to start up. Owner drove to the dealer and it was the cam sensor circuit which was causing this problem. *jb mileage was 10,000 at time of failure. *tt

Filed May 24, 2005 · Engine · 50,000 miles · MD

Dt: the contact owns a 2003 dodge intrepid. She states that engine will not work. She took vehicle to a repair shop, and they said the engine was filled with sludge. The engine was knocking really badly while was driving. She stopped the vehilce and then that is when she took it to the repair shop. Vehicle has 50000 miles on it.

Filed Jan 18, 2005 · Engine · 67,000 miles · KY

The vehicle stopped while driving. The vehicle had to be towed, whereby it was discovered the oil screen is defective and the dealer and manufacturer states the vehicle has not been maintained.

Filed Dec 7, 2004 · Engine · CA

While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer was able to restart vehicle fifteen minutes later. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the crank angle position sensor needed to be replaced.

Filed Oct 20, 2004 · Engine · MD

When the consumer applied the accelerator pedal, the consumer heard a loud knocking noise . The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the idle pulley needed to be replaced. It has since been replaced three times. Please provide further details.

Filed Oct 9, 2003 · Engine · 80,080 miles · PA

2000 dodge intrepid has a total failure of engine and power steering while driving. Vehicle has 80,010 miles. Fortunately, it coasted into breakdown lane. The engine is completely wrecked and needs replacement. All routine service records on hand.

Filed Aug 4, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · IL

While driving at 45mph engine, and battery lights appeared on the dashboard, a couple second later, no radio and no steering. Dealer stated pulley came off completely.

Filed Jul 9, 2003 · Engine · NY

Consumer called complaining about having problems with vehicle.

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