- The problem
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Dodge Intrepid Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 340 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Intrepid with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (216) and the transmission & drivetrain (62). Those complaints describe 14 crashes, 9 fires, 11 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 2001 has 656 and the 2003 has 106.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Intrepid year, for its age
#37 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 340
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 14
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 11
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2002 Dodge Intrepid problems
Share of all 340 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Dodge Intrepid recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, seat back recliner bolt breakage can occur resulting in the seat back reclining unexpectedly.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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340 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Intrepid
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 14.
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 NHTSA 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.
The transmission shifter will only go into park every once in a while, especially when its warmed up. *Tr
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.
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.
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.
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.*Jb
Was driving smelled hot when got home 3 miles latter opened hood cooling fan was smoking then caught on fire
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. *Tr
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.
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,...
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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. *Tr
Engine failure 2.7L 2002 dodge intrepid vehicle owned over 10 years 111k miles current odm, oil change was not due at the time of engine failure. *Tr
ENGINE FAILURE SLUDGE , ENGINE DESIGN. *TR
Tl-the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph in reverse, he heard a pop. The contact inspected the vehicle and stated the rack and pinion bolts have fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. The vin was unavailable. Ap
We bought this car as the third owner the air bag light was on the cruise control didn't work and the horn wouldn't sound.After searching the internet,and finding out that they had many many of the internal pasts changed and the multitudes of people reimbursed, we took our car to the dealer and told because we were the third owner,and that the mileage was high,they would not accept responsibility. The car was never been in a accident,nor has it been abused. I think that because my horn can't work it may be a...
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concern. I also think wile driving my air bag may deploy causing an insident.Both dodge intrepid , and other dodges have the same problems. The problem can be resolved by paying 4-to5 hundred dollars to the consumer. I feel as though the cost and replacement of the part should go back to the manufacturer as it is an internal part in the steering that breaks with out warning and without any cause from outside sources i.E.Accedentsor other. Because not enough people contacted you, the manufacturer decided it wasn't good enough to be considered or issue a recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. The contact stated that when driving approximately 55 mph or less, she would hear a loud knocking noise with the illumination of the low oil warning light. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised her that there was sludge in the motor, which needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired by cleaning the sludge out of the engine however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they advised that the fuel and the cam sensor could...
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have been the cause of the failure. The vehicle was repaired for both components. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. The current mileage was approximately 130,000. Updated 04/02/13*lj
My 2002 dodge intrepid has had many problems since I bought it roughly four years ago. I was informed that it had a rebuilt engine and transmission. Just recently it has been having problems shifting out of know where. I was at the stop light and when it turned green I pressed on the gas and it did not want to go. I let up the gas and it kicked in to first gear. When I am driving and getting up to about 30-35 mph it would go up to 3rpm and not shift. I do regular oil changes on both the transmission and engine....
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This problem can cause an accident because the car is just doing whatever it wants to. After reading all these other complaints it is very similar to my problem. I am understanding now why dodge stopped making intrepid. I am very disappointed and will never buy dodge again. *Tr
My pregnant wife was leaving a friends wedding with my three year old in the car, she was turning around on a side street she lost all steering I was there in a separate car I went out and checked for the problem. I found that both bolts that connect the inner tie rods to the rack and pinion steering had been broken completely. This is my wife's daily driver she has it on the freeway everyday. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. The contact stated that while having repairs on the vehicle, she was advised by the technicians that the valve gasket was covered in oil sludge. The mechanic advised that the valve gasket cover needed to be cleaned and the oil needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 186,000. Updated 02/0812 *bf updated 03/16/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. While parked, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician advised that the air bag module would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Noticed antifreeze leaking from under center area of car, attempted to pit in antifreeze, leaked out right away. I checked the oil and it was full of antifreeze. The motor is shot. There was no warning no service lights the car has not been over heated, it was very well maintained by a local dealer.
Steering problems 2002 dodge intrepid. Steering gear replaced at approx 60,000 miles then inner tie rod bushings failed at 196,000 miles now they have failed again at 224,000 miles 18 months and there is major play in the steering of the car as well as movement in the tire leading to possible excessive tire wear. *Tr
2002 Dodge intrepid 2.7 Engine car sudenly overheated. Anti freeze went out on ground and into oil. Repalced water pump, tensioner, timimg chain, several sensors, gaskets and more.Always maintained oil changes at 300k and oil filters. Bad engine- parts saved. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. The contact was driving 50 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that there was an internal engine failure but was unable to provide a concrete diagnosis. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 105,675.
Engine coolant: car ran hot without warning. Temperature gauge blew off of radiator and coolant exploded all over the engine. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge intrepid. The contact was driving approximately 65 mph when he observed smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was pulled over and towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was told that the inner core of the transmission was leaking transmission fluid. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 146,000. The vin was unavailable.
Dodge Intrepid: every year compared
All Intrepid years2002 Dodge Intrepid vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Dodge Intrepid | 340 | 3 | C | |
| 2002 Dodge Ram | 942 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Dakota | 689 | 12 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Durango | 434 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan | 301 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Caravan | 256 | 10 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Neon | 184 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 | 155 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 | 44 | 1 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Dodge Intrepid
Does the 2002 Dodge Intrepid have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); recliner (February 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Intrepid?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (216), transmission & drivetrain (62), brakes (17).
How many complaints has the 2002 Dodge Intrepid had?
340 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 4, 2002 and the latest on March 24, 2022. Of these, 14 describe a crash and 9 a fire, and together they report 11 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2002 Dodge Intrepid a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 58 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Dodge Intrepid year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Intrepid years have the most complaints?
2000 (1,089), 1999 (1,044), 2001 (656). See every Dodge Intrepid year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Dodge Intrepid has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data