1998 Dodge Intrepid: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Dodge Intrepid: 3 recalls, 377 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #98V049000 · 1998 · 54 vehicles
What's wrong: Some passenger air bag module assemblies are missing some required components.
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the air bags would not deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury to the passenger seat occupant.
The fix: Dealers will replace the air bag module in these vehicles.
Seats Vehicle recall #03V035000 · 2003 · 1,066,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, seat back recliner bolt breakage can occur resulting in the seat back reclining unexpectedly.
Why it matters: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #04V021000 · 2004 · 2,315,768 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the floor shifter ignition-park interlock May fail and allow the shifter to be moved out of the park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock May also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the park position.
Why it matters: Either circumstance May result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
The fix: Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. Owner notification began on June 14, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 12 mention a fire, 25 injuries and 5 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (198): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (55), noise or vibration (46), warning light on (25).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (39): the most common themes are noise or vibration (8), rust / corrosion (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (36): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (16), noise or vibration (4).
- Electrical (33): the most common themes are electrical failure (13), door / lock issues (6), stalls / loses power (6).
The 1998 Dodge Intrepid has 377 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 13 Intrepid model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 479). Complaints peaked in 2004 (81 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 84,679 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (344 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (997 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Dodge Intrepid.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Dodge Intrepid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Dodge Intrepid, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Dodge Intrepid problems?
Owners have filed 377 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (198), brakes (hydraulic) (39), transmission & drivetrain (36).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Dodge Intrepid get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Dodge Intrepid repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.