NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 340 owner complaints for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (211) and power train (62). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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”
“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. WHEN PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER WOULD NOT ALLOW THE CONTACT TO INSPECT ITS UNDERCARRIAGE. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND A MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT ALL OF THE MCPHERSON STRUTS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH, THE BRAKES, AND ALL FOUR ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE FURTHER STATED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE FLUID IN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT HARD AND DRIVE ROUGHLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 03-27-08 *BF THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING FOR THE PARKING LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS. UPDATED”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intrepid Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Intrepid Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Intrepid Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Intrepid Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 340 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (211), power train (62), service brakes, hydraulic (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Dodge Intrepid at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).