NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 106 owner complaints for the 2003 Dodge Intrepid. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (61) and power train (20). The EPA rates it 19–22 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“WHILE DRIVING TO WORK THE CAR LOST POWER AND ACCELERATION SEVERAL TIMES AND FINALLY MADE A LOUD CLANKING BANGING SOUND. IT STALLED AND COMPLETELY STOPPED ABOUT A MINUTE AFTER THE SOUNDS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC'S SHOP AND HE SAID THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED DUE TO OIL SLUDGE BUILD-UP AND THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THIS WAS A FAMILIAR OCCURRENCE WITH THIS SPECIFIC ENGINE, THE 2.7L V6. DODGE IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THEIR PRODUCT AND WILL DO ANYTHING THEY CAN TO AVOID TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. *TT”
“THE CAR HAS MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS LIKE ALL THE 03 2.7 L ENG SE. CONNECTING RODS IS FALLING OUT, AND ETC. THE CAR IS UNBALANCE. I TOOK THE CAR TODAY TO FIND WHY THE OLI LIGHT WAS COMING ON WHEN THE VEHICLE THERMOSTAT RISES. TURN OUT THE ENGINE ISN'T ALLOWING THE OIL TO REACH THE UPPER PART OF THE ENGINE AND THAT IS CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND MAKE NOISES ON STARTUP. AND ALSO WHEN YOU REVERSE YOU HEARTHE CAR MAKE A BAD KNOCK SOUND AND FEEL THE VIBRATION. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 86000 MILES AND THE MECHANICS COULD ONLY SHAKE THEIR HEADS. THIS CAR SHOULD BE IN BETTER CONDITION THEN THIS. ANYWAYS, THE COST FOR NEW ENGINE WITH WARRANTY IS OVER $6000. AND THAT INCLUDES EVERYTHING! NOW WHO HAS THAT TYPE OF MONEY AND WHY DIDN'T DODGE RECALL THIS PROBLEM ON THE 03 DODGE INTREPID??? ALL I WANT IS THE ENGINE REPLACE AND DODGE COULD DO THAT AT ANY OF THEIR COMPANIES OR AUTO LOTS. I'M A SIMPLE PERSON. I JUST WANT TO WORK AND BE AT PEACE.”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. HE APPLIED THE BRAKES APPROXIMATELY TEN SECONDS BEFORE THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY STOPPED. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOST PUMP FAILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000.”
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 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Intrepid Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Intrepid Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 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 |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 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 106 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (61), power train (20), service brakes, hydraulic (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2003 Dodge Intrepid at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).