The 1998 Intrepid is a cab-forward FWD sedan with decent ride quality but serious durability issues, particularly with the 2.7L V6 engine and transmission. These cars rarely make it past 150,000 miles without major powertrain work.
2.7L V6 Catastrophic Sludge and Bearing Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: knocking from lower engine, oil pressure warning light, metal shavings in oil, sudden loss of power, engine seizure
Fix: The 2.7L is notorious for water pump placement inside the timing cover causing overheating, sludge buildup in oil passages, and subsequent bearing failure. Requires complete engine replacement or rebuild with timing components, water pump, head gaskets. 18-24 labor hours for replacement, 30+ for full rebuild. Most shops won't rebuild these—swap with low-mile junkyard motor.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
41TE/42LE Transmission Cooler Line and Internal Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: slipping between gears especially 2nd-3rd, delayed engagement from park, transmission fluid in coolant or vice versa, erratic shifting, no forward gears
Fix: The internal transmission oil cooler fails allowing coolant and ATF to mix (the infamous 'strawberry milkshake of death'). Destroys transmission within days if not caught. Also prone to solenoid pack and clutch pack failures independently. Requires transmission rebuild or replacement plus radiator if cooler failed. 8-12 hours labor for R&R, add 4-6 for radiator if contaminated.
Estimated cost: $2,200-4,000
Intake Manifold and Plenum Gasket Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle especially when cold, coolant loss with no visible leak, white smoke from exhaust at startup, misfires, oil in coolant
Fix: The upper and lower intake gaskets fail on all three V6 options, but especially the 3.2L and 3.5L. Lower gasket can allow coolant into cylinders. Upper plenum gasket causes vacuum leaks. Requires removing intake manifold, cleaning surfaces thoroughly, new gaskets and bolts. 4-6 hours labor. Combine with spark plugs and wires while you're in there.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Power Steering Pump and Rack Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 85,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: whining noise especially when turning, hard steering at low speeds, fluid leaks under front of car, groaning when turning lock-to-lock
Fix: The power steering pump fails frequently due to contaminated fluid and internal wear. Rack develops leaks at seals and lines. Pump replacement is 2-3 hours, rack is 5-7 hours due to subframe work. Always flush system and replace pressure/return lines if rack is being done—old lines contaminate new components.
Estimated cost: $450-800 pump, $900-1,500 rack
Front Suspension Control Arm Bushings and Ball Joints
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 75,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, wandering on highway, uneven tire wear on inside edge, steering wheel off-center, play in wheel when jacked up
Fix: Lower control arm bushings deteriorate and ball joints develop play. This platform eats front-end components. Most shops replace entire control arms as pressed bushings aren't worth the labor. Should do both sides plus alignment. 3-4 hours for both sides.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Alternator Failure and Battery Drain Issues
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: battery light flickering, dimming lights at idle, no-start after sitting overnight, new battery dies quickly, electrical accessories cutting out
Fix: Alternators fail both mechanically (bearings) and electrically (voltage regulator). Also prone to parasitic drains from failing body control module or interior light switches that don't fully close. Alternator replacement is straightforward, 1.5-2 hours. Parasitic drain diagnosis can take 2-4 hours of electrical diagnostic time.
Estimated cost: $350-600 alternator, $200-500 drain diagnosis plus module cost
Crankshaft Position Sensor and Camshaft Sensor Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: intermittent no-start when hot, stalling at operating temperature, dying while driving then restarting after cooling, crank-no-start, check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: Both sensors fail due to heat exposure, especially on the 2.7L. Crankshaft sensor is behind timing cover on 2.7L (nightmare access, 4-5 hours), easier on 3.2/3.5L (1-2 hours). Cam sensor is always easier, 1 hour. Symptoms identical so diagnosis matters—many parts-swappers replace both.
Estimated cost: $250-450 easy access, $600-900 for 2.7L crank sensor
Only consider a well-maintained 3.2L or 3.5L model under 100k miles for under $2,000—anything else is a money pit waiting to happen.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.