1998 DODGE INTREPID

Typical 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

Typical 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

Typical 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

Typical 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

Typical 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

Typical 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

Typical 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