The 2000 Intrepid is a spacious FWD sedan plagued by catastrophic 2.7L V6 engine failure and transmission cooler issues that can total the car. The 3.2L and 3.5L engines are significantly more reliable, but all share transmission vulnerabilities.
2.7L V6 Catastrophic Engine Failure (Sludge and Oil Starvation)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: knocking or ticking from engine, oil light flickering at idle, coolant mixing with oil (milky dipstick), sudden loss of compression, complete engine seizure
Fix: This engine has inadequate oil passages and a poorly-designed water pump that leaks coolant internally, causing oil sludge buildup and bearing failure. Fix requires complete engine replacement or rebuild with updated water pump. Labor: 18-25 hours for R&R and rebuild. Most shops recommend used engine swap due to core design flaws.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure (Internal Radiator Leak)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake in overflow), transmission slipping or delayed engagement, engine overheating, pink residue on radiator cap
Fix: The transmission cooler inside the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix—this destroys the transmission within days if not caught. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission flush or replacement, and all cooler lines. Labor: 8-12 hours if trans is salvageable, 15-20 hours if rebuild needed.
Estimated cost: $1,200-4,800
41TE Transmission Solenoid Pack and Valve Body Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh or delayed shifts, stuck in second gear (limp mode), no overdrive, check engine light with transmission codes, erratic shifting when cold
Fix: The 41TE four-speed automatic develops solenoid and valve body issues, especially if fluid wasn't changed every 30k. Repair requires pan drop, valve body removal, solenoid pack replacement, and fresh ATF+4. Labor: 4-6 hours. Band adjustment often needed simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Front Engine Mount and Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: heavy clunk when shifting from Park to Drive, vibration at idle, engine rocks excessively during acceleration, clunk over bumps from engine bay
Fix: Hydraulic engine mounts and the front transmission mount fail regularly. Requires lifting engine slightly for access. Labor: 2.5-4 hours for both mounts. OEM mounts last longer than aftermarket.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.2L and 3.5L)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant smell from engine bay, slow coolant loss with no external leaks, rough idle when cold, small puddle under intake plenum
Fix: The plastic intake manifold develops gasket leaks where it meets the heads. Requires upper plenum removal, gasket replacement, and coolant flush. Labor: 3-4 hours. Not as catastrophic as 2.7L issues but can cause overheating if ignored.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Alternator Failure and Wiring Harness Corrosion
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: battery light on, dimming lights at idle, electrical accessories cutting out, no-start with good battery, voltage below 13.5V while running
Fix: The alternator is mounted low and collects road spray, leading to early failure. The connector also corrodes. Replacement is straightforward but requires serpentine belt removal. Labor: 1.5-2 hours. Test battery and connections first—many get misdiagnosed.
Estimated cost: $300-500
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure (No-Start)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: intermittent no-start with no crank, stalling while driving, engine dies and restarts after sitting, check engine light with crank sensor code, tachometer drops to zero while running
Fix: The crank sensor fails without warning, leaving you stranded. It's located behind the starter on some engines, requiring starter removal for access. Labor: 1-2 hours depending on engine. Keep a spare in the glovebox—cheap insurance.
Estimated cost: $150-300
Owner tips
If buying a 2.7L V6 model, walk away—engine failure is nearly inevitable and costs more than the car's value
Check radiator overflow immediately for pink milkshake fluid; catch trans cooler failure early to save the transmission
Change ATF+4 transmission fluid every 30,000 miles religiously—this transmission doesn't tolerate neglect
The 3.5L HO engine is the most reliable; 3.2L is acceptable; 2.7L is a mechanical time bomb
Inspect engine mounts annually—collapsed mounts cause harsh driveline vibrations that feel like transmission problems
Only consider if it has the 3.5L engine, full service records showing religious fluid changes, and you're getting it cheap enough to budget for a transmission rebuild—the 2.7L models are parts cars.
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.
Fitment notes: Battery located under hood on driver side; some models may have battery in trunk
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Every control module on the 1998-2004 Dodge Intrepid — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Compass calibration required after replacement; trip computer functions may require DRB-III initialization
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 09E012000
2009-04-07
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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER · 03V035000
2003-02-05
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS · 01V273000
2001-08-02
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD WERE TO CONTACT THE B-PILLAR.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A STORAGE BIN ACCESSORY UNIT THAT CAN BE ATTACHED TO THE B-PILLAR ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER WISHES, THE DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
CHILD SEAT · 00V366000
2000-11-09
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · 00V180000
2000-07-10
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: NON-ABS EQUIPPED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER PISTON RETAINER SNAP RING MAY HAVE BEEN BENT INWARD DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. THE MASTER CYLINDER PISTON MAY BE IN A "BRAKE APPLIED" POSITION DUE TO THE DAMAGED PISTON RETAINER SNAP RING. WHEN THE PISTON IS IN THE APPLIED POSITION, THE FLUID COMPENSATION PORTS ARE CLOSED WHICH RESULTS IN A BRAKE DRAG CONDITION.
Consequence: IF THE BRAKE OVERHEAT, BRAKE FADING COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN NEEDED STOPPING DISTANCE. SHOULD A DRIVER NOT ANTICIPATE THE EXTRA STOPPING DISTANCE, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · 00V033000
2000-02-04
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MOLDING FLASH ON THE PRIMARY LEVER MAY PREVENT THE OPERATION OF THE G-LOCK AND TILT LOCK FUNCTIONS ON SOME OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE RETRACTORS.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS IN A FRONTAL CRASH SITUATION, DRIVER PROTECTION FROM THE SEAT BELT MAY BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES.
SEAT BELTS · 00V034000
2000-02-04
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE TURNING LOOP (ATL) TOP MOUNTING BOLT WAS INADEQUATELY MANUFACTURED.
Consequence: THE AFFECTED MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT WITHSTAND SUFFICIENT FORCE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY IN CERTAIN IMPACT SITUATIONS, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A BELTED OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHOULDER BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTER MOUNTING BOLTS.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 99V343000
1999-12-02
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN INCORRECT INFLATOR CHARGE AMOUNT.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A PASSENGER OCCUPANT INJURY UNDER CERTAIN ACCIDENT CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE WITH A CORRECT MODULE.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2000 Dodge Intrepid 3.2L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.