1988 Dodge Intrepid problems
The Dodge Intrepid is a full-sized front-wheel drive four-door sedan that was produced by Dodge for the 1993 to 2004 model years. It is related to the Chrysler 300M, Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler LHS, Chrysler New Yorker, and Eagle Vision which were all built on Chrysler's new "cab forward" LH platform.
The Intrepid was sold in Canada as the Chrysler Intrepid. In the United States, it replaced the Dodge Monaco as Dodge's largest passenger car. With Dodge's introduction to Mexico during that time, it was badged as a Dodge, replacing the Dynasty which had been sold there under the Chrysler brand.
Background
The Intrepid's design goes back to 1986, when designer Kevin Verduyn completed the initial exterior design of a new aerodynamic concept sedan called Navajo. The design never passed the clay model stage. It was also at this time that the Chrysler Corporation purchased bankrupt Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini. The Navajo's exterior design was reworked and became the Lamborghini Portofino, released as a concept at the 1987 Frankfurt Auto Show. The Portofino was heralded as a design triumph, setting in motion Chrysler's decision to produce a production sedan with the Portofino's revolutionary exterior design, called "cab forward". The cab forward design was characterized by the long, low slung windshield, and relatively short overhangs. The wheels were effectively pushed to the corners of the car, creating a much larger passenger cabin than the contemporaries of the time.
Design of the chassis began in the late 1980s, after Chrysler had bought American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987. During this time, Chrysler began designing the replacement for the then-new Dodge Dynasty, which was a mid-size car. Initial proposals bore resemblance to the Dynasty, but this design approach was scrapped entirely in 1988 by François Castaing, the former AMC Vice President of product engineering and development. As AMC was purchased by Chrysler, Castaing became new Vice President for Vehicle Engineering for the new company. The acquiring automaker was in desperate need of replicating the AMC and Renault corporate culture where work was conducted in an atmosphere "of constant change". Castaing organized Chrysler's departments into AMC-style cross-function teams, as well as incorporated the use of simultaneous engineering. Moreover, the new vehicle's design, under Castaing's leadership, began with the Eagle Premier platform.
The Premier's longitudinal engine mounting layout was inherited, as was the front suspension geometry, and parts of the braking system. The chassis itself became a flexible architecture capable of supporting front or rear-wheel drive (designated "LH" and "LX" respectively). The chassis design was continually refined throughout the following years, as it underpinned more Chrysler prototypes: the 1989 Chrysler Millennium and 1990 Eagle Optima.The transmission was inspired by the Premier's Audi and ZF automatics. Borrowing heavily from Chrysler's A604 (41TE) "Ultradrive" transversely mounted automatic, it became the A606 (also known as 42LE).The initial standard 3.3 L pushrod V6 engine was joined in 1990 with a 3.5 L SOHC engine with four valves per cylinder. For the second generation Intrepid R/T the block was recast in aluminum as part of a comprehensive upgrade.
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Common 1988 Dodge Intrepid problems
The Dodge Intrepid, a full-sized front-wheel drive four-door sedan produced by Dodge for the 1993 to 2004 model years, has been known to have several common problems. These issues have been reported by owners and have affected the vehicle's overall reliability.
- Oil Sludge Build-Up: Another common problem with the Dodge Intrepid, particularly in later models, is oil sludge build-up. This issue has caused engine failure for many drivers and has been reported by a significant number of Intrepid owners.
- Cracked Dashboards: Many Intrepid owners have reported random holes and cracks in their dashboards. This issue is not only cosmetic but can also affect the vehicle's overall safety and functionality. The problem has been reported by a significant number of Intrepid owners, making it a common complaint.
- Engine Issues: The Dodge Intrepid ranks 29th in reliability out of 30 Dodge models, with owners making 1988 complaints over 12 model years, mostly about engine issues. Engine knocking and engine failure are common engine problems reported by Intrepid owners, with the 2000 model being particularly affected by these issues.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission problems have also been reported by Dodge Intrepid owners. While not as prevalent as engine issues, transmission problems have been reported by a significant number of Intrepid owners, making it a common complaint.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical issues have also been reported by Dodge Intrepid owners. While not as common as engine or transmission problems, electrical issues have been reported by a significant number of Intrepid owners, making it a common complaint.
- Interior Issues: Interior issues, such as broken or malfunctioning components, have also been reported by Dodge Intrepid owners. While not as prevalent as engine or transmission problems, interior issues have been reported by a significant number of Intrepid owners, making it a common complaint.
In conclusion, the Dodge Intrepid has been known to have several common problems, including issues with the transmission, engine, electrical system, and interior components. These issues have contributed to the vehicle's low reliability ranking and have affected the overall ownership experience for many Intrepid owners.
Why did they stop making Dodge Intrepid?
Many drivers reported that their Dodge Intrepids were becoming stuck in park. This was also an issue on other Dodge cars, such as the Avenger. Another problem on the Dodge Intrepid, particularly the later models, was oil sludge build-up; this caused engine failure for many drivers.
What was the last year of the Dodge Intrepid?
2004
The Dodge Intrepid was dropped in 2004 after eleven years on the market. In 2006, the rear-wheel drive Charger became Dodges new full-sized sedan.
Is the Dodge Intrepid FWD or RWD?
The Dodge Intrepid is a full-sized front-wheel drive four-door sedan that was produced by Dodge for the 1993 to 2004 model years.
What is the value of a 1999 Dodge Intrepid?
How much is a 1999 Dodge Intrepid worth? The value of a used 1999 Dodge Intrepid ranges from $229 to $1,053, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
What was wrong with Dodge Intrepid?
The issue with the Dodge Intrepid is that they are infamous for engine oil sludge, which crops up at around 80,000-100,000 miles. To quote Car Complaints.com "it's only worth the price of the scrap metal it's going to shortly turn into."
Why did they stop making Dodge Intrepid?
Many drivers reported that their Dodge Intrepids were becoming stuck in park. This was also an issue on other Dodge cars, such as the Avenger. Another problem on the Dodge Intrepid, particularly the later models, was oil sludge build-up; this caused engine failure for many drivers.
Is the Dodge Intrepid FWD or RWD?
The Dodge Intrepid is a full-sized front-wheel drive four-door sedan that was produced by Dodge for the 1993 to 2004 model years.
What was the last year of the Dodge Intrepid?
2004
The Dodge Intrepid was dropped in 2004 after eleven years on the market. In 2006, the rear-wheel drive Charger became Dodges new full-sized sedan.
1988 Dodge Intrepid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Intrepid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Dodge Intrepid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Dodge Intrepid complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Dodge Intrepid.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-06
- VIN: 2B3HD46R3WH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILURE OF 1998 DODGE 2.7 LITER INTREPID. OIL SLUDGE ENGINE SEIZURE $5K TO REPAIR COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND POWER STEERING/ BRAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEED. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND HAD TO FIGHT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-29
- VIN: 2B3ED56F3PH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM BECAME INOPERATIVE WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Dodge Intrepid problems:
What's Wrong with the Dodge Intrepid?
Owners have made 1988 complaints complaints over 12 model years, mostly about engine issues ... Dodge Intrepid Reliability Problems ... 3 Common Dodge Intrepid ...
No Power whatsoever..... | DodgeIntrepid.Net Forums
Mar 24, 2011 ... So the only problem that was wrong was that stupid little bolt lol. Thanks for all the suggestions and feedback anyway. Levi. 1988 Ford Bronco ...
1988 RAM -Troubleshooting trouble | Dodge RamCharger Central
Jun 7, 2004 ... I'm going to try the fuel line thing and see if it helps. Does anyone know if this is a common problem on 1988 RCs with the 318 5.2L? Mine also ...
Inner Tie Rod Bushing and Steering Rack | DodgeIntrepid.Net Forums
Aug 4, 2015 ... Recently, I've felt something hasn't been right with the car and felt some irregularities from the front left wheel when steering. Problem ...
Coolant leak under front part of intake...possible source?? - Chrysler ...
Don't let that scare you, it's common and I'm not aware of any issues ... Problems and Complaints. by JohnnyP. Thu Apr ... Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler ...
Other years of Dodge Intrepid
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