Before you buy
This 2003 Dodge Intrepid has 106 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2003 Dodge Intrepid Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2003 Dodge Intrepid trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2003 Dodge Intrepid Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
DODGE INTREPID 2003 has 106 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems accounting for 64. Transmission and brake issues total 20 and 14 complaints respectively. Two recalls were issued. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Intrepid
- Model year
- 2003
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 106
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2003 Dodge Intrepid problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2003 Dodge Intrepid?
The 2003 Intrepid is a high-risk choice due to a heavy concentration of engine complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Engine problems dominate the complaint record, indicating a common failure point that can lead to costly repairs. Transmission and brake issues also appear frequently.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to accept higher maintenance risk for a low purchase price.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking reliable daily transportation or those without mechanical skills should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2003 Dodge Intrepid
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for signs of overheating, oil leaks, or unusual noises.
- Check transmission for slipping, hard shifts, or delayed engagement.
- Test brakes for pulsation, noise, or reduced stopping power.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic perform a compression test and inspect engine for common failure points.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and brake repairs.
- Test drive to evaluate transmission shift quality and brake performance.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2003 Dodge Intrepid, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2003 Dodge Intrepid has 106 complaints and 2 recalls. Engine problems account for 64 complaints, followed by transmission/drivetrain (20) and brake system (14). Crash-related complaints number 4. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only one model year (2003) was analyzed, so no year-to-year comparison is available.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 64 of 106 total complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 20.
- Brake system complaints total 14.
- Engine Problems: 64 complaints
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 20 complaints
- Brake System: 14 complaints
Full breakdown
All 2003 Dodge Intrepid complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Dodge Intrepid. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 64 | — | 5 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 14 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 11 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Dodge Intrepid. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
See attached document for complaint
WHILE TRAVELING AT FREEWAY SPEED A SCRAPING NOISE WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL LOCKING UP. TIRE AND RIM WERE GROUND DOWN, WHILE I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. MECHANICS NOTES: "EBRAKE CAME APART PASSENGER REAR AND LOCKED BRAKE UP, CAUSING BACKING PLATE TO RIP …
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 U…
MY CAR JUST WENT FROM FINE TO NOT FINE. I FELT LIKE IT WAS IN 2 GEAR WHILE DRIVING IT. SO I HAD TO PULL OVER STOP IT AND MAKE SURE I WAS IN THE RIGHT GEAR AND I WAS BUT IT WOULDN'T SHIFT TO DRIVE. STAYED IN 2 GEAR. THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I GOT TWO CODES. PO700 AND PO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO REVERSE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE…
DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN AZ THE CAR STARTED TO LOOSE POWER AND THAN TRAIL SMOKE.... AS WE PULLED OFF SMOKE ROLLED OUT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE... CHECKING THE PASSENGER SIDE, THERE WAS MELTING PLASTIC RUNNING TO THE GROUND AND THE TOP OF THE HOOD WAS HOT.. CAR LATER BURNT BE…
AS I WAS BACKING INTO A PARALLEL PARKING SPACE, I HEARD A LOUD POP FROM UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR, JUST AS I TAPPED THE CURB WITH MY BACK TIRES AT 2 MPH. I WENT TO PULL FORWARD TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR AND ATTEMPT THE PARKING JOB AGAIN, WHEN I REALIZED THAT I COULD NO LONGER TURN T…
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…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DI…
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 DODGE INTREPID ON THE FREEWAY AT 60 MPH THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN FIRST GEAR AND WOULDN'T SHIFT TO THE UPPER GEARS NO MATTER HOW FAST I DROVE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND AFTER START…
2003 DODGE INTREPID, UNIT 1 WAS EASTBOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE WHEN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. *BF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND LEFT FRONT FENDER WERE DAMAGED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0242-91) *JB
HAVE A 2003 DODGE INTREPID. HUSBAND DRIVING CAR HOME AND NO LIGHTS CAME ON. THE CAR MADE LOUD BANGING TYPE NOISES AND HE PULLED OVER. HAD CAR LOOKED AT - ENGINE FAILURE. THIS COULD'VE LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT FIRST STARTED BANGING SO LOUDLY AND WE ALSO HAD A COOLANT PROBLEM TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS WOULD SECURE THE PASSENGERS FIRMLY IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR SEAT BELT PULLEY SYSTEMS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. …
MY VEHICLE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS IN SEPTEMBER OF 09, IT WAS STALLING ON HIGHWAYS. I WOULD LOSE POWER OUT OF NOWHERE. IT ALSO WOULD RANDOMLY ACCELERATE FORWARD, FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD THE CAR WOULD JUST BUCK BACK AND FORTH. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (J18) THAT WORD FOR WORD …
CAR STICKS IN 2ND GEAR DURING DRIVING AND FREQUENTLY STOPS MOVING, GOING INTO LIMP MODE. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE AND THE RPM WILL GO FROM 2 TO 4. WHEN DECELERATING AND BREAKING, IT WILL ACT ERRATIC OFTEN AS IF IT WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND JERK. WHILE IN A PARKIN…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE INTREPID. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, AN UNKNOWN LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMEN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE INTREPID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNUSUALLY LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROADWAY AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHIC…
THE MOUNT FOR MY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER IN MY 2003 DODGE INTREPID BROKE AND ALLOWED THE TENSIONER TO GIVE SLACK, THE TIMING CHAIN AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT RIGHT PISTON. *TR
TRANSMISSION FAILURE
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF PERIODICALLY BEFORE RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE IN SEPT OF 2009. RECALL STATES 'THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ON YOUR VEHICLE MA BECOME DAMAGED FROM CONTINUED OPERATION IN "LIMP-IN" MODE FOLLOWING A CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAULT.' NOTHING WAS…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Dodge Intrepid.
Safety recalls
2003 Dodge Intrepid recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Dodge Intrepid. With 2 recalls, verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2003 Dodge Intrepid buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2003 Dodge Intrepid reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 106 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2003 Intrepid is a high-risk choice due to a heavy concentration of engine complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Intrepid?▾
#1: Engine Problems (64 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (20 complaints). #3: Brake System (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Dodge Intrepid?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Dodge Intrepid?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2003 Dodge Intrepid, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 10 fire reports out of 106 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Dodge Intrepid have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2003 Dodge Intrepid. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. With 2 recalls, verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2003 Dodge Intrepid?▾
The 2003 Intrepid is a high-risk choice due to a heavy concentration of engine complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Engine problems dominate the complaint record, indicating a common failure point that can lead to costly repairs. Transmission and brake issues also appear frequently. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Intrepid reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2003 Dodge Intrepid based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.