Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1999 Dodge Intrepid
The 1999 Dodge Intrepid has considerable owner complaints, mostly related to engine issues. It has six recalls, notably affecting lighting, transmission, seats, and seat belts. Potential buyers should be cautious and conduct a thorough inspection, especially on engine and transmission components. With nearly 1,000 complaints, this model may present challenges, but the evidence is limited in scope beyond these notable issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1999 Dodge Intrepid has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 997 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V021000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FLOOR SHIFT IGNITION-PARK INTERLOC NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V035000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/SEAT BACK RECLINING BOLT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V119000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FMVSS 209/RETRACTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V034000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/SEAT BELT MOUNTING BOLTS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 697 complaints
- Power Train 94 complaints
- Steering 58 complaints
- Electrical System 56 complaints
- Visibility 48 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 28 complaints
Of the 997 complaints on file, 39 report a crash and 13 a fire; across all 997 complaints, owners report 29 injuries and 3 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine cooling problems
How to check: Inspect for leaks, overheating, or unusual noises.
Shifter may not lock in park
How to check: Ensure shifter locks with key out; works in every position.
Frequent electrical failures
How to check: Test all lights, indicators, and accessories work properly.
Seatbelt retractor failure
How to check: Ensure seatbelts retract and lock smoothly in position.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or rough idle.
Red flag: Loud banging or rough idle.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights.
- 03
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Check steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering.
- 04
Normal acceleration
What to check: Monitor for smooth gear shifting.
Red flag: Delayed or harsh shifts.
- 05
Highway merging
What to check: Ensure stable acceleration without vibrations.
Red flag: Severe vibrations or poor acceleration.
- 06
Hard braking
What to check: Check for noise or pedal pulsation.
Red flag: Grinding noises or shaking pedal.
- 07
Final stop
What to check: Note any oil or fluid smells.
Red flag: Strong burning oil smell.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine been serviced regularly?
- Are there any persistent warning lights?
- Have all recall repairs been completed?
- What is the service history of the transmission?
- Have there been any electrical issues?
- Can you provide maintenance records?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Title and registration
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Accident history report
- Emission test results
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1999 Dodge Intrepid at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1999 Dodge Intrepid? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.