In 1999 and again in 2004, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration issued safety recalls for the 1996 Dodge Intrepid. There were two specific problems reported for this vehicle. The first involved the fuel injection system, whose defects could create serious hazards for vehicle owners. The second involved the floor shifter interlock, which in some models may fail for two separate reasons, potentially causing the vehicle to roll away from the parked position.
Fuel Injection System Recall
According to the NHTSAs offical report, those 1996 Dodge models built with 3.5L engines have a defective fuel injection delivery system that contains improperly placed o-rings, which are designed to seal off different elements of the fuel system. This defect can also include hairline cracks in the thermoset fuel injector rail, which regulates the amount and pressure of the vehicles fuel injection. Left alone, either defect can cause fuel leakage, which, if in contact with an ignition source, can cause the vehicle to catch fire.
Floor Shifter System Recall
The floor shifter system defect is arguably less serious than the fuel injection defect, but is still hazardous and can prove potentially fatal in the right situation. This failing allows two possible scenarios: the vehicles shifter can be moved out of the park position, even with the key removed from the ignition. Also, the key may be removed from the ignition even when the vehicle is in the park position. Either situation can result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
Instructions for owners of the recalled 1996 Dodge Intrepid
When the fuel injection system recall was announced in 1999, the NHTSA instructed car owners to take the vehicles to an authorized dealer for a free service and repair. These dealers have agreed to replace the effected o-rings and cracked fuel rail.
The official recall for the floor shifter was announced in 2004. Authorized dealers have agreed to install new parts in the floor shifter of affected vehicles.
If a remedy prescribed by the NHTSA is not provided by an authorized dealer, consumers are instructed to visit odi.nhtsa.dot.gov or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline 888-327-4236.
Vehicle Recall Resources
There are many organizations available to assist with consumer safety research, but the most comprehensive and reliable with regard to vehicle safety is the NHTSA. Established in 1970 by the Highway Safety Act, this agency was designed to research and implement consumer programs, including highway safety and consumer awareness. The NHTSA is authorized, if necessary, to order manufacturers to recall and repair their vehicles.
Within the NHTSA is the Office of Defects Investigation, whose role is to investigate and report the quality and safety of vehicles on behalf of consumers. Based on established research data and consumer complaints, the ODI regularly administers official safety recalls with complete and detailed information regarding specific vehicle defects. These recalls may concern defects ranging from minor to extremely serious, and usually include instructions for how consumers can seek repairs for the vehicle in question. Full recall reports on any vehicle may be accessed at odi.nhtsa.dot.gov.
Consumer Complaint Information
To file an official safety complaint with the NHTSAs Office of Defects Investigation, consumers can visit odi.nhtsa.dot.gov or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline 888-327-4236.
Once a complaint is filed, the NHTSA-ODI will enter your information into a database on that particular vehicle. The agency will then analyze this database to determine safety-related trends regarding specific vehicles. Regardless of the outcome of this analysis, complaints will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If the defect is related to the vehicles safety, the NHTSA will order the manufacturer to provide free repairs. If the defect is a part of a larger trend, the NHTSA may open an investigation to research the necessity of an official recall order.
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