Dodge›Intrepid›2000›3.2L/dodge/intrepid/2000/3-2l/

LH platform

2000 Dodge Intrepid — 3.2L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2000 Intrepid 3.2L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 3.2LTransmission Automatic 4-spd

Built on the LH platform, the 2000 Dodge Intrepid 3.2L is a passenger car powered by a 3.2L engine and 4-speed automatic transmission that delivers an EPA estimated 17/25/20 mpg while requiring 5 quarts of 5W-30 or 10W-30 API oil with a filter. Within the 1992-2004 model history, this year records the highest volume of owner dissatisfaction at 1094 complaints, significantly surpassing the generation's low of 2 in 1992 with grievances primarily focused on Engine & Engine Cooling and 9 recalls. This concentration of faults marks the 2000 model as the reliability outlier of the lineage, signaling researchers to approach this model year with heightened scrutiny compared to other vintages.

Model year2001 2000 1999 1998

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5 qt w/ filterOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 / 10W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy17/25/20 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 34 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 05281090AB. Note the factory engine air filter, fuel filter, spark plug, serpentine belt and thermostat are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 34 · 600 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP225-55R17OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	05281090AB
Engine air filter	04591100AC discontinued
Fuel filter	05278631AA discontinued
Spark plug	68304017AA discontinued · alt 68304015AA
Battery	BB34F101AA alt BB34U900AA
Front wiper blades	05011206AC alt 05011207AB
Serpentine belt	04663950AF discontinued · alt 04792071AC
Thermostat	68027789AA discontinued · alt 04792237AE

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	17 / 25 / 20 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	104 cu ft
Cargo volume	18 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5 qt w/ filter of 5W-30 / 10W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	8.5 Pints,
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API · 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	5 qt w/ filter

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	75 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	70 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	85-115 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	110-130 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	124 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	925 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	375 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.45-.65 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	7000-15,800 ohms
Spark Plug Gap	0.048-0.053 in
Spark Plug Torque	13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.54-1.63 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	5.70-6.40 oz
Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.56 lbs
Oil Group	PAG

Service checks

Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	180 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	Longitudinal engines 44.0-54.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	10-16 na ohms
Engine Compression	100 Minimum psi

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC
Torque to Knuckle	16 ft-lbs / 100 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	16 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.312; Rear: 0.281 Specifications
Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0005 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.003 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.458 in / 1.019 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

40 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

40 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	Bolts 1 - 8 to 48 N##m (35 ft. lbs.)	35 ft. lbs
2	Bolts 1 - 8 to 75 N##m (55 ft. lbs.)	55 ft. lbs
3	Bolts 1 - 8 to 75 N##m (55 ft. lbs.)	55 ft. lbs
4	Bolts 1 - 8 to +90 degrees Turn Do not use a torque wrench for this step.	90 degrees
5	Bolts 9 - 11 to 28 N##m (250 in. lbs.)	250 in

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	All to 61 N##m (45 ft. lbs.)	45 ft. lbs
2	All to 88 N##m (65 ft. lbs.)	65 ft. lbs
3	All (again) to 88 N##m (65 ft. lbs.)	65 ft. lbs
4	+ 90 degrees Turn Do not use a torque wrench for this step.; Bolt torque after 90 degrees turn should be over 122 N##m (90 ft. lbs.) in the tightening direction. If not, replace the bolt.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	All to 61 N##m (45 ft. lbs.)	45 ft. lbs
2	All to 88 N##m (65 ft. lbs.)	65 ft. lbs
3	All (again) to 88 N##m (65 ft. lbs.)	65 ft. lbs
4	+ 90 degrees Turn Do not use a torque wrench for this step.; Bolt torque after 90 degrees turn should be over 122 N##m (90 ft. lbs.) in the tightening direction. If not, replace the bolt.	90 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Tighten the cap bolts to finger tight. Step 2

15 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 7,500 mi. The big-interval services (every 7,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 22,500 mi	Brake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	PCV Valve (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · PCV Valve (inspect)
Every 100,000 mi	Bands (adjust) · Spark Plug Wires (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Timing Belt (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2000 Dodge Intrepid marks a peak in complaints (1,094) and recalls (9) within its generation, reflecting a broader trend of escalating issues as the first-generation model aged. Compared to 1999 (1,058 complaints, 6 recalls), the 2000 model year saw a slight increase in complaints but a notable rise in recalls, suggesting heightened scrutiny or unresolved systemic problems. Complaints were overwhelmingly concentrated in engine and cooling systems (737), a persistent issue across the generation, while crash-related complaints (35) and fire reports (22) remained elevated. The year sits at the apex of a reliability decline, with subsequent model years (2001 onward) showing gradual improvement in complaint volumes and recall frequency. This trend implies the 2000 Intrepid absorbed the brunt of long-term durability concerns, particularly in critical systems. **Takeaway:** The 2000 model is a high-risk buy unless thorough service records confirm engine and cooling system repairs, making later years (2002+) a far safer choice.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

1,094

Owner complaints

35 involved a crash · 22 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99’00’01 ’02 ’03 ’04

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,094 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling737

Steering62

Seats31

Power Train22

Latches/Locks/Linkages21

Service Brakes, Hydraulic18

Air Bags17

Visibility14

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 9 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09E025000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 11/05/2009

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… 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…

09E012000Exterior LightingReported 07/04/2009

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 81 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
9004275	2020-07-22	Electrical System	KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
9004275	2020-07-22	Electrical System	KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
08-049-20	2020-04-22	Electrical System	Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin…
3100519	2019-11-20	Structure	Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with…
3100619	2019-11-20	Structure	Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Intrepid. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 34 battery Vehicles taking 5 qt w/ filter LH-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 05281090AB Engine air filter 04591100AC Fuel filter 05278631AA Spark plug 68304017AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2000 Intrepid 3.2L take?

5 qt w/ filter of BELOW 32 F: 5W-30 API, BELOW 100 F: 5W-30 API, ABOVE 0 F: 10W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2000 Intrepid have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.2L get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg.