Steering Tie Rod Assembly problems of the 2004 Dodge Intrepid

I bought this car used in June 2009. Less than a year later I began having problems. At first there was a loud knock on the right side under the hood, which ended up being the control arm- completly loose and almost disconnected. It hadn't been like that when I made this waste of a purchase. Over the last 20 months (12/2/2011), the problems have progressively gotten worse (and more expensive). The loud bang is back, adding to it a lack of full control of steering. I now have to replace the tie rod (entire system) and the rack and pinion. I understand why this car was discontinued, just not why there was no recall.

I first noticed that the steering wheel was a bit off center and it has since gotten to the point that there is excessive play in the wheel and the vehicle is very difficult to control. The steering also makes a clunk noise when the wheel is turned back and forth. After doing some research and inspecting the steering system I found that the inner tie rod bushings are almost gone. This is an extremely dangerous design flaw and had it continued the bolts may have sheared and resulted in a total loss of steering. I will now need to replace the inner tie rod bushings, bolts, and plate.