Steering Rack Problems of Dodge Intrepid

Loss of steering, klunking in the front end, and steering wheel lock up. .

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to veer to the right. The contact turned the steering wheel slightly to the left and then to the right to keep the vehicle driving forward. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic and they stated that either the rack and pinion or an unknown component could be the cause of failure. The contact believes that the manufacturer should take some corrective action. The current and failure mileages were 80,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

My wife was driving our 2002 Dodge Intrepid coming from my mothers house, luckily it was at low speed. While she was making a left hand turn the upper steering control arm on the driver side had broken off at the rack and pinion portion of the steering control leaving the car unable to steer. It was then towed to my near by auto mechanic. The next day it was discovered that the rack and pinion was defective at 99,000 miles I had looked for the bolt that held this arm into place it was a grade 8 bolt that stripped out of the rack. Luckily she wasn't on a interstate going 65 mph while this happened with our 2 kids as this would have left a catastrophe or death upon all three Dodge really needs to make a plan to recall these cars as it shows to be defective materials.

See all problems of the 2002 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

Steering became very problematic starting in July 2006. When turning the car, there were catches when turning in either direction and the problem has grown worse. The car was serviced in early August when the shop diagnosed it and replaced the tie rods. That did not fix it and was then told that the steering gear rack also needed to be replaced. There have been several near-misses as the steering locks when making turns in parking lots or tight spaces.

My 200o Dodge Intrepid has 61,000 miles on it. I started having problems with the steering at about 58,000. Whenever I made a turn left or right my steering wheel would lock and I would not be able to straighten out. I would sometimes have to turn it forcefully and it would make a terrible clunking and grinding noise. I have almost been in a terrible accident on more than one occasion. The wheel locked up as I made a right turn and I was forced down an embankment, fortunately I was alone in the car and no one was on the embankment as they usually are. I have brought the car to a Dodge dealer and they are repairing it for $1067. 00. They said it is the steering gear and rack. After reading all the complaints on this vehicle with the exact same problems. I fee this is a safety issue an should be on a recall status. I was hoping to purchase a 300 Chrysler now I'm not sure if I want to stay with this company.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

I noticed a play in the steering wheel when I bought the car at 42,000 miles. At about 45,000 miles I noticed that steering wheel would "get caught" on something while trying to bring it back to its normal position after turning, and clicking while getting over whatever was catching it. At the same time rattling in the front end came along while driving on uneven surfaces - like a dirt road, bumps, holes on the road. At 46,000 miles I was told I had to replace the whole steering rack ASAP before I loose the ability to steer my car on the road and hurt me/somebody else.

: the contact stated while making a turn the steering wheel locked. The vehicle was driven to an independent repair shop where the steering rack was replaced. Updated 4/14/2006 - the steering problem began on 1/05 and fluctuated between being stiff when making turn to being very loose when making turn. Eventually the steering locked up on 3/28/05.

While driving I noticed the steering wheel was off set. The steering locked up. After driving home the wheel locked up again. Took vehicle to mechanic, and they said the rack and pinion was completely broken. Also, they said that it would be dangerous to drive the car. Called the manufacturer, and they said that they could do nothing. This was going to cost consumer about $900. 00 to repair.

Faxed copy of email fm john brzostowski (MD) seek status of complaint filed w/odi re defects of the steering rack on his 2001 Dodge Intrepid.

I have a steering problem with my 2001 Dodge Intrepid. A mechanic says it needs a new steering rack. It "sticks and binds up on left turns". For a fairly new car with not that many miles on it I believe it is a manufacturers defect. The mechanics name is fern lachance and his number is (207) 724-7208. Jb.

While driving children to school my wife stated the car "drifted" in the lane a lot without steering input. I took it for test drive, noticed a strange "feel" to the steering and the drift she spoke of. I decided it was unsafe for her to drive and took it to a local repair shop to be checked. The mechanic put it up on the rack and immediately recognized the problem--the left side steering rack bushings were completely gone. He gave us a quote for the repair (it is being done today), and then he pulled me aside to let me know he had seen this type of failure several times before and suggested I contact the dealer to see if they would "goodwill it" (his term) as he says it was his understanding the part was defective as originally manufactured and that a new style bushing was available that did not deteriorate like this one and was much safer. Contacted the dealer in auburn and talked to the service manager, he said car is too old (1996) so we are out of luck and quoted me a repair price almost double the local mechanic.

See all problems of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

Car steering wheel play left and right and hang up after sharp turn. Took in for problem and was told not safe to drive. Dealership replace steering rack. Car only had 46000 miles.

My 1997 Dodge Intrepid has had steering problems starting with power steering assist leakage, resulting in two replacements. But now the steering rack has fallen apart resulting in loss of steering control of the car. Luckily it happened at low speed because it could have been fatal at highway speeds. I know this car has significant defects which Chrysler refuses to accept. I will not repair until Chrysler has the opportunity to make the repair.

See all problems of the 1997 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

July, 2004, I was driving my 2001 Dodge Intrepid when I made a left turn and the steering locked up, the wheel would not turn back to the right. It happened twice as I turned into intersections same day. Had there been a vehicle in the opposite lane, I would have had no recourse but to crash in to it. Luckily, there was no car in the inside lane! this was a Sunday. . Took car to Dodge repair shop early Monday morning and was told it was the bushings. 4 days later, was told after the bushings were put in, it did not correct the problem. . . That it was needing a new rack! the bushing repair was $426. 46. The repairman told me that in his opinion, a rack should not have to be replaced in a vehicle with less than 50,000 miles as was the case in my vehicle. I called Chrysler and they refused to do anything. The Dodge repair man even called them and they refused him, because in my frustration after they declined my request I had used the word "damn" and "a***holes" in the conversation. Which is beside the point, as this is a safety issue. . . Which could have caused me a serious or fatal accident! my car was finally repaired after being in the shop 3 weeks (this is my only vehicle as I am a single parent household) and I was charged a total of $823. 48 for the bushings and a rebuilt rack! shields motors in chanute may still have the old part, I am unsure. However, I feel that Chrysler should be recalling their vehicles after researching and finding several other situations where the steering has caused accidents, etc.

2000 Dodge Intrepid with 47,000 miles just got 2 months ago. Steering wheel had 2" of play in it but still drove okay and I thought I could live with it untill I could save enough $$ to get new rack and pinion. Was turning left and steering locked up, had to slam on the breaks before I hit someone walking!!! guy thought I was trying to kill him and he gave it to me. I yanked on the steering wheel and got the heck out of there. Now when I drive the car I expect the lock up and able to control it but is very scary because its getting worse and I cant afford to get it fixed and its my only car. Oh well just have to die to get action. Thanks for not helping us out here.

My 2000 Intrepid has a steering problem that causes the steering wheel to lock-up intermittently, especially in cold weather. This is extremely dangerous as you might expect. Dodge service told me the car needs a steering rack, along with stabilizer links and bushings costing $1,500. The car is out of warranty ( and I do not have an extended warrant) but it as less than 25,000 miles. I called customer service (case # 12074847)and spoke to damon who said that he could offer no assistance. He seemed to be fixated on the fact that several days after my purchase, I dropped my extended warranty coverage. In my mind, this does not change the fact that I have no extended warranty coverage, and it should not matter when I made the decision not to have this coverage. I dropped it because I was relying on Dodge standing behind a quality product and that the car would last without a major repair for at least 50,000 miles. I did not plan on keeping the car much longer than 5000-0 miles. Mon refused to consider providing me with any financial assistance with this repair. I would have been happy with 50% of the cost of the parts. Still frustrated that a 3 year old car with under 25k miles should need this kind of safety-compromising repair, I called the NHTSA and learned that they are currently investigating steering rack problems on this car and that they would be very interested in inspecting steering rack that failed prematurely. So I've asked the service manager to keep it for me. They did not and said the core had to returned for remanufacturing. I can't believe that Dodge is not willing to do that right thing and accept some of the responsibility for this repair.

While driving 40 mph, the rack gears stripped off without warning. As a result the vehicle lost steering. No impact reported.

Steering failure - broken rack in 2000 Dodge Intrepid. Mileage 68,254.

Steering rack problems in a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with less 40,000 miles. Read on websites that this is a common problem for this make/model. Why not a recall? accident potential as well as some reported. Costly replacement for consumer. This has turned me off to Chrysler products and I am very upset. I am a single parent with two kids and can't afford costly repair bills. This is obvious a manufacturer defect with so many complaints. Why isn't something being done to help us consumers? we need safe, reliable vehicles to provide transportation for our families. What is the problem here?!.

Steering rack failed prematurely.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Intrepid 🔎.

Dealer advised clunking from front of vehicle was bad steering rack. Steering rack should not be bad on a car that is only 3 yr old. Dealer would be happy to replace it for $1200. Not! this is a serious safety issue affecting the directional stability of the vehicle. This vehicle has not been abused in the least and for the steering rack to be bad after only 3 yrs and 60,000 miles is absurd and certainly indicative of a defect. There are 3 TSB's and 8 other odi complaints that directly address this defect. The only thing worse than not being able to steer a car is not being able to stop it. I cannot stress the seriousness of this defect enough. I hope Chrysler will do the right thing and replace these bad racks and make the Intrepid a safe car to drive.

Vehicle pulls to the left while driving 25 mph. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle home. Then, consumer noticed that the bushing was worn out, and steering rack broke. Manufacturer was notified.

While driving down the road and when turning the wheel heard a clicking noise. Contacted the dealer was told vehicle needed a new steering rack.

When at any speed and making any type of turn there is a popping sound coming from the steering, and consumer's tires are bald, and the consumer had the tires rotated and the tires are not any good, which can cause a safety defect while driving.

Steering rack bushings deteriorated which could possibly lead to loss of steering control. The dealer and manufacturer have been notified.

Defective steering rack broke 3 times, causing difficulties with steering. This may cause a crash. Please provide further information.

Ltr seeking status of complaint filed w/odi re defects of the steering rack on his 2001 Dodge Intrepid, reply to constituent/copy john leitch/wash. Dc, ref es05-006486 /s/ harrington 8/11/05.

Consumer stated while attempting to turn the steering wheel there was a lot of play. Consumer says the vehicle's wheels would not turn in the direction of the steering wheel . The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who stated the gear had worn out, the steering rack was replaced.

Steering rack sways from side to side producing a clicking sound. The body member (a plate) underneath the rack also sways. The dealer (woodbridge Dodge,NJ) says, that the rack bushings have worn out. Which is very abnormal. But they won't replace the bushings-only. The cost of rack replacement is more that $1500.