2001 Chrysler 300M: loss of power steering

Filed Apr 21, 2011 · Steering · MN

2001 300m loss of power steering at idle. Extemely noisy pump. Have replaced pump 3 times. Dealer claims no reports of common problems. Have been told by several machanics may be rack and pinion.

Filed Aug 4, 2009 · Steering · 93,122 miles · WA

Chrysler 300m 2001, on 7/9/09 -car was seen and inspected for any trouble at a certified chrysler dealership. Original estimate was $200, total work cost $1,871. Car released to us and we were told it was in perfect running condition. On 7/31/09 total loss of steering causing the car to turn and run up on sidewalk even though driver was attempting to turn opposite direction. Had vehicle towed and inspected by independent repair shop. Steering rod bolt had snapped causing loss of steering in both wheels. Estimated repair cost at $1,675. Chrysler dealer claims to have no knowledge of any problem concerning the steering on any 300m chrysler.

Filed Apr 20, 2009 · Steering · 85 miles · KY

I have a 300 m 2001 and the rack an pinion has went out for the second time. I lost steering in town. There was a knock in the front end that the dealer ship could not find.

Filed Dec 26, 2008 · Steering · 99,800 miles · WI

Some background: I noticed the steering wheel was a little sloppy on my 300m and took it to a local dealer to be diagnosed. They told me the rack and pinion should probably be replaced. I had it replaced for around $1200. A year and a half later while traveling for christmas, I pulled off the interstate (from doing 70 MPH) to stop at a gas station. I stopped at the top of the off ramp for the stop sign. Traffic cleared, as I accelerated to turn left, when I turned the wheel I heard a noise, and the car went straight. I had no steering. Luckily I had enough room past the intersection to get out of traffic, but still had my wife and two small children in a precarious position. If this had happened while doing 70 MPH down the interstate, I'm sure we all would have been seriously injured or killed. The car was towed to a dealer whose opinion was that the bolts that hold the inner tie rods to the rack and pinion were loose and caused the failure. The dealer had to replace the rack and pinion again. Police were on scene but did not take a report.

Filed Dec 24, 2007 · Steering · 67,000 miles · MA

My sister's 2001 chrysler 300 m experienced sudden steering failure while driving. Fortunately she was travelling at low speed, so no one was killed. She described the feeling at failure as a loud noise followed by the sensation of sliding on ice. It was towed to a repair shop, where they found that the threaded holes on the steering rack that the inner tie rods connect to were both stripped out and that the bolts had fallen out, resulting in complete loss of steering control. This seems to be a common problem with the large chrysler vehicles, and puts a lot of people at risk of death. Please force chrysler to recall these cars and to install a redesigned steering rack and tie rods that are not going to kill people.

Filed Mar 8, 2006 · Steering · 60,000 miles · TN

Lose steering, bobbing steering with rumbling noise- diagnosis need new rack and pinion, having 3rd one put in now. Will lock up in a turn, will become very hard to turn left, sounds like out of steering fluid but not. I think possible part has changed or something not right with car or part. Something needs to be done about this. Car had 60,000 when it first began and very well maintained.

Filed Feb 1, 2006 · Steering · 60,400 miles · MS

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 15mph, the rack and pinion fractured with no prior warning. The steering was extremely difficult while making a left hand turn. The vehicle was driven to an independent repair shop for inspection. The repair shop offered to make repairs, however the repairs were not made.