Chrysler 300M harsh shifting problems

Filed Dec 6, 2010 · Suspension · 65,744 miles · CA

Chrysler 2001 - 300 m with 65,774 miles. All required service at dealer only. On 24 nov 10 car made "clunking sound" pulling into parking lot and then completely stopped running. Aaa tow truck came and when he stated to pull on truck entire front drivers side wheel fell off. He looked at the area and noted that a bolt in the control arm was completely gone. Said if it had happened 10 minutes early on freeway, would have been unable to control car. Towed to chrysler dealer who noted that "left front lower control arm bolt apparently snapped and went away, left front suspension compromised." called chrysler corporate customer service on 26 nov 10 and reported. Told them that I felt this was a part failure and safety issue. They opened case file. Chrysler customer service called back on 29 nov 10 & said they needed one more bit of information from dealer and they would call me back that day. No call back to date (06 dec 10) despite numerous follow ups with them. Picked up car from dealer on 04 dec 10. Due to collateral damage cost $2,717.84. They noted that there was no evidence of impact damage as cause of failure.

Filed Jul 17, 2010 · Steering · 85,000 miles · IL

I noticed when driving my 2000 chrysler 300m over bumps there is a clunking noise. My steering has noticeable play and when I make turns the steering wheel seems to bind slightly and I have to give a little more force to correct the wheel back straight instead of the wheel spinning freely back into place like normal. Also when turning the steering wheel left or right there is this popping noise that I can hear and feel in the wheel. I recently had the inner tie-rod ends, outer tie-rod ends, and adjuster sleeves replaced. A wheel alignment was also done. I test drove my car after the repairs and there is the same exact problem as before. I did see my old inner tie-rod ends and the bushings were worn, but I guess that was not the main problem. We put the car back on the lift rack and all the other visible suspension components were tight. I went online to see if anyone else had this similar problem and I was shocked of the outcome. There are so many complaints of the steering and suspension components of the lh car (300m, intrepid, lhs, concorde). I read that there are many cases of the rack & pinion gears going out. I also read that the bolt that tightens the steering shaft to the rack & pinion shears of and then you loose complete control of the vehicle. I have read that there were a few deaths and possibly more caused by this rack & pinion failure or the bolt shearing off. I now have to bring my car back in and try to explain this to the mechanic. I have read these complaints in so many different websites and there are so many complaints in each website. I hope and pray this problem of loosing control of the steering does not happen to me. I will take my car in immediately for an inspection. In conclusion, chrysler should have come out with a recall for this or at least give out a notice for this known complaint and have and updated bolt kit for the steering shaft so they do not shear off. Everyone should feel safe when driving. I know that I no longer feel safe.

Filed Apr 27, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 70,500 miles · MA

My steering has a life of its own. Steering pulls hard to the right, almost hit a public bus. I've had 2 alignments and brand new tires, the problem still exist. The front end make a clunking noise and vibrates really badly. I've taken it to a chrysler dealership and got the same response as other have with the same problem "unable to duplicate" the problem. I told them there is a problem. Im afraid of losing my life an risking others on the streets and highway because of this serious issue the no one wants to fix.

Filed Nov 23, 2009 · Steering · 115,000 miles · WA

Light clunking when I purchased vehicle in the steering gear got worse and worse and louder and louder erratic steering fluid leaking very bad and lots of power steering whines and hard to keep straight while driving. Excessive play in steering and wandering and the front wheels have been vibrating and shaking while driving and it makes the car wobble very scared to continue to drive with my young child but I have no choice in the matter I have another rack I got used for 500 bucks but I have no way to get it fixed because my lack of funds I was told that my steering gear bushings where worn out and that I needed my rack replaced a s soon as possible.

Filed Oct 27, 2008 · Steering · 70,250 miles · CA

I was stopped at a city intersection waiting to make a left turn. When traffic cleared, I attempted to make the left turn. I heard a 'clunk' and the wheels did not turn. The steering wheel turned, but the tire wheels did not! I had no function except forward or reverse, so I was forced to drive into the curb in an attempt to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. I was not able to get safely off the roadway and my car blocked an entire lane of rush hour traffic which put me in a very dangerous situation. The police were called and a tow truck had to lift the car to move it out of the roadway. I was petrified. The car was towed as instructed by the police officer and is currently with the repair shop pending availability of a steering rack kit. The bolt to the rack was severed! There was no warning prior to this incident. Although I was not injured thanks to the slow speed I was traveling I am very concerned about others that may have this same experience when traveling at a higher speed and making a turn or exiting a highway off ramp. This is clearly a mechanical safety hazard and appears to be faulty workmanship in the automobile. My car is maintained regularly and I have never been advised by chrysler to replace the steering rack. I have contacted the chrysler customer assistance center (reference # 18030539), but they are of no assistance concerning this incident. I'm shocked that there has not been a recall as research shows this is a recorded known deficiency in the workmanship.

Filed May 15, 2008 · Steering · 110,751 miles · IL

1. Started with clunks and awkward noises in the front of the car. Steering wheel began to have loose play. Front suspension was checked an never found a problem. 2. One night turned left and car wanted to turn right. While normal driving the car would pull left and right. Countless amount of events were I almost crashed. 3. Rack and pinion was replaced along with tie rods. Old parts are available if requested.

Filed Jan 5, 2008 · Steering · MI

Clunking noise from steering. Still operates but is getting worse.

Filed Jul 18, 2007 · Steering · 20,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 chrysler 300m. While driving 5 MPH, the contact heard a loud clunk. The steering wheel turned, but the wheels failed to turn. The repair shop stated that the cause of failure was the rack and pinion. The rack and pinion failed once before. The current mileage is 44,444 and failure mileage was 20,000. The consumer stated the second time the incident happend, the bolts sheared while driving. Updated 08/15/07.

Filed Mar 6, 2007 · Steering · 82,105 miles · CT

Vehicle was driven on 02/06/07 approximately 60 miles on the highway at 65 miles per hour. Vehicle was then parked in a shopping center parking space. Wife went shopping returned to the vehicle started vehicle began backing up turned the steering wheel to the left and a clunking sound was heard. This lead to a sudden loss of steering and the vehicle could not be controlled. Fortunately the vehicle was barely moving and she was able to stop without damage or injury. I am concerned that if this had happened moments before on the highway at 65 miles per hour the outcome would have been much different. The vehicle was towed to michael chrysler/ kia i9n new london connecticut 06320. Roy the supervisor in vehicle maintenance / service indicated the bolts holding both ends of the control arms were snapped off but still intact. To fix the mechanical problem would cost $1,200.00 and new parts. He attributed the damage causation as a hard impact such as pothole. He agreed the damage did not show any impact with a foreign object and was unusual in occurrence. Vehicle was removed from chrysler premises for further inspection and investigation. No repairs have been done at this time. Vehicle is available for inspection at padgett and sosn automotive repair 61 truman street new london, ct. 06320 phone 442-5134.

Filed Dec 7, 2006 · Steering, Suspension · 50,000 miles · MI

1) car made loud clunking noise when going over bumps and traveling at slower speeds. Had car looked at by 2 different mechanic shops and they couldn't figure out the problem. 2) finally took car in for a 3rd time and mechanic found the problem. 3)car needed new tie rods, sway bars, etc. For steering/suspension problems. Car only had about 50,000 miles on it. Repairs cost over $1000.