1996 Dodge Intrepid: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Dec 9, 2003 · Steering · 30,000 miles · NY

In apirl 1996 I purchased a new 1996 dodge intrepid (VIN 2b3hd56f3th52925) from philips motors in philip sd. After approximately 2 years and 30,000 miles I began to notice a grinding noise and clunking in the steering while driving the vehicle from a "cold soak" condition. After approximately 5 minutes and once the car warmed up, the noise would cease. Over the course of the past 5 years I have taken the vehicle to five different repair shops in an attempt to isolate and repair the problem. Only when I moved to germany (current assignment in the usaf) did a german mechanic discovered the problem; worn rack and pinion steering gear bushing which are allowing the entire unit to shift left and right whenever the steeringwheel is moved. Over the past five years I've lived with this problem, I've noticed a continued degredation is steering crispness and increase noise as described above. Only when I researched the problem on the internet did I find 2 service recalls for this problem (19-03-97a and 19-001-01). The problem has gotten so bad, about 3 weeks ago I nearly lost control of the car in a sharp turn on a country road here in germany. I was able to recover from the turn (with the assistance of the front tire hitting the curb and bouncing me back into the lane) -- no one was hurt and the car (except the tire) was undamaged. I find it amazing that published service bulletins go un-noticed and high risk components such as steering systems go un-recalled despite potentially catastrophic consequences. My particular problem is further exasperated by the high speed nature of german autobahns.

Filed Mar 5, 2003 · Steering · 77,000 miles · WA

Steering issues rampant with my 1996 dodge intrepid. I have already had to have some work done on it and now I have a problem with the steering making a clunking noise when the steering wheel reaches the center point.

Filed Sep 8, 2002 · Body · KY

Bushings supporting 3 of the 4 connection points of the front subframe cradle have failed, resulting in a clunking sound when moving. The clunking sound has been around for a long time, but has gotten worse recently. In looking under the car I discovered that the lower halves of the rubber bushings have fallen out at three of the four locations. This cradle supports the engine, transmission, and all steering components.

Filed Jan 7, 2002 · Steering · VA

The failure component is the steering rack assembly. The failure indication was a clunking sound, heard when the vehicle was cold (under 40f.). Once the vehicle/steering warms up, the clunking noise goes away. Apparently, from reading other reports, the clunking sound is the precursor to total steering failure. In my case, I am having the dealer replace the assembly at a cost of approximately $1200. This is a very basic component, which should not fail during the normal course of vehicle ownership. I am attempting to have damler/chrysler either cover the cost of failure up front, or reimburse me for the repair. So far, the dealer has indicated to me that the failure is not covered by any warranty process. I feel that this is a very serious safety issue and should be covered by the manufacturer. Loss of life could occur if the steering fails.

Filed Aug 6, 2001 · Steering · FL

Steering gets loose and making a clunking noise. Over bumps vehicle moves around alot. Consumer has repaired rack and pinion a total of 3 times. Driver's side is the most recent. Mehanic has seen5 different vehicles in the past few months.

Filed Apr 10, 2001 · Suspension · MN

Consumer can hear a clunking sound whenever driving over a bump, sound comes from left front or middle of vehicle. Not taken to dealer yet.

Filed Nov 30, 1999 · Steering · NY

Ea99031, in cold climate, 35 degrees or below, or when first starting and the vehicle is "cold", steering rack and pinion makes a noise and feels "slow" which may result in loss of vehicle control and crash. This clunking noise is heard for ten to fifteen minutes or until vehicle is warm.

Filed Oct 4, 1999 · Transmission · NY

While going 35mph vehicle started making a clunking noise. Another driver noticed tire loose & informed the driver it was going back & forth & about to fall off. The right rear axle had broken. Managed to get to a service station. Then had vehicle towed to dealership for repairs. Vehicle was never involved in a crash nor was anything hit that would cause tracking arm to break.

Filed Mar 11, 1999 · Suspension · NJ

There is a loud "clunking noise" coming from the front end of the car on cold mornings. The car must be warmed up for approximately 15 minutes. If you start the car and go the noise occurs. When you turn the wheel to the left and right it clunks until the car is warmed up. We had the dealer check it out on two occassions. The first time they did not hear it because it was a fairly warm day. The second time, the car was dropped off the night before. We specified to them to start the car the first thing in the morning. When we checked with them to see if they started the car when we told them to, they said they did in the afternoon. They claim they still did not hear the noise. The car is still making the c lunking noise on cold mornings and sometimes if it is cold in the afternoon.