The bolt that held the tie rod to the rack and pinion broke in the consumer's 1997 dodge intrepid which caused the right front wheel to collapse under the vehicle. *nm
1997 Dodge Intrepid steering complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 61, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Consumer complained about a tie rod problem. When driving over a bump in the road consumer felt front end shake. Some times, front end shook without hitting a pot hole or bump in the road which affects the driver's control and movement. Consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer, and was told that there was a problem with the tie rods. Provide further details. *ak........
While driving 40 MPH power steering failed. Consumer had difficulty to maintain control of the vehicle, and and pulled over. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the inner and outer tie rods broke, and needed to be replaced.
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.
While driving off from a stop sign consumer lost control of the vehicle. It would not move forward, and consumer found that the front wheels were bent inward. Vehicle was backed up into a parking space on the street. Consumer claimed that the left and right tie rod bolt sheared off.
Tie rods broke without warning. As a result, when turning in either direction vehicle felt like it was sliding or that the wheel was coming off.
Tie rods broke without warning. As a result, when turning in either direction steering feels like it's sliding or that the wheel is coming off.
While backing out of a parking lot at 2 MPH consumer heard a cracking sound coming from the vehicle. A few seconds later steering wheel began to spin in circles, without actually steering the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who told consumer that steering bolt sheared off. *ak the tie rod grommet deteriorated which caused vibrations. The consumer almost lost control of the vehicle. The dealer replaced the steering rack, inner and outer tie rods and grommets.
Third failure of my dodge 97 intrepid for power steering and tie rod failure. Replacements were as follows: 3/27/98 7,999 miles-power steering pump replaced(previous owner) 11/2/01 41,530 miles-thump noise in front end-repaired strut assembly (previous owner) 11/9/01 41,923-I purchased vehicle from dodge ewald-driving home I heard a thumping in the right wheel upon turning. Took back to dealer who replied "this is normal" I stated no way!!!! Replaced strut assembly and frozen outer tie rods and adjusting sleevings. 8/7/02 68,116 miles-pulling out of driveway-steering went. Towed to dealer. Replaced rack assembly and inner tie rods. 2/16/04 85,344 miles-backing out of parking spot-thump heard, no control of steering and right wheel severely facing in. Towed to dealership. Replaced rack assembly, tie rods. Wheel alignment done however took hands of steering wheel and immediately pulled to the right. Took back to dealership told that right wheel is worn (I wonder why!) -spoke to service and informed them that this part was replaced three times-stated that there is obviously something wrong. Also each time the "rack" had to be special ordered due to none in stock (I now know why!) previous time I had to pay deductible but this last time my warranty expired and was told that the parts are only guaranteed for 1 yr. I had to pay $1,600 for this repair! Researching this problem on-line has revealed that this is a well documented problem on the intrepid vehicles-multiple years!!!!!.
My 18 year old daughter was killed in an automobile accident involving a dodge intrepid. We are investigating to see if there was a steering failure. She would have lived had her seat belt not failed. Her seat was reclined and as a result she slid under the seat belt causing her injuries. Why is there no warning that this failure can occur? Kids do not read the owner?s manual! We feel that the case maker is responsible for her death but no one wants to help because of the cost. What can be done to help us? Sincerely, consumer complainant stated during a follow up call that both belted front occupants died as a result of rear ending a parked trailer with an impact speed of app. 40-45 MPH according to their investigator. Both frontal airbags deployed in the crash. The male driver's head impacted the trailers safety bar resulting in an open head wound. The female passenger slid under the seat belt residing on the floor board with an internal head wound and a lacerated heart. It was observed that the passenger's belt was buckled after the crash. The angle of the passenger's seat was between 1-2 o'clock. The driver was pronounced dead a the scene and the passenger died the following day. The trailer was parked at a weight station on ramp when it was struck on a sunny after noon at about 4:00pm. The posted speed on the two lane highway was 70 MPH. The road was straight and known to the driver. Drugs or alcohol were not a factor. Eye witness says the driver was awake at the time of the event. It is not known why the crash occurred. There is speculation that there was a steering problem because the consumer heard that the intrepid had steering problem. The complainants lawyer is investigating this issue. According to lawyer the passenger's seat was reclined further back than what was stated by complainant. Eyewitness stated as such. Cw. *la an inspection of the vehicle was performed, however there were no indications that the accident was caused by a steering or braking problem.
Consumer stated while backing out of the driveway there was a loud "pop" noise ,and then steering had failed. Dealer notified.
Engine light came on repeatedly and engine caught fire. The fire had come from the rear hood area. The dealer stated that the fire started from the #5 fuel injector/wiring harness/fuel rail. The vehicle also lost braking power and revved during the incident. There was an oil leak prior to the incident where the rocker arm cover was replaced, the power steering was noisy, leaked, and was replaced, and the bleeder screw was broken and the thermostat housing was replaced. *scc
The steering column broke.
The steering column separated from the wheels.
Consumer states while turning a corner felt like wheels was going to fall off. Had vehcile service, the inner tie rod went bad. Nlm
Car started to vibrate bad around 74000 miles. Took to 3 different repair facilites, was told by first the rack and pinion needed replaced, was a bad design and they see it all the time. Was told other components were wore also because of the rack and pinion, total cost- $1500. Midas muffler gave me a similar estimate for $1600. This week a firestone dealer checked the car, the right rear cradle cap bushing was gone,right front separated and about to fall apart. Other suspension/steering components wore and needed replaced. They told me to take it to a dodge dealer and complain. This car is the second largest purchase we have ever made, besides our house. We feel cheated by dodge. We are afraid to drive the car for fear it will fall apart like others I have seen on this site.dodge should repair this car fully or buy it back from us. We will not be able to afford to take our children to see the ocean ( we live in ky) as we hoped to do this summer and the car is not dependable enough to drive out of my driveway!!
While making a left or right turn there was a popping noise occurring. Dealer has been notified. Mechanic stated steering column needed to be serviced.
While driving tie rod fell off.
Had to replace rack and pinion and tie rods with just over 60,000 miles on the car.
While driving, steering locked. Could not turn wheel left or right. Took to mechanic to change rack and pinion. Dealer contacted. *ak a worn belt was replaced but did not remedy stalling problem, now radiator leaks. Consumer states that when replacing the air filter, the plastic case that holds the screws instantly breaks. Dealer stated vehicle had a recent front end alignment, however the tires wore in 8000-10000 miles.
Broght to dealership. Told nothing was wrong. Told by friend who owns a 1996 intrepid that all the rack and pinion housings have a design defect and it costs $900 to replace.
Bolts that hold the rack and pinion together have sheared offf while consumer was driving, and steering became more difficult. Contacted dealer ,and dealer was not willing to do anything.
While driving 30 MPH and making a right turn heard a knocking sound. Then, steering wheel locked up. Left wheel had turned inward. Vehicle was towed to repair shop who replaced rack and pinion.
While driving tie rod on right had broken in half. This caused steering wheel to lock up.
Without warning the steering locked up and would not turn right without a tremendous amount of effort. Fortunately I was on a residential street and going slow. The repair shop said the rack needed to be replaced and mentioned that this was common on the intrepid.
Bolts that hold inner tie rod to wheelbroked ,causing loss of steering. Rack and pinion were replaced 18 months prior to this incident.*ak
When making turns vehicle is very hard to steer. Dealer found rack and pinion needed to be replaced. *ak power steering pump also needed replaced.
On sunday (2/18/01) my wife was traveling home when the steering wheel locked in the middle of a turn exiting from the local interstate highway. She was terrified; our 18-month-old son was in the back seat of the vehicle. She was able stop the car without incident. When I arrived I found that when turning the steering wheel towards to right - the wheel would simply lock in place unless forced. We were able get the car home and immediately made an appointment with our local dealer.
Dealership would not fix the problems while the car was under warranty. With out a large amount to be paid to them for the services. Thanks. * no summary listed for above vehicle.
This is second rack and pinion unit to go in this car. I really don't think that a 3 year old car should be going on its 3rd rack and pinion unit.
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