Bad steering rack. There is a clunking and rattling in the front end. I took it to the dealership and they told me that I need to replace the steering rack. The cost is $1100.00. I asked them if I could drive it the way it is and they told me that it is safe to drive. I bought the car with 33,000 miles on it and this problem occurred just a few months later.
1997 Dodge Intrepid steering complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 61 of 61, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Was driving vehicle when it started to lose power for no reason. It failed to go over 30mph. Took it to a private mechanic & was informed a drum broke off in transmission. Part holding drum had sheared off. Transmission needed complete overhaul. Also, had rear tie rods replaced/thermostat was replaced twice for overheating, and 02 sensors replaced twice due to engine check light coming on.
Defective steering rack broke 3 times, causing difficulties with steering. This may cause a crash. Please provide further information.
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.
Loud clunking noise in the front end. Steering wheel pulls left and right while driving. Mechanic said needed new steering rack and pinion and that vehicle is not safe to drive.
After having about 40-50% play in the steering wheel, I took it to the dealer. They told me that the steering gear box needs to be replaced. This is not a normal wear and tear item, and the dealer and dodge don't acknowledge a problem. Dodge offered to give me a 50% discount on repairs, but I feel it is a defect that should be covered 100%. On
Steering would not turn to left except when vehicle was in motion, and it would be difficult to turn steering at low speeds. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and was determined the rack and pinion failed.
On 6/10/00 my son was driving our 1997 dodge intrepid while taking 3 of his friends home. As he turned onto a residential street at 5 MPH the tie rod end bolt on the left side broke which resulted in his losing control of the vehicle. This could have resulted in a fatal accident if it had happened on the freeway or had he been driving carelessly. He was however he was able to stop the vehicle before it had hit a parked car . The there could have been injuries and other property damage as a result of the tie rod end bolt breaking. We have since had the car epaired, but we are advised by our mechanic not to drive the vehicle because of the condidtions in which the bolt had broke. He feels that it could happen again since there was nothing indicating that the break was going to occur and that there is nothing to keep it from happening again. We would also feel responsible if we were to have an accident while driving the car on the freeway or for that matter anywhere else. This is something that.
Inner tie rod bolts that hold rack and pinion broke, causing a loss of steering. Dealer has been contacted.
Vehicle experienced the following problems: tie rod end replaced, brakes pulled to left, transmission and shocks replaced three occassions, windows won't stay up, steering wheel crooked, reservoir cap replaced twice, brake rotors out of round, rack and pinion replaced twice, fuel gauge replaced, driver window fixed 3 times, tires replaced 3 times in 4 years, child safety seat belt won't adjust and needs replacement. *ak
Rust on oil level dipstick. Handle broken off oil level dipstick due to heat. Metallic scraping noise from left from of vehicle. Clunking from left front when wheels turned to right and driving in reverse. Steering column moves up and down contacting the dash over bumps. Car taken to dealer for all issues except dipstick tube. None of the problems were corrected. Charged $300 for sway bar end links and power steering pump. New power steering pump still noisy after driving 500 miles as directed by dealer.
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.
Have had repeated problems with this car since purchase 2 years ago. Water pump has been replaced at least 3 times. Check engine light keeps coming on, unable to determine cause. Rough idling since water pump #2 - unable to determine cause. Power steering failure. Numerous minor problems with interior/exterior that do not seem to stay fixed for any length of time. (we consider this car a lemon!!!!)
Sun roof- problem existed at time of sale, dealer aware that parts were defective and no replacements available. Still not fixed as of 5/24/1999. Car drifted to the left on flat roads and crowned highways-right lane. Drift was severe. Full lane change within 300 ft or less. Dealer response- all components set to manufacturer's specs. Nothing he can do. Last trip in march 1999 dealer noticed wear on tires and rotated them. Also ordered power steering pump and a steering idler arm. Car does not drift anymore. Front end has had a vibration from day 1. Dealer can't seem to notice it of find out the cause. Changed tires, rotated tires, checked on brake discs, etc. Still no full solution. Vibration is less the first noticed but still present at 5/24/99. Some was corrected 12/08/1997, more remains. Lights do not seem to be bright enough or the throw pattern is wrong. Leaves blind, bark areas in front of car especially the high beams. Dealer response: lights are set according to specs. They seem to throw lights more upward-short range and to the sides. Oncoming traffic complaints.
Rails that hold front seats down broke away in rear end collision causing severe neck and back injury to both driver ans passenger.
In cold weather the vehicle starts and constantly stalls without warning cause unknown. *ak the vehicle failed to start several times. The dealer tried to fix the problem but the problem reoccured. Transmission fluid and power steering fluid leaks. The consumer believes the vehicle was lemon.
Rack and pinion failed. Nlm
Inner tie rod came loose which brought the car to a stop. Dealer rebolted inner tie rod back on.
While driving at 40 MPH vehicle is stalling, and driver can hear some rubbing noise. Vehicle will cut off while driving. Also, consumer is having problems with the tie rods.
Vehicle has been serviced for rough idling, hesitation and steering problems 3-4 times. Idling and hesitation still exists.
Power steering pump failed.
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