1998 dodge intrepid--rack and pinion failed/broke. I had pulled up to the curb to retrieve the mail and as I turned the steering wheel to the right to pull away, I felt/heard a loud pop. The steering wheel was no longer connected to the rack and pinion as the r&p has failed/broken. The steering wheel would freely turn but the wheels were not moving. I had to have the car towed to the dealer who replaced the rack and pinion steering at a cost of $650.00. Fortunately, the dealer split the cost with me as I had just bought the car (used) 30 days prior. I was still out $350.00. My biggest concern is, what would have happened to my family, specifically my wife and my 2 year old son had that part failed while I was on the highway or in heavy city traffic. It could have cost us our lives...I also have a slight shimmy in the steering wheel when the brakes are applied. I'm guessing a warped rotor as I recall reading something about that being an intrepid problem also....I warn any of you who are having steering problems to get it fixed before you drive it....the rack and pinion steering system that wont be recalled could have cost us our lives.
1998 Dodge Intrepid steering complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 29 of 29, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Steering rack failed prematurely
This vehicle was assembled in jan. 1998 and is not old enough or has not had harsh enough treatment to have the steering rack and pinion fail. We feel this is a definite safety hazard since the steering can lock up during a turn (it did for us) which could cause a serious accident since the car would be going in an unintended direction. I found several examples of complaints about this exact topic and feel that the company should recall the vehicles or reimburse those of us who have had to incurr unnecessary repair expenses due to either low quality parts or bad design.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Vehicle is experiencing problems with the steering gear mounting bushings. There is a crunching type of noise heard from the steering when sitting at idle and cranking wheel. Consumer was informed by dealer not to drive vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The steering gear mounting bush on the left side was replaced.
Rack and pinion steering is loose, and vehicle is hard to straighten out while making a turn.
When making a left or a right turn an unusual noise occurs within steering wheel and column. Dealer has been notified, and could not determine the cause. Please give any further details.
Vehicle suddenly accelerated after shifting into drive with foot on brakes. Vehicle hit a tree. Also, steering locked up. Manufacturer sending inspector to check vehicle.
There is about two inches of play in steering wheel causing vehicle to sway from side to side. Dealer has inspected vehicle. Please provide additional information.
Steering wheel had a lot of play in it. Consumer heard a rattle sound underneath the hood on driver's side. Vehicle was taken to dealer. Dealer told consumer that steering gear box was unsafe , and not to drive vehicle until steering gear was fixed.
Front tie rods are corroded, wheels cannot be aligned any longer.*ak steering wheel shakes when braking.
Idler pulley broke first time in aug 1998, this time while driving 65 MPH it broke, and consumer lost power steering.
Vehicle experienced a rattle in steering; vehicle taken to an independent repair shop, and informed consumer that rack and pinion steering needed replacement. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under a recall, and out of its warranty.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Steering wheel shakes between 55 and 65 MPH. Right rear door panel is loose. Interior lights go off speratically
Gear shift control cable-gear selector cable.
Wheels are rusting on outside. Surface rust. Dodge states this is normal wear and tear. Steering wheel is peeling away. Dodge says this is normal wear and tear. Starter is too close to the muffler without heat shield. Power windows shorted out internally, causing fuse breaker to be to hot to touch. . Driver side mirror just cracked. Dealer said it may be a flaw. They have had to replace several for this reason. The glass is not available you must be complete assembly. The car is one year and five months old and is coming apart. Dealer will not fix because it is out of warranty. All repairs paid for out of pocket.
Vehicle continously pulls to the left. To steer requires a constant turn of the wheel to the right.
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