In jan 2004, our 2000 dodge intrepid experienced 3 separate occasions where we would turn the steering wheel to the right and after about 2/3 steering wheel turn, it would stop. We would turn the wheel back to the left and then to the right noting that it would then turn as if nothing was wrong. When we went to the dealer, they said that the rack and pinion would need replacing. I described the problem on a newsgroup and it was suggested to change the power steering fluid. We did (since it was cheaper) and the problem didn't reoccur. About 3 weeks ago, we would notice an occasional rattle from the front end. I initially attributed it to normal suspension wear since it was aperodic and no consistancy to it. As time went on, the rattles would occur more often. It would do it going over rough roads or railroad tracks. Finally, I could get the rattle to occur regularly while driving by putting the car into neutral and then back into drive and letting the car perform a "jerk" as the transmission engaged. That prompted me to to a search on alldata for tsb information about the suspension. I came across tsb 19-01-00 that matched my experience to the letter. I took the car to the dealer and they replaced the steering gear (rack and pinion). Replacing it also "cured" a "knuckling" sound that I again attributed to just an "age" noise.
2000 Dodge Intrepid steering complaints
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2000 dodge intrepid with 47,000 miles just got 2 months ago. Steering wheel had 2" of play in it but still drove okay and I thought I could live with it untill I could save enough $$ to get new rack and pinion. *ak was turning left and steering locked up, had to slam on the breaks before I hit someone walking!!! Guy thought I was trying to kill him and he gave it to me. I yanked on the steering wheel and got the heck out of there. Now when I drive the car I expect the lock up and able to control it but is very scary because its getting worse and I cant afford to get it fixed and its my only car. Oh well just have to die to get action. Thanks for not helping us out here.
While driving at any speed consumer heard a noise coming through the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the technician determined the need for a new engine at consumer's expense of $8,800. The consumer checked the web site and found many similar complaints. *ak there was also a loss of power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they suggested that there was a problem with the rod bearing.
My 2000 intrepid has a steering problem that causes the steering wheel to lock-up intermittently, especially in cold weather. This is extremely dangerous as you might expect. Dodge service told me the car needs a steering rack, along with stabilizer links and bushings costing $1,500. The car is out of warranty ( and I do not have an extended warrant) but it as less than 25,000 miles. I called customer service (case # 12074847)and spoke to damon who said that he could offer no assistance. He seemed to be fixated on the fact that several days after my purchase, I dropped my extended warranty coverage. In my mind, this does not change the fact that I have no extended warranty coverage, and it should not matter when I made the decision not to have this coverage. I dropped it because I was relying on dodge standing behind a quality product and that the car would last without a major repair for at least 50,000 miles. I did not plan on keeping the car much longer than 5000-0 miles. Mon refused to consider providing me with any financial assistance with this repair. I would have been happy with 50% of the cost of the parts. Still frustrated that a 3 year old car with under 25k miles should need this kind of safety-compromising repair, I called the federal safety agency and learned that they are currently investigating steering rack problems on this car and that they would be very interested in inspecting steering rack that failed prematurely. So I've asked the service manager to keep it for me. They did not and said the core had to returned for remanufacturing. I can't believe that dodge is not willing to do that right thing and accept some of the responsibility for this repair.
Engine in 2000 chrysler intrepid started tapping noise at 58017km brought to dealer with complaint, told they would not take engine apart to check noise. I told them I had been told that the 2.7 engine had problems with sludge that prevented the oil from circulating properly. They still refused to check engine. At just over 62000 km engine became noisy. Brought it back to dealer who kept the car for two weeks, then told me engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $6500.00 and there would be no warranty coverage or goodwill. I gave them a complete history of maintenance records showing that proper maintenance was done with in the required mileage and time. They have told me that the invoices do not clearly identify my 2000 black intrepid and that it could of been another car. I only own one 2000 intrepid. The invoice shows the work the mileage and my name and date. Next me they told me the invoice numbers were too close together. The work was done at four different garages. Then they told me there was sludge that showed the vehicle was not properly maintained. Then they asked me the brand of oil the garages used as it may have been faulty. End result is that they refuse to change their position in regards to warranty coverage or goodwill repairs and I will have to replace an engine that was bought brand new in may 2001. I am frustrated and do not know where to turn. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Since I bought this car on october of 1999, I have taken it to the dealer 31 times to fix things. I have been without a car 100 days. I have paid out of pocket $3,137.64. I am now on an extended warranty. I still owe $8,000.00 on my car. It has 60,000 miles. I have maintained it every 3,000 miles as suggested in the owners manual. I only use 97 octane gas. I am a very cautious driver. I take care of the car but the car has left me stranded in the middle of highways putting my life and the lives of my passengers in danger. I never know when the car is going to break down again and where so I am always under terrible stress. I pray as I drive that I make it to my destination. This car has been a lemon since I bought it. The biggest problem is the engine blowing. My brother in law was driving and I was the passenger on south dixie highway (us1) in south miami when we were at a red light and then started to go when the light turned green and without any warning lights, noises, or anything the car stopped running. It died in the middle lane. We had to push it to the side. It was rush hour and this highway is filled with very aggressive drivers. They were all cursing, beeping, signaling, and driving so close to us as to almost touch us. I was petrified. I thought a car was going to hit us. I paid for the engine repair out of my pocket, because the extended warranty company told the dealer they could not cover it because there was sludge build up. They send an adjustor who reported it to them. The dealer told us to fight it because the sludge was normal for that type of engine. We provided the extended warranty all the receipts for the maintenance that we religiously did about every 3000 miles. We also had another mechanic go in and look at the car. The other mechanic said that these types of engines always had the problem of sludge build up and that it was normal for the engine and that the extended warranty should cover it.
Steering developed 'play' in late 10/03. By 11/12/03 it was clunking, wheel was cocked to the right. Steering wheel would stick/lock up. Contacted dealer in santa rosa, ca. Was quoted $175 estimate. Later, same day learned that rack was broken and pump was leaking and cost would be a minimum $2000 to repair. I opted to go to another mechanic and had the car towed away from the dealer shop.
Traveling at 70 MPH on interstate 65, the vehicle was drifting right and then veered right. Vehicle would not respond. Vehicle hit right guardrail and was deflected to the left across 3 lanes and impacted the center concrete divider.
The vehicle's steering wheel had so much play. The vehicle crossed the center lime of the highway which forced the oncoming cars to the shoulder. *ph
The problem started with the steering wheel sticking and making loud clunking noises when attempting to make turns. I took my car to my mechanic who couldn't identify the problem. Needless to say, the problem got progressively worse. The steering was so loose, I could turn the steering wheel from the 10 o'clock to the 2 o'clock position and the wheels would not even move. On november the 19th, I took my car to a dodge dealership who identified the problem as the rack and pinion.... A problem that would cost me over a $1000 to repair. I had no choice but to come up the money or risk killing myself or some one else due to steering failure. My car is less than 3 years old and has approximately 68000 miles. After much research, I have discovered that there are many people who are experiencing the same problem. This is a serious safety issue that needs to be properly addressed. Undoubtedly a recall is in order and a reimbursement for those who have already had to pay for these repairs.
Steering failure - broken rack in 2000 dodge intrepid. Mileage 68,254.
The shocks and cooling fan had to be replaced. The vehicle continued in a straight path although the steering wheel was turned left. The rack and pinion was replaced. *jb *ph
Consumer stated while driving on the highway, the steering became more difficult while being driven. Before total loss of steering, there was a loud squealing noise that came from the engine compartment.
The rack and pinion was replaced at 24,000 miles and was covered by warranty. The rack and pinion failed again at 39000 miles and had to pay a $300.00 deductible. *ak also the valve cover gaskets leaked. *ts
While traveling on the highway, the consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle, causing rack and pinion to go out. *ak. The consumer noticed slack in the steering and rattling in the front at around 75000 miles. The steering became stuck during left and right turns. *ts. The tie rods were replaced and also the rack and pinion needed to be replaced, however the consumer declined the repairs.
I bought my 2000 dodge intrepid in feb. 2003 with 37,295 miles on it. Started to notice the car pulling to the right and a lot of play in the steering wheel. I took the car to keystone chrysler to be serviced on may 15, 2003. Steve haller(rep.) said it sounds like an alignment problem. When I called mr. Haller to check how things were going, he said they were having some trouble trying to align the car, but they will get it done. I dropped the car off at 7 a.m. And the car was not finished until 2:30 that afternoon. That seems like a long time for an alignment. When I picked the car up, I still noticed a lot of play in the steering wheel and the drifting to the right. It was as if I had no control over which direction the car was going. I then took the car back to the dealership and they said they would correct the problem. Mr. Doolittle(another rep.) then called me at home that afternoon to tell me that there is no alignment problem, but there is a problem with the rack and pinion. He said it needs to be replaced soon, but will cost $1200. He also told me that the car is unsafe to drive and he recommend that I do not drive it home. Well, I had no other choice but to go pick up the car and drive it home. I did not have $1200 to fix the rack and pinion. On june 14, 2003, my car lost control. It pulled to the left and would not budge. It now sits in my driveway collecting dust. I recently been investigating into this rack and pinion problem with intrepid's and I realize I am not the only one with this problem. Yet the problem is so common that the part is on back order because of high demand. Doesn't that say anything to the chrysler corporation? The steering problems with the dodge intrepid is so serious, it is taking lives and injuring many people. I feel the rack and pinion should be recalled and fixed before it injures or kills anyone else.
Consumer requesting refund for work done on vehicle. *mr the steering was loose due to internal play in the rack and pinion. The rack and pinion was replaced. Scc
While driving at any speed and with no warning steering bolt will lose and it is causing the steering wheel to jump around, making it hard for consumer to steer the vehicle.
The day after we had gotten new tires put on and aligned on our 2000 dodge intrepid the car pulled strongly to the right and made loud sounds on turns. Took it to the dealer and had him look at it and said steering gear had dropped and had to be replaced. Replaced the steering gear and did an alignment to the turn of $1400. Went to the dealer in the first place to get seat fixed on free recall and ended up spending over $1800 dollars there. Noticed lots of complaints about steering on mycarstats - is this a mfg defect that should be covered?
I have found an excellent and informative website against daimler chrysler at www.daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com for anyone who would like more information mainly in regard to intrepid, 300m, concorde, lhs premature engine, steering, transmission and other common failures. I have experienced many of these problems myself and daimler chrysler simply does not care, I could have even been killed in one instance. After own another vehicle and putting nearly 30,000 miles on it I have not had any of the ridiculous problems experienced with chrysler's dodge brand of vehicles. There is a lot of information consumers need to know that daimler chrysler does not want you to know about these vehicles and their common problems chrysler ignores, some of which are potential safety concerns such as the defective seat belt design chrysler continues to use and defective steering design and or components that can cause sudden looseness or change of response in steering, which can lead to a serious accident. These guys have been receiving complaints daily about these problems and have been referring consumers to the federal safety agency, I hope that in turn the federal safety agency will add this to the list of their complaints so others will also know about this. Thank you very much for your time.
My dodge intrepid has 73000 highway miles. I am having severe steering problems that will require me to replace my rack and pinion steering to correct. The cost of this replacement will be $1500.00. I feel the rack and pinion steering problem should be considered a safety failure subject to recall.
Steering rack problems in a 2000 dodge intrepid with less 40,000 miles. Read on websites that this is a common problem for this make/model. Why not a recall? Accident potential as well as some reported. Costly replacement for consumer. This has turned me off to chrysler products and I am very upset. I am a single parent with two kids and can't afford costly repair bills. This is obvious a manufacturer defect with so many complaints. Why isn't something being done to help us consumers? We need safe, reliable vehicles to provide transportation for our families. What is the problem here?!
Loss of steering control. Vehicle veered right and would not respond.
Vehicle's steering wheel is malfunctioning. The dealership indicated that the rack and pinion has to be replaced. Ph
Dedember 2002 started car and engine making terrible noise. Took it to the dealer and the engine had went out. They had to re-do the engine that cost me $1350.00. I had been hearing a knocking from the front of the car and the steering was loose. When I tyrned the wheel left or right it would stick and I had loud popping from the steering. I took it to the dealer and it was the rack and pinion. That was on january 21, 2003. In the same week I noticed oil leaking. The oil light was blinking on and off. The dealer said it was leaking due to the oil switch. To fix the rack and oil leak it cost me another $1300.00. I am trying to get the dodge company to fess up and pay for the repairs. The car has been well maintanenced and only 51,000 miles.
I have only made 4 payments on this car, and I am scheduled for my 7th repair attempt on 12/3/02. To date, I have had 2 steering pump replacements, 1 rack & pinion replacement, a complete steering fluid change with fluid supposedly specified by dodge, 1 appointment that ended up being a test drive only-was advised to take car home pending response from dodge on how to proceed with repairs..(was told response "didnt really pertain to my car.."), 1 vent wire and oil sender unit replaced, and in august 02, I had a 1 month auto check up. These repairs, while not all in sequence, took place between 9/17/02-11/20/02.my steering problem returned in full force 11/25/02. The steering is loud and does not quiet when driving. I am terrified to drive this car for fear of causing an accident. This car, in my opinion, is very dangerous! Of late, dodge is covering it's inability to repair this car with arrogance, and I'm frightened enough of this car that I intend to start a lemon law arbitration. As you may notice, I was unable to answer some of the mechanical questions on this form, so I left them as they were. Dt
Consumer states while driving and rack and pinion . Please provide additional information . Ts
Consumer states while driving the rack and pinion went out causing lost of steering. Mr
I purchased my 2000 dodge intrepid with only 26,000 miles in nov. 2001. Since then I have replaced my input/out transmission sensors, and have been told that I must now replace my rack and pinion assembly due to steering problems. After doing some research I have found that this premature failure is very common and an on going problem with dodge intrepids. The manufacture should be held accoutable and forced to recall all vehicles having these and other common problems with defective parts. The problem with the steering defect on this vehicle is a very dangerous and will cost lives if not address by the federal safety agency. Mr
Rack and pinion failed with steering getting stuck. Driver describes that there is extensive amount of play and binding. Please describe details.
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