2000 Dodge Intrepid: steering wheel locks up

Filed May 14, 2012 · Airbags, Electrical · 191,963 miles · SC

As I was driving along and approached my exit, the steering wheel locked up and would not allow me to control the car. I was able to stop the car safely hitting some brush on the side of the road. No damage or injuries were incurred, but this was very frightening! Now, the steering is still getting stuck on turns and I have no horn! The airbag light is now showing and I don't know whats going on with this car! Something needs to be done. No warnings, or recalls have been made, and there a many concerns of others going through the same issue with this car. Please advise on what is going to be done about this problem before someone gets killed!

Filed Jun 26, 2005 · Engine · 118,000 miles · MD

I own a 2000 dodge intrepid with a 2.7 letter engine. On june 16 2005 when returning from vacation my car while I was in transit developed a crackling noise coming from the engine which then LED to the instantaneous failure of the engine. Before I even had the chance to pull off the road the engine was dead and the steering wheel locked up while the car was still in motion. The following week my dodge intrepid was towed to an authorized dodge dealer for inspection. Simply locating the problem entailed disassembling the engine which cost $700 alone. I was then informed that a rod bearing had come dislodged causing it to fall in the oil pan. The cause of the problem I was told was the result of oil sludge build up which caused a lack of oil flow in the engine. The repairs were quoted at costing $6,900 for the replacement of the engine. My car has received oil changes at the recommended intervals which I have retained documentation of and at the time of the engine failure was just due for an oil change.

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Steering · 63,500 miles · NC

Dt: while driving I noticed the steering wheel was off set. The steering locked up. After driving home the wheel locked up again. Took vehicle to mechanic, and they said the rack and pinion was completely broken. Also, they said that it would be dangerous to drive the car. Called the manufacturer, and they said that they could do nothing. This was going to cost consumer about $900.00 to repair.

Filed Jun 2, 2005 · Engine · 61,691 miles · LA

Dt: while driving the consumer heard a clattering noise then the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to american engine of baton rouge. Sludge build up caused the oil screen to become clogged an resulted in a blown engine. Service mechanic stated oil screen was defected. *nm when the engine failed, the steering wheel locked up along with the brakes. The failure was caused by a defect in the oil pan. The vehicle had gone off the road. *sc

Filed Jan 28, 2005 · Steering · 48,000 miles · IL

I was making a right hand turn.the steering wheel locked up on me and I went over the sidewalk and off the road into some ones front yard. Luckly this was late at night and no one was on the sidewalk. I had the car towed to a mechanic. He said it has a bad rack and pinion. I have a 2000 dodge intrepid that I had since new with only 49,000 miles on it.the mechanic said their is no way this should have went out. It cost me over $1200 to fix this . Please check this out before some one gets seriously injured. Thanks.

Filed Jul 8, 2004 · Airbags, Steering · VA · crash

When driving at undetermined speed steering wheel failed, causing the driver to lose control the vehicle and hit another vehicle head on. Consumer stated that steering wheel locked up, and both front air bags did not deploy. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that the steering column bolt snapped.

Filed May 17, 2004 · Steering · 47,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Aug 21, 2002 · Steering · OH

The steering locked up, which caused consumer to loose control of the vehicle.