2001 Dodge Intrepid: steering wheel locks up

Filed Oct 19, 2006 · Steering · 96,000 miles · NC

Steering became very problematic starting in july 2006. When turning the car, there were catches when turning in either direction and the problem has grown worse. The car was serviced in early august when the shop diagnosed it and replaced the tie rods. That did not fix it and was then told that the steering gear rack also needed to be replaced. There have been several near-misses as the steering locks when making turns in parking lots or tight spaces.

Filed Mar 31, 2006 · Steering · 33,700 miles · NJ

Dt*: the contact stated while making a turn the steering wheel locked. The vehicle was driven to an independent repair shop where the steering rack was replaced. Updated 4/14/2006 - the steering problem began on 1/05 and fluctuated between being stiff when making turn to being very loose when making turn. Eventually the steering locked up on 3/28/05.

Filed Nov 30, 2004 · Engine · 56,126 miles · PA

I was driving at 20 MPH. The steering wheel locked up. Could not brake or speed up. One mechanic said it was the timing chain. And I would need a new motor. Estimate was 4900- 5500. Cant afford it.

Filed Nov 26, 2004 · Engine · 63,000 miles · VA

While driving 25 MPH vehicle stalled. As a result, steering locked.

Filed Sep 21, 2004 · Steering · IL

I was turning corner, going approx. 5 MPH, when my steering wheel locked up, I couldn't steer the car at all. I ended up 1/2 in the ditch 1/2 in the street. I had to put on the brake to stop, but had no control of the car. We called douglas in clinton, il. They provided me with a loaner car and were going to look at it first thing monday morning. They notified my husband at work, monday and told him that the rack & pinion had broke. They had to replace part, remanufactured was $300.00 new was $800.00. They finally got part in on friday and I was able to get my car back that evening. Total repair bill was $640.72. That included part,labor, taxes and realigment. *ak *sc

Filed Sep 17, 2004 · Airbags, Electrical · CO

While driving SRS light appeared on the dashboard. Steering wheel locked, and the horn became inoperative. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it home. The cause had not been determined.

Filed Sep 5, 2004 · Steering · 49,984 miles · KS

July, 2004, I was driving my 2001 dodge intrepid when I made a left turn and the steering locked up, the wheel would not turn back to the right. It happened twice as I turned into intersections same day. Had there been a vehicle in the opposite lane, I would have had no recourse but to crash in to it. Luckily, there was no car in the inside lane! This was a sunday..took car to dodge repair shop early monday morning and was told it was the bushings. 4 days later, was told after the bushings were put in, it did not correct the problem...that it was needing a new rack! The bushing repair was $426.46. The repairman told me that in his opinion, a rack should not have to be replaced in a vehicle with less than 50,000 miles as was the case in my vehicle. I called chrysler and they refused to do anything. The dodge repair man even called them and they refused him, because in my frustration after they declined my request I had used the word "[xxx]" and "[xxx]" in the conversation. Which is beside the point, as this is a safety issue...which could have caused me a serious or fatal accident! My car was finally repaired after being in the shop 3 weeks (this is my only vehicle as I am a single parent household) and I was charged a total of $823.48 for the bushings and a rebuilt rack! Shields motors in chanute may still have the old part, I am unsure. However, I feel that chrysler should be recalling their vehicles after researching and finding several other situations where the steering has caused accidents, etc. *jb information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 19, 2004 · Steering · TX

When turning the steering wheel towards the right steering wheel locked, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle.