2004 Dodge Intrepid steering problems

Filed Dec 1, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 142,000 miles · IN · fire · 1 injury

We are writing to let you know of a major car fire that occurred in our dodge intrepid. The driver was driving on the interstate. The hot/cold needle began moving up and down. Then the brakes gave out. Then, the power steering gave out. The car started smoking producing black chemical smoke into the cabin. Then, fire started shooting out of the vents. With no brakes and fire and smoke into the car, the driver was forced to jump out of the vehicle and roll onto the middle of the interstate with the car still going 30-40 MPH. The driver was in extreme danger inside the car and obviously laying on the interstate as well. The car ended up in the ditch while completely engulfed in flames. He was able to get onto the shoulder of the road. The fire department arrived to put out the fire. They determined the fire started inside the area of the heating core. The fire was so hot that it melted the bolts we were told by the fire marshal. There obviously was something faulty with the heater core to give this much damage. The driver was treated at the er for smoke inhalation. The contents in the car were either burned, melted, or have severe smoke damage. The vehicle is a complete loss of course. We lost many items of value inside the vehicle. We would like to be reimbursed for the car, the damaged or destroyed contents and any medical bills.

Filed Dec 2, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · TX

I bought this car used in june 2009. Less than a year later I began having problems. At first there was a loud knock on the right side under the hood, which ended up being the control arm- completely loose and almost disconnected. It hadn't been like that when I made this waste of a purchase. Over the last 20 months (12/2/2011), the problems have progressively gotten worse (and more expensive). The loud bang is back, adding to it a lack of full control of steering. I now have to replace the tie rod (entire system) and the rack and pinion. I understand why this car was discontinued, just not why there was no recall.

Filed Nov 9, 2009 · Steering · 78,695 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge intrepid. When driving the steering column becomes loose, which makes it difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the technicians could not identify the cause of the failure. The failure mileage 78,695.

Filed Mar 25, 2009 · Steering · 77,157 miles · WY

After purchasing the 2004 dodge intrepid, my grand daughter noticed that there is excessive "play" in the steering wheel. I went to the internet and found that this a very common problem with a dodge intrepid from 1997 though 2004.

Filed Aug 19, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 104,587 miles · SC

Steering failure on my 2004 dodge intrepid. Steering all of a sudden went real loose and car drifts and won't turn as it should. No damage to the steering mechanism or suspension.

Filed Jan 25, 2008 · Steering · 65,000 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge intrepid. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle would float and move from left to right. The contact would have to jerk the steering wheel in order to control the vehicle. The dealer has not been notified. The purchase date and powertrain were unknown. The current mileage was 81,000 and failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2007 · Steering · IN

My 2004 intrepid will not steer without putting all my strength into turning it. The steering pump is working and I still can not turn the wheel without a lot of resistance. I have seen that a lot of others consumers have had this same problem ue to a faulty rack and pinion.

Filed Sep 24, 2007 · Steering · 63,987 miles · OH

Clanking noise in front end when turning the steering wheel in reverse or forward gears on a 2004 dodge intrepid. Dealer says rack and pinion is leaking causing the clanking noise and needs replaced. Car is not really safe to drive down the road. Dealer nor chrysler will help with the repair I am told it is my expense at $1,300.00. Research on the web shows this is a defect with the manufacturers part and now I am expected to pay to fix it so I as a single mother can drive with my four children in this car that I make payments on!

Filed Sep 17, 2007 · Steering · 59,000 miles · NV

I first noticed that the steering wheel was a bit off center and it has since gotten to the point that there is excessive play in the wheel and the vehicle is very difficult to control. The steering also makes a clunk noise when the wheel is turned back and forth. After doing some research and inspecting the steering system I found that the inner tie rod bushings are almost gone. This is an extremely dangerous design flaw and had it continued the bolts may have sheared and resulted in a total loss of steering. I will now need to replace the inner tie rod bushings, bolts, and plate.

Filed Apr 10, 2007 · Steering, Transmission · 80,000 miles · IL

My 2004 dodge intrepid with 80000 the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. I have also replaced the transmission at 50000. I believe this is not normal for a car.