Dodge Intrepid premature wear problems

Filed Jun 4, 2005 · Brakes, Steering · 77,000 miles · CA

I would first and formost like to report the premature wear of the steering rack on my 1996 dodge intrepid at around 77,000 miles. The rack had to be replaced at a hefty price. I have since learned that this is an alarmingly widespread problem with chrysler lh bodied vehicals, especially dodge intrepids, and has been for many years. I had the rack replaced about three years ago and already my car is showing symptoms of more steering related problems. I drive only a moderate amount so this could not be just "usual wear and tear". In addition to the steering rack, within the last three years I have had to have an axel replaced, all of the breaks due to prematurly warped rotors (the breaks actually went out once and I almost rear ended someone), the multifunction switch had to be replaced, the transmission shifts hard and gets stuck in gear for a mysterous reason no one can figure out, and a loose wire caused the car caused multable drivability problems. (the date below is not accurate, these things occured between 2003 and present)

Filed Aug 20, 2004 · Brakes · PA

The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for an oil change. The mechanic informed the consumer that the brake pads and rotors were worn out and needed to be replaced. The consumer drove the vehicle to a dealer for inspection. The dealer informed the consumer that the rotors needed to be replaced due to worn out parts. *jb the consumer found the front brake rotor rusted and pitted. The vehicle had less than 10k miles when the vehicle was purchase. *sc

Filed Apr 26, 2004 · Brakes · 15,000 miles · NY

Brake rotors warped every 15,00 miles. As a result, the brake pads burned, causing the brakes to fail.

Filed Aug 30, 2003 · Brakes · 21,500 miles · VT

Rotors warped at 22,000 miles .

Filed Jun 10, 2003 · Brakes, Steering · TX

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.

Filed May 20, 2003 · Brakes · 17,900 miles · VA

2002 intrepid police cruisers experiencing brake failure including warped rotors at low mileage. We've had two (out of 7 vehicles) with the problem already. Staunton va police issued bulletin 5/15 to their forces. D/c is denying any problems. Please keep this anonymous - they are a significant customer of our company.

Filed Nov 20, 2002 · Brakes · TN

Consumer noticed excessive brake premature wear, every 1000 miles dealer has replaces 3 times pad and rotors. Please provide further information. Ts

Filed Aug 20, 2002 · Steering · TX

I am submitting a complaint about deficiencies in the durability of the inner tie rod bushings and rack and pinion steering bushings on a 1996 dodge intrepid, VIN [xxx]. Premature wear out of these items are a safety concern. On multiple occasions, it felt like I was losing control of the steering on the car. Some of those occasions occurred while driving across an uneven, washboard type asphalt road surface. Other occasions were on a smooth concrete or asphalt road. On all occasions, I had to slow down considerably to regain control of the car. I have had to replace the inner tie rod bushings twice, once in march of 1999 at 49,818 miles and again in august of 2002 at 89,404 miles. The rack and pinion steering bushings were also replaced during the august, 2002 repair. None of these parts should be considered normal maintenance items. Total repairs have cost me $1,071. I have read numerous other postings of a similar nature on intrepids and other related chrysler vehicles and am concerned about the safety of these cars. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 23, 2002 · Brakes · PA

The rotors and back drums need to be replaced or shaved about every three months before the brakes pads wear . The brakes are fine but the rotors need to be replaced or shaved . The drums on the back need to be replaced. The rotors where 4 times the back drums where replaced once.

Filed Aug 18, 2001 · Brakes, Transmission · IL

My rotors warped at 18000 mi. I had to bring the car in twice to have the clunking in the steering wheel corrected and now the car pulls to the left. Today, the transmission stuck in 2nd. Gear. In other words, I have had many of the problems that others have described on your web site.