Dodge Neon steering noise problems

Filed Mar 3, 2006 · Steering · 5,000 miles · NJ

The problem with the vehicle started since the car had a couple of thousand miles. Started off with a ticking noise in the steering wheel, to a popping noise and then to clunking. The car itself had a lot of the suspension reviewed over 20 times by the dealership with "no problem found" they did replace steering couplers based on tsb's but that didn't resolve it. The car still has a click/pop in the steering wheel, when on take off the steering wheel still has the original clunk. The major concerned is the steering!! At any speed above 50 MPH the car is not controllable, it sways, swerves loss of control when trying to hold the car in a straight line. The driver side front tire feels as if its turning in different directions while driving, it requires a lot more effort to make a left turn then a right turns. The vehicle is deemed unsafe by any standard, the other problem is the dealer ship states that its within "spec"... If I have to counter steer on a straight line there is a problem. I have almost had several accidents with the vehicle due to the nature of the steering issue, I am still fighting with dodge trying to get a courtesy district manager to review the problems. Their "official" answer is that its out of the standard warranty and under no circumstance will dodge pay for the repairs for steering issues even though it was a preexisting issue!! The dealer stated that my loss of control was due to a defect in the oem goodyear tires, so I brought it to good year and they said that there isn't anything wrong with the tires. I insisted they replace the tires, and out of goodwill they did replace all 4 tires, but the problem persisted!!!.. I brought the car back to the dealer and they advised that after reviewing the car that is the cars handling characteristics of the car. I knew it wasn't b/c the car never had those issues prior to the 5000 miles, the dealership then replaced some shocks and other odds and ends that made no improvement to the vehicles steering.

Filed Aug 20, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · 5,505 miles · OH

When making a turn steering wheel makes a clicking noise, also sometimes the keys gets stuck in ignition. Dealer has replaced steering column 3 times due to the same problem.

Filed Oct 26, 2002 · Airbags · SC

I was making a turn around when my steering column started making a noise and my air bag light came on and stayed on. At the same time my horn quit working . My steering is still making a noise like something is loose in it. I called mckinney dodge about it. I bought the car with 13000 miles on it, now they tell me my warrenty has ran out. When I bought it they told me that I had 2 yrs. Or 25000 miles on the warrenty, now they say that was when it was new and not from when I purchased it. I am scared to drive it not knowing if the airbag will deploy or if the steering will fail, not to mention not being able to use the horn. I would like to know if there is anything I can do about it? Dt

Filed Oct 21, 2002 · Airbags, Electrical · SC

I was making a turn around when my steering column started making a noise and my air bag light came on and stayed on. At the same time my horn quit working . My steering is still making a noise like something is loose in it. I called mckinney dodge about it. I bought the car with 13,000 miles on it, now they tell me my warrenty has ran out. When I bought it they told me that I had 2 yrs or 25,000 miles on the warrenty. Now they say that was when it was new and not from when I purchased it. I am scared to drive it not knowing if the airbag will deploy or if the steering will fail, not to mention not being able to use the horn. I would like to know if there is anything I can do about it? Dt

Filed Apr 8, 2002 · Steering, Suspension · KY

When driving, steering would make grinding noises when turning either right or left. This causes steering to be hard to turn. Problem is intermittent. Had taken vehicle to dealer and nothing was found.*ak

Filed Jan 2, 2002 · Steering · NJ

Power steering unit makes noise when starting or when making turns. Vehicle at dealer shop. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.

Filed Dec 8, 2000 · Engine, Steering · MD

Blown head gasket at 30,000, missing, hesitation, now loud noise on cold start may be power steering pump? Also loud popping noise coming from suspension.

Filed Sep 25, 2000 · Steering · CT

Steering rod failed, causing a grinding noise when turning. Please provdie further information.

Filed Mar 27, 2000 · Airbags, Electrical · NC

Consumer noticed that passenger's airbag was trying to come out of cover due to warping, the airbag came out of position. Gear shift can be move out of park without the key in the ignition due to failure of the interlock system. Head gasket failure resulted in oil leakage. Problems with the interior lighting system due to missing door ajar switch bumper. All speakers need replacing due to noise distortion. Possible electrical shortage is causing the steering wheel/column to make noise as well as flashing of the instrument dash lights. *ak.

Filed Feb 14, 2000 · Engine, Steering · UT

Vehicle has been experiencing intermittent stalling while accelerating from a stop position. Also, power steering pump makes unnecessary noise. Dealer notified, replaced power steering pump once, but problem is reoccurring.*ak