Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 1900101 | 03/23/2001 | 1900300 | 619127 | Some owners may experience loose feel or clunk in the steering wheel as the wheel is moved from side to side. *tt | 05/15/2001 |
| 1900300B | 10/06/2000 | 190300A | 618868 | Some vehicles may experience loose feel or clunk in the steering wheel as the wheel is moved from side to side. *tt | 05/03/2001 |
| 0042 | 09/13/2000 | 615695 | Advance service information for loose steering. *tt | 01/28/2001 | |
| 190300A | 09/08/2000 | 190300 | 6092235 | Experiencing loose feel or clunk in the steering wheel as the wheel is moved from side to side. *tt | 11/29/2000 |
| 190300 | 06/02/2000 | 614153 | A condition may exist where a loose feel or clunk in the steering wheel as the wheel is moved from side to side. *tt | 09/29/2000 | |
| 190899 | 12/31/1999 | 610017 | Information when servicing the inner tie rod end to steering gear attachments. *tt | 04/14/2000 | |
| 190397 | 02/14/1997 | 52029 | Steering gear cold - squawk noise. *tw | 07/17/1997 | |
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||||
| 084395 | 10/01/1995 | 46368 | Creaking or clicking noise fron steering wheel area when pushing or pulling on the steering wheel, usually when entering or exiting the vehicle. bulletin involves installing four tape insulating pads between the driver airbag module and th | 04/25/1996 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | ||||||
| EA99031 | CHRYSLER GROUP LLC | 10/29/1999 | 09/13/2001 | STEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINION | ||
| There is no summary currently available | ||||||
| PE99044 | CHRYSLER GROUP LLC | 06/28/1999 | 10/29/1999 | STEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINION | ||
| Consumers have submitted 36 reports involving failures of the tie rod bushings or bolts at the attachment of the tie rod to the steering rack and pinion unit in the subject verhicles.ten of these incidents were reported to have resulted in a loss of vehicler control.additionally, 27 reports have been received which allege failure of the steering gear rack and pinion unit, including five which resulted in a loss of vehicle control.no vehicle crashes were reported, but the failures are of concern in that they may pose a compromise to steering control.a prelimiary evaluation has been opened on this issue. | ||||||
| STEERING - COLUMN | ||||||
| DP03002 | CHRYSLER GROUP LLC | 05/07/2003 | 07/22/2003 | STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION | ||
| Mr. larry a. sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) by letter dated april 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 12/10/2009 | 175000 | 1 | |
| The vehicle started to turn itself when driving and could not be controlled while driving. this lead to us taking it to a tire shop and we were told the bushings on the rack and pinion and the bushings on the tire rod were gone off the car. the vehicle was not able to be driven until the bushings were repaired because the loss of control was so bad on the vehicle. the failure of the bushings caused the vehicle to have to be repaired. we almost loss complete control over the vehicle twice before we found out what was causing the extreme pull in the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to mechanic and they replaced the rack and pinion bushings and the tire rod bushings and tightened the tire rod bolts. this was a very scary situation for us and we were concerned for our safety and the safety of our child. this was also a very expensive repair to the vehicle. *tr | |||
| 04/16/2004 | 1 | ||
| Tie rod bushing bolt at the attachment of the tie rod to the steering rack and pinion unit in the subject verhicle (1994 dodge intrepid) es on right front inter bushing bolt. *tr | |||
| 08/08/2008 | 170286 | 1 | |
| I have a 1994 dodge intrepid es, the vehicle is going into gear and popping out of gear sometimes. *tr | |||
| 10/25/2006 | 170000 | 1 | 09/27/2006 |
| Without any prior warning the steering system suddenly failed to respond, total failure, no steering control, while driving at 60 mph on the freeway. the car steered itself hard to the right into a concrete baracad on the freeway and totaled the car. air bags also failed to work. i have stored the car. it has not been touched since the accident. i will keep it in storage for a short time in case you want to inspect it. it appears based on an external visual only inspection that components in the rack and pinion steering system failed. i have taken some digital photos.*jb | |||
| 03/15/2003 | 1 | 01/01/2003 | |
| While driving the steering became loose and caused the steering wheel to jump around. this made it difficult for the driver to steer the vehicle. *nlm in addition, steering jerked and swayed while driving. *tt | |||
| 01/02/2002 | |||
| Consumer states that while driving the steering went out. contacted dealer. *mr | |||
| While making a right hand turn at 20-25 mph consumer heard popping noise. steering started to shake ,and then suddenly steering wheel turned to left on its own , causing vehicle to run into a concrete light pole . vehicle was totaled. driver sustained injuries. *ak | |||
| 09/10/2000 | 1 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Driving 25mph & was making left turn when without any warning steering went out. vehicle kept straight. stopped vehicle & checked it. noticed upper control arm had broken & fell out on transmission. vehicle was towed to repair shop. entire upper control was replaced. mechanic could not indicate what caused it to break. *ak *slc | |||
| I have had a binding and cluck in my steering. i am concerned, this is a safety issue. | |||
| 06/12/1998 | |||
| Transmission is failing. when driving and coming to a stop ,the speed would increase and never downshift. also, consumer is having promblem with the steering. the vehicle is still in the shop from 21 days ago, and the dealer can't determine the problem. *ak | |||
| The two main bolts that hold the steering in place sheared off, causing complete loss of steering. | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 11/02/1997 | 05/01/1994 | ||
| Steering wheel will move up and down about 2 inches. has to do with tilt mechanism,. ealer changed entire steering column. this defect can result in accident. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 03/15/2000 | 1 | 08/01/1997 | |
| Transmission needed to be completely replaced; power steering pump has been replaced twice, steering column has been replaced as well as chips in computer system that relate to steering, abs light will not turn off even though equipment has been thoroughly inspected; when car is started, a buzz comes from passenger area that lasts for 10 seconds; if vent is truned completely off, the buzzing returns; air conditioner compressor failed and all the hoses and vlaves need replaced; | |||
| 04/04/1996 | |||
| Power steering belt fractured, causing loss of steering control. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 06/12/2000 | 1 | 05/01/1994 | |
| The power steering is extremely weak and sluggish, making turining the steering wheel very hard and sometimes even dangerous, especially at slow speeds. this is a constant problem that only seems to be getting worse in terms of the difficulty of steering and slugishness of the steering wheel to turn the car's wheels. my mechanic indicates that this is a problem that many of the dodge intrepids are experiencing and is being investigated as to whether a recall should be issued. | |||
| 02/01/1994 | |||
| Water pump and cooling system failed, causing extensive damage to engine, power steering, and timing belt. no warning from instrument panel, no indication that engine was hot. now in need of new engine. | |||
| 02/01/1998 | 01/01/1996 | ||
| This is in support of a found ongoing defect investigation: nhtsa action number: pe99044. extensive effort is required to turn wheels at idle, as in parallel parking. power steering pump was replaced by owner, however with no positive effect to steering effort. suspect rack and pinion to be defective. vehicle is out of warranty. owner has not seeked advice from dealer or other automotive technician on this problem. seems to be getting worse. please advise. | |||
| 09/09/1995 | 9 | ||
| Power steering problems. | |||
| 09/09/1994 | 9 | ||
| Front end/steering mechanism makes loud grinding noise when accelerating from a complete stop and making a right turn. | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 08/13/2001 | 2 | 06/01/1999 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 03/21/2001 | 2 | 04/01/1994 | |
| No summary listed fro above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 06/16/2000 | 1 | 03/01/1998 | |
| The tie rod attaching bolt failed on the left tie rod at its mount point on the rack and pinion unit. *ak | |||
| 09/01/1999 | 1 | 12/01/1998 | |
| I already fixed the problem. i spent $370 and would like reembursement if it becomes a recall. i contacted daimler chrysler and they suggested i contact you. no safety defect listed in the summary. *ak | |||
| 12/01/1994 | |||
| Steering / front suspension/ engine cradle is loose and noisy poblems started appearing around. *ak | |||
| The tie rod and the stabilizer links prematurely wear out, causing loss of steering control. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 12/01/1997 | 1 | ||
| Steering control arm, retaining bolts snapped off, causing loss of control, resulted in vehicle hitting curb. | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - KNUCKLE - SPINDLE - ARM | |||
| 02/10/2000 | 1 | 06/01/1995 | |
| No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 02/15/2001 | 70000 | 12 | 02/13/2001 |
| Bought car in 2001, with 69,000 miles. 2 days after purchase, gauges stopped working, car ran fine, no noise, etc. intermittent problem. dealer could not duplicate. happened while driving past dealer, stopped and they checked for codes, none found. happened again, dealer had code for airbag module this time, replaced part. problem is still intermittent. 2003, driving at 75 mph on highway, car stalled, no restart. towed to dealer, they replaced timing belt and water pump. also had brake rotors and pads replaced at 72,000. they were done at 55,000 also. replaced tie rod ends 2004 at 97,000. they had been replaced a week before purchase at 68,500. passenger airbag cover warped, i fear it may fail in accident. *jb | |||
| 06/10/2004 | 60000 | 2 | 10/01/1994 |
| Multiple transmission failures on the 42le mopar transmission. in this case, a 94 dodge intrepid es. failed at intervals of 60,000 miles. dodge denies any defect. *ak additionally, the steering on this vehicle had multiple issues. the tie rods and other linkages totaled $700+ in repairs. | |||
| 04/02/2004 | 144000 | 1 | |
| When reaching 45 mph or higher tie rod ends shook. *ak | |||
| 09/23/2002 | 3 | 12/01/2093 | |
| A year ago i had to replaced one tie rod end for to much play and this year when checking for inspection we found that another two have too much play and must be replaced. talking to the garage and part stores they say that this style or model of cars are going though these items. if one of these items lets total go then a person could lose control of the car. luckily we had found my problems before they broke lose. i am going to replace the 3 that have not been replaced. nlm | |||
| 04/29/2002 | |||
| While repairing a recall consumer was informed that tie rod and its attachment needed to be replaced. dealer notified, and informed consumer that repairs were not part of recall. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2000 | 1 | 05/01/1997 | |
| Consumer stted while the rotors were replaced, the mechanic noticed the tie rods needed to be replaced as well.*ak *yh | |||
| 1 | |||
| Bolts that hold tie rod bushings to vehicle separated at 35mph, causing loss of vehicle control. vehicle was inspected and repaired by an independent mechanic. *ak consumer states there was no warning before the steering was lost, rubber was completely gone from the tie rod bushings. *slc | |||
| 04/15/2001 | 1 | 09/01/1994 | |
| Right steering tie rod has rubbed through transmission wiring, causing a short circuit. a recall has been issued on vehicle make and model; however, this vehicle is not included due to vin. *ak *jb | |||
| 01/10/2001 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| Backing out of a parking space, i heard a bang and the steering failed. inspection revealed the failure of both of the bolts connecting the inner tie rods, to the rack and pinion. i noted at least 4 other instances of this failure reported in your files in 2000. please strive to have this issue rectified soon, another 5 minutes and i'd have been at highway speed, and may not be here to report this occurrences. *ak | |||
| 12/24/2000 | 1 | 11/01/1993 | |
| Both connecting bolts that connects the inner tie rods to the steering gear broke as i was turning in a driveway. i had just drove 50 miles on interstate 85 from smiths, al to tuskeeggee al. when i arrived at my destination as i turned from the ashfault highway on to the concrete drive way i heard a thump! that was when the bolts sheared into. my estimate speed was around 2 m.p.h. also the headlights on the intrepid are too dim for night driving. the parklights lens stay clear while the headlight lens collects moisture dust and dirt after a period of time the lens start to turn brown which inpairs the ability to see well enough for night driving | |||
| 12/24/2000 | |||
| Connecting bolts in inner tie rod broke, resulting in loss of steering. dealer has been notified. *ak | |||
| 08/08/2000 | 1 | 05/01/1994 | |
| Consumer was experiencing steering tire rod problem. left tie rod went out 55,000, and right tie rod went out at 44,000. consumer stated that there was a manufacturer's defect. *ak | |||
| 03/24/2000 | |||
| Ea99031/rack and pinion steering: vehicle experienced pulsation in the steering wheel while driving at 10 mph or more; vehicle taken to independent repair shop, and and informed consumer that inner tie rod broke, affecting the steering system. manufacturer notified. *ak | |||
| 2 | 03/01/1997 | ||
| Tie rod ends worn out prematurely due to a poor design. *ak | |||
| Bolt in the tie rod end became dislodged, causing vehicle not to respond during a turn. wheels went the opposite direction of the turn. dealer has been contacted.*ak | |||
| 01/01/1994 | 5 | 09/11/1994 | |
| Airbag console is sitting up to high, the airbag is covered . check engine light remains on often, radio does not play fm stations, short in wiring harness, rear tail light does not operate properly, car stalls while in motion, right tie rod makes a loud noise when turning, leakage near o-rings, a/c leaks freon--coils are defective. *ak *ml | |||
| 10/30/1996 | 1 | 12/31/1994 | |
| Tie rod ends failed. | |||
| 07/06/1997 | |||
| When driving at 40 mph and above vehicle stalls/ jerks and cuts off. also, there is a rumbling noise coming from the front of the vehicle/electrical system malfunctioned, and inner tie rod failed. *ak | |||
| 08/05/1998 | 1 | 07/01/1994 | |
| Outer tie rods failed and cv boot torn. | |||
| 10/01/1996 | 2 | 09/01/1994 | |
| Both tie rod ends became loose causing a banging noise over road bounces and pot holes. | |||
| 07/01/1998 | 1 | 08/01/1994 | |
| Symptoms were clunking sound heard while driving at low speeds and braking. mechanic diagnosed problem as failed left and right outer tie rod ends. this be a part of earlier model recall. | |||
| Loose steering rod ends due to deterioration of rubber gromet/cushion which holds steering rod. | |||
| Loose steering rods ends due deterioration of robber gromet/cushion which holds steering rod. | |||
| 11/01/1996 | |||
| The defective front tie rods broke off, causing loss of vehicle control. dealer cannot determine problem. *ak | |||
| 10/23/1997 | |||
| While driving about 20 mph, making a u turn, the retainer bolts that hold the tie rod ends into the steering box sheared off, causing driver to lose control of vehicle. no crash was involved. the vehicle is being repaired. ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Tie-rod failed. | |||
| Owner states that his front tie rods ends are loose and owner feels that steering will give out while driving. *ak | |||
| 10/22/1996 | 1 | ||
| While driving at speeds of 30-40 mph, vehicle pulls to the right and left. *ak tie rod end is worn and rack and pinion bushings loose, dealer replaced tie rod ends and rack bushings. *slc | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 09/27/2008 | 1 | ||
| I have a 1994 dodge intrepid and i took it in for a routine inspection. i was told i had to replace the rack and pinion because my steering was tight. i replaced it but the car is still making a clunking sound when i apply the brake at a red light. it is very annoying. *tr | |||
| 10/25/2006 | 170000 | 1 | 09/27/2006 |
| Without any prior warning the steering system suddenly failed to respond, total failure, no steering control, while driving at 60 mph on the freeway. the car steered itself hard to the right into a concrete baracad on the freeway and totaled the car. air bags also failed to work. i have stored the car. it has not been touched since the accident. i will keep it in storage for a short time in case you want to inspect it. it appears based on an external visual only inspection that components in the rack and pinion steering system failed. i have taken some digital photos.*jb | |||
| 10/19/2002 | 1 | ||
| The rack and pinion failed on the vehicle. *dt *jb | |||
| 10/19/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2094 | |
| While backing out of a parking spot, i heard a slight pop/crack and then lost complete control of the steering. i had no warning that such a catastrophic failure was about to occur. had i been driving on the beltway there probably would have been more than one fatality. the dealer said my 7/70 warrenty had expired (time) and i would have to bear the cost of the repair which he initially guessed would be $1375 but could be much more once they got it up and looked at the damage. this is a serious defect especially with no warning or requirement to have the part replaced after a specified number of miles. i am the only driver of this car. dt | |||
| 07/13/2002 | |||
| While driving 35 mph vehicle pulled sharply to the left. was towed to repair shop. mechanic determined a bolt that holds rack and pinion steering had broken.*ak | |||
| 06/25/2001 | 1 | 01/01/2098 | |
| I had the steering and suspension inspected at 73,000 miles and i was given a clen bill with no problems noted. approximatly 3 months later while making a left hand turn at apprx, 10-15 mph the inner rack and pinion bolts sheared off and left me with no directional control ,and both front tires were splayed out in opposite directions. there was no prior warning and the place where i had it repaired said this is not an uncommon occurrence*ak | |||
| 02/15/2001 | |||
| Ea 99 031/steering system rack and pinon: while driving into a parking lot rack and pinon failed. dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.*ak | |||
| 08/13/2001 | 2 | 06/01/1999 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 10/01/1999 | 1 | 06/01/1994 | |
| No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak | |||
| 04/06/2001 | 1 | 10/06/1998 | |
| Rack and pinion snapped, causing failure of powering steering. deaelr will repair vehicle at owner's expense. manufacturer has been notified.*ak the steering failure was sudden and there was a pop noise. *yh | |||
| 02/01/2001 | |||
| Steering wheel is loose. took vehicle to dlr, and they said it was the rack and pinion. *ak | |||
| 01/10/2001 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| Backing out of a parking space, i heard a bang and the steering failed. inspection revealed the failure of both of the bolts connecting the inner tie rods, to the rack and pinion. i noted at least 4 other instances of this failure reported in your files in 2000. please strive to have this issue rectified soon, another 5 minutes and i'd have been at highway speed, and may not be here to report this occurrences. *ak | |||
| 11/18/1999 | 1 | ||
| The tie rods failed as a result of rack and pinion bolts shearing, causing a total loss of steering.*et | |||
| 09/04/2000 | 1 | 06/01/1995 | |
| Independent repair facility determined that the rack & pinion assembly requires repair/replacement. *ak | |||
| 05/20/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1993 | |
| I was backing out of my garage when i heard a thunk sound and then noticed my steering was completely gone. the two bolts which hold the rack and pinion together had failed and broken completely. i contacted the manufacturer and told them i could understand just about any mechanical failure except the complete loss of steering. they said they would do nothing toward the repair. they said the car was out of warranty and had too many miles for them to offer any compensation. no one i have talked to including the service manager at the dealership had ever heard of such a failure. the dealer quoted me $2200 to repair it; i found an independent to repair it for approximately $740. i feel this kind of mechanical failure should never occur! *ak | |||
| 09/18/1996 | 2 | 04/01/1994 | |
| Transmission failures (2) since 1994, rebuilt in 1996. air conditioner failures (2) since 1994 compressor replaced 1999. engine removed so the firewall crack(s) could be welded from defective original welding, apparently was affecting the rack n pinion steering. | |||
| 03/24/2000 | |||
| Ea99031/rack and pinion steering: vehicle experienced pulsation in the steering wheel while driving at 10 mph or more; vehicle taken to independent repair shop, and and informed consumer that inner tie rod broke, affecting the steering system. manufacturer notified. *ak | |||
| 06/15/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1999 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 10/08/1999 | 3 | ||
| Intermittently transmission will jump in and out of gear or will not go into gear. dealer has inspected the vehicle, and recommended that the transmission be replaced. also rack and pinion steering malfunctioned. manufacturer has been notified. *ak | |||
| 10/08/1999 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| No summary | |||
| 02/27/1998 | 1 | 12/31/1994 | |
| Rack and pinion steering failed. | |||
| 1 | |||
| Rack and pinion failed. | |||
| 03/12/1997 | 10/02/1995 | ||
| At 48,000 miles the rack and pinion steering has malfunctioned, causing loss of vehicle control. the dealer states that the problem is in the rack pinion assembly. *ak | |||
| 10/22/1996 | 1 | ||
| While driving at speeds of 30-40 mph, vehicle pulls to the right and left. *ak tie rod end is worn and rack and pinion bushings loose, dealer replaced tie rod ends and rack bushings. *slc | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| When vehicle was taken to the dealership for a recall campaign a problem was discovered with the steering rack. steering rack was bad. steering rack was replaced at owner's expense. please provide any further information. *ak | |||
| Noise in front end steering rack bushings , replace rack and pinion. | |||
| 10/01/1994 | |||
| Installed three new steering racks, possible due to engineering design flaws. | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 03/15/2000 | 1 | 08/01/1997 | |
| Transmission needed to be completely replaced; power steering pump has been replaced twice, steering column has been replaced as well as chips in computer system that relate to steering, abs light will not turn off even though equipment has been thoroughly inspected; when car is started, a buzz comes from passenger area that lasts for 10 seconds; if vent is truned completely off, the buzzing returns; air conditioner compressor failed and all the hoses and vlaves need replaced; | |||
| 1 | 01/01/1994 | ||
| When wheel is turned, noise comes from front end steering rack and luabe steering rack bushings were replaced. | |||
| 07/09/1996 | 8 | 01/24/1994 | |
| Transmission cooling lines leaked, vehicle rolled down the hill after left in park with key removed, resulting in an accident, also oxygen sensor failed twice and air condioning malfunctioned 3 times. *ak | |||