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 |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 06/27/2011 | 99000 | ||
| Stopped at stop light and turned to the left steering popped and then there was play in steering wheel. play got worse over time went to payton dodge in clinton they replaced tierod on left and had car balanced got car back it was worse informed them, they were supposed to pick the car up never did and after 2 weeks took car to another garage where i almost got run over by a big truck because the car would not hardly turn to the left on sharp turns and was making popping noise the rack and pinion had to be replaced. i think because of the history of dodge and the rack and pinion payton dodge did not want to work on it. | |||
| 07/13/2011 | 57000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. the contact stated that the power steering would lock up at anytime. a local mechanic diagnosed that the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. the dealer and manufacturer were notified, but did not assist the contact with the failure. the failure was not remedied. the failure and current mileage was 57,000. nw | |||
| 02/21/2007 | 45880 | 1 | |
| The rack and pinion steering on my 2001 dodge intrepid r/t started making this creaking and cracking sound it does it 100% of the time i'm driving the dealer said they couldn't find the problem we took it in a second time and they said the steering rack had failed and that they would replace it under warranty so they fixed it drove the car no more than 100 miles and the same creaking and cracking sound was back i fear for our lives because i have heard lots of reports of this problem on these cars and yet dodge has yet to have a recall for the problem i found this information at www.chryslervehicleproblems.com i hope something can be done thank you *tr | |||
| 05/28/2007 | 92000 | 1 | |
| I was wearing my seatbelt traveling 30 miles per hour in my 2001 dodge intrepid es. my right font tire somehow snapped while i was traveling in a straight course and did not hit any debris or potholes while on the road. i had no control of any steering while it happened and crashed into and oncoming car at 30mph as i said i had my seatbelt on and hit the right front side of the opposing vehicle. the result was a 4 inch gash in my forehead from the b bar of the vehicle because the seatbelt didn't properly restrain me even though it was adjusted to proper shoulder height and pulled tight around my waist. the air bags did not deploy in the car at all. as a result i suffered injuries resulting in the payment of $2900 to my local hospital and ambulance business. the vehicle had passed an inspection just a couple months earlier had a tuneup and inspection for worn jball joints fittings wires hoses and wires and bolts which cost a large sum of money. a few minor parts were replaced and the car was deemed to be in safe working order. *tr | |||
| 05/20/2008 | 102 | 1 | |
| This car has been driven off the highway mostly. when taken to the highway the steering developed excessive play; about a quarter turn to each side, left and right. id didn't cause an accident but it nearly did. especially because where the car is taken many trucks also commute and the excessive play throws the car onto adjacent lanes or the separating barrier. *tr | |||
| 11/19/2005 | 69000 | 4 | 10/15/2001 |
| 201 dodge intrepid: inner tie rods worn at approx. 70,000 miles. along with rack and pinion leaking fluid. caused sever problems with steering and car control. took car to dealer and they said i should not being driving car because of potential steering control loss. set appointment to have inner tie rod ends replaced and rack and pinion and would notified that it parts were not available for weeks. 1999 chrysler concord: same exact problem except that only complete steering box rather than rack and pinion was replaced with replacement of inner tie rod ends. also, both driver side rear brakes prematurely wore and had to be replaced. passenger side was fine. *nm | |||
| 01/17/2005 | 1 | ||
| I believe the steering mechanism in my intrepid is defective. i can turn the steering wheel almost one half turn without turning the car. bill smith, service manager, bay area tire and service center, glen burnie, maryland, has looked at the car and believes that the problem is with the steering rack, which he says must be replaced. his phone number is (410) 969-0701. based on what i have read and discussions with mr. smith and other automobile mechanics, i believe that such a problem is due to a manufacturing defect in the materials, workmanship, or design. simply, this problem should not be found in an automobile with only 57,000 miles. it will cost about $700.00 to repair the steering in my car. | |||
| 10/20/2004 | 2 | ||
| While steering, a loud noise was heard coming from the steering wheel. the consumer noticed that the steering wheel failed to turn on its own. the consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection. the mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. please fill in additional information. *jb | |||
| 12/20/2003 | 65000 | 1 | 02/05/2002 |
| I have a 2001 dodge intrepid without any warning my car's engine stopped working causing my power steering and brakes to go. luckly i was traveling at slow speed, and i was able to pull over without causing any accidents or injuries. although i am ok my car is not. this is a new vehicle the engine should have not gone, but it did. i am paying for a new car that does not work and chrysler does not accept any responsibility since the warranty has expired. | |||
| 09/30/2003 | 44845 | 1 | 10/29/2001 |
| Steering gear replaced at 44,000 miles. *la | |||
| 09/18/2003 | 58764 | 2 | 05/10/2002 |
| The steering gear pinion was replaced. *jb the steering had caught right and or left upon returning to the center. scc | |||
| 07/02/2002 | |||
| While driving at any speed power assist belt pulley is loose and will make a loud noise. also, sometimes cause steering problems. dealer notified.*ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| 08/10/2004 | 3 | ||
| 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.*ak | |||
| 07/09/2004 | 3 | ||
| When turning the steering wheel towards the right steering wheel locked, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 08/19/2003 | 40000 | 1 | |
| While driving at 45 mph steering column locked up. consumer had to struggle to keep vehicle from colliding with another vehicle. manufacturer and the dealer were informed of the problem.*ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | |||
| 08/22/2003 | 1 | 04/25/2001 | |
| While driving 35 mph and without any warning the vehicle made knocking noises from the engine. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the engine had sludge in the engine. the vehicle had an extended warranty but the dealer refused coverage for the sludge problem. the engine needed to be replaced. *ak the power steering pump leaked which caused noise when the steering wheel was turned. *ts *nlm | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 04/09/2006 | 45000 | 1 | 12/20/2005 |
| Power steering pump on my 2001 dodge intrepid with 46,000 miles is defective and needs replacement. *nm | |||
| 39000 | 1 | 12/01/2001 | |
| Power steering pump was leaking very badly. we took it to the byers chrysler dealership at 390 east broad street, (614) 228-5111 we could see that a bolt/nut had rubbed a hole through the power steering line. the dealer mechanic told us after checking it that we must have run over something because there was a hole in the line and proceeded to let us know that the replacement part is on back-order for up to 6 months. the problem was caused obviously by looking at the part from the nut/bolt rubbing against the line. the dealer did not offer to patch it up or any assistance. when calling around to several other dodge dealers, i informed that this particular part has been renamed and numbered due to a problem in previous models and is on backorder nationwide but it was never recalled. the new part number is 05101846aa. we now have a leaking power steering pump and no answers or assistance from the dealership. we have a warranty but it supposedly it is not covered. we would appreciate any and all assistance you can provide. thank you. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**767681 | |||
| 07/02/2002 | |||
| While driving at any speed power assist belt pulley is loose and will make a loud noise. also, sometimes cause steering problems. dealer notified.*ak | |||
| 04/23/2002 | 07/01/2001 | ||
| The failure seems to be multi part. on a long trip the power steering seemed sluggish (some part of the power assist weakened). the wheel also was grinding terribly when we turned. after taking it to the dealer they replaced the belt. before i left the lot thesteering still seemed heavy, and the wheel then made a hard thump when turned side to side. i am still going through the repairs, and i estimated the cost, but i have already paid $111 for a belt which didn't fix all the problem, therefor i guessed $300. | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 10/01/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving, power steering column went out. *bf the rear power door locks failed. *jb | |||
| 05/04/2004 | 85000 | 1 | |
| While making a turn consumer lost steering control. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 05/20/2005 | 34100 | 1 | |
| Dt: problem began about one month ago, the steering was loose. when moving the steering wheel about 5-10 degrees in either direction, the steering system does not respond. then, the vehilce was taken to a mechanic, who determined that rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. the owner was attempting to get help from chrysler, but they were not offering help. owner noticed upon investigation that there were others with this concern. *ak | |||
| 09/27/2004 | 37800 | 05/18/2001 | |
| We have a 2001 dodge intrepid es 4 months off warranty that needs a complete rack n pinion replacement. after noticing a lack of mobility on corners, we purchased new tires (hey never thought it could be something as huge a defect as this) after they showed some wear and winter is coming. manueverability on corners became worse and my husband took it in to our dealer today september 27, 2004 and was told it needed a complete rack n pinion, steering stabilizers, and bushings. this car has 38,000 miles on!!! after doing some research on the web, it seems very blatant that it should be a defect on these automobiles or at a minimum a warranty item. i will never let my teenager drive this vehicle and after getting it repaired will trade it. it is a shame that it will probably take many accidents and god forbid deaths before either nhtsa or dodge will address this issue. | |||
| 09/10/2004 | 1 | 01/20/2001 | |
| 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 *jb | |||
| 07/02/2004 | 1 | ||
| With less than 85000 miles on the vehicle, the rack and pinion steering is in need of replacement per my local mechanic. the failure of a part this critical this soon is unacceptable. *la | |||
| 02/28/2004 | 740000 | 1 | 03/10/2001 |
| 3 year old dodge intrepid, bought new, with 75,000 miles has a large amount of play in the steering wheel before direction change occurs. indications are steering rack needs replaced. there is a technical service bulletin on this condition, but no recall. i contacted chrysler for assistance, but there position is warranty is out. i have never heard of a steering rack going out this quickly, and there are a lot of complaints posted on the internet for failures as low as 38,000 miles. my other vehicle is 11 years old , with 145,000 miles and has never had a problem like this. there is a design flaw in the steering on this vehicle, and other model chrysler which is leading to the early failure rates, and chrysler knows it, and should help owners repair. *jb | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| 08/27/2007 | 80000 | 1 | 04/18/2004 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge intrepid. while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to veer to the right. the contact turned the steering wheel slightly to the left and then to the right to keep the vehicle driving forward. the vehicle was taken to the mechanic and they stated that either the rack and pinion or an unknown component could be the cause of failure. the contact believes that the manufacturer should take some corrective action. the current and failure mileages were 80,000. | |||
| 08/12/2006 | 96000 | 50 | 05/30/2003 |
| 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. *nm | |||
| 06/05/2006 | 46000 | 1 | 01/04/2006 |
| I noticed a play in the steering wheel when i bought the car at 42,000 miles. at about 45,000 miles i noticed that steering wheel would get caught on something while trying to bring it back to its normal position after turning, and clicking while getting over whatever was catching it. at the same time rattling in the front end came along while driving on uneven surfaces - like a dirt road, bumps, holes on the road. at 46,000 miles i was told i had to replace the whole steering rack asap before i loose the ability to steer my car on the road and hurt me/somebody else. *jb | |||
| 03/28/2006 | 33700 | 1 | 04/02/2001 |
| 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. *nm | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 50000 | 1 | |
| Ltr seeking status of complaint filed w/odi re defects of the steering rack on his 2001 dodge intrepid, reply to constituent/copy john leitch/wash. dc, ref es05-006486 /s/ harrington 8/11/05. *ts *jb | |||
| 01/17/2005 | 50000 | 1 | |
| Faxed copy of email fm john brzostowski (md) seek status of complaint filed w/odi re defects of the steering rack on his 2001 dodge intrepid.*mr *jb | |||
| 10/12/2004 | 90000 | 1 | 09/10/2003 |
| I have a steering problem with my 2001 dodge intrepid. a mechanic says it needs a new steering rack. it sticks and binds up on left turns. for a fairly new car with not that many miles on it i believe it is a manufacturers defect. the mechanics name is fern lachance and his number is (207) 724-7208. jb | |||
| 07/11/2004 | 49984 | 2 | 03/20/2002 |
| 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 damn and a***holes 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 | |||