4.7
definitely annoying- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 22,580 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
My 1999 Dodge Intrepid has had steering problems with cluncking, sticking and play in the steering. On 7/22/2005 the steering stuck so bad that I could not turn the wheel and ended up in the lane of on coming traffic. We have to replace the rack and pinion steering which I have research is a major faliure in the Dodge Intrepid and a major saftey issue.
- Monticello, MN, USA
As of 02/18/2005 I started to feel a slight binding in the steering when trying to return wheel to center from a turn. It got progressively worse to the point where I occasionally had to "wrestle" the steering wheel back to the center position. It also feels loose, suspension rattles and I've got 4 inches of play at center. I took it to the dealer and was informed it would cost $1300 to fix. I've never experienced this type of failure in all of the years I've owned cars and think this is just a poor design that Chrysler is keeping mute about. I bought this vehicle new and have babyed it ever since. It has less that 60,000 miles on it; I've own other manufacturers that have lasted for a lot longer. This should not be happening to a car that has been as well taken care of as this. Iif Chrysler fails to act on this problem it will be the last time they get my business.
- Durham, NC, USA
While driving at any speed there was vibration in the front of vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and mechanic indicated the problem was rack and pinion. The replacement of pressure hose and pump did not solve the problem.
- College Park, GA, USA
Rack and pinion shot on my 99 Intrepid with less than 60K miles. A serious play to the left and an intense rattling sound in the front end once the car warms up or has been driven for about 10 miles, especially when braking. Headlights also came on by themselves and could not get warm air out of the heater without having the accelerator pressed.
- Bonaire, GA, USA
I had to replace the steering rack on my 1999 Intrepid after only 27,000 miles. The steering wheel had excessive play in it, and several times would not go in the direction in which I was turning.the mechanic said that there was nothing I could have done to cause this, or to prevent it. He has repaced racks at 80,000 to 100,000 miles, but never as low as 27,000 miles. He said the internal gears were all worn out. I was concerned for the safety of myself and any passengers in a car that loses it' steering. Chrysler did want to assist in any way. They said the warranty was up.they only regreted I had a problem.I cannot believe the lack of concern for such a potentially dangerous situation that is beyond any type of normal maintainence control. This gives me great concern when considering another Chrysler product. It cost over $1300 to repair.
- Mundelein, IL, USA
This is for my mother. My mother purchased a 1999 Dodge Intrepid new at integrity Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge. The complaint is that she went too turn the corner and her front end locked up. It turned out that the rack & pinion snapped in two. My mothers car only has 14,460 miles on it. She took the car too the dealership (which is now called grogans towne Chrysler) she told them that she had a warranty with $100 deductible. The warranty was through a company called protective. Grogans claimed they could not find any information on this and charged her $1251.54. She dug out her contract and showed them, it didn't do any good, she also called protective and they said that she may or may not receive any or possibly a partial of her money back. Somebody's not warranting there warranty and taking advantage of my mother. All she wants is her money back.
- Napoleon, OH, USA
My 1999 Dodge Intrepid with 50000 miles has a dangerous steering issue. This includes excessive "play" before a steering input will take place. Also binding of the steering when making a turn, left or right. This is a similar issue that has been reported by thousands of diamlerchrysler owners.
- Medford, MA, USA
A loud clunking sound was heard when driving. The rack and pinion was replaced. The noise returned again. The sway bar link was replaced.-
- Augusta, ME, USA
Steering has excessive free play, about 4 inches of rotation left to right. Also the steering is starting to bind in the middle of turns. The wheels 'sticks' instead of returning.
- Manorville, NY, USA
While driving, my 99 Intrepid loss power and the engine started making a terrible knocking sound. The engine to my car has died at 95999 miles. It is a shame. I have alway been such a big fan of Chrysler. I was in the process of looking for a minivan to trade this car in for. Now I still owe more than $7000 on this car and stuck with it. I have no clue as to what I am going to do. I priced engines. They range from $3600-$4800 and that does not include labor. The worst part is I had my children in the car when it died. Luckily no one was hurt. Also the steering makes a funny knocking sound when I turn. I am no longer a Chrysler fan and will most likely never own another one.
- South Charleston, WV, USA
1999 Dodge Intrepid had its third failure of rack and pinion steering assembly.
- Hempstead, NY, USA
The steering rack broke, which caused consumer to loose control of the vehicle.
- Blue Bell, PA, USA
At just 53,000 miles it is discovered that the rack and pinion steering assembly on my three-year old vehicle needs to be completely overhauled. This is going to cost nearly $1,000 and is absolutely not a routine issue in a vehicle this new and lightly driven. After researching the matter further on the www it is obviously that steering issues are a widespread problem in Dodge Intrepids and they pose serious safety risks. I implore you to do something about this! do not wait until someone gets killed in an accident before you do. For more information visit: Intrepid.clan-510.org/accident.htm
- Brockton, MA, USA
No summary.
- Sparks, NV, USA
This is a design defect. Contact rfjshenk@yahoo.com to start a class action suit. This is a $1500 repair. Can there be any other reason for this at 65,000 miles other than for chyrsler to line their pockets rather than correct.
- Westerville, OH, USA
Vehicle lost steering while driving at highway speed of 55 mph. Vehicle taken to the dealer, and they informed consumer that the rack and pinion steering was broken. Consumer stated that the steering wheel sticks halfway while turning right.
- Kansas City, MO, USA
Consumer states steering wheel grabs or catches while turning concerns. Dealer replaced steering rack.
- Delavan, IL, USA
Steering: I started to feel a slight binding in the steering when trying to return wheel to center from a turn. It got progressively worse to the point where I occasionally had to "wrestle" the steering wheel back to center position. It also feels loose, suspension rattles and I've got 4 inches of play at center. Took it to the dealer and was informed it would cost $1200 to fix. Service rep tried to explain that this was pretty common nowadays with the sealed racks and not just Dodge. I've never experienced this type of failure in all of the years I've owned cars and think this is just a poor design that Dodge is keeping mum about. The vehicle is only 3 years old with mostly highway driving. I'm purchasing a used rack from a salvage yard and having Dodge install it for $380 and then I'm selling it. This car is quickly falling apart. Air conditioning: Started hearing a hissing type sound from behind the dash. Soon after A/C did not blow cold air. Control module display also stopped working. Dodge said in order to fix the A/C they had to repair the module. Cost: About $600. I bough a module from a salvage yard and did it myself, saved $500. Then Dodge recharged the system only to have it leak out over the next several days. Brought it back to Dodge where they found a crack in the evaporator. Replacement cost: $500. Power window motor: Right front power window started failing intermittently, then stopped working altogether. Dealer said that the window sometimes gets stuck in the tight weatherstripping due to dirt and grime on the window and I simply need to coax it by my palm pressing down on it while actuating the button. What a bunch of @*$%! rear right window motor was replaced under warranty, this must be a common problem. Dealer wants $200+ to repair. What a racket! I've never had so many major repairs on a relatively new car in my life, and don't plan to ever again if Dodge knows what I mean!!
- Carrboro, NC, USA
Consumer states there were noises when turning and backing, mechanic stated the entire rack and pinion needed replaced and while trying to turn the shaft, it turned 1/2 turn and then completely froze up.
- Mogadore, OH, USA
- Wypheville, VA, USA