CarComplaints.com Notes: The Dodge Intrepid, Stratus & other Chrysler sedans are infamous for oil sludge problems with the 2.7L V6 engine. If someone offers to sell you a 2.7L V6 model, it's only worth the price of the scrap metal it's going to shortly turn into.

NOTE: Only the 2.7L V6 has the oil sludge problem. Our "Avoid like the Plague" designation is ONLY for models with the 2.7L V6 engine. All other available engines are very reliable with no major problems.

Even with regular maintenance, the oil sludge defect eventually destroys the 2.7L engine typically around 80,000-100,000 miles. The only true fix we know about is to put in the larger 3.2L engine, which has a great reputation.

This issue was never deemed a safety defect by the Feds, so there was no recall. In the end, Chrysler got away with FOUR YEARS worth of defective 2.7L V6 engines in their sedans.

4.7

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,580 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1999 Dodge Intrepid steering problems

steering problem

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1999 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #28

Aug 082007

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,902 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Intrepid. The contact stated that the two bolts that hold the rack and pinion steering have failed. She stated that the bolts displayed signs of corrosion. When the failure occurred, it knocked down the front passenger side tie rods and caused her to lose complete power and control of the steering. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that it could be due to a manufacturer defect. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle and/or part is not under warranty and they cannot be of assistance. The speed was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 79,902.

- Wypheville, VA, USA

problem #27

Jul 222005

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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

problem #26

Mar 252005

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles
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

problem #25

Jan 302004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

problem #24

Oct 152003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
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

problem #23

Sep 252003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,500 miles
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

problem #22

Aug 252003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,440 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

problem #21

Aug 062003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • 0 miles
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

problem #20

Jul 152000

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles
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

problem #19

Jul 012003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles
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

problem #18

May 092003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,999 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

problem #17

Feb 242003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1999 Dodge Intrepid had its third failure of rack and pinion steering assembly.

- Hempstead, NY, USA

problem #16

Feb 112003

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • miles
The steering rack broke, which caused consumer to loose control of the vehicle.

- Blue Bell, PA, USA

problem #15

Dec 192002

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,400 miles
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

problem #14

Oct 182002

Intrepid

  • miles
No summary.

- Sparks, NV, USA

problem #13

Aug 252002

Intrepid

  • miles
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

problem #12

Jun 012002

Intrepid 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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

problem #11

Oct 032001

Intrepid

  • miles
Consumer states steering wheel grabs or catches while turning concerns. Dealer replaced steering rack.

- Delavan, IL, USA

problem #10

May 282002

Intrepid

  • 65,000 miles
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

problem #9

Jun 102002

(reported on)

Intrepid

  • miles
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

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