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.
The contact states the vehicle went to the other side of the road and he lost control. The vehicle was driven to the dealership at about 3 mph with the hazard lights on. They found the rack and pinion came apart. The vehicle has been at the dealership since this happened. They were unable to obtain the parts needed to repair the vehicle.
1998 Dodge Intrepid--rack and pinion failed/broke. I had pulled up to the curb to retrieve the mail and as I turned the steering wheel to the right to pull away, I felt/heard a loud pop. The steering wheel was no longer connected to the rack and pinion as the R&P has failed/broken. The steering wheel would freely turn but the wheels were not moving. I had to have the car towed to the dealer who replaced the rack and pinion steering at a cost of $650. Fortunately, the dealer split the cost with me as I had just bought the car (used) 30 days prior. I was still out $350. My biggest concern is, what would have happened to my family, specifically my wife and my 2 year old son had that part failed while I was on the highway or in heavy city traffic. It could have cost us our lives...I also have a slight shimmy in the steering wheel when the brakes are applied. I'm guessing a warped rotor as I recall reading something about that being an Intrepid problem also....I warn any of you who are having steering problems to get it fixed before you drive it....the rack and pinion steering system that wont be recalled could have cost us our lives.
This vehicle was assembled in Jan. 1998 and is not old enough or has not had harsh enough treatment to have the steering rack and pinion fail. We feel this is a definite safety hazard since the steering can lock up during a turn (it did for us) which could cause a serious accident since the car would be going in an unintended direction. I found several examples of complaints about this exact topic and feel that the company should recall the vehicles or reimburse those of us who have had to incurr unnecessary repair expenses due to either low quality parts or bad design.
Vehicle experienced a rattle in steering; vehicle taken to an independent repair shop, and informed consumer that rack and pinion steering needed replacement. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under a recall, and out of its warranty.
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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- Campbell, OH, USA