Chrysler 300M Steering Problems

Steering complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Rack and pinion
  45
• Linkages › Tie rod assembly
  16
• Rack and pinion › Rack
  10
• Steering wheel/handle bar
  8
• Column locking › Anti-theft device
  2
• Linkages
  2
• Hydraulic power assist › Pump
  2
• Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid
  2

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  77%
• 25k–50k
  2324%
• 50k–75k
  2223%
• 75k–100k
  2021%
• 100k–150k
  1718%
• 150k+
  77%

What owners report

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake was applied however; the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle continued through the intersection and crashed into a truck causing damage to both vehicles. The contact sustained minor injuries and a police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who found no problem. Also, intermittently when the gear was shifted into reverse the vehicle continued to go forward. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, who could not duplicate the problem. Further, while driving various speeds, if hands were removed from the steering wheel, the vehicle pulled to the right. The dealer could not identify the problem.

Coming home from work I pulled into my girlfriends circle driveway. While making the left hand turn into the driveway I felt the car not reacting to the steering wheel. I stopped and looked at both front tires expecting to see a broken tie rod end but both tires pointed in the same direction. I asked her to step in the vehicle and turn the steering wheel while I could see what was happening. I could see the whole steering rack move back and fourth without it being connected to the frame. I am thankful that this did not happen at highway speeds when I was heading home. This is a very dangerous car to own.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler 300m. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the contact suddenly lost control of the steering causing the vehicle to crash on the guard rail. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the lug nut on the right tie rod became loose. As a result, the pin would need to be replaced as preventative measure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 194,000.

Vehicle was driven on 02/06/07 approximately 60 miles on the highway at 65 miles per hour. Vehicle was then parked in a shopping center parking space. Wife went shopping returned to the vehicle started vehicle began backing up turned the steering wheel to the left and a clunking sound was heard. This lead to a sudden loss of steering and the vehicle could not be controlled. Fortunately the vehicle was barely moving and she was able to stop without damage or injury. I am concerned that if this had happened moments before on the highway at 65 miles per hour the outcome would have been much different. The vehicle was towed to michael Chrysler/ Kia i9n new london connecticut 06320. Roy the supervisor in vehicle maintenance / service indicated the bolts holding both ends of the control arms were snapped off but still intact. To fix the mechanical problem would cost $1,200.00 and new parts. …

December 20th 2008 accident occurred. Vehicle started on fire and was totaled on the right passenger side. Inner tie rods and bushings were replaced not even two weeks before along with two tires and brakes. Vehicle pulled to the left while in an intersection. A truck coming from the opposite direction hit the vehicle on the front left passenger side and the hood. Vehicle was in a 180 degree position with little damage to the left side.

I was stopped at a city intersection waiting to make a left turn. When traffic cleared, I attempted to make the left turn. I heard a 'clunk' and the wheels did not turn. The steering wheel turned, but the tire wheels did not! I had no function except forward or reverse, so I was forced to drive into the curb in an attempt to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. I was not able to get safely off the roadway and my car blocked an entire lane of rush hour traffic which put me in a very dangerous situation. The police were called and a tow truck had to lift the car to move it out of the roadway. I was petrified. The car was towed as instructed by the police officer and is currently with the repair shop pending availability of a steering rack kit. The bolt to the rack was severed! There was no warning prior to this incident. …

While turning a corner my steering wheel turned one direction while my tires stayed straight. Also while driving down the highway at 45 miles an hour. My car went into the opposite lane almost head on into another vehicle when my wheels decided to turn back when I turned the steering wheel almost to the end of steering ratio. This car is going to end up killing someone. Then there will be a major law suit. I replaced the rack & pinion. Worked for about a month and now it is starting to do it again. Also replaced the tie rod ends. The bolts back out or become loose on the rack & pinion. Have had to tighten them on many occasions.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chrysler 300m. When the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be serviced, the mechanic observed the bolt from the rack and pinion detached from the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the rack and pinion failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,000. The VIN was unavailable.