1997 Dodge Intrepid Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Rack and pinion
  20
• Linkages › Tie rod assembly
  17
• Hydraulic power assist › Pump
  5
• Rack and pinion › Rack
  4
• Hydraulic power assist system
  3
• Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachment
  3

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

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  16%
• 25k–50k
  16%
• 50k–75k
  213%
• 75k–100k
  638%
• 100k–150k
  16%
• 150k+
  531%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Engine light came on repeatedly and engine caught fire. The fire had come from the rear hood area. The dealer stated that the fire started from the #5 fuel injector/wiring harness/fuel rail. The vehicle also lost braking power and revved during the incident. There was an oil leak prior to the incident where the rocker arm cover was replaced, the power steering was noisy, leaked, and was replaced, and the bleeder screw was broken and the thermostat housing was replaced.

1997 Dodge Intrepid-169,610 miles > > I only had this car for 1-1/2 years with less than > 3,500 miles driven. > > today on March 16, 2008 at 1:15 pm, I came back to > college from spring break. I noticed that I was 29 > miles away from the college and the steering wheel > started to jerk to the right and move on its own. I > turn the steering wheel back to the left and had to > force the wheel to turn and move where I need to go. > > > the steering wheel never made noises as I was > driving > today, but I noticed that I had to force the wheel > hard to make a turn into the parking lot. When I > tried to park, the wheel would not respond, so I had > to force the wheel to turn and still did not work. > I'm now trapped in the parking lot because I'm not > sure that I'm safe on the road. …

Rack and pinion steering broke on our 1997 Dodge Intrepid with no warning while it was being backed up, it was total steering failure. We have owned this car since new and it has never been an accident. Thank goodness we had already made it to our destination and this happened before we headed home. The vehicle was towed home and is still parked in the garage until I can get some info on why this happened, and how can it be prevented. I have been told this is not a defect, but the more I look into it the more I see it as the norm. This is a very dangerous situation not only for the drivers of these vehicles but also for anyone in their path.

Rack and pinion / steering issues in 1997 Dodge Intrepid. After just driving 65-70 on the I-15 in southern california, I felt an odd vibration and pull in the steering of the 1997 Dodge Intrepid I was driving. Exited the highway and attempted to turn into a business parking lot to examine the issue when the front end sent a pop sound and the vehicle came to a screeching halt. Driver side front wheel was stuck in a right turn position during any position set on the steering wheel, while the passenger side remained intact and normal.

Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Intrepid. While attempting to operate the vehicle, the contact noticed that the steering column was inoperative. A technician stated that the rack and pinion fractured and needed to be replaced. In addition, the bolt in the kit offered by the dealer has a smaller head and an improper locking pad that would inevitably lead to a failure. The contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired and is waiting for a response from the dealer. The failure and current mileages were 222,000.

While backing out of a parking lot at 2 MPH consumer heard a cracking sound coming from the vehicle. A few seconds later steering wheel began to spin in circles, without actually steering the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who told consumer that steering bolt sheared off. The tie rod grommet deteriorated which caused vibrations. The consumer almost lost control of the vehicle. The dealer replaced the steering rack, inner and outer tie rods and grommets.

My 1997 Dodge Intrepid has had steering problems starting with power steering assist leakage, resulting in two replacements. But now the steering rack has fallen apart resulting in loss of steering control of the car. Luckily it happened at low speed because it could have been fatal at highway speeds. I know this car has significant defects which Chrysler refuses to accept. I will not repair until Chrysler has the opportunity to make the repair.

Consumer complained about a tie rod problem. When driving over a bump in the road consumer felt front end shake. Some times, front end shook without hitting a pot hole or bump in the road which affects the driver's control and movement. Consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer, and was told that there was a problem with the tie rods. Provide further details........

1997 Dodge Intrepid, inner tie rod bushing failed while taking the vehicle to get front end alignment, I was told the inner tie rod bushings needed replacing. I am in the process of repairing the bushing now. I have found one bushing completely gone except for the metel bushing part, and the other nearly as bad, suspect it would be totally gone in another month or two.

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Intrepid. The contact noticed that the ball joints, tire rods, sway bar bushing and motor mounts wore prematurely and needed constant repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls. The current mileage was 128,000 and the failure mileage was 98,000.

Steering complaints in other Intrepid years