1998 Dodge Intrepid Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Rack and pinion
  6
• Steering wheel/handle bar
  4
• Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
  3
• Hydraulic power assist system
  2
• Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachment
  2
• Linkages
  2

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

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  00%
• 25k–50k
  113%
• 50k–75k
  225%
• 75k–100k
  113%
• 100k–150k
  338%
• 150k+
  113%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Since buying the vehicle in 1998, I have experienced issue with: electrical interior and exterior lights going on and off while driving (dealer has not been able to locate problem) rack and pinion had to replace at 36,000 miles I have to replace the brakes every year, they constantly are making a grinding noise. Have had to replace power window mechanism on driver side when first bought vehicle, now the automatic power down on drive side is not working as well as not being able to use power unlock and lock for rear driver passenger door. Automatic transmission leak from hose, have had to replace hose.

I was driving around 40mph, came to a complete stop in order to make a right turn on to another street. Once making this right turn the vehicle's steering would not respond to the wheel being turned back to the left. This caused the vehicle to strike the curb. Once stopped the steering seemed to be corrected but this has happened at least two more times. The inner and outer tire rods have been replaced along with the struts and have had multiple alignments none of which have fixed the problem. Now the problem has been diagnosed as the rack and pinion.

Me car was purchased used 1/16/03, since purchase, have had several serious problems; idler pulley warped, broke power steering belt while on road cooling fan motor went out on passenger side of car -the engine in my 1998 Dodge Intrepid blew -up when I was on the expressway in a construction zone (one lane of traffic). I was told by several local auto mechanics and Dodge dealerships that these engines are notorious for this problem. The power steering and braking quit when engine quit. Car diagnosed by local mechanic " needs engine replaced".

Tl contact owns a 1998 Dodge Intrepid. While driving 60 MPH,the vehicle began to hesitate and the check engine indicator illuminated. The power steering became inoperable and eventually shut off. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, and was awaiting a diagnosis. The current and failure mileage were 68,000.

Severe steering problems. Wheel locks when turned completely to right or left. Wanders on dry pavement, almost impossible to drive in wet weather. Have been told to replace steering rack and inner tie rods.

Recall 03V527000, while making a left hand turn from a stop steering wheel locked. Consumer was able to unlock the steering wheel. Dealership did not repair vehicle because the VIN was not included.

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 $650.00. Fortunately, the dealer split the cost with me as I had just bought the car (used) 30 days prior. I was still out $350.00. 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. …

Repairs were done to the engine on 3 occasions, rotors 2 occasions, brakes 1 occasion, control arms (suspension) 1 occasion, steering 1 occasion, & electrical. Although I only have 54,000 miles on my car and the engine has been replaced, the dealership refuses to fix the ongoing engine problems. The dealership manager, rod harris, admits it a lifter ticking but insists that it is normal. Chrysler gave me an "added care service contract" that is good through 6/26/04 and to 75,000 miles. Plan code is ad675h. They refuse to fix my car. This is the second time, after the first three attempts to fix it, I have been to the dealership. I filed a complaint with Chrysler on 1/12/04. Also note they still have my vehicle today 1/12/04 because the transmission failed. It's been in service for 5 days. Transmission failed while I was driving on 1/7/04. …

Wheels are rusting on outside. Surface rust. Dodge states this is normal wear and tear. Steering wheel is peeling away. Dodge says this is normal wear and tear. Starter is too close to the muffler without heat shield. Power windows shorted out internally, causing fuse breaker to be to hot to touch. . Driver side mirror just cracked. Dealer said it May be a flaw. They have had to replace several for this reason. The glass is not available you must be complete assembly. The car is one year and five months old and is coming apart. Dealer will not fix because it is out of warranty. All repairs paid for out of pocket.

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.

Steering complaints in other Intrepid years