Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My name is [redacted], the founder of this website and I have experienced ridiculous premature engine, transmission and steering problems with a low mileage '99 Dodge Intrepid and experienced steering, transmission, ABS problems and other issues with a brand new 2002 Dodge Intrepid. You will find my personal story of the nightmare I had with both vehicles, pictures and the story of my '99 accident after sudden poor steering control and more. Sincerely, [redacted] email: [email] website: www.daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com address: po box 2021, san leandro, ca 94577
I was the owner of a 1999 Dodge Intrepid, that was completely wrecked at 36,000 miles after experiencing sudden loss of steering control prior to the wreck, my dealer assured me over and over that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle although I was very concerned and pretended to know nothing about steering problems with these vehicles. Prior to the total vehicle loss, the engine blew up with a rod knock at about 33,000 miles and had to be replaced, the transmission had to be overhauled after it failed, the input and output speed sensors both failed and much more. This is just 1 of 2 defective daimler Chrysler vehicles I have owned and daimler Chrysler accepts no responsibility. Many of these vehicles are defective and do not hold up reasonably. I have never had any of these problems with a 15 year old vehicle with over 220,000 miles on it. …
Several problems with my 1999 2.7 liter Intrepid. First, problems with transmission shifting hard. Sent to dealer and diagnostics came back 'within parameters'. Told it must be how we drive it. Since then, transmission would not shift between 2/3 gears. Left me stranded out of town. Had to replace the control module twice ($35.00 part). Keep a spare in the glove box just in case. Second problem, a clunking sound and ticking noise when turning steering wheel in either direction. Took to an independent repair shop, they wouldn't touch it. Have not had this problem corrected or seen by dealer. However, I have seen many TSB's on your website concerning this issue. Third, engine starting making a banging sound at about 126K. Had to have the engine replaced (bought a remanufactured engine) at a cost of $5000.00, was told something in the bottom end went. …
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.
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 $100.00 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.
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 $1300.00 to repair.
While operating my 1999 Dodge Intrepid w.bound on a city street in philadelphia I was making a left turn when my steering wheel stuck forcing me into the north bound lane. I could not move the steering wheel until I came to a complete stop. Fortunatley there was no traffic in that north bound lanes or I am certain I would have been involved in an accident. I contacted the dealer I purchsed the vehicle from, since the car has only 37,000 miles on it. I was informed that my warranty was up and there is nothing they could do. I would have to have the car towed to the dealer. Since I am retired and could not yet afford to get the vehicle fixed it is still in my driveway. My wife who was in the auto at the time, refuses to get back into the car.
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.
Tl 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.
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 $1,000.00 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: http://Intrepid.clan-510.org/accident.htm
Steering complaints in other Intrepid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Dodge Intrepid?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Dodge Intrepid, 6% of the model year's 997 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Intrepid steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1999 Dodge Intrepid, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Intrepid steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.