2000 Dodge Intrepid Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Rack and pinion
  38
• Rack and pinion › Rack
  9
• Linkages › Tie rod assembly
  7
• Steering wheel/handle bar
  2
• Column
  2
• Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
  1

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

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  59%
• 25k–50k
  1325%
• 50k–75k
  2140%
• 75k–100k
  59%
• 100k–150k
  713%
• 150k+
  24%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Dodge Intrepid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. While driving at 55 MPH, there was a burning odor. In addition, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise when turning in both directions and all lights, meters, and gauges on the instrument panel failed to function. The contact also stated that the rear lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

Dt: 2000 Dodge Intrepid bought in April used with 11,000 miles. Since then it has been in shop 9-10 times, mostly consisting of steering problems, such as rack and pinion and the steering coupler. There were other issues, but this was the main concern. One week ago the consumer was involved in an accident, front end impact for which the air bags did not deploy. Consumer sustained injuries. No repairs after the accident because there was over $6,000 worth of damage. Emergency brake handle was loose. The dealer determined the it was not connected. The dealer repositioned/reassembled the emergency brake. The key wouldn't come out of the ignition because the shift interlock cable broke. The check engine light illuminated. The dealer replaced the wiring to the brake light switch.

Traveling at 70 MPH on interstate 65, the vehicle was drifting right and then veered right. Vehicle would not respond. Vehicle hit right guardrail and was deflected to the left across 3 lanes and impacted the center concrete divider.

I have found an excellent and informative website against daimler Chrysler at www.daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com for anyone who would like more information mainly in regard to Intrepid, 300m, concorde, lhs premature engine, steering, transmission and other common failures. I have experienced many of these problems myself and daimler Chrysler simply does not care, I could have even been killed in one instance. After own another vehicle and putting nearly 30,000 miles on it I have not had any of the ridiculous problems experienced with Chrysler's Dodge brand of vehicles. …

Engine in 2000 Chrysler Intrepid started tapping noise at 58017km brought to dealer with complaint, told they would not take engine apart to check noise. I told them I had been told that the 2.7 engine had problems with sludge that prevented the oil from circulating properly. They still refused to check engine. At just over 62000 km engine became noisy. Brought it back to dealer who kept the car for two weeks, then told me engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $6500.00 and there would be no warranty coverage or goodwill. I gave them a complete history of maintenance records showing that proper maintenance was done with in the required mileage and time. They have told me that the invoices do not clearly identify my 2000 black Intrepid and that it could of been another car. I only own one 2000 Intrepid. The invoice shows the work the mileage and my name and date. …

In jan 2004, our 2000 Dodge Intrepid experienced 3 separate occasions where we would turn the steering wheel to the right and after about 2/3 steering wheel turn, it would stop. We would turn the wheel back to the left and then to the right noting that it would then turn as if nothing was wrong. When we went to the dealer, they said that the rack and pinion would need replacing. I described the problem on a newsgroup and it was suggested to change the power steering fluid. We did (since it was cheaper) and the problem didn't reoccur. About 3 weeks ago, we would notice an occasional rattle from the front end. I initially attributed it to normal suspension wear since it was aperodic and no consistancy to it. As time went on, the rattles would occur more often. It would do it going over rough roads or railroad tracks. …

The problem started with the steering wheel sticking and making loud clunking noises when attempting to make turns. I took my car to my mechanic who couldn't identify the problem. Needless to say, the problem got progressively worse. The steering was so loose, I could turn the steering wheel from the 10 o'clock to the 2 o'clock position and the wheels would not even move. On November the 19th, I took my car to a Dodge dealership who identified the problem as the rack and pinion.... A problem that would cost me over a $1000 to repair. I had no choice but to come up the money or risk killing myself or some one else due to steering failure. My car is less than 3 years old and has approximately 68000 miles. After much research, I have discovered that there are many people who are experiencing the same problem. This is a serious safety issue that needs to be properly addressed. …

My 200o Dodge Intrepid has 61,000 miles on it. I started having problems with the steering at about 58,000. Whenever I made a turn left or right my steering wheel would lock and I would not be able to straighten out. I would sometimes have to turn it forcefully and it would make a terrible clunking and grinding noise. I have almost been in a terrible accident on more than one occasion. The wheel locked up as I made a right turn and I was forced down an embankment, fortunately I was alone in the car and no one was on the embankment as they usually are. I have brought the car to a Dodge dealer and they are repairing it for $1067.00. They said it is the steering gear and rack. After reading all the complaints on this vehicle with the exact same problems. I fee this is a safety issue an should be on a recall status. …

After driving approximately 12 miles to work the car was pulled into a parking space and while straightening the wheels a loud pop was heard and the car had no steering. The inspection revealed that (2) two 1/2 inch threaded bolts (that bolt the tie rods to the steering rack had sheared off. One of the tie rod bushings was gone and the area the bushing was in was extremely worn, requiring replacement. The rack and pinion was replaced on this vehicle at 20,000 miles under warranty. The car was repaired by removing the rack, backing out the old bolt ends and installing new bolts. The one tie rod was replaced. I contacted Chrysler corporation customer service and they offered no help on the repair. The district rep was ask to help and he denied any help. (he did not even look at the damage. I was told that he would not over rule detriot).

2000 Dodge Intrepid the power steering started acting up, problem's like wining and hard to steer at times. Than finally it went out all together we took the car to the local shop after two power pumps and a new steering rack-n-pinion the mechanic still couldn't figure what the problem was.when he called and said that there was nothing else he could do about the steering problem and he didn't know what was causing it to steer so hard,so he told us to come and get the !@#$%'thing out of his sight ! So that's when I went on line and read about all the problem's everyone else was having and also confirmed my suspicions on what might be the problem. (the wrong fluid in res.)so now that I drained the fluid and flushed all the lines a couple times the thing works fine .

Steering complaints in other Intrepid years