NHTSA Complaint #10078849 — 2001 DODGE INTREPID

3 YEAR OLD DODGE INTREPID, BOUGHT NEW, WITH 75,000 MILES HAS A LARGE AMOUNT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL BEFORE DIRECTION CHANGE OCCURS. INDICATIONS ARE STEERING RACK NEEDS REPLACED. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS CONDITION, BUT NO RECALL. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER FOR ASSISTANCE, BUT THERE POSITION IS WARRANTY IS OUT. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A STEERING RACK GOING OUT THIS QUICKLY, AND THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS POSTED ON THE INTERNET FOR FAILURES AS LOW AS 38,000 MILES. MY OTHER VEHICLE IS 11 YEARS OLD , WITH 145,000 MILES AND HAS NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE STEERING ON THIS VEHICLE, AND OTHER MODEL CHRYSLER WHICH IS LEADING TO THE EARLY FAILURE RATES, AND CHRYSLER KNOWS IT, AND SHOULD HELP OWNERS REPAIR. *JB