NHTSA Complaint #10225618 — 2005 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY

I PURCHASED A 2005 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING EDITION BRAND NEW IN JULY OF 2005. DURING DECEMBER OF 2007, I NOTICED A SLIGHT HUM UNDER THE HOOD DURING STARTUP. THIS SOUND EVENTUALLY KEPT GETTING LOUDER AND LASTING LONGER. THIS SOUND IS MORE DRASTIC DURING TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER. THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO A LEAK IN THE RACK OF THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM. THEY SAID THAT THE WHOLE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ($800+). THEY ALSO SAID THAT IS THE SYSTEM FAILS FURTHER, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING (DURING DRIVING!). I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. MY VEHICLE HAS 37,000 MILES ON IT (WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36,000). THIS IS DEFINITIVELY A RECALL ISSUE. STEERING SYSTEMS SHOULD NOT NEED REPLACEMENT IN LESS THAN 3 YEARS AND 37,000 MILES. *TR