NHTSA Complaint #723382 — 1994 DODGE INTREPID

I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN I HEARD A "THUNK" SOUND AND THEN NOTICED MY STEERING WAS COMPLETELY GONE. THE TWO BOLTS WHICH HOLD THE RACK AND PINION TOGETHER HAD FAILED AND BROKEN COMPLETELY. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND TOLD THEM I COULD UNDERSTAND JUST ABOUT ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE EXCEPT THE COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING. THEY SAID THEY WOULD DO NOTHING TOWARD THE REPAIR. THEY SAID THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAD TOO MANY MILES FOR THEM TO OFFER ANY COMPENSATION. NO ONE I HAVE TALKED TO INCLUDING THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP HAD EVER HEARD OF SUCH A FAILURE. THE DEALER QUOTED ME $2200 TO REPAIR IT; I FOUND AN INDEPENDENT TO REPAIR IT FOR APPROXIMATELY $740. I FEEL THIS KIND OF MECHANICAL FAILURE SHOULD NEVER OCCUR! *AK