NHTSA Complaint #756514 — 1996 DODGE INTREPID

THE FAILURE COMPONENT IS THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE INDICATION WAS A CLUNKING SOUND, HEARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS COLD (UNDER 40F.). ONCE THE VEHICLE/STEERING WARMS UP, THE CLUNKING NOISE GOES AWAY. APPARENTLY, FROM READING OTHER REPORTS, THE CLUNKING SOUND IS THE PRECURSOR TO TOTAL STEERING FAILURE. IN MY CASE, I AM HAVING THE DEALER REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $1200. THIS IS A VERY BASIC COMPONENT, WHICH SHOULD NOT FAIL DURING THE NORMAL COURSE OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP. I AM ATTEMPTING TO HAVE DAMLER/CHRYSLER EITHER COVER THE COST OF FAILURE UP FRONT, OR REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR. SO FAR, THE DEALER HAS INDICATED TO ME THAT THE FAILURE IS NOT COVERED BY ANY WARRANTY PROCESS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. LOSS OF LIFE COULD OCCUR IF THE STEERING FAILS.*AK