This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Steering rack binds when vehicle is turning making it very hard to control vehicle. Dealer said DC will do nothing to help cover costs of replacement rack @ 1200$. have put almost a million miles on various vehicles and have never come across a defect that is as unsafe as the 300M steering.
A loud clanking noise had come from the front while making a right turn. While accelerating at any speed the noise would get louder. The driver had taken the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the rack needed to be replaced.
Last evening, I lost steering power. I was backing out of a parking space! I have a 1999 Chrysler 300M. The steering rack was replaced by the manufacturer in July 2000 when I complained of noise in the steering and I was told then by the dealer there were problems with the steering rack on the 1999 300M - apparently there was a design flaw in the part, and because it was being replaced with the same model piece, the dealer could not guarantee it would not happen again. At the time my car had 23,482 miles on it. The dealer told me last night that the steering rack has now been redesigned. The cost to replace it will be $1,156.95 plus tax. My car now has approximately 51,200 miles on it. I called Chrysler and requested, that since this was not ordinary wear and tear, and since the part was defective from the beginning, they should pay for it. They argued that since they paid for the first replacement because the car was under warranty, they are not obligated to pay it again. I was told there had been no recall and since I did not have an extended warranty there was nothing they could do. I very nicely told them that in my opinion, the fact that the part was defective in the first place, and the same part was put back in, it most certainly is their problem and they are extremely lucky that I was not driving on the roads or a severe accident would certainly have taken place, and a lawsuit would be filed against them. They told me the only recourse I had was to ask for a discount from the service manager. Is there anything you can do? this is a very dangerous situation and don't understand why Chrysler did not recall it. I certainly am not the type to complain for the sake of complaining. I believe I have a legitimate complaint against Chrysler and would like to pursue this issue further. I would like to be reimbursed for the cost and any guidance you can give me will be most appreciated.
All brake pads front, rear & parking brake in process of de-laminating and dealer had to replace in order for car to pass inspection. Steering rack in process of disintergrating.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Belleville, MI, USA