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.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler 300M. The contact stated that the tie rod on the rack and pinion was loose on the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact was driving 20 mph and was able to drive onto the emergency lane. The mechanic stated that the bushings burned and that the failure occurred in several vehicles identical to his year, make and model. The failure mileage and current mileages were 144000.
My sister's 2001 Chrysler 300 M experienced sudden steering failure while driving. Fortunately she was travelling at low speed, so no one was killed. She described the feeling at failure as a loud noise followed by the sensation of sliding on ice. It was towed to a repair shop, where they found that the threaded holes on the steering rack that the inner tie rods connect to were both stripped out and that the bolts had fallen out, resulting in complete loss of steering control. This seems to be a common problem with the large Chrysler vehicles, and puts a lot of people at risk of death. Please force Chrysler to recall these cars and to install a redesigned steering rack and tie rods that are not going to kill people.
Cluncking noise coming from front end and steering locks up while turning full right or left. Car was serviced and rack and pinion was replaced under warranty at 50,000 miles. Returned to dealer after 100,000 miles for wheel vibration problems especially while braking. Inner tie rod bushings were replaced.
Violent shaking began while traveling at highway speed, approx. 70 mph. The shaking seemed to be originating from the right front end of the vehicle. Vehicle was brought in for service and mechanic informed me that the right side tie rod was defective. The mechanic showed me the "play" of approx. 3 to 4 inches to the left and then an additional 3 to 4 inches to the right of center. Apparently the shaking I felt was the right front wheel swinging left and right while I was traveling straight along the highway.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Elkmont, AL, USA