The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler 300M. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the contact suddenly lost control of the steering causing the vehicle to crash on the guard rail. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the lug nut on the right tie rod became loose. As a result, the pin would need to be replaced as preventative measure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 194,000.

- Pennsboro, WV, USA

Vehicle was driven on 02/06/07 approximately 60 miles on the highway at 65 miles per hour. Vehicle was then parked in a shopping center parking space. Wife went shopping returned to the vehicle started vehicle began backing up turned the steering wheel to the left and a clunking sound was heard. This lead to a sudden loss of steering and the vehicle could not be controlled. Fortunately the vehicle was barely moving and she was able to stop without damage or injury. I am concerned that if this had happened moments before on the highway at 65 miles per hour the outcome would have been much different. The vehicle was towed to michael Chrysler/ Kia I9N new london Connecticut 06320. Roy the supervisor in vehicle maintenance / service indicated the bolts holding both ends of the control arms were snapped off but still intact. To fix the mechanical problem would cost $1,200 and new parts. He attributed the damage causation as a hard impact such as pothole. He agreed the damage did not show any impact with a foreign object and was unusual in occurrence. Vehicle was removed from Chrysler premises for further inspection and investigation. No repairs have been done at this time. Vehicle is available for inspection at padgett and sosn automotive repair 61 truman street new london, ct. 06320 phone 442-5134.

- New London, CT, USA

My 2000 Chrysler 300M with aprox 83,000 miles, began to experience a loose feel to the steering, clunks upon turning, suspension rattle over bumps. Odd front tire tread wear pattern. Took to shop for alignment and inspection. Shop informed me that car was unalignable due to impending failure of inner tie rod bushing. Small tire and alignment shop was unwilling to do the repair to to complexity. To to my main mechanic who confirmed the problem, and altough he wouldn't have the part for a day cautioned aganst driving any further do to its near failure which if happened while driving could result in total steering failure. Repaired at a cost of $665. Mostly labor.

- Altadena, CA, USA