NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
22 reportsClear category filter175,000 miles · Aug 22, 2005
Power TrainSteering
DT: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT RACK AND PINION STEERING PROBLEM. WHEN TURNING CORNERS HAS TO BE STRONG TO TURN, IT'S LIKE THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAY CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. THERE IS A RECALL THAT INCLUDES THE TRANS AXLE, BUT NOT THE RACK AND PINION. THIS STARTED HAPP…
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DT: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT RACK AND PINION STEERING PROBLEM. WHEN TURNING CORNERS HAS TO BE STRONG TO TURN, IT'S LIKE THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAY CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. THERE IS A RECALL THAT INCLUDES THE TRANS AXLE, BUT NOT THE RACK AND PINION. THIS STARTED HAPPENING ON MAY 30, 2005.
NHTSA ODI #10133748
160,423 miles · Oct 7, 2004
Steering
MY FATHER IN LAWS 1994 EAGLE VISION HAD COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE ONLY MOMENTS AFTER MY 16 YEAR OLD SON ARRIVED HOME. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT. I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR EAGLE AND INTREPID MODELS. IT HAPPENED ONLY YESTERDAY AND I HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO REPAIR THE CAR BUT THE PROBLEM IS IN THE S…
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MY FATHER IN LAWS 1994 EAGLE VISION HAD COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE ONLY MOMENTS AFTER MY 16 YEAR OLD SON ARRIVED HOME. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT. I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR EAGLE AND INTREPID MODELS. IT HAPPENED ONLY YESTERDAY AND I HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO REPAIR THE CAR BUT THE PROBLEM IS IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. THE TIE ROD ENDS HAVE SHEARED OFF AND COMPLETELY DISABLED THE STEERING. HAD THIS HAPPENED A FEW MINUTES SOONER MY SON WOULD HAVE BEEN ON ONE OF THE MOST CONGESTED ROADS IN OUR AREA AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10093770
128,000 miles · Jul 15, 2004
Steering
THE BOLTS WHICH HELD THE STEERING LINKS TO THE RACK AND PINION SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS RESULTED IN LOST OF STEERING POWER, WHICH ALMOST RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10082055
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2004
Steering
I OWN A 1994 EAGLE VISION AND HAVE BEEN IN TO THE DEALERS AND OTHER REPAIR SHOPS ABOUT MY STEERING PROBLEM SINCE 1997. MANY TOLD ME THAT MY PROBLEM WAS STRUTS, BUT WHEN THEY WERE REPLACED, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. FINALLY, THE LAST SHOP THAT I WENT INTO (FIRESTONE) TOLD ME THAT IT WAS MY RACK & PINION SYSTEM THAT IS FAILING.…
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I OWN A 1994 EAGLE VISION AND HAVE BEEN IN TO THE DEALERS AND OTHER REPAIR SHOPS ABOUT MY STEERING PROBLEM SINCE 1997. MANY TOLD ME THAT MY PROBLEM WAS STRUTS, BUT WHEN THEY WERE REPLACED, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. FINALLY, THE LAST SHOP THAT I WENT INTO (FIRESTONE) TOLD ME THAT IT WAS MY RACK & PINION SYSTEM THAT IS FAILING. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE WHOLE RACK IS SHIFTING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND IT HAS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN IT. WHILE DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THE WHOLE VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO COLLAPSE TO THE GROUND. MY STEERING AND RIDE IS HORRIBLE!!! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10056315
Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2000
Steering
STEERING WHEEL PULLS TO THE RIGHT - EXCESSIVE STEERING PLAY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #738430
Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2000
Steering
THE STREEING RACK BUSHING FAIL PREMATURELY LEADING TO EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE FRONT STEERING LINKAGES. THIS BUSHING WEAR IS SUSPECTED TO LEAD TO COMPOUNDED FAILURE OF THE INNER TIE ROD ENDS AND MAYBE THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS. THE FIRST SIGN IS COLD WEATHER FRONT END SQUEEKING SOUNDS FROM THE RUBBER RACK BUSHINGS. WHEN THEY FAIL …
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THE STREEING RACK BUSHING FAIL PREMATURELY LEADING TO EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE FRONT STEERING LINKAGES. THIS BUSHING WEAR IS SUSPECTED TO LEAD TO COMPOUNDED FAILURE OF THE INNER TIE ROD ENDS AND MAYBE THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS. THE FIRST SIGN IS COLD WEATHER FRONT END SQUEEKING SOUNDS FROM THE RUBBER RACK BUSHINGS. WHEN THEY FAIL ENOUGH TO ALLOW ENOUGH FOWARD AND BACK PLAY, THE TIE ROD ENDS ARE SUBJECTED TO EXCESSIVE STRESS AND FAIL PREMATURELY. I QUESTION THAT THIS EXCESSIVE FOWARD/REARWARD PLAY ALLOWS EXCESSIVE STRESS TO THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS WITH SUBSQUENT FAILURE OF THESE PARTS. ADDITIONALLY, A COUPLE OF MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY SEE THESE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VECHICLE EVERY WEEK. THANKS TOM BROWN
NHTSA ODI #733074
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2000
SteeringSuspension
WHILE DRIVING HIT A BUMP, AND UPON ACCELERATING VEHICLE MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE, NOT BEING ABLE TO HOLD THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO LOCAL MECHANIC, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BUSHING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER TIE ROD WAS BLOWN OUT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #862474
Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2000
Steering
CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH STEERING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT SHOP, AND WAS INFORMED OF LOOSE INNER TIE ROD ON LEFT WHEEL. DEALER/ MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. REPAIRS WERE MADE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #860556
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2000
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
RACK & PINION STEERING WAS REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR. ALSO, TIE ROD BUSHINGS WORE OUT PREMATURELY/STRUT BUSHING FELL APART & NEEDED REPLACING/ WHEEL HUB & BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AGAIN DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #859343
Mileage unknown · May 11, 1999
SteeringSuspension
THE CAR WAS BEING BACKED UP AND IT MADE A VERY LOUD NOISE. UPON INVESTIGATION THE WELD FOR THE RIGHT ENGINE CRADLE/CONTROL ARM HAD CAME APART. THIS CAUSED THE RACK AND PINION TO COME APART AND ALL BEARINGS AND BUSHINGS AND GREASE TO COME OUT ONTO THE GROUND. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AND HAD TO BE TOWED ON A FLAT BED TO THE DEALER …
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THE CAR WAS BEING BACKED UP AND IT MADE A VERY LOUD NOISE. UPON INVESTIGATION THE WELD FOR THE RIGHT ENGINE CRADLE/CONTROL ARM HAD CAME APART. THIS CAUSED THE RACK AND PINION TO COME APART AND ALL BEARINGS AND BUSHINGS AND GREASE TO COME OUT ONTO THE GROUND. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AND HAD TO BE TOWED ON A FLAT BED TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH IT WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER WILL REPAIR IT, BUT AT A COST TO HIM AND NOT ME SINCE I HAD ONLY PURCHASED THE CAR TWO WEEKS BEFORE. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE CAR WILL BE CORRECT WHEN I GET IT BACK FROM BEING FIXED.
NHTSA ODI #706408
NHTSA investigations
12DP04007 · Fuel Rail, Brake Fluid, Chassis
Opened Oct 13, 2004 · Closed Oct 27, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid; Structure:frame And Members
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
Structure:frame And Members
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
EA03011 · Auto Trans IGNITION-PARK Interlock
Opened Jul 17, 2003 · Closed Jan 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
DP03002 · Steering Column Separation
Opened May 7, 2003 · Closed Jul 22, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:column
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.
EA99031 · Steering System Rack And Pinion
Opened Oct 29, 1999 · Closed Sep 13, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE99044 · Steering System Rack And Pinion
Opened Jun 28, 1999 · Closed Oct 29, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
SINCE OPENING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS.DURING THE PE IT WAS DETERMINED MULTIPLE FAILURE MODES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS MATTER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS HIGH FOR A STEERING SYSTEM CONCERN.THE ISSUES REPORTED INVOLVE PREMATURE WEAR OUT AT THE RACK AND PINION INTERFACE WITH THE INNER TIE ROD END(S), BINDING AND STICKING OF THE STEERING GEAR, CRACKED OR BROKEN TIE ROD ENDS, SHEARED RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY BOLTS, AND WEAR OUT OF THE RACK AND PINION MOUNT BUSHINGS.MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS MENTION STEERING WONDER AND LOOSE STEERING.THREE OF THE MOST RECENT COMPLAINTS ALLEGE A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO SHEARED BOLTS.ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PE IN ORDER TO PERFORM A THOROUGH TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THE VARIOUS SYSTEM FAILURE ALLEGATIONS AND TO QUANTIFY THE EFFECT THAT THESE FAILURES HAVE ON VEHICLE CONTROL.
EA98025 · Engine Cradle/control Arm Bracket Weld
Opened Dec 31, 1998 · Closed Aug 19, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
RQ98018 · Fuel Injection Delivery System Fuel Leak
Opened Oct 7, 1998 · Closed Jul 8, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
No summary supplied.
PE98044 · Engine Cradle/control Arm Bracket Weld
Opened Aug 11, 1998 · Closed Dec 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
ALLEGED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION WELD FAILS OR CRACKS CAUSING THE SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE AND A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL
PE98022 · Rear Suspension Trailing Arm/bolt
Opened Apr 14, 1998 · Closed Aug 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
ALLEGED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING AND/OR ITS ATTACHMENT BOLT MAY FAIL, POSING A RISK OF LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND LOSS OF REAR SERVICE BRAKE OPERATION
EA98007 · Fuel Injector Assembly Leakage
Opened Mar 10, 1998 · Closed Feb 1, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
EA95028 · Underhood Fuel Leaks
Opened Sep 22, 1995 · Closed Feb 24, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WAARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.
EA95023 · Water In Defroster System
Opened Aug 31, 1995 · Closed Dec 31, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT (EA95-023)
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