1996 Chrysler LHS Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 36%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Chrysler LHS, 36% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I'd parked my 1996 Chrysler LHS in a parking lot for a couple of hours on 7/10/2005. The vehicle has 95k miles on it. As I returned, and backed the vehicle up to exit the space, I heard a loud pop . Suddenly the car no longer responded to steering. Upon examination, I found the inner tie rod bolts had sheared off where they connected to the steering gear. Both bolts had sheared off at the same length, and the retaining plate was still in place, preventing the bolts from loosening/rotating. If this had occured while I was driving down the freeway, I'd be dead. …”
NHTSA complaint #10128510, filed 2005-07, 94,537 miles“Inner tie rod ends only last realistically about 10,000 miles,become completely unserviceable in 20,000. I am sure Chrysler is aware of this poor design/material problem. Additionally, the steering box also has problems with the mounting bushings. Be advised that I have replaced the inner tie rods twice, then the bushings when they became available in after market form. Chrysler, after my many complaints, replaced the tie rod ends(once again) and the steering box due to movement of the box due to bushing wear. Once again, the tie rod bushings need to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10055207, filed 2004-01, 20,000 miles“Drivers side front wheel lost control while turning left. Car had to be towed. Diagnosing failure today. Believe either tie rod or steering box. If your steering wheel has any play would highly recommend not driving until having it looked at by mechanic. Lives could easily be lost at highway speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #10664056, filed 2014-12, 111,000 miles“1996 Chrysler LHS, loose steering. Discovered steering at risk of total failure, tie rod/rack & pinion bushing completely disintegrated. If not discovered in time, could have caused complete failure of steering due to bolt shearing, perhaps causing fatal or at the very least, extremely injurious accident..”
NHTSA complaint #10226881, filed 2008-05, 116,000 miles“While driving at a low speed in a parking garage the steering failed and the vehicle could not be turned in either direction. The dealer determined that two half-inch bolts for the inner tie rod broke in the steering rack. The dealer replaced the steering rack and inner tie rod bushing. The consumer has the parts in his possession.”
NHTSA complaint #10047926, filed 2004-01, 133,294 milesSteering: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Chrysler LHS
24 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chrysler LHS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology