1996 Dodge Intrepid Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 152about this part
- Share
- 30%of 505 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 152 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid, 30% of the 505 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 15mar12 at approximately 5:30pm I was driving around a slight curve when the steering wheel suddenly pulled to the left. I immediately corrected while letting off the accelerator. After I regained control, the steering still felt extremely loose.”
NHTSA complaint #10451880, filed 2012-03, 118,550 miles“I have owned a 1996 Dodge Intrepid for 6 months now and when I bought the car I was aware that the steering was a little loose, what I did not know was that the entire rack and pinion system as well as most of the tie rods around them were completely shot. My steering wheel grinds when I turn it left and right now and my steering has a horrific drift when turning from extreme to extreme. The bushings on the rack and pinion (as told by my mechanic) are completely gone. …”
NHTSA complaint #10380033, filed 2011-02, 56,000 miles“Rack and pinion problems, the bushings that hold the rack and pinion keep going bad I've had the bushings replaced (november 2007) but then it failed again (september 2008). When ever I go around a turn there's a delay in my sheer almost resulting in a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10254139, filed 2009-01, 115,000 miles“It started out my steering would get really tight and you couldn't move it at all and it happens everyday now we took it to the dealership and they said it was the rack-n-pinion and so they fixed it and its still doing it.”
NHTSA complaint #10251846, filed 2008-12, 143,000 miles“Bolts holding tie rods to steering gear (rack) broke. Unable to steer vehicle. Fortunately, I was just leaving my parking lot and didn't cause any accidents and/or injuries. Paid $700 to have car fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10249831, filed 2008-11, 98,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 10 | 8% |
| 2003 | 6 | 6% |
| 2002 | 15 | 5% |
| 2001 | 37 | 6% |
| 2000 | 80 | 8% |
| 1999 | 59 | 6% |
| 1998 | 29 | 8% |
| 1997 | 61 | 18% |
| 1996 | 152 | 30% |
| 1995 | 105 | 18% |
| 1994 | 75 | 10% |
| 1993 | 17 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Intrepid
87 complaintsEngine cooling
83 complaintsSuspension
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
44 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsEquipment
16 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge Intrepid
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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