I apologize for it's length. THE FOLLOWING IS A LETTER I AM PREPARING FOR DaimlerChrysler Corporation/AG:
Dear DaimlerChrysler Corporation,
I am writing DaimlerChrysler this letter to inform the company of some potential safety issues and possible mechanical defects in some of the Dodge Intrepid line of the Chrylser LH Platform. From experience, I am certain they exist in some Dodge Intrepid vehicles.
Through extensive research I have found that this is true with other owners as well. I apologize for the length of this document but it covers issues with all three Chrysler
/DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles I have owned. The 1995 Dodge Intrepid: I started doing business with Chrysler Corporation by buying a used 1995 Dodge Intrepid w/75,000 miles. I figured that since the vehicle seemed to have been maintained well that it would at least last up to 100,000 miles, which should be reasonable to expect.
Unfortunately the transmission failed at 78,000 miles w/rough shifting or bump at times, slippage, front pump seals leaking prematurely and transmission cooling lines leaking. It was unfortunate since everything else but the transmission, transmission cooling lines, power steering pump and wheel covers worked fine, the 3.3L engine worked excellent and was still strong after the good tune-up I performed. I was quoted about $2500.00 for parts and service to service the transmission at a Chrysler Five Star dealership. I decided that it was not worth it even though I liked the vehicle otherwise. I talked to several people that also know a lot about cars. I was told that the problems I was experiencing were premature and that especially the pump seals should not have been going bad as prematurely. I assumed that these problems were probably with just this particular vehicle since I understand that sometimes all vehicles are not created equal.
The 1999 Dodge Intrepid: I saw a used 1999 Dodge Intrepid ES with 28,480 miles on the Chrysler dealer's lot and decided to purchase it. I had to put about $2,500.00 down, mostly off of a credit card since I just put a down payment down on the other Chrysler vehicle and had no money. I figured that with such low mileage on this Chrysler/Dodge vehicle that there was no way I could loose also being that it is still under factory warranty for 3 Years/36,000 miles. I took it for a test drive down Mission Blvd and drove it back to the dealership. I was not used to the second generation Intrepid but it seemed to drive fine at the time. About 300 miles later I noticed leakage from the vehicle.
Hayward Auto Chrysler found that this was supposedly due to a transmission cooling line clamp and corrected the problem. I noticed that the coolant bottle was filthy looking with excessive buildup. When I took it in I specifically requested that this be cleaned and the system be flushed since I maintain my vehicle's well. I specifically asked for the fill bottle to be cleaned and explained that I wanted the service performed because of this and since the fluid was brownish in color. Unfortunately I was not told that Mopar 100,000 mile coolant is used and is supposed to look brown. I also requested transmission fluid and filter replacement first verifying that only genuine Mopar filters and fluids are used. I also requested reattachment of the front door trim that was coming off and a reset of air/fuel mixture to factory defaults. The dealer at first forgot to reattach the door trim. The coolant fill bottle was still filthy w/excessive buildup. The coolant looked only as if it had been topped off although I had paid for a complete flush service of the cooling system and cleaning. From experience I realized my air/fuel mixture (PCM) was also never actually reset since all the preset radio stations and correct time were still present.
At home I realize that there were large amounts of transmission fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. I could hear it dripping on the exhaust system creating a hissing noise. It was Friday night and I immediately called and spoke to a supposed sales manager to notify him of an emergency situation and that I needed immediate assistance. He claimed he would have the owner call me immediately, which unfortunately never happened. The vehicle was inoperable for the entire weekend. I did not drive it so the fluid would not recirculate and continue to leak badly. I had no way to get to work or to get food. I brought the vehicle in on Monday and showed the Service Adviser two containers of the leaking fluid I saved up to show them. The Service Adviser did apologize however I never received a formal apology or even a discount as to the service I paid full price for.
Unfortunately my Chrysler experience becomes worse, much worse. About 1,500 miles later and getting more used to the vehicle I began to notice that there was an intermittent loose feel in the steering sometimes then at times the steering would tighten up and feel normal again. Sometimes the steering attitude would completely change on it's own and the vehicle's steering would all of a sudden feel awkward at times. Sometimes the steering would even feel floppy or flimsy like a Go-Kart and sometimes there would be excessive play at times. This was completely intermittent and unpredictable. Sometimes the steering would drift excessively to the left or even to the right regardless of crowned roads. If you know your vehicle and pay attention to it like myself you definitely notice these things. I even had two independent witnesses drive the vehicle prior to then during these conditions when it was acting up for independent verification of the issues.
One witness, who is actually used to driving a similar Chrysler front wheel drive vehicle noticed that the steering once almost made a complete turn on it's own at low speed and stated I did not do that. He and my second witness had stated that the steering did not feel right even though I had not mentioned anything prior not wanting to risk biased judgment. I decided to bring the vehicle in to the selling dealership for service mainly due to these issues. The dealership adjusted my tire pressure and assured me that nothing was wrong with the steering. I had brought the vehicle in to the dealer several times and they can never duplicate anything or find anything wrong. I brought the vehicle to another dealer that stated that also stated nothing was wrong after they performed a quick test drive. It was to the point where basically nothing could be done even though these issues did actually exist and were to continue.
The issues became worse with intermittent vibration. Then around this time I started intermittently feeling a bang in the transmission during shifts around 45-50 miles per hour. I also experienced intermittent rough shifting, surging in lower gears, hesitation and bump on deceleration. The dealer also supposedly could not duplicate these issues. Shortly after being assured that there was nothing wrong with my transmission it once would not come out of fourth gear in Autostick while driving. It was a major distraction and had to kill the ignition and restart it while driving and it eventually began to work properly again.
Since I was experiencing poor fuel mileage and kept having intermittent transmission issues I specifically requested PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and TCM (Transmission Control Module) updates several different times. I was told several times by the Service Advisor that there was absolutely nothing available. I then noticed that Oil was disappearing and that the engine would intermittently idle roughly. I reported this to the dealership and after it was looked at I was assured that the engine was fine and that nothing was leaking from the engine. The Oil continued to disappear with no visual signs of leakage. I could not believe that this vehicle could be burning Oil or leaking Oil like this. I assumed that a cheap Oil Filter or an Oil Filter with a bad seal was used or that the Oil Filter was not properly tightened by the dealership so I had an Oil and Filter change performed. I used a genuine Mopar Oil Filter and high quality Castrol GTX Motor Oil rated within Chrysler specifications for this 3.2L engine. I checked the Oil level every other day for several weeks and it seemed fine.
I was driving my girlfriend to an important doctors appointment and all of a sudden the vehicle began to shake violently, I drove the vehicle as easy as possible and closely monitored the given situation. The engine was making a knocking noise at about 30 miles per hour. The Check Engine or Oil Pressure Light never came on even though I later found out that there was almost no engine Oil and the engine blew up. I eased it to the dealer. The dealer found that I needed a new engine and that the Oil was somehow down to only 1 quart.
They tried to somehow blame me for the failure and were initially not going to replace the engine that was under warranty. I provided a receipt for my Oil and Filter change, which was only about 2000 miles prior and they reluctantly reconsidered. The dealer also replaced my Input/Output Speed Sensor as to the Transmission bump issue. I was without my vehicle for nearly two weeks. I asked the dealership what caused this and they stated that they were not allowed to tear down the engine to investigate. After just picking up my serviced vehicle and leaving the dealership only about 3 miles away I slowly accelerated after the traffic signal turned green. The transmission then began to quickly and violently shift back and fourth through all gears. I was ready to kill the ignition thinking that the vehicle was going to race forward full throttle.
I road it out and it finally ceased. I then stepped on the gas trying to investigate what was happening. The engine revved and the vehicle barely moved indicating Transmission slippage. Then after slowing down to stop at the traffic signal ahead my steering wheel flopped to the left by itself. I once again eased it back to the dealer. While driving back to the dealership I noticed that the steering felt awkward and did not feel normal. I couldn't understand what was going on and couldn't believe it. The service adviser drove it and stated that it seemed to drive fine.in a sense I felt somewhat insulted as if I am making this stuff up, enjoy losing income, and these guys didn't believe me.
The dealer found that a left Strut Rod Washer was missing and couldn't really explain why it was missing. It seems that the suspension was serviced prior for some reason. The dealership installed a replacement. Hayward Auto overhauled the Transmission, replaced the Automatic Disc Clutch and Torque Converter. My Input/Output Speed Sensor was replaced again. I assume that a Transmission Fault Code was found since the dealer could almost never duplicate many of the issues I had experienced. I was without my vehicle for yet another week. The transmission and steering seemed to perform better, felt tighter and I hoped that the missing Strut Rod Washer might have been the problem with the steering. Several hundred miles later the steering begins to act up again. The transmission reverts to bumping on deceleration, bumping during shift at 40-50 miles per hour and hesitating. The dealer still states that there are no PCM or TCM updates from Chrysler. I was even willing to pay to have this performed not thinking at the time that this was more of a warranty issue. I brought my vehicle to another dealer that found updates and TSB's pertaining to issues and updated my PCM and TCM. My fuel mileage improved by about 25 more miles per tank. My transmission performed much better and the issues seemed to pretty much smooth out.
It makes me angry that Hayward Auto lied to me or was negligent with in regard to these updates. Because the steering issues persisted I brought the vehicle back to the dealership. When the service advisor called I could hear the technician in the background yelling rudely that there was nothing wrong with my car. He stated that my tire pressure was out of whack when it was actually the dealership that last adjusted my tire pressure. I asked to speak to the service manager. I talked to Mr. Gregory Martin, which is the service manager and seems to be the owner. I started to fill him in on everything I have been through with the vehicle and didn't realize he already had complete knowledge of all the issues I have had with the vehicle. He then rudely cuts me off and angrily begins to tell me how I shouldn't have received a new engine and that it was somehow my fault. He also defensively claims there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. We went on a road test and he drove my vehicle. He drove rather quickly and seemed to be bothered or upset.
He begins to explain the concept of rack and pinion steering and how being rack and pinion steering there is basically no way these things could occur. He then starts to explain the concept of power steering and even kills the ignition at about 40MPH to show how the car will perform without power steering assist. He tells me my steering is very responsive and doesn't seem to have any problems. I did not need this lesson and did not appreciate it. I felt as if I was being wrongly being treated like a child because I am young and he assumes I know nothing about cars. Mr. Martin then claimed he would look and see if there were any steering related TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins). I believe this was never done. I ended up bringing the vehicle back again for steering issues because of vibration and drifting. I took the Shop Foreman on road test. He admitted hearing noise in the steering and feel vibration but claimed he didn't know what it was. He claimed he would call Chrysler's STAR line, which I assume was never actually done. I then started to notice a squeaking noise when turning the steering wheel when it is cold and the vehicle had been sitting.
At about 2000 miles after the engine was replaced I checked the Oil level and condition since I inspect and maintain my vehicle's regularly. I wiped the dipstick with a rag then checked it. The Oil level and coloration appeared normal. I then noticed a connector hanging near my engine and realized that it was an engine ground connector. I reattached this myself and decided not to even waste my time mentioning it to the dealer. When I went back into my house I smelt gasoline and realize it was from the rag. I was so frustrated and upset. There should have not been a gasoline smell in the Engine Oil. My engine was just replaced by people I trusted as professionals that represent Chrysler Corporation. I immediately made an appointment to bring the vehicle back to the dealership and explained my problem.
I was driving to the dealership at about 40 miles per hour, which was the speed limit on San Leandro Blvd.in San Leandro, CA. There are two slight bends in San Leandro Blvd. I hit the first and sharpest bend and had no problems. I hit the second slight bend in the road and felt the front passenger side of the vehicle dip, the front end began to swerve, the steering felt as if there was little resistance, the rear of the vehicle began to fishtail pushing me into the lane of oncoming traffic over the median and through a small tree. I fought as well as I could, given the circumstances of sudden unexpected poor steering control and/or handling. The car went back over the median back into my lane and with the steering feeling stuck just steered to the right crashing through a fence with both airbags deploying. The vehicle was totaled, I had to miss work, have lost income and have been extremely sore in my back since. I am also a responsible driver, never have had a ticket and it's unfair that my insurance rates will go up. I am extremely frustrated since I have continually and responsibly reported steering issues to the selling dealership. I am adamant that something failed or did not perform, as it should have. I am used to driving in this area since it is near my work and have never had a problem even in the same conditions.
I had to purchase another vehicle. Unfortunately there is no other vehicle that has the power requirements (not too much, not too little), comfortable and spacious interior and excellent styling of the Dodge Intrepid. Being loyal and very reasonable to Chrysler I believed that my 1999 Dodge Intrepid ES was probably an unfortunately unique vehicle (Lemon) itself, I decided to purchase a new 2002 Dodge Intrepid SE. I now believe that this may have been a complete mistake. I took the vehicle on a test drive around the block at Hayward Dodge, the vehicle seemed to drive fine and the steering felt as if it responded and performed well, as it should. The 2.7L felt as if it had enough power for me. I decided to purchase the vehicle. Unfortunately the dealership's sales department played games, inconvenienced me and made my buying experience difficult.
The first day I had the vehicle I was driving at about 40MPH, it was wet out, I depressed the brake pedal as normal, the brake pedal felt rough all of a sudden, there was almost no braking power, the ABS light came on for 5 seconds, I had to downshift into low to slow down, then the brakes seemed to work again and the ABS light turned off. I had a witness in the car with me the first time this happened at about 26 miles. The same thing occurred once more. The brake failure happened again but this time the ABS light didn't come on. Hayward Dodge, the selling dealer pulled a brake controller Cab Failure code that was stored when the vehicle was new at 26 miles. The Shop Foreman found this when I brought the vehicle in at the last minute to have the steering checked again when it was acting up all of a sudden.
Unfortunately another dealer I took it to for the steering issues just deleted this code we'll just delete it and see if it comes back. I am concerned because this was not just an ABS failure, the brakes failed. I know how a vehicle performs with and without ABS. Without ABS the vehicle is more prone to go into a skid depending on how the brake are applied, this is much different than having almost no braking power whatsoever. What's really unfortunate is that I was at first reluctant to even mention it because the dealer can almost never verify, duplicate or find anything for proper correction to be made. A customer should not be made to feel this way. Thinking long and hard about it I now remember putting my 1999 into a skid after having to brake in dry conditions during emergency braking. The brakes locked up and skidded for several feet. This also happened on the freeway and I believe I even reported it to the NHTSA at one time. This was something that was very intermittent. I never brought it to the attention of a dealership knowing that they will probably not do much as well, which was also unfortunate having to feel that way then. Now back to the 2002 Intrepid, after driving the vehicle home then leaving to go to work in the morning I noticed that when making a U-Turn at about 9MPH at the end of the U-Turn (steering lock condition) there is a squeaking noise that can sometimes be heard. This is not tire noise or at least should not be at these low speeds. This is the type of squeaking you hear in a door hinge that needs lubrication not typically a tire squeal. I then noticed that there was a clunking that could be heard and felt in steering on the driver side of the vehicle when turned sharp to the left and the vehicle is stopped. I then noticed that a clunking also occurs when the vehicle is turned sharp to the right and stopped but the clunking seems to come from the passenger side front of the vehicle. The vehicle began slightly drifting to the left at times all of a sudden.
At about 2000 miles one night on the way home from work unexpectedly the steering felt loose all of a sudden and felt like it had some play. It was rather difficult to keep the vehicle within the lane I was in on the freeway, as it would slightly drift side to side. After driving for about 20 miles the problem seemed to disappear and the steering felt tight and normal again. I then noticed that when you step on the gas at around 40-50 miles per hour then let off the transmission would bump sometimes. Passengers have also felt and questioned this. I have noticed that the transmission sometimes would bump on deceleration. The transmission sometimes hesitates or stumbles intermittently. This is another thing that the dealership will not verify. I took the vehicle to another dealership where the Service Advisor told me the alignment could take up to 7 hours and that I would have to come back. My right front tire was almost bald on the outer edges in only about 6387 miles. I took the vehicle to tire and alignment experts that I trust near my work who have been around for 56 years. They performed a full computerized precision alignment, rear thrust alignment and balanced two tires that were out of balance.
These things should not be that way after just purchasing the car new and only driving it for 6,387. Other cars I have driven have not needed an alignment or tire balancing until about 30,000 miles or greater. If these dealerships really know what they are doing then how come they could not tell the vehicle was out of alignment. The problem was that the steering would sometimes drift either way. After the alignment it has improved my vehicles ability to drive straight at times but the wheel still does not glide back after making a turn like it should, the car still drifts, sometimes pulls both ways. Sometimes the wheel oversteers or understeers around a turn. At times you have to correct the wheel or constantly remind it where to go. On slanted roads the wheel almost makes a complete turn on it's own at times when you let go of it.
The front wheels seem to be slipping excessively over bumps and imperfections in the road.
It's upsetting, I feel like I'm the only person that notices these things and I'm not even a complete auto expert. I understand DaimlerChrysler's position to not want to just start replacing parts. If it's not completely broken, don't fix it seems to be the attitude DaimlerChrysler expresses to it's dealers. Here's my position: Unfortunately, intermittency is the first step when a component is failing that can or will probably lead to serious failure. It's not right or reasonable for DaimlerChrysler to expect myself and my family to risk our lives to wait until something seriously fails. I have missed many days of work and have lost a lot of income not to mention the time, trouble and energy to contact DaimlerChrysler, NHTSA, District Attorney and my attorney.
I am frustrated and absolutely not happy about having to do this but I will pursue this because there is a problem. If there was not problem I would gladly be at work, not having to do all this and making the income I deserve. The package I purchased also came with a cargo net for the trunk and it requires the consumer to tear holes in the carpet as to the directions, which I find ridiculous. After just several days the driver side door becomes noticeably out of alignment. I noticed that the rear light piece on the trunk is cut sloppy and is jagged underneath. I brought the vehicle into the dealership and the Shop Foreman had the door alignment corrected. The Shop Foreman supposedly could not duplicate any other issues. I was told that the trunk light piece is cut like that on all Dodge Intrepid vehicles since no one usually really sees it. I was told that there were no Fault Codes found for the transmission and that there were no TCM updates available. I go on a road test with the Shop Foreman and duplicate the squeak in a parking lot while making sharp continual turns. He states it is because of paint on the asphalt. I told him that it also occurs otherwise. If it was tire squealing it should not be occurring when maneuvering at such low speeds and should indicate some type of a problem regardless.
I was able to duplicate the steering clunk several times and he acknowledged it. He told me that there was nothing he could do since the steering was visually inspected and seemed fine. He offered to tighten up steering related bolts. After having the bolts tightened the vehicle seems to almost always drive straight and the steering feels tighter and has a better feel. The clunk and squeaking persists however. I am frustrated that I am experiencing these issues so soon after having steering related issues and failure with my previous Dodge Intrepid. I was under the impression that I was one of the only few experiencing the steering issues I had experienced with my 1999 Dodge Intrepid ES. I have found that there have been many reports of odd steering issues and failures with second-generation Dodge Intrepid vehicles. Some of the similarities are strikingly similar. At this time I am disappointed with the DaimlerChrysler Dodge Intrepid and owning another one I am concerned for my safety. I am also now finding out that there are also a large amount of 2.7L engine failures, which I am also now concerned about. I hope you can understand my concern, frustration and disappointment with Chrysler/DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles.
I hope that these issues will be properly investigated, as they should. I trust that I will be promptly notified of any steering related information or service bulletins. I also trust that I will be notified if TCM updates that may correct my intermittent Transmission bump shift and hesitation become available. I truly hope DaimlerChrysler cares about its reputation, customers, and a customer that could have been killed or seriously injured due to a steering related failure or inconsistency. Other people could have been hurt or killed as well. It makes me angry to think that I or someone else could have their life due to this. I am currently in the process of having independent experts thoroughly evaluate the steering assembly, the factory components that are used and it's design and setup of the 2002. I am also currently in the process of having my wrecked Dodge Intrepid independently inspected by suspension and steering specialist as well to figure out what failed and why. It seems to take way too much to actually get some type of action to be taken to correct issues before it's too late. It would seem to me that corporate power and profits are much more important than reasonable vehicle performance consistency for consumers, safety and customer satisfaction.
Through extensive research I have also found that the original owner of the 1999 Dodge Intrepid ES also reported issues that were steering/suspension related as early as 7472 miles and so fourth. I am also working with an attorney at this time to see what action may be necessary in this case. I have two witnesses that are prepared to testify in regard to the issues I had with the 1999. I also have video evidence that can prove my case with testimony from several different witnesses that I videotaped driving the 2002 Intrepid and reporting inconsistencies with the steering and difficulties trying to drive the vehicle as a normal vehicle with power steering. I also have the testimony of an expert mechanic the drove the vehicle and a mechanic for the California Highway Patrol. I trust that DaimlerChrysler will actually be attentive to this serious situation and experience that at one time could have cost me my life.
Don't let this company get away with making some vehicles that are a risk to drive at times. If you yourself has any similar issues or concerns with your Dodge Intrepid or Chrysler 300M or Concorde report it now! Go to www.nhtsa.com and contact the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. I also encourage you to post your story on usacomplaints.com.
Brandon
Fremont, California
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