Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | ||||||||||||||||
| 04V386000 | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION | from 10/01/2001 to 08/01/2003 | V (Vehicle) | 681000 | 09/27/2004 | ODI | CHRYSLER GROUP LLC | 08/05/2004 | 08/11/2004 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain minivans equipped with 3.3 or 3.8l v-6 engine, the upper power steering cooler hose may split and cause a fluid leak. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace the upper power steering cooler hose. this recall began on september 27, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Recall no. d37.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||||
| C20 | 06/01/2003 | 10002055 | Power steering fluid cooler hoses may split and cause a loss of power assist - customer satisfaction notification no. c20. *tt | 08/12/2003 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 12/03/2010 | 98800 | ||
| The power steering has gone on my 2002 dodge caravan sport and an estimated 500 dollars is needed to fix it. it has under 99,000 miles. | |||
| 07/19/2009 | 98500 | 1 | |
| The power steering on our 2002 dodge grand caravan has failed during operation on 3 occasions. the first time was on a trip to providence ri where the reservoir failed on the highway. we reached our destination with great difficulty, as steering was virtually impossible -- my wife would not have been able to turn the wheel. the pump had been repaired in 2007. on this occasion, the seals and rack were replaced for $800. since that time, the power steering has drained completely as a result of a broken hose and broken seals. this happened in november 2009 and january 2010. the hose was fixed in november for 150. the broken seals/hose are currently under repair. i understand from our mechanic that this is a common problem for this automobile due to poor design. *tr | |||
| 08/01/2008 | 109000 | 1 | |
| Twice earlier this year i had two power steering hoses blow out on me while driving. had to make an emergency pull-over and have vehicle towed. *tr | |||
| 11/15/2007 | 72000 | 1 | |
| Power steering failed while i was in the middle of a turn, pulling me into a pickup truck and totaling my 2002 dodge grandcaravan beyond insured recovery. note: i had power steering cooling hose replaced as instructed in 2004 recall. *tr | |||
| 05/01/2004 | 17000 | 2 | 05/01/2002 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge grand caravan. the contact noticed puddles of liquid on the garage floor where his vehicle was parked. when he took it for maintenance he discussed the issue with his local mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer confirmed that the steering box was leaking and performed the repair. thirteen months later, the steering box began leaking for the second time. however, the dealership advised the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and he would be liable for the cost of the repair. the contact had the vehicle repaired at the time. the vehicle currently experiencing additional leaking, but has not been diagnosed. the original failure mileage was 17,000 and the second failure was in 6/2005 with a failure mileage of 24,000. the current failure was at 47,000. | |||
| 01/01/2007 | 70000 | 1 | 10/01/2001 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated that the steering wheel has a tendency to lock while driving between 1 and 60 mph. he stated that there was a u-joint at the end of the steering column that freezes and causes the steering wheel to lock. the failure occurs each time the vehicle is in motion. the dealer stated that this was the first time they heard of this defect and there were no recalls available. the failure mileage was 70,000 and current mileage was 80,000. updated 02-25-08 *bf updtated | |||
| 04/15/2005 | 31545 | 4 | 08/28/2002 |
| Power steering was locking in cold weather during initial start up. first reported 4/05, dealer stated it was caused by problem with hoses which have a recall, recall performed, and vehicle returned. (not fixed), returned vehicle again a few days later, they verified problem still and replaced power steering pump *due to low pressure. i thought it was fixed. however, sine the problem only occurred in cold weather through the summer it was fine until early december again the problem was back but even worse, this time it was also happening while driving. returned vehicle to dealer of course it was now out of manufacture warranty, however dealer agreed to fix problem since it had prior history. they verified problem by service manager and mechanic the day i brought it in, however they were not able to duplicate the problem again. they had my van for 3 weeks, during this time they didn't know what they were going to do with it but were not going to give it back to the safety issue. i even tried to get chrysler involved and they never called me back even though i left several messages and was promised a call back. finally the dealer decided to replace the front steering rack. i got it back, it was fine for 4 days and problem is still there. i called the dealer and they said they didn't know what to do, and would leave a message for the service manager who was handling my case. it has now been 4 days and no return call. meantime im driving around and unsafe car, paying over $600.00 a month. im very upset there isn't more that can be done against these companies putting lives at risk. *nm | |||
| 01/18/2005 | 1 | ||
| Problem with steering for two years. the dealer has replaced lower power steering hose, power steering pump and rack and pinion. *bf the dealer also replaced the two upper power return hoses and install a longer power steering hose. *nm | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 11000 | ||
| I have had numerouse problems with the veh since it was purchased new , may 2002. veh has a rough idle while stopped in gear, dealer states they are waiting for a computer update. to date still have problem. problem with starter , same grinds on first start in extreme cold weather. dealer replaced 2 starters and flywheel. problem with trans, hard bang felt when slowing up between 8-5 mph. said problem is intermittant and dealer has not driven veh long enough to get condition. dealer has replaced numerous parts of trans, problem still exist. car has been in several times for power steering leak and vibration. numerous parts replaced. i have contacted chrysler and spoke with the district manager and advised him of all the complaints with veh and problems that still exist. i told him i did not want the veh . he advised me he would look into my file and call me back.its been two months and i have left him several messages and he still has not returned my calls. his name is victor rosario. chrysler has left me no choice but to file the lemon law. as of today i am waiting for a hearing date too be set. | |||
| 06/16/2003 | 22153 | 2 | 03/17/2002 |
| On 6/11/03 vehicle was making power steering noises & auto dr locks wouldn't lock at 15 mph. replaced power hose, hose clamp & oil trans. informed i needed new brakes (22, 153 miles & didn't req that they do this when i arrived at shop). 7/2/03 took van in 'cause left rear (driver side) speaker caught on fire while at a gas pump. while at gas pump w/2 of our 4 kids in the car. brakes that were just replaced prev month were squeaking as well as the steering again. (dealer-brakes squeak 'cause they are metal & there is air in the steering line). 9/23/03 van battery blew up when started. replaced battery. 12/3/03 steering making noise during turns. replaced both sway bars links. 12/29/03 steering is very tight & shuddering again & auto lock button on key chain won't work. ordered new power steering rack & resevoir. then on 1/6/04 tach spiked at 4k, vehicle lost power & engine light came on while on expressway w/my baby in the car. determination was the transmission solenoid assy failure & replaced the same. this cost me $107 (would have cost more if i wasn't given an extended warranty for fire i had). 1/19/04 van was giving a burn smell from under the hood along with smoke. they found a/c compressor clutch shorting in coil. a/c compressor replaced & recharged. 2/5/04 vehicle taken for the last time for loud popping sound under the dr's ft area when turning left. all suspension parts tightened. next visit is req'd by the fl lemon law to give them 1 more chance before paperwork can be filed. done on 3/8/04 for steering noise when stopped & just turning wheel. replaced pt that was replaced before: power steering pump resevoir. paperwork filed for florida lemon law on 4/5/04,unsave vehicle & fear for safety of family. *jb | |||
| 03/09/2002 | 20 | 03/05/2002 | |
| Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. she took vehicle to repair shop about 20 times because it was making noises and squeaking while driving. mechanic could not resolve the problem. *ak the dealer replaced many components related to the front end noise. the air bag light was illuminated. the technician determined that there was an open circuit. the technician replaced the passenger side air bag. the driver's seat belt had internal damage which made it difficult to buckle and unbuckle the seat belt. the consumer stated that there was a noise coming from the left front wheel. the technician determined that the front pads were worn and the rotor were grooved. the technician replaced the front pads and resurfaced the rotors. the inner tie rod was loose and caused the steering to make noise. the technician replaced the gear assembly. *nm | |||
| 01/03/2002 | 11000 | 7 | 01/06/2002 |
| I am having problem with my 2002 dodge grand caravan steering wheel. the steering wheel has a rubbing noise, binding, vibration, wandering and play in steering. i have taken the van for repair at maroone dodge in pembroke pines, fl. the dealer has told me on seven separate occasions that there is nothing they can do about the problem. *la | |||
| 07/20/2003 | 1 | 08/05/2002 | |
| In 2002 i purchased a new dodge grand caravan sport. the vehicle has been in my possession just under a year and has approx. 20,800 miles on it.this vehicle has already had 2 major repairs to systems that affect the safety of the vehicle. *ak 1. power steering hose recall 2. transmission pump failure. in addition to these repairs there was also an extended warranty placed on the a/c unit because it is expected to fail, replacement of the stereo and repeated repairs to the front carpet pulling out at the corners. the carpet has been fixed however now the emergency brake assembly is protruding on the driver floorboard. | |||
| 05/30/2002 | 3000 | ||
| After making a left or right turn the vehicles steering wheel did not return to center and as a result the vehicle hit a curve. while the driver depressed the gas pedal there was a delay in acceleration. once gas pedal caught the vehicle jumped forward. *nlm | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 04/01/2002 | 4000 | 1 | 11/29/2001 |
| I have a dodge grand caravan 2003. it did ok for about six months after that it has been one problem after another. when i'm waiting to go on a road if i take my foot off brake it starts rolling backward fast. you have to hold the brake while pushing the gas to keep it from rolling back. it's steering has given me trouble, the gas gauge has caused problems, etc.... i have contacted dodge several times, but have gotten no help from them. *jb | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 06/23/2006 | 1 | 03/23/2005 | |
| My vans power steering started to whine and vibrate during the cold driving until it warmed up a year ago, called the local dealership and was informed that there was no recalls on the power steering for my van. took the car in but by the time i had driven there it was not making any noise so now they are acting as if the sound is all in my head. looked up recalls on your website and found that there had been a recall on the hoses but the dealership still says no recall. the noise is worse and so is the vibration i fear a failure but no one will fix what isn't heard. after reading several other complaints about the same this should be a recall. *jb | |||
| 05/13/2006 | 74000 | 1 | 09/01/2001 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while parked at a stop light white smoke came from the heating vent on the passenger side of the dash board. the smoke began to turn black and flames erupted from the dashboard vent. the contact pulled off of the road. the fire department extinguished the fire however, they could not determine the source of the fire. prior to the incident, the contact smelled something similar to plastic burning. the contact reported the same smell intermittently three to four months prior to this incident. the dealership determined there was a hose leaking fluid and it was replaced. the contact does not recall the type of fluid leaking or the type of hose that was replaced. the smell continued however, the dealership could not determine the source of the smell. updated on 05/30/2006. *ak | |||
| 03/27/2006 | 35000 | 1 | |
| 2002 dodge grand caravan sport with 35,000 miles. recalled twice for steering fluid hose replacements in 2004. after first hose was replaced, minivan started leaking power steering fluid. received another recall notice for another steering hose replacement. took it in to have that replaced, told them to look into the power steering fluid leak, they said they would. they fixed the recall hose, made not mention of leaking fluid. fluid did not leak for several weeks, then started leaking again. took it back in for 3rd recall (radio vent slots), as well as smoking engine and again mentioned leaking power steering fluid. dealership said they'd look into it. dealership conducted 27 point inspection on own will, did not find leaking power steering fluid (aug. 2005). fluid has been leaking since then. noise in power steering consistently audible, and increasingly louder at all times. now, dealership says the rack and pinion are cracked and need replacing. dealership says this is in no way related to power steering hose recalls or neglect to address power steering fluid leakage. am taking minivan to independent technician for review of rack and pinion and opinion on next step. *jb | |||
| 12/18/2005 | 52000 | 1 | |
| Power steering pump making load noises again. had hoses replaced due to previous recall about a year ago. *jb | |||
| 01/14/2005 | 48000 | 2 | 07/06/2002 |
| Dt: the contact stated after having a nhtsa recall campaign 04v386000 repairs performed on the steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections there has been a shudder in the steering when attempting to make turns at low speeds. the vehicle has been to the dealer numerous times, and the dealer was unable to accurately diagnose the problem. *ak | |||
| 10/01/2004 | 50774 | 2 | |
| Premature failure of power steering pump on 2002 dodge grand caravan. replaced upper power steering return hose. *bf the vehicle has been recalled twice for this problem. *nm the consumer experienced similar problems with the power steering hose prior to the first recall. recall campaign id number : 04v386000 *tc *jb | |||
| 10/21/2004 | 31000 | 1 | |
| After receiving a recall for the upper power steering return hose, and calling the dealer. the consumer was told by the manager that they only had three parts in and they were only for vehicles that were inoperable. the consumer was told that they only serviced consumers that purchased their vehicles from them. nhtsa recall 04v386000. *jb | |||
| 04/26/2004 | 44000 | 0 | 12/18/2003 |
| I brought my dodge grand caravan for a recall repair on oct 2003. the item was repacing a defective line in the power steering system. after the repair my vehicle made a whinning sound and grumbling sound at very slow speed, stop and go, pulling out of a parking space. i am hearing impaired and as the noise got louder it concerned me to take it back to the deale. they said that the line to the hydraulic power steering was to short and to correct it required a longer line. they told me that a bullitin from dodge identified the problem but no recall was issued. if the power steering would have gone out during higher speeds injuries or a fatallity could occur. loosing control at higher speeds is very dangerous. dear walter: your recent email to daimlerchrysler motors corporation was received and reviewed by the customer assistance center regarding your grand caravan. your concerns, particularly in view of the expense and inconvenience involved in this issue, are understandable. however, your request for consideration in this matter must be declined, because the vehicle in question has exceeded the time or mileage limitations of the manufacturer's warranty at the time the expense was incurred. | |||
| 1 | |||
| The power steering hose ruptured and/or cracked resulting in loss of power steering and fluid. *ph *nm | |||
| 11/30/2003 | 36000 | 1 | 03/15/2002 |
| Steering, hydraulic power assist hose, piping & connections. *ak | |||
| 09/27/2003 | 4 | ||
| My 2002 grand caravan is constantly having problems with power steering hoses. the last time this occured my wife and childer were in moving traffic when it completely failed. this is the fourth time this problem has occured and the repair men continually state that it is a cold weather problem. well i live in north dakota...its always cold here..and this last failure occured when it was over 45 degrees. we need to get doge to fix this problem or give people vehicles that do not have this problem or just refund the consumers money. i do not have any faith in this vehicle, and in the winter i do not allow my wife and children to drive in it alone. she is simply not strong enough to drive it without power steering...something need to be done before someone gets killed. | |||
| 02/18/2003 | 17203 | 2 | 05/15/2002 |
| Power steering, defective hose. have had two power steering hoses replaced within 3 weeks. dealer has replaced with exact same hose, says that is what chrysler tells them to replace it with. dealer admits there is about 30 hoses replaced each week in cold weather. also stated that all that may be needed is a stronger/better hose. no recall has been made. i have three young children that i transport daily. and i am concerned for their welfare. i also travel over 60 miles to work each day on the interstate. if the power steering goes while i am on the interstate it could cause a horrific accident even resulting in death. it shouldn't take that type of situation before a recall is made. if the hose goes again, i will be going through lemon law proceedings.*jb | |||
| 04/25/2002 | 850 | 16 | 04/01/2002 |
| I purchased our 2002 dodge grand caravan on 4-1-2002 and it was in the shop the first time for the power steering cooler and hoses leaking on 4-25-2002. the dealer fixed it and it was leaking again on 4-29-2002, then 4-30-2002, then 5-2-2002. the weather got warmer so it didn't seem to leak. then it started getting cold again in the fall and it started leaking again. seems when the temp drops below 21 degrees, it leaks. chrysler sent a factory engineer to the dealership to investigate why it couldn't be fixed. he stated that chrysler is having extreme difficulty with the power steering coolers and hoses leaking in the northern part of the country (colder climates.) he also stated that it can not be fixed. this is a dangerous problem that needs to be addressed because if i lose control of my vehicle because of loss of fluid in the power steering system, i could end up in on-coming traffic and cause a horrific accident posssibly resulting in death. after months of them trying to fix it, i finally said enough. i called the factory after trying to talk to the general manager of the dealership, who would not cooperate, and ask them to buy it back. i was offered a new one but refused because they said they are having trouble with all of them. and i don't want to move south to solve this problem. i think there needs to be a recall on these vehicles because of the safety issue. currently, we are in the buy back mode and hope that someone else doesn't end up with this van because the state of wyoming refuses to brand the title with a remark that it has been a lemon buy back. the transmission cooler lines on the radiator also leaked due to cold weather. the tail lights were falling off and a part was missing from assembly at the factory. | |||
| 02/16/2003 | 29050 | 1 | 08/08/2002 |
| On feb 16 my wife lost the power stearing on our 2002 dodge grand carrivan [minni-van] on 17 feb 03 i called the garage that sold us the van and discribed the problem. they { service mang.] told me on the phone that i probley had a broken power stearing hose. i had the van towed to the garage and they made more statements of a large number of these hoses brakeing in the cold weather. it has been extreamly cold in maine the past week or so -20 to -30 degrees. the service manager stated that there was no recall on this. i can not belive that chreysler has not put out a recall on this. number one this is a sudden loss of power stearing witch could put me in danger of haveing a accident. how about the 97 pound weekln who could not control a mini van with on pwoerstearing!! there is also a danger of fire if the power stearing fluid is in contact with the exhaust. as far as i know the repalcement hose is of the same matareal as the old hose and is just a little longer. will some one from your office be in contact with me ? i wouls like to know what the great white farther in washington is doing to protect me from the money hungry corps. that pray on my trust. thank you | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 12/21/2003 | 32725 | 2 | 02/20/2003 |
| Power steering pump, rack and pinion seals, transmission soleniod pack. on dec 16, 2003 i took van in for brake problems. the dealer did a recall job on the power steering cooler hose. 1 week later the power steering started growling. i checked fluid and noticed the pump was dry. apparently the dealer didn't top off the fluid. i filled resevior and drove but it still had a little growl in the power steering. i took the vehicle back into the same dealer on nov 19, 2004 for an oil change and another power steering hose recall and told them the story and to check out pump. they said the pump checked out ok but there was a little noise when making sharp turns but they weren't going to replace the pump. i told them i would bring back in colder weather because it was stiff to steer. i returned on 2/22/2005 because the pump was really growling and it was hard to steer. the dealer checked the pump said it was low but they did notice leaks from the rack n pinion and transmission soleniod pack. i asked them if this was due to the power steering pump and they said no. i explaind i purchsed the vehicle from them exactly 2 years ago and it was less than a year old and only had 20k on it. they said they can't warranty it but would fix it for $1600. i declined at this point.*ak | |||
| 09/09/2004 | 2 | ||
| While driving at 35 mph steering wheel felt loose and made a loud noise. vehicle was taken to the dealership,who replaced the steering pump. eight months later, dealership indicated the needede to replace the steering pump at consumer's expense. *ak | |||
| 01/15/2004 | 38000 | 1 | 12/14/2001 |
| I have a 2002 dodge grand caravan with 45000 miles on it and the power steering has to be replaced, i think that is premature & should be consider as a recall. *cb | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 01/31/2003 | 9000 | 6 | 03/30/2002 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge grand caravan. while driving between 10-20 mph, the brakes squealed and made a grinding noise when applied. however, the vehicle still stopped normally. a police report was filed. the front brakes were replaced, the front rotors were cut, and the rear drums were cut and adjusted at 9,000, 22,000, 33,000, 45,000, and 61,000 miles. the dealer stated that the failure was caused by the brakes having a lot of weight on the front end. the failure mileage was 9,000 and current mileage was 67,000. the dealer stated power steering noise, vehicle revving on hills. updated 11/14/07 *tr | |||
| 04/05/2003 | 30000 | 1 | 02/14/2002 |
| Power steering system is making extreme amounts of noise. there is a high probability of premature failure causing loss of vehicle control if it happens during a cornering maneuver. dealer(s) acknowledge this is a defect on this model and get many complaints from customers. manufacturer has been contacted and refuses to repair the defective components.*ak | |||
| 05/03/2004 | 44000 | 1 | |
| Power steering failed. *ak | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 27000 | 05/26/2003 | |
| My 2002 dodge grand caravan steering system. the steering system makes a rubbing noise, binding, vibration, wandering and play in steering. i took it to stockton dodge in california. at first they promised to call me back when a recalled part came back but no call was made. the last time they told me dodge was investigating this and there is no known solution at this time. this is not acceptavble and has a very high chance of causing an accident. if they can't fix a clear problem which lowers the car's value, is dangerous and uncurable, they have a duty to refund the money paid under the lemon law. | |||
| 10/18/2002 | 1 | 07/02/2002 | |
| Where to start, since the dau we bought it in 7/02, we have brought it in 3 times for faulty windshield wiper problems, we lost powering steering (thank god my wife was not driving it with our two small kids), the rear hatch didn't work and it took 3 months for us to finally get it fixed, we have to replace the brake pads at 14,000 miles, and just recently the alternator had to be replaced. now there is a problem with the brakes they make a horrible sound when pressing on them and is going into the dealer again next week. my wiper refuses to drive the caravan that we bought so it would be easier for her with the kids, but she feels that something else is gonna go wrong. we wrote a letter to chrysler and they responded we're sorry for the inconvenience. (the date of the first incident listed below may not be exactly when it happened, the paperwork is at home.) *la | |||
| 08/01/2003 | 12000 | 1 | 05/30/2002 |
| The power steering is making a sporadic whining noise only in the first few miles of driving when the vehicle is cold. trying to work with local dealer to replace the pump, however, since it doesn't happen all the time they can't fix it if they don't hear it i didn't consider this a safety concern until recently. it's happening so often now that i fear the power steering will fail. *la | |||
| 03/01/2003 | 4900 | 1 | 09/29/2002 |
| Power steering failed. heard a whining sound while at a stop light, a short time later i was almost unable to make a turn into a park, because the power steering was gone. *jb | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 03/19/2007 | 44300 | 6 | 03/30/2003 |
| Air bag light comes on randomly.airbag faulty . dealer replaced them at cost $338.00. should have been covered with only 44450 miles on 2002 dodge grand caravan. very dissappointed with this vehicle,always in shop. engine 4 times,tie rod ends, brake calipers ,air condition compressor locked up. etc. *ak | |||
| 12/05/2006 | 3 | 03/22/2002 | |
| Replacement of both link sway eliminators and bushings and nuts all were loose and worn, this is the third time replaced. *nm | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 03/14/2008 | 50000 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge grand caravan. while the vehicle was undergoing a routine inspection, the contact was informed that the steering:rack and pinion was leaking fluid and needed to be replaced. he took the vehicle to an authorized dealer and was informed that the parts were on back order because it was a common failure for that year, make, and model vehicle. the vehicle was repaired at the cost of $1,234. the current and failure mileages were 50,000. updated 07/15/08 *bf updated 07/15/08 | |||
| 03/30/2007 | 1 | ||
| The rack and pinion is leaking, causing the power steering fluid to leak on our 2002 dodge grand caravan sport. we had the rack and pinion replaced in fall of 2005 after having trouble with steering. now in march of 2007 we are told by the service shop that it needs to be replaced again and that these vans tend to have this problem. upon contacting chrysler they inform us that they will not help us replace this part because the van is no longer under warranty. the problem seems to start with a noise when we turn the wheel, eventually becoming very loud and hard to turn as the problem worsens. *jb | |||
| 05/08/2003 | 41000 | 2 | 11/12/2001 |
| Power steering fluid leaking on garage floor. dealer said it was the power steering rack and that it needed to be replaced. chyrsler agreed to pay for half of the repair. 18 months later the system is losing power steering fluid. the dealer is again saying that it is the power steering rack and that it needs replaced yet again. chrysler will not assist in any way on the $1,100.00 repair. *jb | |||
| 03/27/2006 | 35000 | 1 | |
| 2002 dodge grand caravan sport with 35,000 miles. recalled twice for steering fluid hose replacements in 2004. after first hose was replaced, minivan started leaking power steering fluid. received another recall notice for another steering hose replacement. took it in to have that replaced, told them to look into the power steering fluid leak, they said they would. they fixed the recall hose, made not mention of leaking fluid. fluid did not leak for several weeks, then started leaking again. took it back in for 3rd recall (radio vent slots), as well as smoking engine and again mentioned leaking power steering fluid. dealership said they'd look into it. dealership conducted 27 point inspection on own will, did not find leaking power steering fluid (aug. 2005). fluid has been leaking since then. noise in power steering consistently audible, and increasingly louder at all times. now, dealership says the rack and pinion are cracked and need replacing. dealership says this is in no way related to power steering hose recalls or neglect to address power steering fluid leakage. am taking minivan to independent technician for review of rack and pinion and opinion on next step. *jb | |||
| 12/21/2003 | 32725 | 2 | 02/20/2003 |
| Power steering pump, rack and pinion seals, transmission soleniod pack. on dec 16, 2003 i took van in for brake problems. the dealer did a recall job on the power steering cooler hose. 1 week later the power steering started growling. i checked fluid and noticed the pump was dry. apparently the dealer didn't top off the fluid. i filled resevior and drove but it still had a little growl in the power steering. i took the vehicle back into the same dealer on nov 19, 2004 for an oil change and another power steering hose recall and told them the story and to check out pump. they said the pump checked out ok but there was a little noise when making sharp turns but they weren't going to replace the pump. i told them i would bring back in colder weather because it was stiff to steer. i returned on 2/22/2005 because the pump was really growling and it was hard to steer. the dealer checked the pump said it was low but they did notice leaks from the rack n pinion and transmission soleniod pack. i asked them if this was due to the power steering pump and they said no. i explaind i purchsed the vehicle from them exactly 2 years ago and it was less than a year old and only had 20k on it. they said they can't warranty it but would fix it for $1600. i declined at this point.*ak | |||
| 06/28/2004 | 1 | 05/12/2003 | |
| While turning right or left the driver heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle. the driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. *nm *la | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - PINION SHAFT | |||
| 10/06/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving and steering vehicle wandered on its own. consumer heard a loud noise was coming from the front. drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the solenoid switch needed to be replaced inside of the steering column. *ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| 02/28/2007 | 25000 | 6 | 04/15/2003 |
| We have chased power steering issues throughout the lifespan of my 2002 grand caravan sport. noise , shaking and vibrating. local dodge dealer replaced everything - pump, reservoir , lines , service bulletins and recalls. even replaced the rack and pinion at 70,000 by the 6th trip in , they replaced the reservoir screen . fixed all noise and issues . now , at 110,00 miles ,the rack and pinion is leaking like a sieve and no one will address the issue that this part only has 35,00 miles on it and it was not the broken part in the first place . *ak | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 32400 | 1 | ||
| Once vehicle was in park steering wheel did not lock. consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. however, dealer did not resolve the problem. *ak | |||