Four problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 1998 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Steering gear in the rack and pinion has broken twice. It was replaced at 9 months of owner ship and has broken again in about the same amount of time since last replacement. The failure makes it almost impossible to steer at slow parking lot speeds and causes the van to wander on the highway. Dealer and Chrysler have been notified but refuse to fix problem.
Steering column replaced on two occasions,third repair was done to rack and pinion however vehicle continues to experience problems ith steering.
Rack and pinion causing noise.
The power steering rack & pinion has been replaced twice and the problem still persists. Initially, we reported the problem to the dealer when van was brought in for 6,000 mile service and they advised it was normal. After a couple of months we brought the van back in for service regarding the same problem and they confirmed the problem. They then replaced the pressure hose. It was fine for a little while but the noise came back, so we brought it in to another dealer closer to home. They confirmed the problem and advised the rack & pinion needed to be replaced, so they did. After a week or so, the problem was still there. We brought it in again, and they told us they had to replace the rack & pinion again, and so they did (last week Thursday 8/5/99). The noise/problem is still occurring. I have 2 friends who also purchased the same make/model and they also had similar problems (pressure hose replaced). Today, her van failed to start (even after attempting to jump start). I would appreciate it if you can find out if anyone else is having problems with this make/model. Thank you.