Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 2005 Dodge Caravan

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Caravan. The contact started the engine and heard a whining noise. It then stopped after the vehicle warmed up. After a month of experiencing this noise, she took the vehicle to the dealer. The mechanic diagnosed the failure as a gasket in the rack and pinion steering. The leaking racket was replaced and the issue was repaired. The contact believes that a recall should be issued because it is a fairly new vehicle with low mileage. The failure mileage was 38,000 and current mileage was 40,000. Updated 07/17/09 the rack and pinion was leaking and eventually replaced. Updated 07/17/09.

2005 Dodge Caravan with 65000 miles had a whining noise coming from under the hood when cold. Took van to local dealership and was told that rack and pinion was leaking and would need to be replaced as well as the power steering pump and reservoir. Total costs exceeding $1000! I see many of the exact same complaints about this model of van. A 3yr old vehicle with this amount of mileage should not need to have the steering system replaced! if this were a random occurrence, I'd just feel like we had some bad luck. But with all the other complaints, it seems as though Dodge has a problem that could turn deadly if the steering goes out completely!.

One week after purchasing a 2005 Dodge grand Caravan, the rack and pinion has to be replaced. Original complaint # 10225466 4/23/08.

Rack and pinion went out (later diagnosed by dealer) on highway. Started to steer very hard and has now lost all power steering.

There was a high pitch whine if the engine was on. This noise persisted in all gears and speeds including stopped with the transmission in park. Added ps fluid as it was low and the noise stopped. Took the car in to the dealer and they found a leak in the rack and pinion. As car was just out of warranty dealer will repair for a reduced cost. Part is ordered and will be done soon.