Power Steering Fluid problems of the 2006 Dodge Caravan

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that a loud noise emitted from the vehicle upon starting and power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure continued. The manufacture was contacted and they stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle and the warranty was expired. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 148,000.

I have a 2006 Dodge Caravan which has been modified into a braun entervan since I am a quadriplegic. In December of 2010, at about 21,500 miles the power steering started squealing. The power steering fluid was low, so we added some. After another 100 miles, the squealing noise returned, the fluid was low again, so I knew that there was a problem. It was taken in for service and an investigation of the power steering system revealed that the power steering fluid was leaking from the steering gear/rack n pinion unit. Although the vehicle had low mileage, it was more than three years old, so the warranty was expired. I had no recourse except to have them remove and replace the steering rack n pinion assembly at a cost of $870. 00 to me. The service technician told me that there was no way that this system should have failed at this low of mileage and urged me to file a complaint. A year previous, I had to replace the control panel for the electric side door and wheelchair ramp at a cost of $600. 00 to me since the van was five months past the warranty. Because it dealt with a modification to accommodate a wheelchair, I assumed that Dodge would not stand behind it, and didn't file a complaint then. Since I am on social security disability income, these expenses have put a big financial strain on me. With expensive failures like this occuring at this low of mileage, I'm dreading what more may happen.

2006 Dodge Caravan is only 4 years old with only 46,350 miles. The Chrysler dealer said that power steering fluid is leaking from both boots, and that eventually the power steering rack will lock up.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the steering rack fluid was leaking out of the rack boot. She received a free oil change for her vehicle and the dealer performed a safety inspection at that time. A leak was found in the steering. Through April 20-30,2009 the steering became more difficult to turn. The front brakes were replaced in March of 2009. The current mileage was 55,591 and failure mileage was 54,612.