Power Steering Failed Problems of Dodge Caravan

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while driving at 25 mph, the power steering started to fail which made the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the upper power steering cooler hose needing to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 04v386000 (steering) which was previously performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

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The power steering hose failed on the steel tubing where a rubber and metal clamp hold the hose to the frame behind the engine. Water, salt and dirt contributed to the failure as it was caught in the clamp assembly. Result was a failure in the power assisted steering making it difficult to man over the care to the garage.

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While driving down the highway it started to rain and the power steering failed for unknown reasons. The heater fan stopped which made it impossible to clear the windows, the vehicle quickly overheated, the low battery light came on. Was able to get to the side of the road with much difficulty and discovered the power steering belt had dropped off. This has happened repeatedly every time it rains even a little bit and is very much a safety hazard. It has made the vehicle very unreliable. Merely reconnecting the belt is not a solution to this issue. I was wondering if there has been a recall for the problem.

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Today I was on an urban freeway in heavy downpour. The downpour was so heavy rain could be seen running off the road. Traffic was wide spread, but moving at 45-50 mph, due to the rain. My wipers, at the highest setting, slow down. Car dings. Battery light comes on. I turn off the defroster (ac and ventilation), reduce wiper speed setting, switch from headlights to running lights, all to reduce electrical load. I then notice that the power steering has failed. It was really scary. True fear. The fear which we do not often encounter. I safely got the vehicle off the freeway. No further failure of systems. I drove the vehicle to the nearest shop I knew of, with caution lights on. I there learned that the accessory belt had come off of the engine, due to the rain. The belt was still in good condition, so they slid the same belt back on. I will have my preferred mechanic install an "anti slip" tensioner, belt, and pulley this weekend. This issue, the serpentine belt slipping off the engine in rain and snow, is known to chysler, and known to the NHTSA. But it was not known to me until it threatened my safety, and the safety of the motorists around me. If I had begun going around a curve while switching off accessories, driving one handed with a failed power steering system before I knew it had failed, I could have wrecked. Why one handed? because I was turning off accessories because I didn't understand what was wrong, because the warning the car provided suggested that was what I should be doing to keep my car from stalling. I don't know why NHTSA decided this did not merit a recall. They were wrong. I am very thankful that money (to implement the technical service bulletin nhsta won't share) can fix what went wrong today. Don't operate a gen iii Chrysler minivan without a belt upgrade. We cannot control when it rains.

The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the power steering failed and the windows became foggy, causing very dangerous conditions for the driver. The vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced; however the contact had just replaced the serpinitine belt 2,000 miles prior. The manufacturer was notified, but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 114,000.

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