Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan

While trying to start vehicle consumer heard a loud grinding noise, and then a loud pop. When trying to drive off consumer did not have any way to control vehicle. Contacted dealer.

Vehicle loses power assist in rain or while riding through a water puddle. Consumer was turning into a subdivison and steering got hard. Consumer almost hit a large brick planter. Has contacted Chrysler by writing letters and making phone calls, but no action has been taken. Consumer stated that dealer previously replaced the tensioner and belt because the vehicle was slipping when driving in the rain.

Lost power steering. Could have been serious at higher speed.

On freeway, heard clunk, wam. . . Power steering died, about lost control as steering went manual. Tow guy said these fail alot. When will NHTSA recall these things. . . ? when some one dies. . . ?.

Vehicle travels through water and power assisted steering control goes out. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

When you go through a puddle of water you lose your power steering. I took it to my mechanic and he claims that this model van has that problem. If not aware of problem could cause a serious accident.

Consumer has been experiencing problems with the power steering on vehicle. Dealer could not duplicate the problem.

Vehicle's steering power goes out when driven for long periods of time. Dealer has tried to repair the vehicle.

Steering tends to hang,rattle & grinding noise,hard turning left or right. Dealer checked all suspension,said steering box was bad. I know the vechile has a lot of milage but I have never had a gear box go bad under normal driving conditions. The steering has tried to lock up several times(felt a catch in the wheel) but released pressure then was ok. Had dealer check for problem. Could not duplicate. Would cost $500. 00 to replace steering box.

Power steering locked up when driver was making a u-turn with engine still on. The steering has locked up several times since then. Dealership was not able duplicate failure. Please describe details.

The power steering goes out when hitting a puddle on the right side while driving the vehicle.

When making a left hand turn, the vehicle loses power steering. Please provide details.

The power steering assist has failed on 3 occasions when making left turns.

When turning a corner during medium to heavy rain there is sometimes a loss of power assist to the steering. After loss of power to steering for about 15 seconds or just long enough to go off the road, the power assist will return and will act normally. This does not happen when the road is dry. This has happened about 10 times in the last two years. It has been reported to our dealer in joplin, mo and they could not give and explaination!.

When it's wet outside the steering locks up. Dealer says power steering is corroded.