Four problems related to power steering pump have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving, consumer smelled smoke, pulled over and smoke and flames started coming from the hood, fire originated from a leaky power steering line at the rear of the power steering pump, claim 05-4462-943.
Belt tensioner suffered catistrophic failure causing main belt to disengage and sudden loss of steering.
When driving in city or on freeway the belt comes off and the power steering goes out. Shortly after the warning lights come on, battery not charging ex. Dealership will repair belt. The last time dealer changed belt.
Part 4612894ac tensioner caused the failure of part 4861322 belt-drv with a/c. The first occurrence, 10/98, resulted in the car coming to a dead halt. Had this occurred a few minutes earlier, while on the tollway, I would not be here to write about this. Since then, the battery failed 1/10/2000 (possibly related) and the tensioner/belt failed soon after, resulting in water pump failure. The tensioner, belt and pump were replaced. A coworker advised me that his tensioner has failed 4 times - approx. Every 15,000 miles. My occurences have happened within similar timespans. I have no confidence in the vehicle, as I dread the failure of the tensioner while on my daily commute to work at expressway speeds. A sudden stop with the failure of the belt is extremely hazardous.