Three problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving vehicle, as I was trying to execute a left hand turn the steering became extremely hard and I hand to forcefully turn the steering wheel. Right after that incident I noticed that the steering was difficult in both directions, while the car was being driven and also while it was idiling. I called chryler cutomer service to let them know about the problem but they basically told me I was on my own do the the vehicle being out of waranty. I had researched and found out that I was not the only customer who had complained about the steering,and that there were many instances of rack and pinions failing and being replaced by the dealer. These particular vehicles are also prone to a variety of steering related problems which are common knowledge and there are a numerous amount of technical service bulletins issued in regards to these problems. I took my vehicle to three different mechanics and they all gave the same diagnosis and all were surprised to see that a fairly new car would have this type of problem so young in its life. When I asked how much it would cost to fix they all were saying $700-800 dollars and, all of them were having a hard time from Chrysler getting a new rack and pinion as I was told there was a national backlog order on this particular part. No safety defect mentioned in summary.
Rack and pinion steering malfunctioned.
Vehicle makes loud groaning noise when steering wheel is turned.