Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan

Tl the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving various speeds, the contact heard noises coming from the steering column. The contact drove to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The mechanic also stated that the VIN was included in an unknown recall; however, no recall was found. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.

I recently purchased a 2006 Dodge caravan sxt. One week later the rack and pinion needs replacement.

After having my 06 Dodge gc serviced at the local dealer for a catalytic converter at 72000 miles, I was informed my rack and pinion was bad and need to be replaced for $1100. Just the response for this site alone leads me to believe this is a bigger problem and Dodge should fix the problem.

2006 Grand Caravan rack & pinion went bad. This seems to be a problem with all Chrysler vans.

I have a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan stx 3. 8l van. The van has been making a loud whining noise over the past several months. The noise is prevelant when cold or warm and when turning. Thought this may be a power steering issue. Changed power steering fluid. Noise still persists. Tightened serpantin belt. Noise still persists. Took it to a mechanic. Mechanic said it was a rack and pinion issue. Is there a recall on this. Does anyone else have this issue.

Rack and pinion leaking on my 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan I already had a tie bar replaced and now the r&p is leaking which will cost $500 to 1000 to get it fixed as per quotes from several shops.

I noticed a strange sound upon starting the engine and then when stopped at a traffic light it was a low whine. I also noticed upon leaving the van after driving a strong odor of something like oil on a hot engine. I waited a couple of weeks and finally took it to be checked out because none of the gauges were showing a problem and nothing else seemed wrong. I was told this was a rack and pinion problem and seemed to be common with this model. Instead of spending the $1,200 I was told the repair would be, I have been constantly checking the power steering fluid level and making sure it is full. Why, if this is a "common problem" (which seems to be true according to the internet) has this not been a recall? other than this problem, I love the Grand Caravan. It just does not seem that at 41,000+ miles that this should have happened.

I have a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. . . . In January 2010, I had a routine inspection of my car and was told the right inner tire rod was loose. When I took the car in on 2/24/10 for repair, I was then informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced as fluid was leading. My car has only a little over 62,000 miles on it. I noticed online that other owners have had problems with the rack and pinions on the Dodge caravan, needing to be replaced at low mileage such as mine. . . . Some as low as 40,000.

Steering system makes a loud humming noise all of the time. Vehicle has 51000 miles on it, and my mechanic told me the rack and pinion has to be replaced. I asked how he could tell without looking, and he told me that this is well known problem, with these vehicles.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving at any speed, the vehicle began making a noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced; it was replaced at that time. The contact sent the manufacturer a letter but received no correspondence at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The current mileage was approximately 50,000. Updated 5/20/2010 updated 05/24/10.

Rack and pinion leaking fluid from rubber boot and needs replaced; mechanic said very common problem for 2006 Grand Caravans with over 40,000 miles. Has replaced more than he cares to admit. Of course no longer under warranty and part is on back order? must really happen alot when the part is on back order, maybe time for a recall.

I got up and went out to start the van and noticed a awful whining sound I took it to a garage and they told me that it was the rack and pinion I told them I just bought this van. They told me to take it back to the dealer and find out if there is a recall on it. He said this is a known problem for this van and the part is probably on back order. So my question is if it known for this problem why would a dealer sell me this van knowing I have a family of six. I did take it back to the dealer im still waiting for them to call me back and let me now what's going on. Sound like a big law suit waiting to happen if something isn't done and it causes a accident. What gets me is they sold this van to me with this existing problem. Van was bought in March 2009 mileage 49,628. They should have to start telling people about recalls or known problems on vehicles they are selling.

Observed loud humming noise from under the hood while running engine. Looking underhood observed fluid sprayed on engine. Dealer diagnosed problem as rack & pinion. The van only has 53,000 miles. Full dealer inspection in December prior to purchase claimed there were no issues with the vehicle. The repair estimate was $800. I was told squeezing the boot on end and you could see oil leaking out as the cause of the oil. Also, previously observed a click sound when doing tight u-turn at speed. The van sat for several days until we took it to dealer Monday morning. I contacted Chrysler (1-800-992-1997) very few miles for this to fail. After a long delay while the researched the issue, they said that it was outside the 36,000 warranty and would not be covered by other warranties. They said they could not provide me any information on how often this problem has occurred. I would hate to have steering fail while driving on the interstate. The dealer told me rack & pinion is commonly on back order but they happen to have one in stock.

Maintained oil changes & at 14670 mi did 15000 mile service/maintenance kit; 3/6/08-20565 miles,leaking steering rack, under warranty, gear assembly power steering replaced & checked brakes for noise but no repair of them; 3/11/08-20740 miles, ses light is on & just replaced rack & pinion, cause=leak detection pump failure,pump natural vacuum leak detection, emissions,under warranty; 5/12/08-22282 miles, checked brakes for noise, replaced front brake pads & rotors,I paid & reflash for harsh 1-2 @/or 2-3 shift so reflashed pcm per TSB 21-018-07 for harsh shift, no charge but don't know if it was b/c of warranty; 9/09/08 25192 oil change & on 9/19/08 25562 miles ck engine light on & van died twice while driving, cause valve exhaust gas recirculation control so replaced egr valve, covered under warranty; 10/13/08 26324 miles, brakes squeaking, clean & adjusted brakes; 10/31/08 26788 miles,breaks squeaking, replaced front brake pads,under warranty; 1/13/09 28092 miles replaced right faulty right sliding door track,under warranty; 2/2/09 28463 miles replaced battery b/c battery failed vat test & did oil change; 2/20/09 28945 miles did 30k service said will need rear brakes soon had no choice but to get the extended warranty due to all the time spent at the dealer. Reported all problems to Chrysler but all they did was notate it but doesn't appear are going to do anything about all of the issues I had. They said, well the car was repaired. No one should have to be at a dealer this many times &so frequently especially since I only avg over 9000 but less than 10000 a yr. 3/30/09 car turned off by itself at stop light, I turned it on, van shook, gas pedal wouldn't move, turned on &off a couple of times &kept shaking &pedal wouldn't move &then finally it stopped shaking& I drove off. I set up appt & was sch for 2 days later but was able to drive the car so I cancelled & was told to bring in if happens again. Approx incident date is date of 1st issue since multiple issues.

I noticed what appeared to be an oil leak coming from the right front side of my undercarriage. I immediately scheduled an appointment with my mechanic, who informed me the rack and pinion in my 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan needed replaced. When I asked him how common it is for a vehicle of the age mine is, with so few miles for cars today, he said it was becoming common and even showed me another Dodge Grand Caravan on the rack for the exact same thing. I was told $873 to fix it. I then called the local Dodge dealer who said they had not heard of any Grand Caravans having this kind of problem and that they could not help me. I immediately got on the internet where I have found website after website describing the same problem as mine and that the rack and pinion for my vehicle is on back order. This really seems like a real issue that Dodge needs to address, rather than jab it to the consumer.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. Contact stated that the vehicle began making a clanging noise when the wheel was turned. Additionally, the power steering fluid was low. When more power steering fluid was added in the vehicle, the fluid began leaking. The dealer stated that the power steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The repair was not made because the part was on back order. The VIN, purchase date, powertrain, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 20,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. After repairing the brakes, the contact turned the steering wheel and heard unusual noises. A week later, he discovered oil on the ground underneath the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the rack and pinion was failing. The dealer stated that the parts for the repair were on backorder. The failure mileage was 41,000. Updated 6/16/08.