general problems of the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan

I purchased this car used in August, after reading reviews I discovered the rack and pinion was an issue on this van, so I asked the previous owner wether they had any issues and they replied they had just replaced the rack and pinion due too a severe power steering fluid leak. After hearing this I figured that meant problem solved. Unfortunetly its now not even a month and a half later and am noticing a severe powesteering leak, my mechanic is telling me the rack and pinion has failed once again and needs replacement. Usually this part last the lifetime of any other vehicle. I am concerned and very displeased about this issue as it can be very dangerous for my family and I as well as other motorist on the road. I also suspect I am not the only one experiecing this repeatively. Is there a recall im unaware of, what can I do? I was quoted between $700-800 for this job by three mechanics. Is this something Dodge may be liable for?.