Steering Rack And Pinion Problems of Dodge Grand Caravan - part 1

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.

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7. 5k miles on vehicle, moving from a parking spot the esc light came on, then the rack and pinion completely snapped. The vehicle is inoperable. Had my family and myself been on the highway and this happened would've resulted in serious injury or death.

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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.

2004 Dodge caravan with 3. 3 engine. Rack and pinion binding in turns. Corrective action had to replace rack and pinion. 83000 miles on van. Started out as a popping noise and got progressive worst.

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I am the victim of a fraudulent close out of a factory recall. I have been trying to get Chrysler to fix one of their own recalls on a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. I took the car to three dealerships to try to get satisfaction. Two of those have since gone out of business. The third refuses to help in any way. My complaint is that some dealership has already closed out the ticket for fixing the power steering return hose on my 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The car was never fixed: it still has the factory hose. Finally I took the car to an independent garage where a former Chrysler technician worked who was familiar with the problem. . He said that not only had the recall never been done, but the design was faulty. The power steering return hose is so short that the synthetic atf that is used as power steering fluid foams up causing problems with belching out fluid, power steering failure, pump failure and eventually rack and pinion failure. I told him not to touch the power steering because the recall was never performed. He agreed that the repair had never been done and estimated the repair cost at $800. 00 to put a new rack and pinion and to repair the faulty design per the Chrysler technical service bulletin. My problem now is the pump has gone bad too which will add another $500. 00 to the price. My Dodge Grand Caravan VIN is [xxx]. Can you please help me? my phone number is [xxx]. The phone at the dealership that refuses to help is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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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.

This model has steering issues. With only 60k miles I have had to replace the rack and pinion 2 separate times already and now the power steering pump is going out.

I own a 2003 Grand Caravan currently with 43,000 miles on it. At a little less than 40,000 miles the power steering pump starting making a horrible noise, didn't matter if you were turning the wheel or not; more often on a rainy or cold morning, now its all the time. I contacted Dodge since I have an extended service plan, to no avail. I have no coverage on the power steering pump or rack and pinion, but im covered on things that my husband could do in the backyard. What a story I was fed, when I bought this $900 coverage. I was told to go to a certified service center and pay $65 for a diagnostic test, ummm it doesn't require a diagnostic test, it requires 30 seconds of listening. Then and only then would they consider possibly helping me with this repair. When I bought the service plan, I was told $100 deductible for all repairs, end of story. I cannot believe that a vehicle with mileage could have an issue like this already. Dodge does not want to help!!!!.

After making a right hand turn, my steering wheel locked up and I could not return to center. I was going slowly, so I was able to stop the car before it went into the ditch. If this had happened at highway speeds or where most roads in missouri have limited shoulders, I would have crashed into the ditch. I was able to work it loose and then limp it home very slowly, esp. Around curves or corners when it would stick again. Upon taking it to a mechanic, he found out that the rack and pinion had to be replaced. It proceeded to go out 2 more times since the first incident.

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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.

Power steering leak , rack and pinion 2005 Dodge caravan.

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.

Power steering fails on 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan on mornings when it rains. Huge safety risk since vehicle cannot be turned without extreme manual effort. . . Impossible for my wife! dealership says rack and pinion is bad and needs replacing ($1400). Internet says this is very common in these vehicles from 2002-2006! why has it not been recalled for a safety retrofit?.

Rack and pinion on 2005 Dodge caravan - noticed many others have same complaint. Internal seal on assembly is wearing out around 65000. Must replace entire rack and pinion assembly. How many before recall?.

Purchase of used Dodge Grand Caravan & then found out 1 week later that the rack and pinion area leaks & the entire rack needs to be replaced.

Power steering rack defect.

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.

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. While the vehicle was undergoing a routine inspection, the contact was informed that the steering:rack and pinion was leaking fluid and needed to be replaced. He took the vehicle to an authorized dealer and was informed that the parts were on back order because it was a common failure for that year, make, and model vehicle. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $1,234. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 07/15/08 updated 07/15/08.

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The rack and pinion steering is leaking on my 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. This issue could cause the seals to blow out and lose power steering causing an accident. This will be the second rack I have had to replace one at 58,000 and now at 91,000.

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 bought a 2005 Grand Caravan in may 2005. The rack and pinion rack completely failed in December 2005 at 9870 miles. It was replaced under warranty. My van begin making the same noises and losing power steering fluid. When I had it checked at the dealership today, I was informed that my van was leaking power steering fluid and that the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The mileage on the van is 42,726. Even the service advisor remarked that the rack and pinion should not have to be replaced at 42,726 and that it was unheard of to replace it twice in less than 2 and a half years and under 43,000 miles. From researching online I see that I am not alone. This is happening frequently. I believe this is a safety defect that needs immediate investigation, before the defect results in a fatality. The dealership said it is not covered under the powertrain warranty and since I am beyond 36,000 miles the replacement will cost about $850.

Purchase of used Dodge Grand Caravan & then found out 3 weeks later that the power steering boot fails & entire rack needs to be replaced.

Sporadic noise coming from car engine, and some difficulty turning at times. After a thorough inspection, a mechanic found that it is a faulty rack and pinion. . Read more...

I have had my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan for almost 2 years it has only 64, 000 mile on it. About two weeks ago we started hearing a sound when starting the van and when you turn the steering wheel, usually lasts until you drive for a awhile then it comes and goes. We took it to the Dodge dealership and they said it was the racket pinion gear and would cost a little over $900 to repair. I called around to a few other car repair shops and they all said are you sure that is the problem, they have never heard of a vehicle needing that replaced that early. So I got online and did some research and found that there are many people with the same problem, all occurring with miles ranging for 15,000 to 75,000. I came across your web site and see that this has been investigated before. This I a problem that needs to be fixed, it is not just some random malfunction. I request that you reopen this investigation.

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.

Took my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan to the dealer for an oil and filter replacement and was told that I had a leak rack and pinion steering assembly. Never had a problem with the steering, and no leaks on my garage floor, but the dealer rep insisted that this was a problem that could get worse. Part is back-ordered, which makes me wonder if this is a common problem that needs to be recalled.

In 2005 we purchased a new Dodge Grand Caravan and had it modified for my husband to drive from his wheelchair, spending $50,000 total for this vehicle/modifications. In the span of two years, weve had electrical issues door locks not working part of the time, battery drain that cant be located, bad door sensors, etc. We also replaced the rack and pinion unit (under warranty). Just 18 months later the rack and pinion unit was bad again. Since it was out of warranty, we spent $1,129 to fix it. Its ridiculous that this part went bad again so soon. Do we have to spend $1000 every year to replace this obviously defective part? the Dodge dealer my husband worked with informed him that the rack and pinion unit now comes with a cooler to help with this issue, so obviously Dodge is aware that this part is defective and has a short lifespan. If this is the case, why wasnt a recall sent out to add the cooler to this unit. Im very dissatisfied with our Dodge van and will probably never purchase from Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep again! shouldnt a recently installed part last longer than 18 months? isnt that reasonable? weve gone through two rack and pinion units in the last two years for a 2005 vehicle thats ridiculous! shame on Dodge for not assisting customers with this known defective part! on top of your average Dodge Grand Caravan customer, there are a lot of disabled customers out there who have spent above and beyond what it should cost to drive and to have that vehicle break down continuously sucks!! my husband cant just hitch a ride with a neighbor or even rent a car for that matter. He had to miss work while Dodge spent an entire day replacing a part they just replaced a few months ago. Im just wondering what will break next!.