Problems with 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan STEERING

Tl*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.

Around 37,000 miles a whining noise started coming from the front on my 2006 dodge grand caravan. after just speaking to the dealership mechanic on the phone, he knew immediately what the problem was, the rack and pinion was leaking steering fluid. this issue has been common enough that the parts have been constantly on back order. after research online i have found many of the same complaint. how many complaints does it take? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 dodge grand caravan. while the vehicle was at a shop for a routine inspection, the mechanic stated that the rack and pinion was defective. the contact notified the dealer and they stated that the parts for the repair were on back order and did not know when they would be available. the manufacturer did not provide any assistance. the failure and current mileages were 45,345.

Tl*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 *cn

Vehicle power steering makes loud resonating hum when turning. dealership cannot find the location of the noise. rack & pinion and power steering pump have both been replaced, and the noise still persists.*ak

Loud whining noise coming from engine when cold. had power steering pump replaced on 1st visit. one month later same problem, had alternator replaced. 3 weeks later same thing. tech said there was an air bubble in the power steering line. the line was drained and fluid was replaced. better not happen again! *jb

For no apparent reason, the engine shuts off while driving. the clock remains on, but accessories such as the heater also shut off, and i have no power assist with steering. so far, it's happened within 5 minutes of start-up; the outside temperatures were below freezing, but the engine has not always been cold. 1/17/07 approx. 5 min. after i'd been driving, at about 30mph, i realized the noisy fan for the heater turned off. i thought maybe the new van has a feature i didn't know about, where it reaches a set temperature then shuts off automatically? then i realized the radio had also gone quiet. i tried to accelerate but it wasn't responding, so i went to pull off on the shoulder and discovered i didn't have power steering, either. fortunately, i was able to brake. i turned the key to the off position, restarted the van, and it seemed to work fine. at no time did i see a check engine light. 1/18/07 i had driven to a gas station, turned the van off to fill the tank, and restarted it a few minutes later, to drive away. i accelerated about 5 feet before the van turned itself off again. i stopped, moved the key to the off position, restarted it, and went on my way. 1/24/07 i backed out of the garage, but after i accelerated in reverse, about 10 ft. down the driveway the van turned itself off again. other days i had the heater/accessories running, but this time nothing else was turned on. the clock remained lit, so it doesn't seem like a battery issue. i turned the key to the off position and restarted the van, resumed my drive, and made an appointment with the dodge dealership under warranty. they said there were no computer codes showing; they drove 17 mi. but couldn't duplicate the problem. since then, the van has only shut off by itself once more when my spouse was driving, but now it seems like a probable ignition switch safety issue to investigate. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated that the air conditioner became inoperative and had to be replaced. the power steering rack also had to be replaced due to a loud grinding noise that was heard coming from the steering column. in addition, the radiator fans would overheat and were replaced. the manufacturer did not assist. the failure mileage was 4,300 and current mileage was 58,000.

Popping noise in steering column. while traveling at least 50 miles a loud winding noise was heard coming from the steering column, -possibly transmission. vehicle became hard to steer. all fluids have been checked and vehicle was serviced regularly.*ak

On january 12, 2006 my van starting making a clunking sound from the front right passenger side and then would suddenly jerk and pull the van to the right. i scheduled a service appointment for the next day. while in route to the dealership the van came to an abrupt stop as well as while trying to stop the van there was no control in the steering. the van slid until stopping. fortunately i was only going about 15 mph as i had just started through the intersection. the outcome was the bolt that holds the control arm in place broke in half. there was rust in the center on the broken bolt. the van was towed to the dealership and new parts were ordered. it took about one week to repair. dodge was notified but has failed to call me back in regards to the letter i sent them. *nm