2006 Chrysler Town and Country LWB steering problems

Filed Mar 20, 2013 · Steering · 52,052 miles · MD

While conducted an oil change, I noticed that both rack and pinion boots are wet with power steering fluid. This is a low mileage vehicle and am disappointed that the steering is already leaking fluid. I have not had this checked with a mechanic as of yet but I imagine that after reading complaints here and on other sites, I will end up having to replace the entire rack and pinion assembly to correct this leak. A simple boot replacement will not be sufficient as dirt and water will already have damaged the assembly. I would recommend having chrysler conduct a recall and replacing these with quality components at no expense to the vehicle owners.

Filed Mar 12, 2012 · Steering · 10,000 miles · NY

The van was purchased used in 2007 with approximately 4,000 miles from flemington chrysler in nj. At approximately 10,000 miles, the rack was found to be leaking and it was replaced under warranty. Soon after, the steering seemed a little tight but we chalked it up to the new components. Fast forward to 2012, the van now has 80,000 miles and the steering has begun to whine, groan and shudder. I have flushed the fluid and now replaced the pump. The whine and shudder are still there so it looks like the rack has failed again. The van can easily become a safety problem and chrysler should be ashamed. Definitely the last chrysler product I buy which is too bad because they've put out some really unique, good looking cars lately. My family's safety is more important thanks.

Filed Dec 22, 2010 · Steering · 40,000 miles · CA

2006 chrysler town & country mini van. When driving in the rain or through standing water over 1 inch deep the serpentine belt gets wet and you lose power steering immediately with no warning making it difficult if not impossible to turn. There are several reports on line of this happening as well as service centers saying they have even seen the vehicle throw the belt once it begins to slip. Chrysler does not have a fix for the problem nor does their customer service say there is a recall of any sort.

Filed Aug 10, 2010 · Steering · 39,800 miles · WI

Because I am disabled I bought a used 2006 chrysler town and country lwb on august 2, 2010. On the way home the steering failed. Because this failure could have caused an accident, I took it to two dealers for estimates and wound up having the rack and pinion and loose tie rods replaced on august 9, 2010.

Filed May 3, 2010 · Steering · 31,000 miles · CA · fire

I started experiencing a loud whining sound coming out of the engine compartment area on an extended trip. I took the vehicle to the dealership while under warranty and they told me they could not replicate problem and suggested changing and flushing and complete service on transmission. While the whining sound subsided somewhat the sound still remained. Now I come to find out the power steering pump is leaking fluid all over the exhaust with a terrible and nauseating odor coming into the cabin area. Not only is this a potential fire hazard but also can be damaging to the respiratory system. The failure of this system is premature at best and extremely hazardous at its worst.

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Steering · MA

My 2006 town and country mini van has lost all power steering driving through modest puddles. This seems to happen when going through modest puddles (approximately 6 inches deep), and has only happened at low rates of speed. It has happened on 4 different occasions. When this happens, all steering is completely lost. The vehicle quite literally will not steer at all, but then the vehicle eventually "comes out" of it - after driving and attempting to turn for maybe 1/8 mile. Almost as if what ever moisture caused the problem evaporates. The last occurrence was this past january.

Filed Feb 24, 2010 · Steering · 47,944 miles · NY

2006 town & country van failed nys inspection for safety reasons due to rack and pinion leaking seals. Vehicle had under 48,000 miles. Purchased new 12/31/2005. Rack & pinion was replaced but was not covered by warranty. Neighbor reported same problem with their 2006 town & country van. Also had part replaced. Are these all defective steering components? We are sending a letter to chrysler corporation today with a copy to the federal safety agency. Updated 03/24/10 *bf updated 03/29/10. *jb updated 04/05/10.

Filed Feb 22, 2010 · Steering · 45,602 miles · NC

My car was making a whining noise when the engine was cold. I brought it in to the chrysler dealer, and they informed me that the power steering pump was leaking, which had resulted in damage to the rack & pinion mechanism. The entire mechanism had to be replaced. Not performing this repair could have resulted in the entire steering system locking up. My professional opinion (I am a mechanical engineer) is that this pump should not have failed at such low mileage (~45k).

Filed Jul 17, 2009 · Steering · 40,000 miles · PA

The steering began to whine and groan, particularly when cold and not having been driven for a day or more. It often continues to whine, especially when being turned more than one full circle, but sometimes even when sitting still and straight. The repair shop identified leaking steering rack boots and the fluid is a bit low. At this time, we have not done anything, because replacement of the boots is very expensive and replacement of the rack is more expensive. At the time, we had the minivan less than 3 years and it had just over 40,000 miles on it, just out of warranty.

Filed Mar 28, 2009 · Steering · 33,000 miles · MI

Rack & pinion leaking power steering fluid.