2006 Chrysler Town and Country: whining or grinding noise

Filed Sep 21, 2016 · Body · 122,000 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler town and country. The contact stated that the automatic passenger sliding door on the passenger side did not work properly. The door opened approximately 80% and then closed; however, the driver side automatic passenger door did not open at all. The contact stated that there was a whining noise coming from the door, but there was no motion following that noise. The dealer was notified, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the control arm on the rear passenger side door was bent. The failure mileage was 122,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · VA

I have multiple issues with my 2006 chrysler town and country. The first is that it cuts off unexpectedly. This has happened multiple times most luckily while stopped at an intersection or stop light but it has cut off on the interstate recently. It also has a light issue, the lights will cut on and off by themselves, I have woke up during the night to find the headlights shining in the house when they do this there is no way to cut them off, they will eventually cut off by themselves. Another problem I have is the power steering whines when I drive it especially down the highway. I have checked the fluid and it is full.

Filed Mar 26, 2014 · Steering · 88,000 miles · FL

I am hearing a loud whine. It sounds as though it is coming from the front of the vehicle and can be heard more loudly inside the vehicle than out. It is constant. It is usually louder in cold weather. It is not as loud immediately following when I have my vehicle service and all fluids are topped off. Lately it has began to make a bit more of a grinding noise. The noise is very noticeable at low speeds--not so much at higher speeds, but then again there is more road noise at high speeds. If parked and I turn the steering wheel, the whine gets louder. The pitch seems to change with engine speed, not movement. I took it to an auto shop and they said it is the power steering pump, rack & pinion. I have researched this on the internet, and there are hundreds of identical complaints. This is clearly a defect in the vehicle. Why hasn't this been recalled yet? If left unfixed, the power steering can fail. I would have a hard time trying to steer this vehicle without power steering and it would likely result in a crash. This is clearly a safety issue.

Filed Mar 25, 2014 · Steering · 77,900 miles · TN

While driving on the interstate I noticed a whine developing. At first I thought it to be a bearing in one of the pulleys. I took it to my mechanic and he said it was a power steering pump or the rack and pinion. I had the power steering flushed and refilled but it continues to have the whine. The mechanic told me it could be the rack and pinion. After reading the blogs online I have found that many are having the same problems. I have a 2006 chrysler town and country touring with 88000 miles.

Filed Apr 17, 2013 · Steering · 78,867 miles · CA

Took my vehicle to get a new set of tires. Upon the free fluid checks being done, the power steering fluid was noticed to be low. When the mechanic started looking into the issue, he noticed that the rack and pinion is leaking. This is certainly what is causing the loud whining noise. This was a month after the bolts for the alternator broke off leaving my wife and kids stranded. Fortunately I was able to get the broken studs out with vise grips.

Filed Mar 12, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 32,000 miles · RI

Power steering started to whine. I took it to a chrysler dealership. They said I needed a power steering kit and fluid change. They also said the water pump was leaking. Only thing is I took it to the same dealership at 22,000 miles with the same power steering problem, that was only 12,000 miles ago. Do I have to have the power steering redone every 12,000 miles????? And isn't 32,000 a bit early for water pump leak. I think chrysler should pay.

Filed Jan 9, 2013 · Steering · 78,000 miles · DE

Whining noise coming from under left side of hood. Took car to chrysler dealership & was told that the whining noise was from the power steering & it needs a reservoir & it needs to reroute cooler hose . Was also told there is a bulletin on how this would be done. After seeing the many problems other customers are having I can't understand why chrysler would let the safety of their customers suffer. What happened to "we will take responsibility for the failure of our product". This problem will cost from $400-$500, but will cost so much more if the loyal american customer is lost. I love my t&c but I will not be a support system or doormat for a company we have all helped from the brink. The car only has 78k miles & I was just about to pass it on to my daughter, but this is dangerous & I will not be buying another of your products! Please be responsible & forget the greed & step up chrysler!

Filed Dec 18, 2012 · Steering · 70,000 miles · SD

Purchased my van in 2008, used with 40000 miles on it. In winter of 2009 I noticed a loud whining noise when turning but once engine warmed up would stop. Had power steering fluid check and was low. Filled stopped noise. Same in 2010, 2011, and now 2012. Have to constantly fill fluid. It has to be leaking somewhere. From what I have read this is not a cheap fix. And more importantly if someone's power steering goes out going down a highway or interstate... Very very dangerous. This is a part defect and consumers should not be paying for the fix. Chrysler should. With all the complaints, what will it take for a recall?

Filed Aug 18, 2012 · Steering · 126,000 miles · CO

Rack and pinion steering failure. General whining noise had been occurring for 10-15000 miles, with no discernible loss of power steering fluid. Increased noise and banging noise, LED us to the rack and pinion steering failure.

Filed Jan 24, 2012 · Steering · 80,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler town & country. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, he could hear a loud whining noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jan 6, 2012 · Steering · 54,000 miles · MI

A loud whine started in the engine compartment and steering became difficult. Dealership stated that the rack of the steering system had leaked and lost the power steering fluid. The dealership stated this was a common problem. The rack and pinion of the steering had to be replaced.

Filed Dec 29, 2011 · Steering · 68,560 miles · WI

Power steering rack seals failed, fluid leaking from power steering system. Failure was proceeded by long-term low-pitched whining noise coming from power steering system. Fluid drained from system while driving making it very difficult to steer vehicle. Dealer recommends replacing power steering rack, out of warranty, cost $900.00.