1996 Dodge Caravan: loss of power steering

Filed Jul 1, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 72,000 miles · OH

This vehicle has a chronic design problem with throwing its serpentine belt whenever the tension pulley gets wet. Soon as the belt is thrown there is no power steering, and it steers 10 times worse than a mack truck. The lack of steering is a definite safety hazard to every other vehicle on the road. As it happens suddenly by driving through a water puddle, etc. There is virtually no time to react. In addition to lack of steering there is no alternator output, resulting in rapid battery drain. Also there is no coolant system fan resulting in rapid engine overheating. This design fault has been known for well over a decade, no make that 2 decades, but chrysler has never acknowledged a problem. The problem dates back to all chrysler mini-van designs from the early 1990s to at least 2000. If the lack of steering is not a safety related defect I don't know what is. We have a used wheelchair conversion caravan van to transport my wife. This latest incident was the past saturday night as we left a restaurant to return home. It had been raining profusely and suddenly I had no steering. I knew immediately what the problem was since this is the 3rd occurrence in the past 6 months. Do you expect your vehicle to become inoperable just because you drive in the rain? Why has not chrysler been made to acknowledge this problem and issue a repair recall? I don't care if the van is over a decade old. This defect is one which endangers everyone else on the road and which chrysler should have been required to address well over a decade ago.

Filed Dec 2, 2006 · Steering · MA

Rain cause belt to slip off losing power steering. Can not use vehicle in rain of snow! 1996 dodge caravan has happened at least ten times.

Filed Dec 12, 2003 · Airbags, Engine · VA

Request for reimbursement for clockspring recall repairs performed on a 1996 dodge grand caravan. *mr there was a clunk noise, then the consumer lost power steering due to the serpentine belt tensioner being broken, oil leaked due to the front valve cover gasket, and the air bag light had come on. Recall#02v293000 *scc

Filed Sep 17, 2002 · Engine, Steering · OK

When driving through a rain puddle you serpentine belt, that connects engine to the coolant fan etc., failed, resulting in loss of steering.contacted dealer. This problem occurred 4 times.

Filed Feb 27, 2001 · Engine · MA

On friday, february 16, 2001, I was on my way home from work and without any prior indication my the engine in my vehicle stopped running. I had been on the highway going the speed limit (65mph) and all of the sudden the engine stopped. I tried to stop but my brakes did not work and I tried to pull off the side of the road and had no steering. The vehicle was towed by aaa to willard's auto for them to look at it. They found that the casing for the transmission was destroyed and was unable to salvage it. I have to replace the transmission which is costing over $2,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2000 · Electrical, Steering · VA

This vehicle has gone through 5 alternator/power steering belts (serpentine) and 3 belt tensioners over a period from 1/30/98 (12,858 miles) to 9/29/00 (39,761 miles). This seems to be far too many problems from this component and could be a safety hazard if it fails while driving (no power steering).

Filed Sep 13, 2000 · Steering · NJ

Belt tensioner and serpentine drive belt failure, tension mounting belt is spontaneously sheared off and the belt becomes torn apart, resulting in loss of power steering and power braking.

Filed Aug 11, 2000 · Engine, Steering · MI

Consumer was traveling about 70mph on highway and without prior warning lost power steering/ all belt driven accessories/ water pump pulley flew off,and vehicle started to vibrate.

Filed Jul 10, 2000 · Engine · NJ

The belt tensioner and serpentine belt wherein the tension mounting belt is sheared off and the belt becomes torn apart resulting in immediate loss of power steering and power braking. Nlm

Filed Mar 16, 2000 · Steering · IL

While driving on wet pavement power steering belt becomes wet and causes complete loss of steering control. *ak

Filed Feb 17, 2000 · Engine · GA

While traveling on the highway at 45 MPH bolt to engine pulley/crankshaft snapped off, causing vehicle to lose power steering control. Dealer / manufacturer were not contacted at this time.

Filed Jan 3, 2000 · Engine · OH

Serpentine belt has come off 6 times (at least) since jan 99. Twice on the highway with speeds of 65mph. The belt failure causes a loss of power steering and within minutes loss of electrical power. All kinds off parts have been replaced and yet it still has fallen off three times since dec 99. The garage has contacted local dealers for fixes but to no avail. The belt still flies off and the squeak that has occurred since the first replacement continues to get worse and worse. I had a dealer so much as say it was going to fly off whe it got wet. Well it's come off wet and when it's dry. Two times ago on a dark cold night 45 minutes from home with my entire family in the car going 65 MPH on the highway. Thank god I was driving and not my wife or daughter. This is a serious safety hazzard and must be addressed. There is an existing tsb on this issue on your web site but I don't know if it covers my car. A dealer I contacted today was aware of the problem and asked if I had a splash guard installed. He is looking at it tomorrow. Tensioners (3), pulleys, and many belts have been replaced so far. Please help me find a solution.