1997 Dodge Caravan: loss of power steering

Filed Mar 24, 2014 · Steering · 2,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH over a puddle of water, there was a sudden loss of power steering assist. The failure only occurred whenever the contact was driving over a puddle of water, causing the serpentine belt to become detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic three different times where the serpentine belt was reconnected each time. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2012 · Steering, Visibility · 114,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the power steering failed and the windows became foggy, causing very dangerous conditions for the driver. The vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced; however the contact had just replaced the serpinitine belt 2,000 miles prior. The manufacturer was notified, but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 114,000.

Filed Nov 23, 2011 · Engine · 68,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the vehicle lost power steering, the engine overheated, the alternator and air conditioner failed. The vehicle merged onto the side of the road and the contact inspected the engine and noticed the serpentine belt detached from the pulley and was dragging on the ground. The contact connected the belt back onto the pulley. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated there was no failure; however, the pulley could be replaced for $1000. This failure occurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000 and the current mileage was 210,000.

Filed Feb 26, 2003 · Steering · MA

When the vehicle hit a minor bump in the road, the vehicle lost power steering.

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Engine · 70,000 miles · VA

The serpentine belt popped off, which resulted in loss of power steering and function of the alternator, which caused the vehicle to stall.

Filed Jul 31, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · PA

While driving at 60mph, speedometer kept moving between 20mph and 90mph, without driver decreasing or increasing in speed. Oil light started flickering along with engine check light, then the vehicle started jerking.*ak. Consumer stated there was a shortage of transmission fluid and engine oil, the serpentine belt was frayed on one side eventually coming off idle pully, losing steering ability, chrysler was aware of the transmission and speedometer and fixed the problem as a goodwill gesture.

Filed Jul 23, 2001 · Steering · WA

Tie rod end became disassembled while backing out of a parking stall. The knuckle came out of the cup resulting in loss of steering control, lucky we were not on freeway.

Filed Dec 4, 2000 · Steering · CT

Had just turned on air conditioner when condensation started to build up & dripped on belt controlling steering. This caused belt to slip & loss of power steering. Took to dealer & informed by mechanic a technical service bulletin #19-01-97 revised a was sent on the problem. Replacing air conditioner. *ak the loss of power steering was due to design flaw by the manufacturer, according to the consumer. The manufacturer should be responsible for repair.

Filed Mar 8, 2000 · Airbags, Steering · OH · crash

The power steering failed during emergency causing the vehicle to crash. Yh

Filed Aug 30, 1999 · Steering · FL

Loss of steering after hitting puddle causing belt to slip.