2000 Dodge Caravan: loss of power steering

Filed Nov 10, 2013 · Steering · 140,000 miles · RI

While driving down the highway it started to rain and the power steering failed for unknown reasons. The heater fan stopped which made it impossible to clear the windows, the vehicle quickly overheated, the low battery light came on. Was able to get to the side of the road with much difficulty and discovered the power steering belt had dropped off. This has happened repeatedly every time it rains even a little bit and is very much a safety hazard. It has made the vehicle very unreliable. Merely reconnecting the belt is not a solution to this issue. I was wondering if there has been a recall for the problem.

Filed Jul 2, 2013 · Airbags, Engine · 83,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a loss of power steering assist. The contact mentioned that the engine overheated and the engine temperature warning light illuminated as the drive belt failed. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was advised that the idle pulley be replaced. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000 and the current mileage was 115,000.

Filed Nov 30, 2012 · Engine, Steering · 128,000 miles · CA

After driving through a small water puddle I lost power steering and generator. It wagon a windy mountain road and was very hazardous as it left usona blind curve in the rain. It turned out that the drive belt had come off. Is appears to be a common an known issue with chrysler.

Filed Sep 20, 2010 · Body · 80,582 miles · NY

2000 dodge caravan. Driver side strut cap rusted through. This is not a normal rust pattern. Still have a 95 caravan and strut caps are perfect. The rust is such that a good bump could poke the strut through the cap and through the windshield also causing loss of steering control. This is a dangerous safety issue that has not been recalled. Again, this is not a normal rust pattern and dodge is aware of the problem having created replacement caps which are not installed under warranty. Dodge however refuses responsibility for a manufacturer defect and steers customers to body shops.

Filed Jan 13, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 40,000 miles · CA

The serpentine belt comes off often , more when driven over a puddle of water. More often in wet weather. It's scary to drive on the highway and the belt comes off you lose power steering automatically and all your other faction. It's started about year after getting van.

Filed Dec 6, 2009 · Engine · 130,000 miles · GA

The serpentine belt on a 2000 dodge caravan slips off when you go through a puddle of water or wet conditions such as in the rain or snow, resulting in complete loss of power steering (loss of control); water pump (overheating and possible damage to the aluminum heads); alternator (no battery charging) and AC. This was after a new belt and tensioner was installed. I have researched the problem and there are numerous incidents sited on related web sites. My wife almost wrecked because of no steering. It happened over a dozen times to her and 4 times to me. Cost of putting belt back on was around $40 each time. Tried a fix using a disc over the tensioner and idle pulley recommended by dealer, but first time through a rain puddle, it slipped off. A $200 fix is available plus $150 labor called a gates kit # 38379k also by goodyear #49215k. They both come with a double sided grooved belt, grooved idle pulley and grooved tensioner and states that it fixes the problem of belts coming off the dodge vans in wet weather. If this is part of the selling point of the kit, then there must be a problem with chrysler, dodge, plymouth vans and the consumer shouldn't have to pay for this "fix." this is extremely dangerous and should be paid for and corrected by chrysler.

Filed Feb 28, 2008 · Engine · NJ

2000 dodge caravan with loss of power steering. Consumer states that the serpentine belt has a unexpected and sudden throw which causes power steering loss. Consumer states there are hundreds of complaints on the internet.

Filed Jul 5, 2007 · Engine · 71,845 miles · IL

The serpentine belt kept coming off the 2000 dodge caravan when it rained. This resulted in loss of power steering. This started after having the original belt replaced due to fraying. The tensioner was replaced at the same time as the belt.

Filed Jun 27, 2007 · Engine · 118,000 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. While driving 20-60 MPH, the serpentine belt disengaged from the motor. This caused the water pump and the electrical system to fail and there was a loss of power steering. The mechanic inspected the vehicle twice, but was unable to determine the cause of failure. The current mileage is 118,442 and failure mileage was 118,000.

Filed Jun 5, 2007 · Engine · NH

Serpentine belt has come off of pulleys 3 times during wet weather, once after tensioner was replaced. This cause a complete loss of power steering, making the vehicle impossible to maneuver. Several calls to dodge proved futile, they state no such problem has ever been reported. I have found several complaints of the same issue, all stating they have reported the issue to dodge. Still cannot find a fix.

Filed Nov 30, 2006 · Engine · 80,000 miles · IN

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds in wet weather, the serpentine belt slipped off causing the loss of power steering. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, who reattached the belt. However, the problem recurred.

Filed Sep 23, 2006 · Engine · 67,000 miles · WA

Loss of power steering and alternator charging - serpentine belt falling off after hitting small water puddle on 2000 dodge grand caravan. I lost power steering on a curve as a result of hitting a small water puddle. Vehicle has received all service maintenance including replacement of belt tensioner but still fell off. I am fairly strong and was able to come out of the turn. Someone with less arm strength would have gone straight off the road and crashed. Dodge dealer has no fix for this that they are willing to talk about. This is a serious safety hazard since minivans often carry a lot of kids and if this happens on a wet road there could be serious injuries and fatalities from loss of control.