I had already sent info to dol (below) on 03 caravan I from unlicensed dealer michael rankin. Please see complaint form inattachment -it's too long to add. They're in process of charging michael rankin on 12 counts for different vehicles sold,and asessing monetary fines. I have done transmission repairs to this postal fleet vehicle.according to experienced mechaniss at 32,300 miles the transmission had already been rebuilt -improperly. I'm complaining because I was stuck on fast moving arterial with leaking transmission (unsafe condition) because of improper repairs ,and could not move the vehicle in conjested traffic 1621-72nd st east,tacoma,wa 98404. Vehicle was stationary at that moment and at another different time when driving.this is the unsafe part. The mechanic charged me approximately $1500 and also told me it had transmission already rebuilt and (4) loose bolts on pump seal, also had a "pre owned" used? Wrecking yard torque converter which was painted black indicating the rebuild ocurred. He also stated how the 2 front half shafts (axels) were worn out and I had to replace those, about $250. It has bad power steering pump-and groaning noises currently (unsafe condition) just like when I got it (32.3k miles) vehicle has a bad air conditioner not unsafe. *I have jpeg photos and receips for parts,axels, transmission repair and fluid I had to buy to keep fluid in transmission. Please see attachment for complaint sent to washington dol , josh is the contact.
2003 Dodge Caravan: clunking or noise when steering
5 of the 195 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Caravan describe clunking or noise when steering.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
Clunking or noise when steering by model year
- 20101
- 20081
- 20062
- 20051
- 20041
- 20035
- 20022
- 20013
- 20007
- 19991
- 19972
- 19962
- 19951
- 19941
- 19933
- 19921
- 19912
What owners say
2003 dodge caravan power steering problem when cold start the car, the power steering pump makes a whining noise. At the beginning the power steering is solid hard, so I cannot turn the wheels. After a minute the car struts driving normally. The power steering pump was replaced by chrysler dealership, but the problem came back after 2 years again. When you read the automotive forums for dodge caravan, a lot of people have the same problem.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. While driving 5-30 MPH, the steering wheel makes a popping, kicking, and creeking sound. The contact scheduled an appointment to have the vehicle inspected. The current and failure mileages were 30,000.
Dt: the contact states there is the federal safety agency recall campaign 04v386000 concerning the steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections. The dealer told him that the solution called for the replacement of the power steering fluid with transmission fluid. The steering wheel made noise when turning. The steering wheel did not make this noise before the recall work was completed. *ak updated dec 7 2005.
The consumer had several problems with his 2003 dodge caravan; such problems were a knock in the transmission and 2 brake jobs. *jb the two brakes jobs occurred within one year. The steering wheel knocked (recall campaign #04v386000), the vehicle had broken down at 8k miles, the wheel alignment was off, the gear panel illuminated, and the window had become loose. 80% of the vehicles problems was under 10k miles. The rotation noise continued and the rubber lining around the sliding door was coming off. Other problems: when the vehicle would be taken out of park to drive, all of the lights would illuminate, the front rims/hub caps were dirty due to excessive leakage around the brakes, even during normal washing, there was a mild ringing noise in the vehicle, the front door rattled, the rear tail lamp was damaged, the brake light and back-up lights had gone out, the brakes were going bad again, the engine would sputter due to no fuel pressure, the vehicle would pull to the left, when the driver door was shut it made a loud rattle sound, there would be a delay in the transmission when going uphill, when sitting at idle, the engine would sound as if it were revving but the gauge did not display this. *sc
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- On certain minivans equipped with 3.3 or 3.8l v-6 engine, the upper power steering cooler hose may split and cause a fluid leak.
- Risk
- Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the upper power steering cooler hose. This recall began on september 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 04V386000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2003 Dodge Caravan steering noise
Is clunking or noise when steering a common problem on the 2003 Dodge Caravan?
5 of 195 owner complaints about the 2003 Dodge Caravan (3%) mention clunking or noise when steering. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Dodge Caravan?
There is 1 recall and 6 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Dodge Caravan
Headlights 10Stalling 10Grinding brakes 9Whining noise 7Fire or smoke 6Wipers 6
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