2006 Dodge Caravan steering problems

Filed May 19, 2013 · Brakes, Engine · 60,000 miles · FL

The van silently stalls. So far it has only happened at low speeds. When this happens it becomes very hard to steer and brake. The first incident was during a u-turn with my 2yr old child and wife in the car. We ended up having to make use of the wheel chair ramp on the side walk. Mechanics have been unable to diagnose and unable to fix and this is still a problem.

Filed May 14, 2013 · Brakes, Engine · SC

After refueling the engine cut off and lost all power in the van while turning into a parking lot. This happens consistantly after refueling. The van will begin to shake then cut off completely. I am able to restart it again and gain full power. Resently, it cuts off after refueling and in the rain.

Filed Jun 15, 2012 · Engine, Steering · 98,000 miles · FL

While driving, the engine just suddenly died, stopped working leaving a 1.7 ton vehicle with no steering or brakes, it was a miracle I rolled to a stop and did not caused an accident it happened a few more times, this vehicle is a ticking time bomb, we need to file a class action lawsuit against dodge-chrysler, records show this happened to a lot of people quite a few times.

Filed Jun 7, 2012 · Steering · 140,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge caravan. The contact stated that a loud noise emitted from the vehicle upon starting and power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure continued. The manufacture was contacted and they stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle and the warranty was expired. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 148,000.

Filed Jan 5, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 50,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge caravan. The contact stated that whenever it rained and the contact made an attempt to turn the steering wheel, the vehicle would resist and it became stuck on the highway. The warning lights also illuminated on the instrument panel. A local mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 69,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jan 2, 2012 · Steering · 21,588 miles · WI

I have a 2006 dodge caravan which has been modified into a braun entervan since I am a quadriplegic. In december of 2010, at about 21,500 miles the power steering started squealing. The power steering fluid was low, so we added some. After another 100 miles, the squealing noise returned, the fluid was low again, so I knew that there was a problem. It was taken in for service and an investigation of the power steering system revealed that the power steering fluid was leaking from the steering gear/rack n pinion unit. Although the vehicle had low mileage, it was more than three years old, so the warranty was expired. I had no recourse except to have them remove and replace the steering rack n pinion assembly at a cost of $870.00 to me. The service technician told me that there was no way that this system should have failed at this low of mileage and urged me to file a complaint. A year previous, I had to replace the control panel for the electric side door and wheelchair ramp at a cost of $600.00 to me since the van was five months past the warranty. Because it dealt with a modification to accommodate a wheelchair, I assumed that dodge would not stand behind it, and didn't file a complaint then. Since I am on social security disability income, these expenses have put a big financial strain on me. With expensive failures like this occurring at this low of mileage, I'm dreading what more may happen.

Filed Aug 3, 2011 · Steering · 70,000 miles · 00

I have 2006 dodge caravan with about 70000 kms. Just found out that there's leak in rack o pinion which leaks out the power steering fluid and its going to cost about $900 to fix it. Don't understand why there's been no recall yet even though there has been thousands of complaints about it and seems like a known issue to manufacturer.

Filed Jun 3, 2011 · Steering · 87,000 miles · ND

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge caravan. The contact stated that there was a recurring failure in which the vehicle would jerk violently without warning. The power steering unit was replaced a total of four times and most recently, the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who advised that the power steering column would need replacing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance stating that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 87,000 and the current mileage was 150,000.

Filed May 26, 2011 · Steering, Transmission · 61,000 miles · PA

My 2006 dodge caravan was making a noise when turning so when I got home checked power steering fluid and it was low. When checked the next day it was low again. So had it checked out at a garage and it was leaking from the rack and pinion. So it now needs replaced. Only have 61,000 miles on the car and have noticed it seems to be a constant problem on theses cars. Called a dealership about a recall and was told there is none and there never will be one. Can't afford to replace parts just yet so ijust keep adding fluid till I can get work done. But am very disappointed with dodge knowing there is a problem with this and not seeming to care about it at all.

Filed May 17, 2011 · Airbags, Steering · 95,000 miles · SC

I bought a 2006 dodge caravan in 2009. It had 20,000 at that time. Shortly after purchase we drove the van approximately 100 miles. It began making roaring noises so I pulled over and stopped. After sitting for about 20 minutes, I started the car again and there was no noise. Every time I traveled for over 45 minutes, this would happen. I took the car to be looked at several times but no one could find a problem. Finally in january of this year the car started making this noise all of the time and my son-in-law, who is a mechanic, said that it needed power steering fluid. That fixed the problem for awhile. In march, I took my car in and was told that the rack and pinion needs to be replaced! Very expensive! The car is now only making noise when I go through standing water. Also, the airbag warning light illuminates at intervals. It seems that a lot of people are having these same complaints. I think that dodge needs to do some recalls and some repairs!