Tl* the contact owned a 2005 dodge caravan. While driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized and caused the contact to crash into a guardrail. There were no injuries. The airs bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed by an independent towing company to a salvage lot where it was deemed destroyed. Blevins seaway motors (98 center st, massena, ny 13662, (315) 764-0283) was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Dodge Caravan steering lock-up problems
39 of the 10,018 owner complaints about the Dodge Caravan describe steering wheel locks up, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 39
- worst model year
- 1996
- typical mileage
- 112,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 6Brake failure 4Loss of power 3Steering noise 2Stalling 2Airbag light 2Jerking 1Headlights 1
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the power steering seized for the third time. After the previous failures, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the serpentine belt slipped off and needed to be replaced. After the recent failure, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
While driving on a dry road, the light on the dash board went on to indicate the car was sliding... The steering wheel locked up, I had no brakes, I had to glide to a stop. This happened 4 times in one day. I was able to glide to a stop, shut the van off, restart it only for it to happen again. I took it to my mechanic who stated it was a computer chip issue and that I would have to go to a dealer to get it fixed for approx $1,800.00. I could've seriously injured and/or killed myself and those around me.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge caravan. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle lost acceleration, the contact coasted to the side of the road, waited a few minutes, and attempted to start the engine. The engine failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. While driving various speeds, the power steering seized without warning. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired several times, but the failure was persistent. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I purchased my vehicle in the fall of 2013 and am starting to come to the conclusion that every time I fill my gas tank up my vehicle shuts off! Today I filled up my gas tank. My children were in the back seat and when I pulled out into the highway the van shut off and the steering wheel locked up! I had no control over the vehicle. This seems to be a common problem with these vans and something needs to be done before someone gets hurt! I can't fill my gas tank up because of this issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering seized without warning and the vehicle struck a curb. The engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v373000 (electrical system). However, the parts needed for the repairs were unavailable. The manufacturer had not been notified. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000. Updated 12/30/14*lj the consumer stated the key would constantly get stuck in the igntion causing the battery to drain. Updated 05/27/2015
While driving (not in idle or stopped) all of the safety lights on the dash board turn on and about 10 seconds later the car shuts off and the power steering locks. The vehicle can be switched to park and will start up again. This has happened at least five times already. I have taken the van to the dealership twice and they are unable to find anything wrong. Twice this has happened while in traffic luckily no one has rear ended me.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 10 MPH in rainy weather conditions, the steering wheel locked and would not steer to the left or right and then it the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that the serpentine belt came off. The belt was put replaced and the contact was informed this was a known failure for his year, make and model vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 150,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds in wet conditions, the battery light illuminated and the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was towed to multiple independent repair shops, who determined the serpentine belt slipped off and the belt was replaced. There had been no inspections into what caused the serpentine belt to slip off.
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
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with 2-spoke luxury wheels manufactured july 1992 through june 1993; or equipped with 4-spoke sport wheels manufactured from july 1992 through september 1993. The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
- Risk
- If the steering wheel separates from the center hub attachment to the steering column, loss of control can occur increasing the risk of an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for cracks and any wheels with cracks will be replaced. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation in the event cracking occurs.
Recall number 00V305000 · Recall details
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
- Risk
- If the steering wheel separates from the center hub attachment to the steering column, loss of control can occur increasing the risk of an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for armature cracks in the center hub attachment area. Any steering wheels showing cracks will be replaced. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation in the event cracking occurs.
Recall number 96V229000 · Recall details
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- The zinc plating operation performed on the upper steering column shaft coupling bolt caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage of the bolt.
- Risk
- Fractures of the upper steering column shaft couplingbolt result in a lack of coupling load on the shaft and loss of steeringcontrol.
- Remedy
- Replace the zinc plated bolt with a phosphate plated bolt.
Recall number 92V015000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Caravan steering lock-up
Which Dodge Caravan years have steering wheel locks up problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (5 complaints), 2000 (5 complaints) and 1993 (3 complaints).
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