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.
Dodge Caravan steering noise problems
36 of the 10,018 owner complaints about the Dodge Caravan describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 36
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical mileage
- 35,000
By model year
Often reported together
Knocking 4Airbag light 3Whining noise 2Steering lock-up 2Loss of power 2Door locks 2Brake failure 2No deployment 2
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge caravan sport. While attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly locked and causing the steering wheel to make a popping noise. The steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to use excessive force to move the steering wheel. Suddenly, the steering wheel did a hard release and returned to normal. The hard release caused the contact to receive injuries to the hand, wrist, and arm. Medical attention was needed. The failure recurred. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the there was no recall for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge caravan. While driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. While steering to the left, the noise decreased and, while steering to the right, the noise increased. When the brake pedal was depressed, the noise stopped. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was undetermined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact stated while turning on the vehicle, a clicking noise was in the steering area. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer eight times. The clock spring was replaced and the steering was lubricated but that did not remedy the issue. The contact stated that the noise made it appear unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 42,000.
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.
Power steering noise.
2004 dodge caravan sxt. ' whine' noise and high frequency vibration in the steering wheel. Noise is most noticeable in cold weather and when wheel is turned right or left. Vehicle has 54 thousand miles now. Dealer did a factory bulletin on this issue at about 30 thousand, did not fix problem and resulted in the smell of fluid/chemical in the passenger compartment that was very slow to go away. Disgusting !
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.
Purchased used 2006 dodge grand caravan may 2007, approx 20k miles; after driving an 2-3 hours highway speeds, medium pitch "growling" noise would come from engine area, pitch would go higher with steering; once car stopped for 15-30 minutes no noise heard, but return again after 1 hour of constant highway driving; under warranty dealer changed rack in rack & pinion steering; noise subsided. 6 months later, noise returned and persists, car out of warranty @ 70k+ miles.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. While driving over a bump at 15 MPH or turning the steering wheel, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the front driver's side. An auto shop repaired the idler arm during a test drive, but the noise still remained. A mechanic lifted the hood of the vehicle and discovered that the struts were rusted. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. She took the vehicle to another shop and received the same diagnosis. They stated that the failure was due to a manufacturer defect. The contact called chrysler and was informed that nothing could be done because the state she lives in uses salt on their highways. The vehicle is currently parked and has not been repaired. The dealer information and failure mileage were unknown. The current mileage was 72,600. Updated 04/16/08 *bf updated 04/16/08
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 noise
Which Dodge Caravan years have clunking or noise when steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (7 complaints), 2003 (5 complaints) and 1993 (3 complaints).
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