1996 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems

Filed Apr 8, 2011 · Engine, Steering · 187,090 miles · PA

Wife was driving 96 grand caravan le to college in the rain. When she arrived in the parking lot steering became impossible to turn so she pulled it straight into parking spot. Looked underneath and saw belt had come off. This happened once before but car was parked in driveway at home. As she started to reverse out of driveway steering became tough and car would not move. It was also raining at this time. This happened early january 2011. Around march 2010, again while it was raining, as my wife approached a stop sign the car began to become unresponsive and she had to guide it to the side. Since it was blocking the road police did come by and help push if off the road until the tow truck came to take it to the garage. New belt, idler pulley and tensioner was installed by mechanic. The most recent incident (april 2011) pulley and tensioner was replaced. Don't know if it will solve the problem. Luckily the speed was slow in all instances and no injury or damage was done...yet.

Filed Dec 22, 2010 · Engine, Steering · CA

I have a 1996 dodge grand caravan le 3.8. In the last 2 months the serpentine belt slipped off 2 times when it is raining outside or the van goes through a puddle of water. I have almost been killed twice. I have read that other dodge owners have also had this problem. The wheel cannot be controlled when this happens, and my wife is scared to drive this car now. I think that dodge has some explaining to do as they have been made aware of this defect, and are not taking any responsibility for this repeated serious safety fault.

Filed Aug 31, 2010 · Steering · 90,000 miles · WI

1996 dodge grand caravan - lifetime lubricated tierod end separated resulting in a loss of steering - the rubber seal deteriorated the grease was gone and the ball joint corroded to the point it fell apart - wife was parking the van at the time - could have been much worse she was 150 miles from home at the time less than a month later I saw another dodge caravan broke down on a highway right front tire not facing as it should - I suspect another tie rod end failure - now I know these bearings can be manufactured so they can not separate - aircraft rod end bearings come to mind - isn't a loss of steering a good enough reason to make a part so it cant fail?

Filed Aug 13, 2008 · Body, Steering · 154,000 miles · OH

Strut tower, driver's side is extremely rusted - a hard bump will certainly push the suspension spring assembly through the top causing loss of vehicle control.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Steering, Visibility · 85,000 miles · MI

The serpentine belt that runs the car jumped off track the first monday in october when it was raining. I first noticed my power steering went out. Then a few minutes later it over heated. So when I got under the hood to find out what the problem was, it was the belt it was not broken just off track. Had it fixed. The same thing happened again on october 25, 2003 some 3-4 weeks later. Again it was raining. The person who fixed it the 2nd time states that every time it rains and if I get water in my undercarraige it is going to pop off. This is very discouraging, I am the single mother of four young girls and I should not be afraid to drive my van when it is raining. Can someone please make some sense out of this for me.

Filed Nov 6, 2003 · Steering · 67,000 miles · VT

While driving consumer heard a noise coming from the rack and pinion. Also, there was vibration in the steering wheel when driving over a minor bumps.

Filed Aug 15, 2003 · Steering · 89,000 miles · LA

Consumer stated backing out of the driveway, there was a clunking noise, and the steering wheel became very hard to steer. *ak consumer experienced the same problem with their 1991 dodge grand caravan - tensioner pulley. *ph

Filed Jul 21, 2003 · Engine, Steering · 98,100 miles · MI

Camshaft on 1996 dodge grand caravan failed (broke into two pieces) while driving down the ohio turnpike with family (two young children) in the van - failure of all power assist and foward motion (other than coasting) was immediate. The vehicle was in the middle lane at the time and if the road had been busier the potential exisited for a major accident and possible injury/death. The vehicle had approximately 98,100 miles on it at the time (3.3l engine). This failure may be related to chrysler tsb 09-008-01 which discusses camshaft failure with camshaft bearing wear. I would like to see daimler/chrysler "step up to the plate" on the potentially dangerous situation and correct the problem prior to the failure occuring. I will be contacting d/c to pursue reimbursement for the new engine as an event like this should not occur.

Filed Oct 15, 2002 · Acceleration, Airbags · NJ

Mr

Filed Aug 21, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · FL

Air conditionercondenser/driver side window regulator/tie rod, transmission shift cable, and o2 sensor were replaced. Also, there was a noise coming from front of vehicle, and from the exhaust area. Engine check light appeared. In addition, serpentine belt and water pump were replaced. *jb.