1996 Dodge Grand Caravan: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Aug 20, 2002 · Airbags · VA

The airbag-indicator light started lighting up intermittently, at first, but now stays lit all the time. I soon discovered that the horn, another safety feature, is also disabled/nonfunctional, as is the cruise control. These three features, two of them being important safety features (airbag and horn) , are all apparently wired together into one circuit. I took my van to a mechanic who checked fuses= ok; problem is "airbag clockspring." he contacted 3 other mechanics and a dodge dealer, and all said they were familiar with this problem with dodge caravan, and the problem is with the airbag clockspring. The mechanic explained the clockspring needs to be reset, but he and other mechanics won't attempt to fix, as they're worried about deploying airbag. The 2 dealers said the airbag may deploy on its own, or not deploy at all -- and that repair involves replacing the airbag clockspring. I'm upset and want chrysler to pay for this repair -- this is not a maintenance item/issue -- this is a safety issue -- when the airbag light comes on, indicating failure (clockspring), the horn also is disabled. You cannot pass inspection w/out the horn working. I'm afraid airbag will deploy accidentally while I'm driving. I cannot afford this repair -- est. $95/clockspring + $200/labor = $300 or more! The mechanic knew of at least 1 other person who had exact same problem with caravan; also, the two dodge dealers in my area also stated they very familiar with this problem occuring in the dodge caravan! Many of these failures are occurring, & most people are not reporting them!! In addition, mechanic said horn could be rewired to bypass the airbag/cruise con. Circuit, for ~ $50 -- but still have to worry about airbag deploying at wrong time/not at all + still have no cruise control. Also in steering, there's a loud whiney noise when steering wheel is turned;other times loss of power steering=difficulttosteer! +serpentinebelt broke off at ~32,000 mi!$700torepair!!

Filed Dec 28, 2000 · Steering · TX

On freeway, heard clunk, wam...power steering died, about lost control as steering went manual. Tow guy said these fail alot. When will the federal safety agency recall these things...? When some one dies...?

Filed Sep 19, 2000 · Steering · VA

While driving at any speed, there was a clicking and popping sound in the steering column. Van was taken to the dealership the third time for this problem. First time a new spring was put inside steering column. Second time steering column was replaced. Finally, rack and pinion was replaced about three weeks ago. Please provide any further information.

Filed May 9, 2000 · Body, Brakes · OH

Automatic lock motor doesn't shut off right away when opened from keyless remote or during autolock when driving, struts are leaking oil at less than 50000 miles, windshield wipers lock up during cold weather, transmission slips out of gear during cold weather, front brakes vibrate and chatter: pads and rotors have been replaced twice in the last 6 months, grinding noise from steering column, whinning noise during accelleration. Are there any recalls regarding these issues. The car is falling apart after 4 years.

Filed Mar 20, 2000 · Steering · TN

Steering tends to hang,rattle & grinding noise,hard turning left or right.dealer checked all suspension,said steering box was bad.I know the vechile has a lot of milage but I have never had a gear box go bad under normal driving conditions.the steering has tried to lock up several times(felt a catch in the wheel) but released pressure then was ok.had dealer check for problem. Could not duplicate.would cost $500.00 to replace steering box.

Filed Aug 21, 1998 · Transmission · MI

Poor quality of repair at outstate dealership. Southern dealership had not been this type of failure. When arriving back in homestaed (michigan) dealer van was purchased thru stated common occurance and has seen the failure before. Has to take van back for more repairs as flex-plate shipped with rebuilt transmission was not installed with replacement transmission. Vehicle developed imbalance when placed in park so severe steering wheel shook. Also developed cluncking noise when started or engine shut off. Still at colonial dodge inc. (810‑778‑1800 being diagnosed.

Filed Apr 17, 1997 · Body, Steering · CA

Steering gear failed, causing loud noise during low speed and tight turns.

Filed Dec 12, 1996 · Brakes, Steering · MD

Noisy rear brakes; also steering column makes clunking noise when turning wheel.