2001 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems

Filed Jan 15, 2012 · Steering · 120,000 miles · NC

In april of 2009 I noticed that the steering was tight at times. I checked the power steering fluid and when added, the steering was better. In cold months it was worst. In dec. 2009 I had the power steering pump replaced. It worked for about a year. Then in dec. 2010, I had the power steering pump flush. The mechanic said to warm up the car before driving. It worked in the summer months but not in the winter. In january 2012 the steering was really hard. I had a hard time backing up, turning either way or just driving at all. I got two different mechanics opinion and they said that the rack and pinion, steering rack, needed to be replaced. So, after changing the reservoir the rack and pinion still needed to be changed. The mechanic said they have changed a lot of rack and pinion in dodge/chrysler mini vans. They are not lasting the life of the vehicle.

Filed Jan 4, 2010 · Steering · 100,000 miles · MN

2001 dodge caravan power steering goes out in very cold weather. Flexible power steer pump hose bursts shortly after starting car in cold morning. Complete lossof steering 3 occasions jan 2009 2008 and 2010. Preceded with significant growling noises when turning the steering wheel prior to burst.

Filed Sep 23, 2009 · Body, Steering · 117,000 miles · FL

The front of the vehicle started shimmying and the steering wheel. At first, it started at about 55 MPH. Now it is doing it at lower and lower speeds. There are pages and pages of complaints with the same issue. It is also very hard to turn the steering wheel when going slow. There is a safety recall for the front suspension and lower control arm. Campaign no 01v152000 but the local dealership said my VIN number was not included. How can you continue to let them sell defective vehicles and not make them recall all affected vehicles? They said the same thing about my ram truck. There's a recall on it and they said my vehicle was not in the recall, but it has the same issue with the steering column and the air and heat going out. I wish I had read the number of complaints against them on your site and on all the other sites before I bought these lemons. You should also check out http://www.daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com/ that is just one of the websites detailing the number of deaths caused by dodge. I am going to make a complaint against them to the justice department also. Maybe if they investigate, you will finally do something about all these problems.

Filed Jul 13, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 56,238 miles · MN

I own a 2001 dodge caravan that I purchased from my father two months ago. Last night I noticed a rubbing sound when I turned corners. Looking at the front drivers side wheel, I noticed that the lower control arm came out of the bolt. After doing some research on recalls for the 2001 caravan I saw that there is a recall out to repair this problem. My father said he never received a recall notice and he has lived at his current residence for 30 years. My complaint is how are you suppose to know of a recall when you are not contacted by chrysler? The federal safety agency campaign id number is 01v152000.

Filed Apr 1, 2009 · Steering · 150,000 miles · GA

When it rains, I lose power steering capabilities. From my research, it seems that it is the serpentine belt. It also appears to happen to a lot of people.

Filed Dec 3, 2008 · Steering · 110,000 miles · ME

Luckily this occurred while stopped. Our steering wheel & key ignition were in a locked position. We were starting the car, and the key would not turn. We thought we just needed to nudge the wheel, but it did not nudge. Four different people tried to no avail. Finally brought into dealer - noted the cylinder ignition lock needed to be repaired. I have never had this occur on any other car, and seems very dangerous if this occurred while the car was moving !

Filed Jun 7, 2007 · Steering · 72,000 miles · OK

I have had an ongoing problem with my steering since late march inmy2001 dodge grand caravan sport minivan. When in reverse it is difficult to turn the wheel,when in drive on occasion it is difficult. I took the van to a local dodge service center and was told there is a problem with the power steering pump. It isnt putting out enough pressure,the fluid is contaminated and everything needs to be replaced. I called my extended warranty provider and they will not cover the costs due to the contamination in the lines. They said that is what caused the failure and dodge minivans from several years have had a recall due to this problem. But my year has not had a recall. I call the service dept where my vehicle is and they say the same thing once again...there is contamination in the line it could be pieces of faulty hoses but they dont really know what it is. There had been recalls on other vehicles for this reason, dodge minivans are known to have power steering issues but my specific vehicle has not had a recall. They ran the VIN to see if anything was l isted in recalls. I called chrysler customer service as I was directed to do to see if they can do anything to help. They took my name,info,etc and once again ran the vehicle VIN and said at this time they are choosing not to help with the repairs on this vehicle even though they know there have been recalls on other years with the same problems/symptoms I am having. They documented in the computer and stated should there be a recall they will contact me for possible reimbursement have a nice day. I was still angry and called back asking to talk to a supervisor and after 15 min of arguing with a customer service repover what she was reading about my case and with her telling me they do have the right to make this decision about no repairs with no supervisor stepping in she agreed to look to see if a supervisor was available. I never spoke to anyone.

Filed Jun 8, 2005 · Steering · 55,000 miles · NY

While driving 30 MPH consumer heard a loud noise coming from the rear and the vehicle jerked. Vehicle was taken to a body shop for inspection, and mechanic determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced.*ak *tt

Filed Dec 28, 2004 · Steering · KY

While turning the steering wheel, the vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the upper power steering cooler hose needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Steering · 75,000 miles · TX

While the vehicle was in a tire repair shop for a front end alignment. Mechanic informed the consumer that both front tie rods needed to be replaced. Dealer and the manufacturer were notified.