Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge grand caravan. The contact noticed puddles of liquid on the garage floor where his vehicle was parked. When he took it for maintenance he discussed the issue with his local mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the steering box was leaking and performed the repair. Thirteen months later, the steering box began leaking for the second time. However, the dealership advised the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and he would be liable for the cost of the repair. The contact had the vehicle repaired at the time. The vehicle currently experiencing additional leaking, but has not been diagnosed. The original failure mileage was 17,000 and the second failure was in 6/2005 with a failure mileage of 24,000. The current failure was at 47,000.
2002 Dodge Grand Caravan steering complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 53, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the steering wheel has a tendency to lock while driving between 1 and 60 MPH. He stated that there was a u-joint at the end of the steering column that freezes and causes the steering wheel to lock. The failure occurs each time the vehicle is in motion. The dealer stated that this was the first time they heard of this defect and there were no recalls available. The failure mileage was 70,000 and current mileage was 80,000. Updated 02-25-08 *bf updtated
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge grand caravan. While driving between 10-20 MPH, the brakes squealed and made a grinding noise when applied. However, the vehicle still stopped normally. A police report was filed. The front brakes were replaced, the front rotors were cut, and the rear drums were cut and adjusted at 9,000, 22,000, 33,000, 45,000, and 61,000 miles. The dealer stated that the failure was caused by the brakes having a lot of weight on the front end. The failure mileage was 9,000 and current mileage was 67,000. The dealer stated power steering noise, vehicle revving on hills. Updated 11/14/07
My vans power steering started to whine and vibrate during the cold driving until it warmed up a year ago, called the local dealership and was informed that there was no recalls on the power steering for my van. Took the car in but by the time I had driven there it was not making any noise so now they are acting as if the sound is all in my head. Looked up recalls on your website and found that there had been a recall on the hoses but the dealership still says no recall. The noise is worse and so is the vibration I fear a failure but no one will fix what isn't heard. After reading several other complaints about the same this should be a recall.
We have chased power steering issues throughout the lifespan of my 2002 grand caravan sport. Noise , shaking and vibrating. Local dodge dealer replaced everything - pump, reservoir , lines , service bulletins and recalls. Even replaced the rack and pinion at 70,000 by the 6th trip in , they replaced the reservoir screen . Fixed all noise and issues . Now , at 110,00 miles ,the rack and pinion is leaking like a sieve and no one will address the issue that this part only has 35,00 miles on it and it was not the broken part in the first place .
The rack and pinion is leaking, causing the power steering fluid to leak on our 2002 dodge grand caravan sport. We had the rack and pinion replaced in fall of 2005 after having trouble with steering. Now in march of 2007 we are told by the service shop that it needs to be replaced again and that these vans tend to have this problem. Upon contacting chrysler they inform us that they will not help us replace this part because the van is no longer under warranty. The problem seems to start with a noise when we turn the wheel, eventually becoming very loud and hard to turn as the problem worsens.
Air bag light comes on randomly.airbag faulty . Dealer replaced them at cost $338.00. Should have been covered with only 44450 miles on 2002 dodge grand caravan. Very dissappointed with this vehicle,always in shop. Engine 4 times,tie rod ends, brake calipers ,air condition compressor locked up. Etc.
Replacement of both link sway eliminators and bushings and nuts all were loose and worn, this is the third time replaced.
Power steering fluid leaking on garage floor. Dealer said it was the power steering rack and that it needed to be replaced. Chyrsler agreed to pay for half of the repair. 18 months later the system is losing power steering fluid. The dealer is again saying that it is the power steering rack and that it needs replaced yet again. Chrysler will not assist in any way on the $1,100.00 repair.
Dt*: the contact stated while parked at a stop light white smoke came from the heating vent on the passenger side of the dash board. The smoke began to turn black and flames erupted from the dashboard vent. The contact pulled off of the road. The fire department extinguished the fire however, they could not determine the source of the fire. Prior to the incident, the contact smelled something similar to plastic burning. The contact reported the same smell intermittently three to four months prior to this incident. The dealership determined there was a hose leaking fluid and it was replaced. The contact does not recall the type of fluid leaking or the type of hose that was replaced. The smell continued however, the dealership could not determine the source of the smell. Updated on 05/30/2006.
2002 dodge grand caravan sport with 35,000 miles. Recalled twice for steering fluid hose replacements in 2004. After first hose was replaced, minivan started leaking power steering fluid. Received another recall notice for another steering hose replacement. Took it in to have that replaced, told them to look into the power steering fluid leak, they said they would. They fixed the recall hose, made not mention of leaking fluid. Fluid did not leak for several weeks, then started leaking again. Took it back in for 3rd recall (radio vent slots), as well as smoking engine and again mentioned leaking power steering fluid. Dealership said they'd look into it. Dealership conducted 27 point inspection on own will, did not find leaking power steering fluid (aug. 2005). Fluid has been leaking since then. Noise in power steering consistently audible, and increasingly louder at all times. Now, dealership says the rack and pinion are cracked and need replacing. Dealership says this is in no way related to power steering hose recalls or neglect to address power steering fluid leakage. Am taking minivan to independent technician for review of rack and pinion and opinion on next step.
Power steering was locking in cold weather during initial start up. First reported 4/05, dealer stated it was caused by problem with hoses which have a recall, recall performed, and vehicle returned. (not fixed), returned vehicle again a few days later, they verified problem still and replaced power steering pump *due to low pressure". I thought it was fixed. However, sine the problem only occurred in cold weather through the summer it was fine until early december again the problem was back but even worse, this time it was also happening while driving. Returned vehicle to dealer "of course it was now out of manufacture warranty", however dealer agreed to fix problem since it had prior history. They verified problem by service manager and mechanic the day I brought it in, however they were not able to duplicate the problem again. They had my van for 3 weeks, during this time they didn't know what they were going to do with it but were not going to give it back to the safety issue. I even tried to get chrysler involved and they never called me back even though I left several messages and was promised a call back. Finally the dealer decided to replace the front steering rack. I got it back, it was fine for 4 days and problem is still there. I called the dealer and they said they didn't know what to do, and would leave a message for the service manager who was handling my case. It has now been 4 days and no return call. Meantime im driving around and unsafe car, paying over $600.00 a month. Im very upset there isn't more that can be done against these companies putting lives at risk.
Power steering pump making load noises again. Had hoses replaced due to previous recall about a year ago.
Dt: the contact stated after having a the federal safety agency recall campaign 04v386000 repairs performed on the steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections there has been a shudder in the steering when attempting to make turns at low speeds. The vehicle has been to the dealer numerous times, and the dealer was unable to accurately diagnose the problem.
Power steering pump, rack and pinion seals, transmission soleniod pack. On dec 16, 2003 I took van in for brake problems. The dealer did a recall job on the power steering cooler hose. 1 week later the power steering started growling. I checked fluid and noticed the pump was dry. Apparently the dealer didn't top off the fluid. I filled resevior and drove but it still had a little growl in the power steering. I took the vehicle back into the same dealer on nov 19, 2004 for an oil change and another power steering hose recall and told them the story and to check out pump. They said the pump checked out ok but there was a little noise when making sharp turns but they weren't going to replace the pump. I told them I would bring back in colder weather because it was stiff to steer. I returned on 2/22/2005 because the pump was really growling and it was hard to steer. The dealer checked the pump said it was low but they did notice leaks from the rack n pinion and transmission soleniod pack. I asked them if this was due to the power steering pump and they said no. I explaind I purchsed the vehicle from them exactly 2 years ago and it was less than a year old and only had 20k on it. They said they can't warranty it but would fix it for $1600. I declined at this point.
Problem with steering for two years. The dealer has replaced lower power steering hose, power steering pump and rack and pinion. *bf the dealer also replaced the two upper power return hoses and install a longer power steering hose.
Power steering system is making extreme amounts of noise. There is a high probability of premature failure causing loss of vehicle control if it happens during a cornering maneuver. Dealer(s) acknowledge this is a defect on this model and get many complaints from customers. Manufacturer has been contacted and refuses to repair the defective components.
I have a dodge grand caravan 2003. It did ok for about six months after that it has been one problem after another. When I'm waiting to go on a road if I take my foot off brake it starts rolling backward fast. You have to hold the brake while pushing the gas to keep it from rolling back. It's steering has given me trouble, the gas gauge has caused problems, etc.... I have contacted dodge several times, but have gotten no help from them.
Premature failure of power steering pump on 2002 dodge grand caravan. Replaced upper power steering return hose. *bf the vehicle has been recalled twice for this problem. *nm the consumer experienced similar problems with the power steering hose prior to the first recall. Recall campaign id number : 04v386000 *tc
After receiving a recall for the upper power steering return hose, and calling the dealer. The consumer was told by the manager that they only had three parts in and they were only for vehicles that were inoperable. The consumer was told that they only serviced consumers that purchased their vehicles from them. The federal safety agency recall 04v386000.
While driving and steering vehicle wandered on its own. Consumer heard a loud noise was coming from the front. Drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the solenoid switch needed to be replaced inside of the steering column.
While driving at 35 MPH steering wheel felt loose and made a loud noise. Vehicle was taken to the dealership,who replaced the steering pump. Eight months later, dealership indicated the needede to replace the steering pump at consumer's expense.
While turning right or left the driver heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. *nm
Power steering failed.
I brought my dodge grand caravan for a recall repair on oct 2003. The item was repacing a defective line in the power steering system. After the repair my vehicle made a whinning sound and grumbling sound at very slow speed, stop and go, pulling out of a parking space. I am hearing impaired and as the noise got louder it concerned me to take it back to the deale. They said that the line to the hydraulic power steering was to short and to correct it required a longer line. They told me that a bullitin from dodge identified the problem but no recall was issued. If the power steering would have gone out during higher speeds injuries or a fatallity could occur. Loosing control at higher speeds is very dangerous. Dear walter: your recent email to daimlerchrysler motors corporation was received and reviewed by the customer assistance center regarding your grand caravan. Your concerns, particularly in view of the expense and inconvenience involved in this issue, are understandable. However, your request for consideration in this matter must be declined, because the vehicle in question has exceeded the time or mileage limitations of the manufacturer's warranty at the time the expense was incurred.
On 6/11/03 vehicle was making power steering noises & auto dr locks wouldn't lock at 15 MPH. Replaced power hose, hose clamp & oil trans. Informed I needed new brakes (22, 153 miles & didn't req that they do this when I arrived at shop). 7/2/03 took van in 'cause left rear (driver side) speaker caught on fire while at a gas pump. While at gas pump w/2 of our 4 kids in the car. Brakes that were just replaced prev month were squeaking as well as the steering again. (dealer-brakes squeak 'cause they are metal & there is air in the steering line). 9/23/03 van battery blew up when started. Replaced battery. 12/3/03 steering making noise during turns. Replaced both sway bars links. 12/29/03 steering is very tight & shuddering again & auto lock button on key chain won't work. Ordered new power steering rack & resevoir. Then on 1/6/04 tach spiked at 4k, vehicle lost power & engine light came on while on expressway w/my baby in the car. Determination was the transmission solenoid assy failure & replaced the same. This cost me $107 (would have cost more if I wasn't given an extended warranty for fire I had). 1/19/04 van was giving a burn smell from under the hood along with smoke. They found A/C compressor clutch shorting in coil. A/c compressor replaced & recharged. 2/5/04 vehicle taken for the last time for loud popping sound under the dr's ft area when turning left. All suspension parts tightened. Next visit is req'd by the fl lemon law to give them 1 more chance before paperwork can be filed. Done on 3/8/04 for steering noise when stopped & just turning wheel. Replaced pt that was replaced before: power steering pump resevoir. Paperwork filed for florida lemon law on 4/5/04,unsave vehicle & fear for safety of family.
Once vehicle was in park steering wheel did not lock. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. However, dealer did not resolve the problem.
The power steering hose ruptured and/or cracked resulting in loss of power steering and fluid. *ph
Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. She took vehicle to repair shop about 20 times because it was making noises and squeaking while driving. Mechanic could not resolve the problem. *ak the dealer replaced many components related to the front end noise. The air bag light was illuminated. The technician determined that there was an open circuit. The technician replaced the passenger side air bag. The driver's seat belt had internal damage which made it difficult to buckle and unbuckle the seat belt. The consumer stated that there was a noise coming from the left front wheel. The technician determined that the front pads were worn and the rotor were grooved. The technician replaced the front pads and resurfaced the rotors. The inner tie rod was loose and caused the steering to make noise. The technician replaced the gear assembly.
My 2002 dodge grand caravan steering system. The steering system makes a rubbing noise, binding, vibration, wandering and play in steering. I took it to stockton dodge in california. At first they promised to call me back when a recalled part came back but no call was made. The last time they told me dodge was investigating this and there is no known solution at this time. This is not acceptavble and has a very high chance of causing an accident. If they can't fix a clear problem which lowers the car's value, is dangerous and uncurable, they have a duty to refund the money paid under the lemon law.
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