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2003 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems

45 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 40,000.

owner complaints
45
of this car's complaints
21%
typical mileage
40,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Rack and pinion
    6
  • Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
    6
  • Hydraulic power assist system
    5
  • Hydraulic power assist: pump
    3
  • Linkages: tie rod assembly
    2
  • Rack and pinion: pinion shaft
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems in other years

1991199520002005201020152020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Steering noise 9Power steering loss 7

Related recalls

Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connectionsReported August 5, 2004 · 681,000 vehicles affected
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

What 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 10, 2024 · Steering · 329,281 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning, the vehicle made an abnormal growling sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the vehicle had been repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 04V386000 (Steering) in 2004. The failure mileage was approximately 329,281.

Filed Nov 18, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 238,958 miles · SC

There are two problems that are very serious. First, in 2017 as I was exiting the interstate, I drove through a puddle. As I attempted to turn left onto the road, my steering wheel locked and it was only with extreme force and slamming on the brakes that I kept from running through the guardrail, and dropping down to the interstate below. I was unable to make the turn and stopped on the overpass until my steering wheel unlocked. Yes, my engineer husband keeps up with all of our regular maintenance, including the belts. Next, with an unusually heavy rain this past week, my battery light came on. After parking for an hour, my steering wheel would not turn when I attempted go again. I restarted the car five times before the steering unlocked. All week, during that heavy rain, the steering locked regularly. These problems are all over the web. Women and children everywhere are in danger of dying from something that should have been recalled years ago. Why is there no recall for this problem? If you are refusing to do anything about this, then you are eligible for being sued along with chrysler, for allowing this to continue uncorrected.

Filed Jun 16, 2010 · Steering · 71,000 miles · NC

I am the victim of a fraudulent close out of a factory recall. I have been trying to get chrysler to fix one of their own recalls on a 2003 dodge grand caravan. I took the car to three dealerships to try to get satisfaction. Two of those have since gone out of business. The third refuses to help in any way. My complaint is that some dealership has already closed out the ticket for fixing the power steering return hose on my 2003 dodge grand caravan. The car was never fixed: it still has the factory hose. Finally I took the car to an independent garage where a former chrysler technician worked who was familiar with the problem.. He said that not only had the recall never been done, but the design was faulty. The power steering return hose is so short that the synthetic atf that is used as power steering fluid foams up causing problems with belching out fluid, power steering failure, pump failure and eventually rack and pinion failure. I told him not to touch the power steering because the recall was never performed. He agreed that the repair had never been done and estimated the repair cost at $800.00 to put a new rack and pinion and to repair the faulty design per the chrysler technical service bulletin. My problem now is the pump has gone bad too which will add another $500.00 to the price. My dodge grand caravan VIN is [xxx]. Can you please help me? My phone number is [xxx]. The phone at the dealership that refuses to help is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 7, 2010 · Steering · 80,000 miles · NE

Power steering in 2003 dodge grand caravan is failing for the third year in a row. I have twice replaced the power steering pump. It fails during winter months.

Filed Jan 19, 2010 · Steering · 60,000 miles · TX

This model has steering issues. With only 60k miles I have had to replace the rack and pinion 2 separate times already and now the power steering pump is going out.

Filed Jan 15, 2010 · Steering · 39,000 miles · PA

I own a 2003 grand caravan currently with 43,000 miles on it. At a little less than 40,000 miles the power steering pump starting making a horrible noise, didn't matter if you were turning the wheel or not; more often on a rainy or cold morning, now its all the time. I contacted dodge since I have an extended service plan, to no avail. I have no coverage on the power steering pump or rack and pinion, but im covered on things that my husband could do in the backyard. What a story I was fed, when I bought this $900 coverage. I was told to go to a certified service center and pay $65 for a diagnostic test, ummm it doesn't require a diagnostic test, it requires 30 seconds of listening. Then and only then would they consider possibly helping me with this repair. When I bought the service plan, I was told $100 deductible for all repairs, end of story. I cannot believe that a vehicle with mileage could have an issue like this already. Dodge does not want to help!!!!

Filed Jul 1, 2009 · Steering · 28,000 miles · TX

Power steering makes terrible whining noise and steering wheel shudders and is hard to turn - worse in colder temperatures. Problem started when van had less than 30k, it now has 58k miles. Van has ext. Warranty through dodge covering even seals & gaskets, but since dealer calls this a "nuisance" problem - it's not warranty. We are very, very frustrated with dodge.

Filed Apr 18, 2009 · Steering · 72,422 miles · OH

The 2203 grand caravan has had a recall on the upper power steering hose and was serviced. A recurring noise started. Under a extended warranty the power steering pump has been replaced twice and the rack once. 6 months after the last service the noise came back and lower power steering hose into the cooler blew off while driving causing sudden loss of power steering. (no crash) replaced hoses with better clamps and back flushed power steering reservoir. Internet sources have indicated a filter screen in the power steering reservoir. Could this be causing the large listing of same problems on the internet?

Filed Jan 15, 2009 · Steering · 40,000 miles · IL

About six months ago, my wife's van has been making a whining sound from the steering pump. The noise intensifies once the steering wheel is being turned. I was told that the steering pump may have to be replaced. Eventhough this van is 6 years old, it was in storage for 3 years. The car was operated once a month in storage. This shouldn't be happening.

Filed Dec 13, 2008 · Steering · 175,000 miles · TN

Power steering fails on 2003 dodge grand caravan on mornings when it rains. Huge safety risk since vehicle cannot be turned without extreme manual effort...impossible for my wife! Dealership says rack and pinion is bad and needs replacing ($1400). Internet says this is very common in these vehicles from 2002-2006! Why has it not been recalled for a safety retrofit?

Questions about the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan steering

Does the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan have steering problems?

Owners have filed 45 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, 21% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 40,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V386000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Grand Caravan have bad steering?

The Dodge Grand Caravan model years with the most steering complaints are 2005 (76 complaints), 1996 (74 complaints) and 2010 (64 complaints).

Other 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

Electrical 32Transmission 28Airbags 24Brakes 17Engine 17Lights 17Seat belts 15Body 14Visibility 13Fuel system 10Locks 10Acceleration 7Tires 7Suspension 4Seats 3Wheels 2Driver assistance 1

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