Started the car and noticed a high pitched noise which increased when the wheel was turned and the car accelerated - the steering was stiff and the idle was really low. After letting the car warm up for about 1/2 hour the sound was gone, but the idle remained low. About a year ago something similar happend after startup - we had below freezing temperatures, and this time the car's steering would not move and the car would stall - it wasn't until about an hour of running time until the car's steering wheel was able to move.
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan steering complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 45 of 45, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While applying the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. 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 pump needed to be replaced and replaced it. *jb..numerous occasions consumer applied the accelerator pedal and the vehicle would go but would then hesitate, and almost quit running. After the pump was replaced, the problem still there. With trying to accelerate from a stop with cross traffic coming, and still distance away the vehicle will hesitate, and almost stop running. This could result very badly.
After making "clunking noises for approximately 25,000 miles my steering rack wore out at approximately 35,000 miles. The dealer replaced it under 100% warranty, and now my replacement rack ( a remanufacured unit) started making the same noises after approximately 4,000 miles. Hen the rack was replaced I was informed that I may incur the same problem with the replacement rack as chrysler was having a problem with their steering racks. I complained about the noise after I had exceeded the 3yr./36000 mile warranty. As I mistakenly thought I had a 12 mo./12,000 warranty on the replacement rack. The dealer informed me that the warranty had expired once I exceed the 3/36,000 guaranty and after speaking to chrysler customer service in detroit the dealer offered me a 50/50 guarantee...I am still in communication w/the dealer and am waiting to find out what their district mgr. Decided about a possible 100% eplacement. If this is happening to me and what I heard about this being a more widespread problem is true, I felt I should bring this to your attention. Please note that I am a former new york state licensed automotive damage adjuster/investigator.
I have had numerous problems with this vehicle, and after several attempts to fix the steering, and then having the timing chain replaced, the wheel bearing replaced and numerous other complaints, I don't feel the dealer or the manufacturer are listening to my concerns. I have contacted the better business bureau and a lemon law attorney, and have been told that chrysler has it's own mediation and arbitration. I don't think that this is fair, since in the last 7 months, my vehicle has been out of service 15 days.
I have had numerous problems with my 2003 dodge grand caravan, but my steering is unsafe. After over 5 attempts to correct the steering problem, and 2 near accidents, I feel chrysler has done nothing to address my concerns. If I wait until I do get into an accident before they take my concerns seriously, it will be to late.
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