2003 Dodge Grand Caravan: loss of power steering

Filed Aug 21, 2012 · Electrical · 119,282 miles · AZ

We were driving down the freeway going 75mph and everything died. No power steering, no power brakes! Luckily we were in the far right lane and were able to barley able to make it of the side of the road without being hit or hitting anyone. In 110 degree weather, we sat with our 4 small children waiting for a tow truck. And then for someone to pick us up. We don't' even know how the tow truck was able to get the vehicle without getting hit, it was that close to the side of the road. Nothing started and after 3 shops, finally found it was the computer, took the part out and its messed up and we were told not only by all 3 shops, but by all the parts places that its common in this make and model. That is unacceptable! My kids not only are afraid to get in the car, but I have had to start taking something for anxiety, I am so afraid to drive any car now, afraid of that happening again. It was terrifying going that speed and losing all power and control over the vehicle. It should not have happened.

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 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 Oct 6, 2008 · Steering · 17,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge grand caravan. In rainy weather conditions, the vehicle would sporadically lose power steering ability. The risk of a crash or serious injury were increased. The contact has taken her vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions, but they could not identify the cause of the failures. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. As of october 6, 2008, the vehicle has not been properly repaired. The failure mileage was 17,000 and current mileage was 65,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2008 · Steering · 90,000 miles · MO

The rack and pinion steering is leaking on my 2003 dodge grand caravan. This issue could cause the seals to blow out and lose power steering causing an accident. This will be the second rack I have had to replace one at 58,000 and now at 91,000.

Filed Nov 22, 2004 · Steering · MA

The power steering hose failed. The power steering leaked and replaced under recall 037. *bf the vehicle began smoking and had no power steering. The power steering hose blew off the rack clamp was not installed properly. Shortly thereafter, the garage was smoke-filled and a pool of fluid was on the floor. The remote was inoperative.

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Steering · MA

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.