2003 Dodge Grand Caravan: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Jan 7, 2012 · Airbags · 173,000 miles · CO

Problem began with airbag light illuminating intermittently when turning left and steering column noise occurred at the same time. Currently airbag light stays illuminated, with periodic steering column noise. This appears to be the same symptoms that resulted in a clockspring recall on minivans aged 1998-2000. Called dealer and was quoted $250-300 to repair. Seems this is a safety issue still and should be covered at no charge. Have also submitted complaint to daimler/chrysler as well.

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 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 Nov 11, 2007 · Steering · 40,000 miles · MD

Van has been to the dealer 6 times for steering problem whining noise rack was replaced once and pump was replaced 3 times.

Filed Oct 22, 2006 · Steering · OH

Power steering was making a whining noise about a year after we got it, I took it into the dealer and they could not find a problem. After 4 visits back to the dealer they replaced the power steering rack 6 months later the noise is back. I know of 3 other people that have the same mini van and they all have experienced the same problem.

Filed Oct 5, 2006 · Steering · 50,000 miles · CA

I have a 2003 dodge grand caravan that was purchased in december of 2004. I noticed that the power steering was making a humming noise. Turning, and idling. I also noticed that it was sporadic and would go on for days and then one day would not make a sound. I have taken it to the dealer and they told me the power steering fluid was low. I checked it many times and it was fine. They told me that the power steering needed to be flushed and there should be no reason for power steering to be flushed. I am seriously concerned that something terrible is going to happen with this issue. I have an extended warranty and the dealer said that it is not anything that needs to be replaced. I don't feel good about this at all!!! We are about at 54,000 miles and this started happening about 8 months ago or so.

Filed Jul 7, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 12,100 miles · PA

Dt: beginning last year owner was having repeated problems with vehicle. About two weeks ago, there was a noise coming from front end, two or three people looked at it and couldn't find a problem. Then another dealership found the problem which was the bushings had not been greased, and all front end suspension bolts were loose. No recalls on the vehicle as far as owner knows. As owner was driving the vehicle for the last few months, there has been a cracking noise and a snapping noise that seemed to come from the front suspension. This problem happened everytime the vehicle was driven. There are no other problems, problem with front end seems to be fixed. Vehicle has been repaired 15 times in the last year. These repairs have had to do with steering and suspension noise. There have been bushings replaced, steering fluid replaced, and the transmission had to be replaced at 15,000 miles.

Filed Jun 29, 2004 · Steering · 34,000 miles · NY

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.