Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled intermittently on multiple occasions. Additionally, the vehicle jerked violently and was extremely difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was unable to be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 8/14/14*cn updated 8/27/2014
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan steering complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 61, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the power steering hose was leaking. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic where the transmission hose was replaced on the power steering. The vehicle also had an oil leak and two clamps for the power steering line was replace however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage and current mileage was 63000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while parked, she noticed a leak from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the power steering fluid was leaking and the steering rack would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Vehicle quits while driving in the rain and loses ability to steer.
I purchased this car used in august, after reading reviews I discovered the rack and pinion was an issue on this van, so I asked the previous owner whether they had any issues and they replied they had just replaced the rack and pinion due too a severe power steering fluid leak. After hearing this I figured that meant problem solved. Unfortunately its now not even a month and a half later and am noticing a severe powersteering leak, my mechanic is telling me the rack and pinion has failed once again and needs replacement. Usually this part last the lifetime of any other vehicle. I am concerned and very displeased about this issue as it can be very dangerous for my family and I as well as other motorist on the road. I also suspect I am not the only one experiencing this repeatedly. Is there a recall im unaware of, what can I do? I was quoted between $700-800 for this job by three mechanics. Is this something dodge may be liable for?
I purchased this vehicle used in 2011 and about three months later I took into the dealer for an oil change and they said I need to change out my rack/pinion/steering since it had a small leak. Now I have a larger leak underneath the van wherever I park. I checked myself to see that the small plastic clamps have come loose and transmission fluid was leaking out. That did not fix it since it is now leaking in the front passenger side. Also I have a sunroof that leaks when we wash the van and when it rains, I have cleaned out the drains but the seal is worn down and I would have to purchase the entire assemble to fix the problem at $500 for the part does not include labor? I am happy with the vehicle other than the lemon part of the axle going bad.
This has occurred multiple times in the six months since I have owned this vehicle. Any time it rains, especially if my vehicle goes through a puddle, the power steering is greatly affected. The most recent time, the power steering was completely lost and I had to use all of my strength to maneuver the car into a safe location, out of traffic. The battery light came on and my car acted like it was going to stall. The belt squealed and then everything resumed... Until I hit another puddle. In the times this has happened before, it was not nearly as long of a loss of power steering, nor did the battery light come on; the belts squealing always signals that the steering has resumed. My mechanic is baffled and we are scared to drive our vehicle, specifically in the rain. From my research, this is a common occurrence.
I noticed a strange sound upon starting the engine and then when stopped at a traffic light it was a low whine. I also noticed upon leaving the van after driving a strong odor of something like oil on a hot engine. I waited a couple of weeks and finally took it to be checked out because none of the gauges were showing a problem and nothing else seemed wrong. I was told this was a rack and pinion problem and seemed to be common with this model. Instead of spending the $1,200 I was told the repair would be, I have been constantly checking the power steering fluid level and making sure it is full. Why, if this is a "common problem" (which seems to be true according to the internet) has this not been a recall? Other than this problem, I love the grand caravan. It just does not seem that at 41,000+ miles that this should have happened.
My 2006 grand caravan has had problems almost since I bought it in 2007 (it had 18,000 miles when I bought it). It now only has 68,000 miles on it. My drivers side electric door does not operate when it is warm outside (29,000 miles). The passenger side axle broke and had to be replaced (65,000 miles). When it rains my power steering goes out periodically (65,000 miles) . My engine light is on (haven't taken it in to check it yet) (66,000 miles) and now my airbag light is on (68,000 miles). Also I have replaced the battery and still have problems starting it. It clicks clicks clicks like a hundred times then eventually it starts.
While leaving a parking lot I felt a snap in the steering. Completed the trip while feeling heavy steering to the right. Steering seemed ok. Got home and tried the steering full left to full right and the steering locked in the left turn position. Thought the parking steering lock was the problem and while trying to move the shift lever it locked in the d2 position and after more jiggling the lever locked in the lo position. The motor was running all of this time.
In 2008, the rack/pinion/steering component had to be replaced on my 2006 dodge grand caravan. In 2011, the same component again had to be replaced. This also created a need to replace tires. The manufacturer warranty had expired.
On 6/27/11 the air bags deployed in our 2006 dodge grand caravan for no reason while the vehicle was being driven at about 25 MPH. The driver had minor injuries. Chrysler has refused to repair the vehicle at their cost and have given us a repair quote of about $4000.00. Chrysler told us that the airbag warning light was on for 250 driving hours before the incident, but that is completely false. They will not release the report to us. At this point, the vehicle has not yet been repaired. After the incident, we were told about a previous airbag recall on some 2006 grand caravans. After the incident, the 2008 grand caravans were also recalled for unexpected airbag deployment. Also the steering gear was leaking and had to be replaced. Also, the battery was replaced. Updated 10/25/11
Failure of steering gear box leaking powersteering fluid. Van is only 5 yrs old. Internet sites show this is a very common problem with these vans. One site states the parts are on back order, 9000 parts needed. Talked to the dealer and want to charge to fix it. This is a premature failure of the part and should be covered or recalled.
I recently purchased a 2006 dodge caravan sxt. One week later the rack and pinion needs replacement
I have a 2006 dodge grand caravan stx 3.8l van. The van has been making a loud whining noise over the past several months. The noise is prevalent when cold or warm and when turning. Thought this may be a power steering issue. Changed power steering fluid. Noise still persists. Tightened serpentine belt. Noise still persists. Took it to a mechanic. Mechanic said it was a rack and pinion issue. Is there a recall on this. Does anyone else have this issue.
After having my 06 dodge gc serviced at the local dealer for a catalytic converter at 72,000 miles, I was informed my rack and pinion was bad and need to be replaced for $1100. Just the response for this site alone leads me to believe this is a bigger problem and dodge should fix the problem.
2006 grand caravan rack & pinion went bad. This seems to be a problem with all chrysler vans.
Rack and pinion needs to be replaced on my van that has less than 60,000 miles. It is leaking power steering fluid.
For at least six months, I have heard a whining sound coming from my engine, normally after driving on the interstate for about fifteen miles. When I slow down, the whining lowers in pitch; when I accelerate, the pitch goes up. In recent weeks, the whining has gotten louder. I have had the car for under two years. It has handled well and has been regularly serviced. The dodge dealership, after spending seven hours, informed me that the steering fluid was low due to a leak and that the steering rack would have to be replaced at a cost of $1250 plus labor (it would be an all day job). They also indicated that I would soon need a serpentine belt, which would cost $125 plus labor. Upon researching on the internet, I have discovered that this problem has been common in 2006 grand caravan models but that dodge has chosen not to recall them. I have looked at pricing of the parts needed to do this and find the rack available for a tenth of the price this dealership (shelby motors in champaign, illinois) wanted to charge. I have also read numerous accounts of the successful remedies that were used instead, including replacing a faulty steering fluid reservoir. The power steering has not worked any differently that it did the first day I purchased the vehicle. The pitch is not affected by turning. I also read that these parts should not need replacing in a car with such low mileage. I have seen no evidence of any leak on my garage floor.
Power steering complaint for 2006 dodge grand caravan. There is a loud whining noise coming from power steering. Power steering fluid leaks and is constantly replaced. Previous repairs have included a replacement of power steering fluid, replacement of power steering fluid reservoir, and replacement of filter. The problem is fixed for an intermittent time after each repair and then returns. A search of common automobile forums for "2006 dodge grand caravan power steering defect" reveals numerous complaints about same problem. It is noted that the normal response from the manufacturer is to replace the entire rack and pinion set. This is happening on very low mileage vehicles. Most original complaints appear to occur on vehicles between 40,000 and 60,000 miles.
The rack and pinion on our 2006 dodge grand caravan failed (began to leak power steering fluid) before the van had reached 60,000 miles. There was no accident or crash and no one was hurt. This part was replaced soon after we noticed it had began to leak fluid. The warranty offered did not cover this part. With less than 60,000 miles on the van, this part should have lasted for almost the entire life of the vehicle. This part failed way too soon and should have had a much longer life.
2006 dodge grand caravan w/ 3/8 engine power steering leak... This is a common issue with the car... See this thread : http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f106de4/169 my car only has 16k miles on it... Steering should be fine... Never had a car have this happen...
We bought a 2006 dodge grand caravan with 10k miles in 2007. The van now has 31,000 miles and the power steering fluid started leaking. Mechanic said the rack and pinion steering needs to be replaced at a cost of $1,000! This van is driven 20 miles a day, to-and-from work. After doing some research, apparently many dodge caravan owners are experiencing this same problem on vans less than 5 years old. Considering most drive trains last the entire life of a car/van, this seems to be a manufacturer defect that should be covered under a recall by dodge.
Power steering on vehicle always makes a whinning noise. My neighbor has the same make and model and he says that the dealer said the power steering fluid reservoir is undersized for this vehicle. Is anyone else having this complaint about the power steering having noise and hard to turn? I bought this car used and it has always made this noise.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 dodge grand caravan. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly lost power steering. The contact drove the vehicle to an authorized dealership where the power steering gear pump, rack and pinion, power steering reservoir, high pressure line and the power steering belt were replaced. The failure mileage was 51,863. The current mileage was 51,868. Updated 08/17/10. *lj updated 08/23/10
Need to replace steering rack and steering reservoir at 65,000 miles. Vehicle had been making noises since 40,000 miles. Dealer stated needed transmission fluid change. Power steering fluid leaked under vehicle. Had purchased extended warranty, but, part is not covered. Total cost approx. $800.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 dodge grand caravan. While driving at any speed, the vehicle began making a noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced; it was replaced at that time. The contact sent the manufacturer a letter but received no correspondence at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The current mileage was approximately 50,000. Updated 5/20/2010 *cn updated 05/24/10.
Wife noticed about 5~6 months ago a humming noise when the engine is first fired from sitting overnite. A few days ago I drove van to work a 3 mile commute, drove fine, when leaving work for lunch I noticed a puddle of power steering fluid under the right side of racknpinion(rnp). In checking the fluid level it was down a little. Called dodge 800‑992‑1997 to report our '06 gc sxt with 21,200 miles, obtained case # and setup appointment with dealer to "diagnose problem" $48. Dealer stated rnp needed replacing for $1018. I checked with local o'reilly auto parts and could get rnp for under $300. Dodge called and said they would pay 40/60, them 40%, me 60%. I explained to rep that if vehicle had 60~85k miles I would understand this, but at less than 25k come on. They refused to take it up the chain and only offered the $400, since it was out of warranty. I explained in my research that I found numerous other folks that have had the same problem under the 50k mark. No luck what so ever. I explained to rep I could purchase part and replace it cheaper - why should I pay $600 (parts store warranty lifetime). Going to replace it myself and save $600. I feel dodge should step up to the plate since this is a manufacturing quality issue. I am tired of having fluid all over my concrete drive way. Thanks dodge, for nothing. I am surprised dodge does not express any interest in my safety being my steering could go out on my wife and children thus causing an emergency situation and placing them in grave danger with respect to life, limb or property damage. Shame, shame, shame.
I have been told by a dodge dealership that the following is wrong with my car and I need the following: - erg valve - water pump - power steering rack - rack & pinion even though the car runs fine and does not shakes or anything. After doing some research online I found at a website, www.edmunds.com, reviews from many other owners of also a 2006 dodge grand caravan to be having the same problems that I am having. Some of them have low mileage on their cars and others have high mileage. It is too much of a coincidence that so many people are having the same problems on their 2006 g. Caravan. Seems to me that there is a problem with the 2006 line and if this is the case is something dodge needs to fix and cover the repair costs and not the owners. Also the repairs total cost are too much money at this moment to afford.
I have a 2006 dodge grand caravan....in january 2010, I had a routine inspection of my car and was told the right inner tire rod was loose. When I took the car in on 2/24/10 for repair, I was then informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced as fluid was leading. My car has only a little over 62,000 miles on it. I noticed online that other owners have had problems with the rack and pinions on the dodge caravan, needing to be replaced at low mileage such as mine....some as low as 40,000.
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