2006 Dodge Grand Caravan: whining or grinding noise

Filed Feb 17, 2012 · Steering · 41,233 miles · KY

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.

Filed Mar 27, 2011 · Steering · 97,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jan 26, 2011 · Engine, Steering · 49,250 miles · IL

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.

Filed Dec 30, 2010 · Steering · 52,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Nov 17, 2009 · Steering · 45,120 miles · OH

My 2006 dodge grand caravan has developed a loud whining sound from under the hood at a cold start and continuing for several minutes. The noise is present when sitting still with the wheels straight but gets worse when the wheel is turned.

Filed May 14, 2009 · Steering · 49,628 miles · NY

I got up and went out to start the van and noticed a awful whining sound I took it to a garage and they told me that it was the rack and pinion I told them I just bought this van.they told me to take it back to the dealer and find out if there is a recall on it. He said this is a known problem for this van and the part is probably on back order. So my question is if it known for this problem why would a dealer sell me this van knowing I have a family of six. I did take it back to the dealer im still waiting for them to call me back and let me now what's going on. Sound like a big law suit waiting to happen if something isn't done and it causes a accident. What gets me is they sold this van to me with this existing problem. Van was bought in march 2009 mileage 49,628. They should have to start telling people about recalls or known problems on vehicles they are selling.

Filed Apr 28, 2009 · Transmission · 31,000 miles · PA

Whining noise when van starts in cold weather, gets louder as you accelerate.

Filed Mar 11, 2009 · Steering · 40,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle would make a whining sound, especially in colder temperatures, and distract the concentration of the driver. She stated that the noise was loud enough to cause a concern. The noise occurred every time the vehicle was driven and would intensify when making turns at various speeds. She has scheduled an appointment with the dealer, but has not notified the manufacturer. The current mileage was approximately 50,000 and failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Oct 11, 2008 · Steering · 24,500 miles · WI

I submitted this complaint to a local dealership that serviced my vehicle. I worry that there could be a major safety issue. I own a 2006 dodge grand caravan sxt. In the past year, I have brought it into dodge city of milwaukee for two service appointments, one in winter 2007 and another in spring 2008. During both visits, I complained of an persistent problem with the steering system. On sharp left turns, the van often makes a "pulsing" or "howling" sound. On both occasions, dodge city of milwaukee fixed something in the steering system, but the sound never went away. Earlier today, as I was pulling into the alley behind my house, the car's steering suddenly froze and the oil light came on. I am not sure of the reason for this, but if there had been any traffic, or if I was traveling at a high speed, this would have been a major safety hazard. I checked the oil, which was a bit low but still in the normal range (I also complained on both visits that the car loses oil quickly and was assured by dodge city of milwaukee that this is normal). I shut off the car, turned it on again, and it seemed to work normally. Since the steering was affected, I strongly suspect that this incident is somehow related to the problem that your technicians negligently failed to address. When I purchased a new dodge van in 2006 for my family of six, I never imagined that it would cause me to fear for our safety within two years. This is an entirely unacceptable situation. I believe that it is largely due to the failure of dodge city of milwaukee's service department to address problems that I repeatedly mentioned. I am copying my lawyer on this message, along with the wilde dodge salesman who originally sold me the car, and I also plan to inform the national chrysler customer service department. If the problem with this car is too obscure to identify, then I should be provided with a new vehicle that will not put my four small children at risk.

Filed May 20, 2008 · Steering · 31,100 miles · 00

Owner noticed whining noise when turning. Inspected power steering resevoir and noticed low reading. On next service date, dealer noted leak and stated that steering column was leaking. Scheduled replacement of steering column and tie-rods. Covered under warranty - 33,000 miles on 2006 grand caravan. Waiting for scheduled repair.

Filed Apr 15, 2008 · Steering · 37,000 miles · VA

Around 37,000 miles a whining noise started coming from the front on my 2006 dodge grand caravan. After just speaking to the dealership mechanic on the phone, he knew immediately what the problem was, the rack and pinion was leaking steering fluid. This issue has been common enough that the parts have been constantly on back order. After research online I have found many of the same complaint. How many complaints does it take?

Filed Mar 13, 2007 · Steering · 25,456 miles · SC

Loud whining noise coming from engine when cold. Had power steering pump replaced on 1st visit. One month later same problem, had alternator replaced. 3 weeks later same thing. Tech said there was an air bubble in the power steering line. The line was drained and fluid was replaced. Better not happen again!