2011 Dodge Grand Caravan: steering wheel locks up

Filed May 23, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 130,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the water pump was replaced. The contact stated that several months later, while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where a power steering flush was performed; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic replaced the steering pump, which seemed to correct the failure. The contact then stated that the whining sound returned without warning. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the valves inside the engine connected to the fuel injector were defective and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that after the diagnostic tests, the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Jun 6, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

The TIPM failed which caused a loss of power to the vehicle and power to the fuel pump. I was driving at approximately 60 MPH when the vehicle lost all power and the steering wheel felt locked. I was unable to turn the steering wheel as the Dodge Grand Caravan came to a quick stop as if it was out of gas. Luckily I reacted quickly and was able to avoid an accident. After approximately 10 minutes of trying to restart the vehicle and drive to a safe location the vehicle restarted. This happened again when I was driving and came to a red light at a major intersection and the vehicle stalled out as if out of gas and the steering locked. I again tried to restart the vehicle intermittently for 15 minutes; after which it finally restarted, and I was able to drive and get out of the intersection without an accident. I was lucky that this didn't cause an accident. The other times the defective TIPM and power to the fuel pump caused the vehicle to fail to start and left me stranded. I have had the vehicle diagnosed and the TIPM repair price is quite expensive. The vehicle did not have any check engine or warning lights before this occurred. I have read many similar complaints of this occurring with others driving Dodge/Chrysler vehicles. I feel that there is evidence that the TIPM and the fuel pump on the 2011 Dodge Caravan are safety concerns. Every experienced mechanic I have spoken with is aware of the common issue with the TIPM, and power to the fuel pump and vehicle. Although I avoided an accident there is a concern for everyone's safety.

Filed Nov 15, 2019 · Electrical, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · IL

It started with my vehicle not starting intermittently. As the problem got worse at first we thought it may be the fuel pump. After extensive searching it was revealed to be a faulty tipm module that causes issues with the fuel system. I contacted dodge and they validated that they are aware of the problem. There has been recalls listed for most vehicles with this same module, however not for the dodge grand caravan, I do not understand why. The issue has now escalated. While driving in the pitch dark to work the vehicle started acting funny, then all power shut off, steering locked, fob locked in ignition, no lights, no blinkers, right in the middle of the road while driving. I had just dropped off my son so glad he wasn't with me. It seems the problem all goes back to the tipm which has been draining my battery and causing other electrical issues. This is a safety hazard. I contacted dodge and they refuse to do anything to help because my vehicle is "outside the warranty". I explained how this problem doesn't even start until approx. 70,000 miles(I'm currently at 60,000). Beyond that the warrant y was expired when I purchased it used from the dodge dealer 3 years ago. I've contacted dodge numerous times and no one of any stature will even talk to me since the caseworker called the case "closed" based on the warranty. I think this is immoral on the part of dodge being that this has been a persistent problem with theses modules that goes as far back as 2010, yet they continued to use it. I purchased this vehicle so my wife can move my child around safely, and am scared to even let her drive it. At the moment no one is driving it because it died on the road and smells like the electrical system was burning. I am currently looking for a way to fix this issue. The estimated cost of repair is around $2,000.00.

Filed Jan 9, 2019 · Body, Electrical · 126,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge grand caravan. While driving various speeds, both of the sliding doors on the driver and passenger side opened and the power steering seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2016 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 93,000 miles · PA

Well from the time I purchased the car I told the dealer about the ignition. The car speeding off while I'm driving in a regular street or highway. The warning lights doesn't warn . Enough is enough. Riding in the car in street yesterday once again the steering wheel locked in me in traffic and it shut down. No warning. So dangerous. There is no way there should be so many complaints about the same issues and they not have a recall and repairs .my alternator actually fried and we could have been killed along with my children!!!! I'm scared. Im paying $500.00 dollars a month for a vehicle that is sitting and I can't drive. Please give hello me to get justice.

Filed Oct 21, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 96,000 miles · CA

The vehicle of record has been spontaneously shutting off all day, it shut off 15 times in 1 parking lot, but the most dangerous aspect was when it shut off while I was doing the speed limit in a 50 and a 55 MPH zone. It will generally shut off randomly, but primarily at stop signs or backing out of parking spaces, but there have been 3 instances where it shut off at 40 MPH or higher in the last 8 hours, when these shut offs happen it takes 5-10 attempts to restart the car. When these instances happen the brakes and steering wheel lock up making it very difficult to stop and/or turn.