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Dodge Grand Caravan steering noise problems

51 of the 13,443 owner complaints about the Dodge Grand Caravan describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2003 model year.

owner complaints
51
worst model year
2003
typical repair cost reported
$700
typical mileage
40,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 14, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · NJ

Driving at about15 m.p.h. I had trouble steering and noise was coming for under the hood, I pulled over and I look under the car it was leaking lots of oil. I had it towed to the dealer,the problem was a hole in the tubing on the racken pinen steering .if it was on a highway or on a faster road it would have been a very bad accident with oil leaking and could not steer the van. I was very very lucky.there was no warning light. I have a picture of the hole. I reported to chrysler. Consumer stated metal that was replaced rusted.

Filed May 5, 2015 · Locks, Steering · 124,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the entire door latching system failed and the steering wheel emitted a loud whining noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated the door latches needed to be reprogrammed and the power steering fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000. Updated 6/24/15*cn updated 10/12/2017

Filed Jul 24, 2013 · Wheels · 151,000 miles · VA

Both of the wheel bearings were completely worn out, causing grinding, harsh road noise, and clicking when turning. The bearings assembly have been reengineered by dodge but they are not issuing any recalls. Dodge is making you replace both hubs at the same time. Failure of the wheel bearing while driving on the interstate can cause the vehicle to have an accident.

Filed Nov 7, 2012 · Airbags · 111,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel a noise being emitted from the steering column and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000 and the current mileage was unavailable.

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 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 May 18, 2010 · Steering · 76,081 miles · MI

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.

Filed Jan 25, 2010 · Airbags · 74,000 miles · IN

My airbag light is constantly on and I suspect something is wrong with driver's side air bag in the steering as I feel that something may be wrong with the steering as well as I hear noises while turning. This is for my 2004 dodge grand caravan.

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 Dec 28, 2009 · Steering · 52,001 miles · CA

2005 dodge grand caravan 3.8 steering noisy and rack & pinion leaking. Had to replace steering rack and reservoir. $1000 and only had 50000 miles. Had it to dealer 2 times for steering noise under 3-36 warranty.

Related recalls

Steering: columnReported June 8, 2011 · 11,096 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.
Risk
A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 11V315000 · Recall details

Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connectionsReported August 5, 2004 · 681,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain minivans equipped with 3.3 or 3.8l v-6 engine, the upper power steering cooler hose may split and cause a fluid leak.
Risk
Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the upper power steering cooler hose. This recall began on september 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 04V386000 · Recall details

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported October 12, 2000 · 679,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with 2-spoke luxury wheels manufactured july 1992 through june 1993; or equipped with 4-spoke sport wheels manufactured from july 1992 through september 1993. The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
Risk
If the steering wheel separates from the center hub attachment to the steering column, loss of control can occur increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for cracks and any wheels with cracks will be replaced. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation in the event cracking occurs.

Recall number 00V305000 · Recall details

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported November 18, 1996 · 675,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
Risk
If the steering wheel separates from the center hub attachment to the steering column, loss of control can occur increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for armature cracks in the center hub attachment area. Any steering wheels showing cracks will be replaced. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation in the event cracking occurs.

Recall number 96V229000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Grand Caravan steering noise

Which Dodge Grand Caravan years have clunking or noise when steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2003 (9 complaints), 1996 (8 complaints) and 2002 (7 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix clunking or noise when steering on the Dodge Grand Caravan?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $700 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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