2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager: loss of power steering

Filed Mar 18, 2009 · Steering · 212,000 miles · TX

My 2000 chrysler grand voyager (3.0l engine) has repeated issue with losing its power steering belt in wet conditions (driving through puddles as shallow as 2 inches). This makes the vehicle become difficult to control. Since this happened to me twice in one week (and I had just had the system inspected and a new belt put on before it happened the 2nd time) I contacted several local dealers and asked if they were aware of and had a solution for this issue. One dealer told me "stay out of puddles." all the dealers I contacted said this was a "very common issue with the model" and that they did not have any fix for the issue. I searched online and discovered that a large number of vans from the late 90s share this design issue. I also found some aftermarket products that may fix the issue. I feel strongly that the manufacturer should find a solution and provide this solution at their dealers before this issue causes further breakdowns and accidents. It is likely that many accidents have already resulted from a loss of power steering related to this issue, but may not have been linked to this issue because: speeds tend to be lower in wet conditions - especially when going through puddles. If colliding with fixed object often driver wouldn't report it to avoid ticket & insurance premium hikes. Also, if the accident is reported they may blame the collision or belt wear as the cause for the steering loss.

Filed Feb 19, 2008 · Engine · 90,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 plymouth grand voyager. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle began to overheat and the power steering failed several times. The vehicle was pulled over and the serpentine belt had to be replaced each time. There were no recalls for this failure. The current mileage was 122,000 and failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 03/26/08. *lj the consumer stated he replaced the tensioner belt and the idler pulley.

Filed Oct 6, 2006 · Engine · 69,000 miles · MD

This 2000 plymouth grand voyager has repeated failure of power steering due to the serpentine belt slipping off (mainly during rainy days). On the first occasion, the shop replaced the belt and splash guard. The second time, the shop replaced the belt tensioner. The third time, the shop replaced the harmonic balancer pulley. The fourth time, the shop put the belt back on the van, but could not find anything else wrong with the belt or pulleys. Loss of power steering is dangerous! (besides, we did not get this car only for driving on sunny days.)

Filed Nov 8, 2003 · Engine · OH

My wife was driving our 2000 ply.grand voyager,she heard a loud noise,steering was extremely difficult for her.she got it parked.when I arrived I found the belt tensioner had fallen off,the mounting bolt had sheared off.upon that happening it broke the plastic power steering pulley.obviously this design and part are not up to standard.this part should be made better,3 years for a tensioner is not enough considering everything is run off of this belt,loss of power steering being a safety concern.

Filed May 2, 2001 · Suspension · IL · crash

Vehicle was traveling at approximately 5 MPH when loss of steering occurred. Consumer crashed into another vehicle. Upon examination, front lower control arm had cracked. A private mechanic has examined vehicle, and has yet to determine a cause for defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments.