I purchased my certified pre-owned vehicle in Jan. 2002 & as early as Nov. 2002 I began reporting a steering noise to my dealer when bringing the car in for the routine checks and oil changes. I was assured the problem was either normal or they could not get the vehicle to do what I was describing. I described on more than one occasion to the service department that when the vehicle was cold & I reversed I had difficulty steering it. The steering would lock up. I of course continued to bring it in and they could not get it to do this. The steering problem changed from difficulty steering when in reverse to difficulty steering in reverse & drive. The problem generally occurs when turning left & has left me in a panic at times when I am turning with all of my might and the van will not respond and come with me. I recently took it to another shop for brakes and oil change and the owner noticed this problem when he went to pull the car into the bay. He called me and alerted me. He thought it might be the struts and said if it was not I would probably be looking at a new steering rack. I even questioned the dealer last year about this and they said I needed to be sure that I kept my steering fluid filled up. My response was if I am losing steering fluid there is another problem that would need to be addressed. I have checked the reservoir and I am not losing power steering fluid. I am now getting scared to drive my vehicle every day, with myself and my two daughter, due to the unpredictability of the steering. I am taking the vehicle to yet another mechanic to see if they can get to the bottom of this. One would think Chrysler would be able to determine the problem of their own vehicles before someone else could. 11/02 noise in front end noted and a whine and a transmission tune-up performed. 12/02 front sway bar replaced. 12/02 hose to power steering replaced, power steering reservoir replaced. Continued to mention on subsequent visits & they could not get it to act up.

- Brunswick, OH, USA

I purchased my vehicle used, with 40,000 miles and it pulled to the right. Then the front end began making noise when going over bumps. The right and left sway arms were replace, and the noise subsided. However, it started soon thereafter, worse than before. The tire/front end store I use produced a tech bulletin from Chrysler stating that the problem was the rack and pinion steering gear box. The problem is so severe that finding a part was very difficult due to dealers either being out of them or holding a few due to the frequency of the problem. It is clear that Chrysler designed a poor component that if it fails, could lead to a loss of steering, and severe accident/death. Total bill was $700.

- Aurora, OH, USA