This was the second time in two years I had to repair the rack and pinion, the dealer wouldn't cover it, no one would sell a warrantied part for this car, I was forced to pay full charges for this repair again. I am now at 83,000 miles and the leaking is starting again. The performance of this car is outstanding and very enjoyable to drive. This annoying sound and leakage is ridiculous. All the repair shops say that the Caravan rack and pinion is the worst there is and cause constant replacement. Why isn't this in a RECALL!
So far this van, especially this year has been nothing but trouble... I have replaced the brake m/c, starter (about 2 or 3 months ago) and now SIMULTANEOUSLY... my rack is going as well as the power steering pump... unbelievable! I could understand a rack going at like 700000km but most dont go in the lifetime of a vehicle... come on DODGE get with reality... us families want reliability.
This car has been nothing but trouble, and now that it is out of warranty, things have gotten worse. It is hard to believe that the steering system could go bad so early into the car's life, I have NEVER heard of this happening before, but apparently it must be a big problem because the dealer had the steering rack in stock and even placed a 'hold' on it for me so they did not install it on someone else's van in the meantime.
This is far from the only problem I have had on this van, which I bought new and have maintained very well and driven very softly. (We've also replaced fuel sensor twice after it ran out of fuel, brake rotors, rear wheel bearing and the water pump. What a lemon!) My Honda ran for 130,00 miles without any of these type or repairs, or even a clutch replacement, before I sold it to a college student. I saw him a month ago and now it has 180,000 miles on it with NO additional repairs! I guess I'll know better than to try and save money by buying a Dodge, next time around!!!!!!
The rack and pinion has already gone out at under 75,000 highway miles. The steering fluid is leaking into the CV joint. I know that this must be a major problem for Dodge vans because the dealership told me the REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER NATIONWIDE!!!!! That doesn't sound like a minor problem. It sounds like their vans are dropping like flies.
Until they can learn to build a better vehicle, my family will no longer be purchasing any more of their products.
NOTE TO CHRYSLER/DODGE: You need to be careful about who you screw over. I have an advanced degree in communications and I intend to use it to make sure that I spread the word about the low quality of your vehicles. I have now made this my quest.
- Gene L.,
Fayetteville, AR, US
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Have had 2 previous caravans with 90,000 plus miles on them without a problem. unfortunately, they must be using inferior parts now. they want 1000 bucks to fix something that should not happen. will be lodging a formal complaint.
I was told by dealer that the boots on the steering axle were leaking and that the whole rack and pinion has to be replaced. I can not believe that this piece of sh*t car steering does not last past 70,000 miles. the dealer also told me that this is not a warranty part even under 70,000 miles. American cars are JUNK.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
First time I had to have it repaired. The leaking was unsightly and the groaning was embarrassing.
- cindymac01, Laguna Niguel, CA, US