This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Took my 2003 Dodge Caravan in for an oil changes and was informed by the dealership (after hearing a knocking noise) that the followings things need to be replaced on the van that on has 51,000 miles on it: Steering rack and front sway bar bushings along with the alternator and belt.
: the contact stated there was a knocking sound coming from the driver's side of the vehicle. This happened every time the vehicle was driven over a bump in the road. It was taken to the dealership for maintenance and the noise was inspected. They recommended replacement of the alternator, rack and pinion steering, and sway bar bushings. Due to the low mileage on the vehicle the contact was seeking a second opinion before making any repairs.
Contact stated the vehicle made a growling noise. On colder days one could hear noise more often. In warm weather one would not hear the noise as often. He contacted the dealer, the dealer determined that rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. They suggested he contact the manufacturer.
The power steering rack and pinion assembly on my 2003 Dodge Caravan has had to be replaced twice in 50000 miles of driving. There was no specific event leading to these componant failures. The defect causes rough vehicle handling I.e. alignment problems. This will be the third rack and pinion assembly installed on this vehicle, factory installed and two replacements. Originally installed assembly was discarded. The two repalcements were performed by the original selling dealership, monroe Chrysler superstores, using mopar replacements.
There is a substantial 'rattle' coming from the rack and pinion steering, started at about 47,000 miles. Unable to determine if it can cause a steering problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Forked River, NJ, USA