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.
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. While the vehicle was undergoing a routine inspection, the contact was informed that the steering:rack and pinion was leaking fluid and needed to be replaced. He took the vehicle to an authorized dealer and was informed that the parts were on back order because it was a common failure for that year, make, and model vehicle. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $1,234. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 07/15/08 updated 07/15/08
The rack and pinion is leaking, causing the power steering fluid to leak on our 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan sport. We had the rack and pinion replaced in fall of 2005 after having trouble with steering. Now in March of 2007 we are told by the service shop that it needs to be replaced again and that these vans tend to have this problem. Upon contacting Chrysler they inform us that they will not help us replace this part because the van is no longer under warranty. The problem seems to start with a noise when we turn the wheel, eventually becoming very loud and hard to turn as the problem worsens.
Power steering fluid leaking on garage floor. Dealer said it was the power steering rack and that it needed to be replaced. Chyrsler agreed to pay for half of the repair. 18 months later the system is losing power steering fluid. The dealer is again saying that it is the power steering rack and that it needs replaced yet again. Chrysler will not assist in any way on the $1,100 repair.
2002 Dodge Grand Caravan sport with 35,000 miles. Recalled twice for steering fluid hose replacements in 2004. After first hose was replaced, minivan started leaking power steering fluid. Received another recall notice for another steering hose replacement. Took it in to have that replaced, told them to look into the power steering fluid leak, they said they would. They fixed the recall hose, made not mention of leaking fluid. Fluid did not leak for several weeks, then started leaking again. Took it back in for 3rd recall (radio vent slots), as well as smoking engine and again mentioned leaking power steering fluid. Dealership said they'd look into it. Dealership conducted 27 point inspection on own will, did not find leaking power steering fluid (Aug. 2005). Fluid has been leaking since then. Noise in power steering consistently audible, and increasingly louder at all times. Now, dealership says the rack and pinion are cracked and need replacing. Dealership says this is in no way related to power steering hose recalls or neglect to address power steering fluid leakage. Am taking minivan to independent technician for review of rack and pinion and opinion on next step.
Power steering pump, rack and pinion seals, transmission soleniod pack. On Dec 16, 2003 I took van in for brake problems. The dealer did a recall job on the power steering cooler hose. 1 week later the power steering started growling. I checked fluid and noticed the pump was dry. Apparently the dealer didn't top off the fluid. I filled resevior and drove but it still had a little growl in the power steering. I took the vehicle back into the same dealer on Nov 19, 2004 for an oil change and another power steering hose recall and told them the story and to check out pump. They said the pump checked out ok but there was a little noise when making sharp turns but they weren't going to replace the pump. I told them I would bring back in colder weather because it was stiff to steer. I returned on 2/22/2005 because the pump was really growling and it was hard to steer. The dealer checked the pump said it was low but they did notice leaks from the rack N pinion and transmission soleniod pack. I asked them if this was due to the power steering pump and they said no. I explaind I purchsed the vehicle from them exactly 2 years ago and it was less than a year old and only had 20K on it. They said they can't warranty it but would fix it for $1600. I declined at this point.
- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
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While turning right or left the driver heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced.
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- St. Louis, MO, USA