Told that power steering rack has failed and needs replacement, along with ps pump. 50,800 miles on vehicle. $1500 estimate, not covered under powertrain warranty, and can't be done anyway due to 10,000 piece backlog on the parts needed! this appears to be a very common problem, based on the number of complaints I see on this site for this particular vehicle and it's siblings (Chrysler T&C, and neighboring model years), and the afore mentioned backlog. Why is this problem not being investigated and why is it not subject to recall? it is clearly defective design, many reports on this site for failures at relatively low mileage. This vehicle purchased as a cpo in Jan 2006 with 19K mi.

- Southington, CT, USA

Premature steering rack seal wear and leaks resulting in fluid loss and potential loss of control in emergency situations. Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles, 70% of which was freeway use. Dealer called the problem a well known problem, also va state safety inspector also mentioned know problems with this critical vehicle system. Dealer quoted $1000 to repair.

- Aldie, VA, USA

Whining noise coming from steering unit. Minimal power steering fluid loss. First dealer could not diagnose problem, then misdiagnosed. Second dealer diagnosed as needing new rack.

- Burnt Hills, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the power steering rack failed. When the steering wheel was turned, she heard a loud noise. The noise has grown progressively worse. The dealer stated that several vehicles were experiencing the same failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 57,000 and failure mileage was 56,500.

- Spring Hill, TN, USA

Steering fluid leak at rack and pinion (steering);dealer says that unit needs replaced. Fluid loss could result in lack of steering control.

- Macedonia, OH, USA

I have had to replace the power steering rack in 2005 Grand Caravan twice now. The first time was under warranty at 32,000 miles. The latest failure is now at 75,000 miles. The 5 star dealer replaced the rack both times. All maintenance has been done by the dealer and on schedule. I think that it is ridiculous that I am on my 3rd power steering rack in less than 80,000 miles. This has to be a design or manufacturing flaw and should be part of a recall.

- Bristow, VA, USA

I am in the process of replacing the rack in the steering component of my van for the second time. The first was 6 months after purchase, now a year and a half later and out of warranty. I researched this problem and found several databases of numerous complaints of the same thing. I purchased this vehicle thinking it was safe for my son and am now afraid of driving it.

- Ocean Isle Beach, NC, USA

My wife and I purchased our 2005 Grand Caravan new two years ago. Several weeks ago I found a large puddle of fluid under it. It had 28,000 miles on it. We took it to the local dealership and were informed the power steering rack was leaking and would need to be replaced. It was fixed under warranty. Just last weekend I came home and found another puddle under our van. We took it in again and were told it needed a new radiator this time. After the work was finished I talked with the service manager about the power steering rack and he stated they had replaced approximately 100 of them this winter. He said he could not believe Dodge was not looking into this more thoroughly. Needless to say, I did not take this information as very converting knowing my warranty will expire in about 4,000 miles.

- Fargo, ND, USA

The first time the power steering rack was replaced in Jan 06 with 26,424 miles on the vehicle. I noticed power steering fluid was leaking which the dealer determined was a bad power steering rack. The same problem occurred again in Jan 07 with 35, 649 miles on the vehicle. This time there was a distinct humming sound that caused me to bring the vehicle in for repair. I asked the dealer if this was a recurring problem and he stated it was not but reading other complaints, it certainly is not an isolated incident.

- Centerville, OH, USA

1) leaking transmission fluid; noisy steering 2) no failure, promptly took to mechanic 3) replaced steering rack, front- end aligned.

- Temple, TX, USA

This letter is in regards to a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan, which was recently serviced because of a failed power steering rack. The power steering rack was diagnosed as leaking due to bad seals and the unit was replaced. The power steering reservoir was also replaced because of a restriction of flow. According to dialogue with the dealership, it was determined that the screen in the reservoir was plugged, which caused the squeaking sound I was hearing. I believe the screen was plugged with debris generated by the failing seals in the power steering rack, since this is a recirculation hydraulic system. The mileage at the time of failure was 38,256 miles, and I believe this type of failure was premature. I also believe that the failure could have had serious consequences had I indeed lost all the fluid from the system prior to my discovery of the problem. I had the power steering rack replaced on my 2001 Dodge Caravan this year, but the mileage was considerably higher, around 80,000 miles. Neither the previous owner nor I influenced the premature failure of the power steering rack, nor the plugged screen in the reservoir; even though the mechanics attempted to place the blame on me stating that the reservoir failure was due to improper maintenance. Since I have had this same problem on a 2001 Caravan, I feel that this problem is a design flaw, and should warrant a design change to avert future hardships by Caravan owners. Furthermore, there is no maintenance interval specified for this system at this mileage. Power steering system failures are prevalent across their entire model lineup. I believe this steering problem should be investigated by the NHTSA.

- Belle Plaine, MN, USA