Rack and pinion failure.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

While driving in the rain, lost power steering capability and could barely turn wheel to get out of harms way....this has happened several times...thought just a fluke...but consistency tells otherwise...don't think I would buy a Chrysler product again...

- Burgaw, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Town & Country. The contact stated that while having routine service performed at the dealer, the dealer noticed a leak in the rack and pinion. The contact had not notice any defects in the steering. The dealer stated that the entire rack and pinion system needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 45,000.

- Bandon, OR, USA

While driving during a rain storm I drove through a small puddle and the power steering system went out as well as the electrical system. I was able to pull the car into the closest drive after struggling with the steering. Anytime we hit a puddle or there is heavy rain something goes wrong. Someone is going to get hurt if they are traveling and the steering goes out. I just got back from the store just now and it is raining again, hit a small puddle and now the check engine light is on. This vehicle is not safe to drive in the rain!

- Toledo, OH, USA

Week of 5/27/13 power steering groaning. I'm getting ready for the rack to go again. Fluid not low yet. First time rack leaked all fluid out was in 08, van still under warranty so it was replaced. A couple of years later it leaked all fluid out and rack replaced at my expense (around $800 here). Now I'm prepping for a 3rd go around. This is crazy I have other autos that are 20 years old that I finally replaced the ps pump on one of them (and not a 800 dollar rack).

- Richmond, VA, USA

Driving home but needed to stop at grocery store, when I turned to go into a parking space my car steering wheel stopped working, I had to drift into the space. I thought I had accidentally put the car into neutral. So I parked, turned on the car and started to drive again, rounded a corner and my steering went out again. Had car towed to local dealership, where they found that the clock spring in the steering wheel was defective. It was replaced and so far steering seems to be okay. Though it seems to steer without as much give as it used to have when turning. Luckily, it did not happen when I was on the main road a few minutes before.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Town and country. The contact stated that the rear driver's side sliding door would not unlock and the rear passenger's side sliding door would not lock. Additionally, the contact stated that the rack and pinion was fractured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

- Elizabethtown, KY, USA

Took my vehicle to get a new set of tires. Upon the free fluid checks being done, the power steering fluid was noticed to be low. When the mechanic started looking into the issue, he noticed that the rack and pinion is leaking. This is certainly what is causing the loud whining noise. This was a month after the bolts for the alternator broke off leaving my wife and kids stranded. Fortunately I was able to get the broken studs out with vise grips.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

Excessive noise coming from engine bay in our 06 Chrysler T&C dealer says it is a leak in the power steering system and that the rack system (steering gear) needed to be replaced estimated repair $1360 plus a 1.5 days in the shop. After researching seems that this issue is well know to owners of the 06 T&C.

- Calif, CA, USA

Power steering started to whine. I took it to a Chrysler dealership. They said I needed a power steering kit and fluid change. They also said the water pump was leaking. Only thing is I took it to the same dealership at 22,000 miles with the same power steering problem, that was only 12,000 miles ago. Do I have to have the power steering redone every 12,000 miles"???" and isn't 32,000 a bit early for water pump leak. I think Chrysler should pay.

- Riverside, RI, USA

There is a loud whirring noise and I took it to the dealership I purchased it from and they told me that it needed the power steering reservoir replaced. The cost would be $400 + to replace. I decided to research this issue on the internet and came across many other complaints of the same issue. I think Chrysler should issue a recall for this problem and foot the bill as there are many, many consumers experiencing the same problem that I have. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Ionia, MI, USA

Loud whinning for the last few months increased to very loud. Had to replace the rack & pinion steering and reservoir...the whole package.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

Rack and pinion failure as end seals on left and right hand sides failed. The power steering fluid leaked into the ribbed boots and later onto the ground resulting in hampered steering ability.

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

Whining noise coming from under left side of hood. Took car to Chrysler dealership & was told that the whining noise was from the power steering & it needs a reservoir & it needs to reroute cooler hose. Was also told there is a bulletin on how this would be done. After seeing the many problems other customers are having I can't understand why Chrysler would let the safety of their customers suffer. What happened to "we will take responsibility for the failure of our product". this problem will cost from $400-$500, but will cost so much more if the loyal american customer is lost. I love my T&C but I will not be a support system or doormat for a company we have all helped from the brink. The car only has 78K miles & I was just about to pass it on to my daughter, but this is dangerous & I will not be buying another of your products! please be responsible & forget the greed & step up Chrysler!

- Middletown, DE, USA

Purchased my van in 2008, used with 40000 miles on it. In winter of 2009 I noticed a loud whining noise when turning but once engine warmed up would stop. Had power steering fluid check and was low. Filled stopped noise. Same in 2010, 2011, and now 2012. Have to constantly fill fluid. It has to be leaking somewhere. From what I have read this is not a cheap fix. And more importantly if someone's power steering goes out going down a highway or interstate... very very dangerous. This is a part defect and consumers should not be paying for the fix. Chrysler should. With all the complaints, what will it take for a recall?

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Town and country. The contact stated that when driving at any speed during inclement weather, the power steering system would malfunction, causing the contact to loose control of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who stated that the power steering malfunction was an issue that can not be remedied. The contact did not take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Deerfield Beach, FL, USA

Rack and pinion steering failure. General whining noise had been occurring for 10-15000 miles, with no discernible loss of power steering fluid. Increased noise and banging noise, led us to the rack and pinion steering failure.

- Bennett, CO, USA

Several tmes the head lights have went out while going down the road. Can not find any thing loose or corroded. Mostly happens during damp weather. The wipers have quit once also. Power steering pump is going out also.

- Galesburg, IL, USA

I was driving on the highway and my power steering went out. It was in the middle of winter with a storm coming in. I had to replace my power steering racking system, which coast me over $500. It is a issue that seems to be happening to many of these vehicles from this year. I also have issues with my power steering going out every time is rains or snows. This was happening well before I had to get the racking system repaired and is still an issue. This is a major safety issue that needs to be fixed.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Town and country. The contact stated that the steering wheel would intermittently seize while driving at various speeds in rainy conditions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and was in the process of being repaired. The contact was unaware of the type of repair being performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Haddonfield, NJ, USA