7.8
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $50
- Average Mileage:
- 62,050 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 8 complaints
Most common solutions:
- changed the power steering resevior (4 reports)
- rack-in-pinion needs replacing (2 reports)
- have garage do a flush (1 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
Power steering whines, changed the whole part and still whines. Also when you open the side door it hits the paint of the exterior van which makes scratches on the body. Also no vents for air in back and when you live in99* weather its hell and takes an hour to cool off.
- Kelly D., Deltona, FL, US
When the power steering whines, change the reservoir, the filter gets dirty. you would think a auto mechanic would tell people this, as much as it has been happening, Guess they need the money.
- oreokopp, Corryton, TN, US
About a year ago the power steering started making a whining noise after driving for a considerable distance (100 miles or so). Upon checking with a dealer (when there was no noise) I was told that nothing was wrong just ignore it. Over the last year the whine has continued to increase in intensity but still in an intermediate status. I have checked with the dealer again to see if any other people have complained or if there was a factory recall. He advised that he had never heard of any complaints or any recalls. Upon Googling the problem I found the exact issue by four different people and rumors of many more. I will now try to find the solution to my problem and hope it is just a filter in the resevoir. Any Dodge or Crysler product will never be on my radar screen again.
Update from Feb 10, 2010: Based upon the information posted online I replaced the reservoir tank for the power steering fluid and have not heard a whimper out of the steering yet. Cost of the part approx 28.00 and 20.00 to have it put on. For such a simple repair I cannot comprehend why Dodge would deny that there is a problem.
- donaldwv, Charleston, WV, US
We have a 2006 SXT Caravan. The power steering started squealing around 39k miles. At first I thought it was a belt. Went to garage and they told me it was the power steering and that they could flush it for approx $75.
Well I went home looked it up and this is a common issue with these caravans. Some say replace the resevour. Either way , flush or replace it costs approx the same. The real issue is who do you trust? Your dealership or if you're lucky like me you have a mechanic you can rely on.
I had it flushed and I haven't been more happy since I bought the vehicle. No noise! it worked just fine.
The flush kit along with a $25 dollar discount runs about $75. It's the best $75 you'll ever spend believe me.
- augiepa, Johnstown, PA, US
The most annoying aspect was discussing the whining steering pump noise with the service rep at the dealer. His response was that they had no knowledge of such a problem. After doing internet research and in particular this website, I replaced the power steering reservoir on the advice of others experiencing the same problem. After doing so, the problem was solved. Of interest, when picking up the replacement reservoir at the dealer, the parts guy mentioned that they replace several reservoirs a week and keep a stock of replacements. Also mentioned that they replace a few power steering pumps a week due to advanced wear due to starved fluid to the pumps because of the clogging of the filter element that eventually destroys the pump. Not very professional and they wonder why Chrysler gets a bad name for dealer support.
- gws, Niagara, Ontario, Canada
2006 DODGE CARAVAN W/72000 MILES HAS RACK IN PINION PROBLEMS NEEDS REPLACING. 950.00 DOLLARS PLUS TO FIX. DEALER STATES 2005-2006 DEFECT BUT WILL DO NOTHING TO COMPENSATE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL OR CLASS ACTION SUITE BROUGHT AGAINST THEM. I AM SIMPLY TRADING IT FOR A HONDA OR TOYOTA. OTHER FOLKS HAVE PAID THE MONEY ONLY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM HAPPEN AGAIN WITHIN 30,000 MILES.
I HAVE FILED WITH NHTSA CONSUMER COMPLAINT.
ANYONE ORGANIZING COURT ACTION SIGN ME UP EVEN THOUGH DODGE/CHRYSLER WON'T BE IN BUSINESS LONG.. ANYONE WONDER WHY?
TRADING IT IN ON A HONDA OR TOYOTA AND CUTTING MY LOSSES. NO MORE DODGE OR CHRYSLER AND I AM SPREADING THE WORD. RESPECT AND BE SAFE!
- joe b, Camden, SC, US
After about a year of the whining noise it became louder and more annoying. My 2006 caravan has 75,000 miles on it. I did a bit of research and found that the filter in the power steering reservoir was clogged. Changed it for 25 dollars and the problem is solved. The filter is built in to the reservoir and was very black. Seems to be a major problem with Caravans and Town and Country's. I'm just glad I went for the lower cost fix before I let a mechanic take advantage of me.
- goretx, Fort Worth, TX, US
Recently my wife complained about hearing a loud noise that sounded like an airplane. I drove the car but never heard the noise.Taking the car into the shop the garage they found the power steering hose had a leak.Also they found the power steering rack was needing to be replaced.This was a 942.00 dollar repair.We were glad we still had some of our warranty left.
- bdarrell, Decatur, IL, US