Camshaft on 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan failed (broke into two pieces) while driving down the Ohio turnpike with family (two young children) in the van - failure of all power assist and foward motion (other than coasting) was immediate. The vehicle was in the middle lane at the time and if the road had been busier the potential exisited for a major accident and possible injury/death. The vehicle had approximately 98,100 miles on it at the time (3.3L engine). This failure may be related to Chrysler tsb 09-008-01 which discusses camshaft failure with camshaft bearing wear. I would like to see daimler/Chrysler "step up to the plate" on the potentially dangerous situation and correct the problem prior to the failure occuring. I will be contacting D/C to pursue reimbursement for the new engine as an event like this should not occur.

- Marquette, MI, USA

While trying to start vehicle consumer heard a loud grinding noise, and then a loud pop. When trying to drive off consumer did not have any way to control vehicle. Contacted dealer.

- Mont Claire, NJ, USA

I have had my serpentine belt and tensioner replaced twice, once at 32000 (under warranty) and once at 73000 miles. The dealer charged me the full $200 for the repair in spite of the fact that I'd had it replaced at 32000M and it is a known problem with a service bullitin. The failure causes the power steering to cease opperating. I also had a broken gear tooth in my transmission at 73,000M. The dealer was going to charge me $2100 for a new transmission, but I decided to take it elsewhere and have yet to have it fixed.

- Minnetonka, MN, USA

Vehicle loses power assist in rain or while riding through a water puddle. Consumer was turning into a subdivison and steering got hard. Consumer almost hit a large brick planter. Has contacted Chrysler by writing letters and making phone calls, but no action has been taken. Consumer stated that dealer previously replaced the tensioner and belt because the vehicle was slipping when driving in the rain.

- Mobile, AL, USA

Vehicle travels through water and power assisted steering control goes out. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

- Earlton, NY, USA

On freeway, heard clunk, wam...power steering died, about lost control as steering went manual. Tow guy said these fail alot. When will NHTSA recall these things..." when some one dies..."

- Grapevine, TX, USA

When you go through a puddle of water you lose your power steering. I took it to my mechanic and he claims that this model van has that problem. If not aware of problem could cause a serious accident.

- Earlton, NY, USA

The vehicle lost its power steering, cooling system, etc. When the tensioner went bad and the engine belt came off. My local service station advised they have had to replace numerous tensioners on this make/model, and they're surprised there hasn't been a recall - especially considering the danger involved. The dealer (herb gordon Dodge) advised that there is no problem with the tensioner, and that it is "normal wear" for it to go bad at 76,000 miles. In case the problem is not unique, I wanted to report it. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle.

- Olney, MD, USA

Lost power steering. Could have been serious at higher speed.

- Lakewood, OH, USA

Part breaks off at shoulder. It is obvious that the part was cracked in the heat treating process when it was made based on the discoloration in the area where the crack was located. Failure of the part, which is sudden, dissables the power steering and the water pump. Engine failure will follow.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

Steering tends to hang, rattle & grinding noise, hard turning left or right.dealer checked all suspension, said steering box was bad.I know the vechile has a lot of milage but I have never had a gear box go bad under normal driving conditions.the steering has tried to lock up several times(felt a catch in the wheel) but released pressure then was ok.had dealer check for problem. Could not duplicate.would cost $500 to replace steering box.

- Kingston, TN, USA

This vehicle has been the worst vehicle I have ever owned because of continuous ongoing problems, the biggest of which was the engine head failure which cost me about a $1,000 thats with Dodge paying an additonal $800 for the parts. Now a year later, my transmission is failing and does not change gears. Please help I promise not to buy a Chrysler product again, I swear. All the other problems have been nagging, but tolerable. But this is too much.

- Trenton, MI, USA

Power steering has failed on several occasions causing temporary loss of steering control. Mjs

- Smyrna, TN, USA

There was a loss of power steering and power brakes due to the idler pulley breaking off. Also, vehicle overheated quickly. Dealer has the vehicle. Needs new idler pulley.

- Lawndale, CA, USA

When turning a corner during medium to heavy rain there is sometimes a loss of power assist to the steering. After loss of power to steering for about 15 seconds or just long enough to go off the road, the power assist will return and will act normally. This does not happen when the road is dry. This has happened about 10 times in the last two years. It has been reported to our dealer in joplin, mo and they could not give and explaination!

- Joplin, MO, USA

When it's wet outside the steering locks up. Dealer says power steering is corroded.

- Bennington, VT, USA

Power steering failed.

- Culver Cit, CA, USA

Power steering failed.

- Los Alamit, CA, USA

When making a left hand turn, the vehicle loses power steering.

- Fulton, MO, USA

The power steering assist has failed on 3 occasions when making left turns.

- San Diego, CA, USA