8.0
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $1,060
- Average Mileage:
- 81,250 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 8 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace rack and pinion (7 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
I don't understand how with all these problems that these Caravans have doesn't result in fixing the vehicles. How the hell they figure that is not their problem when obviously it isn't just random people. There's way too many complaints on this type of vehicle to be nothing.
I bought mine last November in 2017. Got it paid for in October 2018. Anyway, I've repaired soo/ much on this vehicle. I imagined I would have to work on it some maybe plugs n wires you know the typical stuff you should do when you get one. I first started hearing noises and couldn't figure out where it was coming from. I thought maybe it was coming from the serpentine belt, so I replaced it and the pulleys as well. Seen too many people have their belts break I didn't wanna have that problem. First it was a low noise everything was full on fluids come to find out it was the power steering reservoir needing fluid. I find out this van needs special fluid that costs $5 a quart, I didn't have any and i'm like 20 miles away to the place that has it. So I have to get a ride to go get it.
Anyhow, it progressed I was having to put fluid in it all the time.I bought a new reservoir for it, put it on and it was okay for about a week, then the noise starts again and i'm thinking what the hell, I don't know what else to do. I got in the van a week or so ago and couldn't get the vehicle steering wheel to move. The fluid was completely gone so I added some. Went to my appt for my back and stopped to get a few things came out and there was like this huge ass puddle of power steering fluid on the ground by the front drivers side. So I go straight to parts store and gets a gallon of power steering fluid. Made my way home and haven't went anywhere since.
I'm afraid its the rack and pinion. anyway, Dodge needs to pull their heads out and fix these vehicles. I don't have the money to pay what it costs and I sure don't have the tools to fix this. I love my van and have put a lot of money into it but this is ridiculous. I started having problems with it not too long after I got it.Im just pissed because they think its our problems not theirs
- Dawn R., Eureka Springs, AR, US
The Car was just past the standard Warranty and even the dealer that fixed it mentioned that they had seen the problems before. That god I paid the extended warranty or all in all it would have run me a good $1000
- Keith W., Apo, AE, US
Steering was very Loud. I was afraid that if i didn't fix the problem, the damage could be severe. The dealership didn't mention anything about warranty on this problem so, i was angry when i had to pay the 1200 bucks!.
- rigleon, Katy, TX, US
Van was using power steering fluid quite regularly. Mechanic diagnosed the problem, even showed me where it was leaking from. Inner tie rod needed replaced as well, luckily it is included with the new rack and pinion. I don't understand why this would fail. This is the first vehcile that I have owned where this has been an issue. Searching on internet reveals that many have had this problem. This may be my last Chrysler product I purchase.
- Bill H., North Canton, OH, US
After a routine inspection of my 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan, I was told my inner tie rod was loose and should be replaced. When the tie rod was removed fluid started spilling out. It was then necessary to replace the rod and pinion.
- R W., Woodstock, IL, US
Problem is that you hear a loud noise when turning the steerting wheel or backing up. The problem is that there is low steering fluid due to the leak. My mechanic, who I trust, told me that he has seen this problem in Grand Caravans alot. He thinks it is a manufacturer issue. Almost the whole steering system has to be replaced, in what, a car that's only 3 1/2 years old!!! That is ridiculous!!! I also filed a complaint with Chrysler.
- Jacquelyn S., Bowie, MD, US
Dealer will replace the rack and pinion when rack is available, as of august 21, 2009 part is on national backorder, so I am in the wait mode.
Update from Apr 29, 2015: dealer told me I would have to pay $500
- Joe M., Chicago, IL, US
Just over 100,000 miles and had to replace the rack and pinion. It had been leaking for at least a year but finally got bad enough it had to be replaced. Never had so many issues with a vehicle with low mileage as this lemon. Multiple issues some minor, a lot not so minor. And because of the known or common issues with this year Grand Caravan, I can't even sell or trade it for more than a couple hundred bucks. It's got 117,000 on it now, and it's just about ready for the junkyard.
- Sara W., Fond Du Lac, WI, US