FaultScore

2003 Dodge Caravan steering problems

44 of the 252 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Caravan are about the steering — 17% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 35,000 miles.

C

44

Complaints

1

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Steering 19 43.2%
Hydraulic Power Assist System 6 13.6%
Hose, Piping, AND Connections 5 11.4%
Rack AND Pinion 5 11.4%
Pump 3 6.8%
TIE ROD Assembly 2 4.5%
Power Steering Fluid 2 4.5%
Anti-Theft Device 1 2.3%
Electric Power Assist System 1 2.3%

Steering across every Dodge Caravan year

1988 10 1.4%
1991 39 5.5%
1992 72 10.1%
1993 101 14.2%
1994 39 5.5%
1995 30 4.2%
1996 72 10.1%
1997 43 6.1%
1998 46 6.5%
1999 29 4.1%
2000 43 6.1%
2001 33 4.6%
2002 41 5.8%
2003 44 6.2%
2005 29 4.1%
2006 28 3.9%
2010 11 1.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 108,000 miles Waukesha, WI

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO FAIL WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE UPPER POWER STEERING COOLER HOSE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V386000 (STEERING) WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000.

NHTSA complaint #11403052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Loris, SC

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11099032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Loris, SC

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11099032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Tacoma, WA

STEERING

I HAD ALREADY SENT INFO TO DOL (BELOW) ON 03 CARAVAN I FROM UNLICENSED DEALER MICHAEL RANKIN. PLEASE SEE COMPLAINT FORM INATTACHMENT -IT'S TOO LONG TO ADD. THEY'RE IN PROCESS OF CHARGING MICHAEL RANKIN ON 12 COUNTS FOR DIFFERENT VEHICLES SOLD,AND ASESSING MONETARY FINES. I HAVE DONE TRANSMISSION REPAIRS TO THIS POSTAL FLEET VEHICLE.ACCORDING TO EXPERIENCED MECHANISS AT 32,300 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAD ALREADY BEEN REBUILT -IMPROPERLY. I'M COMPLAINING BECAUSE I WAS STUCK ON FAST MOVING ARTERIAL WITH LEAKING TRANSMISSION (UNSAFE CONDITION) BECAUSE OF IMPROPER REPAIRS ,AND COULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE IN CONJESTED TRAFFIC 1621-72ND ST EAST,TACOMA,WA 98404. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THAT MOMENT AND AT ANOTHER DIFFERENT TIME WHEN DRIVING.THIS IS THE UNSAFE PART. THE MECHANIC CHARGED ME APPROXIMATELY $1500 AND ALSO TOLD ME IT HAD TRANSMISSION ALREADY REBUILT AND (4) LOOSE BOLTS ON PUMP SEAL, ALSO HAD A "PRE OWNED" USED? WRECKING YARD TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH WAS PAINTED BLACK INDICATING THE REBUILD OCURRED. HE ALSO STATED HOW THE 2 FRONT HALF SHAFTS (AXELS) WERE WORN OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE THOSE, ABOUT $250. IT HAS BAD POWER STEERING PUMP-AND GROANING NOISES CURRENTLY (UNSAFE CONDITION) JUST LIKE WHEN I GOT IT (32.3K MILES) VEHICLE HAS A BAD AIR CONDITIONER NOT UNSAFE. *I HAVE JPEG PHOTOS AND RECEIPS FOR PARTS,AXELS, TRANSMISSION REPAIR AND FLUID I HAD TO BUY TO KEEP FLUID IN TRANSMISSION. PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT FOR COMPLAINT SENT TO WASHINGTON DOL , JOSH IS THE CONTACT.

NHTSA complaint #11063819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roxbury, MA

STEERING

WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT TURN ALLOWING ME TO START THE CAR. WHEN I CALLED THE DODGE DEALER THEY SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME TO INSERT THE KEY PULL IT TOWARDS ME THEN INSERT A FLAT HEAD SCREW DRIVER IN THE KEY AND TAP 2 TO 3 TIMES THEN TURN THE KEY. I WORKS LIKE THAT EACH TIME BUT THE SYMPTOMS MATCH THOSE DESCRIBED IN TV ADS PROMPTING DANGER OF HAVING THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHEN UNSUSPECTING AND CAUSING ACCIDENTS. WHAT CAN BE DONE? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10662170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40 miles Levittown, PA

STEERING

WHEN IT IS RAINING OR ROAD IS WET THERE IS A TENDENCY TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING FOR A MOMENT , ONE TIME STEERING BECOME VERY STIFF CANNOT TURN RIGHT /LEFT , 2ND TIME WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND IT WAS RAINING COULD NOT CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE HEADING FOR 10 - 20 SECONDS, THIRD TIME REPEATED WHAT HAPPEN 2ND TIME ON SAT 29 NOV 2011.

NHTSA complaint #10434251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Whitby, 00

STEERING

2003 DODGE CARAVAN POWER STEERING PROBLEM WHEN COLD START THE CAR, THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAKES A WHINING NOISE. AT THE BEGINNING THE POWER STEERING IS SOLID HARD, SO I CANNOT TURN THE WHEELS. AFTER A MINUTE THE CAR STRUTS DRIVING NORMALLY. THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED BY CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK AFTER 2 YEARS AGAIN. WHEN YOU READ THE AUTOMOTIVE FORUMS FOR DODGE CARAVAN, A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10370628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Wichita Falls, TX Crash 1 killed

STEERING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS A QUADRIPLEGIC WHO HAD A WHEELCHAIR INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE BY MANUFACTURERS NAMED INDEPENDENT DRIVING VEHICLE. BRAUN, ANOTHER MANUFACTURER HELPED TO PRODUCE VEHICLE EQUIPMENT THAT WOULD ALLOW THE DRIVER TO SIT IN A WHEELCHAIR WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE CRASHED AFTER HITTING A CURB AND DRIVING OVER AN ENTRAPMENT. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER (THE QUADRIPLEGIC) WAS KILLED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A WITNESS TO THE CRASH STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HEADING TOWARD A THREE-WAY INTERSECTION AND INSTEAD OF GOING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT, THE VEHICLE DROVE STRAIGHT AHEAD. THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #10322664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 34,000 miles Laguna Niguel, CA

STEERING

I AM ON MY THIRD RACK AND PINION FOR THE STEERING MECHANISMS FOR THE 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT THAT WE OWN. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2005 WITH 28000 MILES WITHIN THE YEAR I REPLACED MY FIRST RACK AND PINION (2006). SINCE THEN I REPLACED ANOTHER ONE (2008) AND NOW AM HAVING TO REPLACE ANOTHER. I CAN'T AFFORD THIS AND AM HAVING TO CONTINUOUSLY DRIVE A CAR WITH DEFECTIVE STEERING. EVERY MECHANIC I CALL SAYS THAT THE DODGE VANS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR HORRIBLE RACK AND PINIONS AND THAT NO ONE WILL WARRANTY THAT PART. CAN YOU HELP ME? THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND CORRECTED NOT JUST ACCEPTED.

NHTSA complaint #10320917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carlsbad, NM

STEERING

SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPING. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL YEAR MODELS OF CARAVAN AND HAVE FOUND THIS PROBLEM TO BE CONSTANT WITH ALL. DURING RAIN OR OTHER WATER ON THE ROAD CONDITION, THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPS ENOUGH TO INTERFERE WITH VEHICLE OPERATIONS UNTIL THE WATER IS DISPLACED FROM THE BELT. IF A DRIVER IS NOT PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION OR IS USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT THE TIME, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ALTERNATOR, OR LOSE OF ENGINE POWER TO THE DRIVE AXLES. THIS ITEM SHOULD BE STUDIED AND REMEDIED TO PREVENT FUTURE OCCURRENCES. IF THE FIX CAN BE RETROFITTED TO PREVIOUS YEARS, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PROVIDE THE REPAIRS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. THIS CONDITION BEGAN WITH THE PURCHASE DATE THROUGH TODAY. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT CONTAINED TO ONE ENGINE SIZE.

NHTSA complaint #10242529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,000 miles Pensacola, FL

STEERING

MY 2003, 6 CYL, 3.3L, DODGE CARAVAN, LOSES IT'S POWER STEERING WHEN IT RAINS AND YOU HIT EVEN A SMALL PUDDLE OF WATER. THE WATER SHIELD IS IN PLACE. THE DODGE DEALER SAYS IT IS COMMON TO ALL THE CARAVANS AND THERE IS NO FIX. I CALLED MAIN DODGE HQ WHICH CONFIRMED THIS. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA complaint #10240746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Boca Raton, FL

STEERING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 5-30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A POPPING, KICKING, AND CREEKING SOUND. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #10235493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Richmond, VA

STEERING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. A NOISE WAS PRESENT IN THE ENGINE AREA. THE COLD WEATHER WAS A FACTOR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL LEAK AND THAT HER RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR WAS MADE A YEAR AGO. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK SINCE THE RACK AND PINION COULD RESULT IN HER LOSING STEERING CONTROL AND RESULTING IN A CRASH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68000.

NHTSA complaint #10234311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,449 miles Southfield, MI

STEERING

STEERING RACK AND RACK PROBLEMS 2003 DODGE CARAVAN WENT OUT AT 60,000 MILES.

NHTSA complaint #10226953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Green, ME

STEERING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR MAKING A TURN AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE STEERING RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED TWICE BY THE DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

NHTSA complaint #10226856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 18,380 miles Gilbert, AZ

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SOUND FOR THE FIRST TEN MINUTES OF DRIVING, AND THEN IT WOULD STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,380. UPDATED 05/20/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING, TRANSMISSION, REAR LIGHTS THAT WERE HANGING, THE REAR WIPER CAME OFF, THE SLIDING DOOR DID NOT SHUT PROPERLY. THE CLOCKSPRING WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, THE WATER PUMP WAS COMING APART THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND OIL PAN GASKET WERE LEAKING. UPDATED 05/20/08.

NHTSA complaint #10226034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 18,380 miles Gilbert, AZ

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SOUND FOR THE FIRST TEN MINUTES OF DRIVING, AND THEN IT WOULD STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,380. UPDATED 05/20/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING, TRANSMISSION, REAR LIGHTS THAT WERE HANGING, THE REAR WIPER CAME OFF, THE SLIDING DOOR DID NOT SHUT PROPERLY. THE CLOCKSPRING WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, THE WATER PUMP WAS COMING APART THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND OIL PAN GASKET WERE LEAKING. UPDATED 05/20/08.

NHTSA complaint #10226034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 22,000 miles Fredericton, AA

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

SOLUTION TO: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10218207 DETAILS: 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHINING NOISE WHEN ENGINE IS FIRST STARTED. SOUNDS LIKE POWER STEERING PUMP. CHECKED FLUID, BUT LEVEL IS FINE. NO LEAKS ANYWHERE. MECHANIC CAN FIND NO APPARENT PROBLEM. IN WARMER WEATHER THE NOISE IS DIMINISHED, BUT STILL PRESENT. I PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW. IT HAS 71,000 MILES. I TRIED A POWER STEERING CONDITIONER THAT IS SUPPOSE TO STOP WHINING. THE WHINING WORSENED FOR A WHILE. NEVER GOT BETTER. FROM PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE THERE IS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN IN THE FILLING TANK DESIGN FOR THE POWER STEERING ON THIS VAN. FILL WITH POWER STEERING FLUID ABOVE THE FULL MARK TO THE BOTTOM OF THE FILL TUBE ON TOP BUT JUST BELOW THE FILLER CAP PLUG WHEN PUT BACK ON. THIS WILL STOP ALL NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP.

NHTSA complaint #10221095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Gardendale, AL

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHINING NOISE WHEN ENGINE IS FIRST STARTED. SOUNDS LIKE POWER STEERING PUMP. CHECKED FLUID, BUT LEVEL IS FINE. NO LEAKS ANYWHERE. MECHANIC CAN FIND NO APPARENT PROBLEM. IN WARMER WEATHER THE NOISE IS DIMINISHED, BUT STILL PRESENT. I PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW. IT HAS 71,000 MILES. I TRIED A POWER STEERING CONDITIONER THAT IS SUPPOSE TO STOP WHINING. THE WHINING WORSENED FOR A WHILE. NEVER GOT BETTER.

NHTSA complaint #10218207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Martinsville, IN

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE NOISE BECOMES LOUDER WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED THE LINES ON THE POWER STEERING PUMP. HOWEVER, THE DEALER FAILED TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 51,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #10192500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,000 miles LAS Vegas, NV

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A NOISE WAS HEARD AND CONTINUED FOR 20 MINUTES. THE NOISE RETURNED ON EVERY RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE POWER STEERING PUMP RESERVOIR AND PIPING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/17/2006 - THE CONSUMER EXPLAINED THAT THE NOISE WAS FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP DESIGN LOCATION AND INSTALLATION BY DODGE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT. A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED FOR THE NOISE PROBLEM BUT IT WAS NEVER RECALLED. THE SYSTEM DESIGN DID NOT ALLOW POWER STEERING FLUID TO RETURN FROM THE FLUID RESERVOIR TO THE PUMP AS QUICKLY AS THE PUMP DEMAND REQUIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10169336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,053 miles Edmond, OK

STEERING

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT; A WHINING AND GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES. THE WATER PUMP, THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THE ALTERNATOR HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE REPAIRS HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 2/24/2006 -

NHTSA complaint #10148830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Forked River, NJ

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

TOOK MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGES AND WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP (AFTER HEARING A KNOCKING NOISE) THAT THE FOLLOWINGS THINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED ON THE VAN THAT ON HAS 51,000 MILES ON IT: STEERING RACK AND FRONT SWAY BAR BUSHINGS ALONG WITH THE ALTERNATOR AND BELT.

NHTSA complaint #10146670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Forked River, NJ

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE AND THE NOISE WAS INSPECTED. THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE ALTERNATOR, RACK AND PINION STEERING, AND SWAY BAR BUSHINGS. DUE TO THE LOW MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT WAS SEEKING A SECOND OPINION BEFORE MAKING ANY REPAIRS.

NHTSA complaint #10146336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Defiance, OH

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

DT: CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A GROWLING NOISE. ON COLDER DAYS ONE COULD HEAR NOISE MORE OFTEN. IN WARM WEATHER ONE WOULD NOT HEAR THE NOISE AS OFTEN. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY SUGGESTED HE CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA complaint #10144059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Thomasville, NC

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V386000 CONCERNING THE STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS. THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT THE SOLUTION CALLED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE STEERING WHEEL MADE NOISE WHEN TURNING. THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT MAKE THIS NOISE BEFORE THE RECALL WORK WAS COMPLETED. *AK UPDATED DEC 7 2005.

NHTSA complaint #10143421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,877 miles Algonac, MI

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN, WITH 40K MILES, WENT TO THE SHOP TODAY FOR NEW TIRES. AT THAT TIME I ALSO ASKED THAT THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT BE CHECKED AND CORRECTED, IF NECESSARY. A SHORT WHILE LATER I WAS CONTACTED BY THE MANAGER STATING THAT THEY COULD NOT DO A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DUE TO THE TIE ROD ENDS BEING SO LOOSE AND WORN OUT. WE LIVE ON A PAVED ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN A FRONT COLLISION OR EVEN HIT A CURB, TO MY KNOWLEDGE. THE VEHICLE IS NOW PARKED AWAITING NEW TIE ROD ENDS. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT CHRYSLER WOULD PUT SUCH JUNK ON A CAR IN SUCH A CRITICAL SAFETY AREA. I WONDER HOW MANY MORE DODGE CARAVAN'S HAVE A SIMILAR SERIOUS PROBLEMS?

NHTSA complaint #10143499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Menomonee Falls, WI

STEERING

DT: CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. OVER A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR HAS HAD A STEERING PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THERE IS A WHINING NOISE THAT APPEARS TO COME FROM THE STEERING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND CONTINUES FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 MINUTES. THE NOISE GETS LOUDER AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED, AND FEEL A SLIGHT VIBRATION UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD. THIS IS MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN HE TURNS THE WHEEL. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED TWO POWER STEERING PUMPS, AND PROVIDED A REPLACEMENT OF THE RACK AND PINION, THE LAST TIME AT THE SERVICE DEALER THEY REPLACED A POWER STEERING HOSE AND INSTALLED AN NC FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. NONE OF THE REPLACEMENTS OR REPAIRS HAS REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. THE COST OF REPAIRS HAS BEEN COVERED 50/50 BY THE CONSUMER AND THE DEALERSHIP. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HIM TO THE LOCAL SERVICE DEALER. AS OF THE LAST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2005, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE SINCE THE LAST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED.

NHTSA complaint #10139272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Niles, MI

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

GRINDING NOISE FROM POWER STEERING SYSTEM.

NHTSA complaint #10138231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 11,856 miles Seattle, WA

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

THE CONSUMER HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH HIS 2003 DODGE CARAVAN; SUCH PROBLEMS WERE A KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION AND 2 BRAKE JOBS. *JB THE TWO BRAKES JOBS OCCURRED WITHIN ONE YEAR. THE STEERING WHEEL KNOCKED (RECALL CAMPAIGN #04V386000), THE VEHICLE HAD BROKEN DOWN AT 8K MILES, THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS OFF, THE GEAR PANEL ILLUMINATED, AND THE WINDOW HAD BECOME LOOSE. 80% OF THE VEHICLES PROBLEMS WAS UNDER 10K MILES. THE ROTATION NOISE CONTINUED AND THE RUBBER LINING AROUND THE SLIDING DOOR WAS COMING OFF. OTHER PROBLEMS: WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE TAKEN OUT OF PARK TO DRIVE, ALL OF THE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE, THE FRONT RIMS/HUB CAPS WERE DIRTY DUE TO EXCESSIVE LEAKAGE AROUND THE BRAKES, EVEN DURING NORMAL WASHING, THERE WAS A MILD RINGING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DOOR RATTLED, THE REAR TAIL LAMP WAS DAMAGED, THE BRAKE LIGHT AND BACK-UP LIGHTS HAD GONE OUT, THE BRAKES WERE GOING BAD AGAIN, THE ENGINE WOULD SPUTTER DUE TO NO FUEL PRESSURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT, WHEN THE DRIVER DOOR WAS SHUT IT MADE A LOUD RATTLE SOUND, THERE WOULD BE A DELAY IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN GOING UPHILL, WHEN SITTING AT IDLE, THE ENGINE WOULD SOUND AS IF IT WERE REVVING BUT THE GAUGE DID NOT DISPLAY THIS. *SC

NHTSA complaint #10127972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2003 Dodge Caravan problems

← Full 2003 Dodge Caravan report