Dodge Grand Caravan Steering Problems
Owners have filed 701 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Dodge Grand Caravan across 26 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (76). The words owners use most often: “rack pinion” (12% of reports).
- 701steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 18mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $1,450typical repair cost reported by owners
- 17%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Rack pinion: mentioned in 87 of 701 complaints (12%)
- Serpentine belt: mentioned in 42 of 701 complaints (6%)
- Steering fluid: mentioned in 40 of 701 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the Dodge Grand Caravan at $1,450, and half of them between $960 and $1,750.
Based on 40 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2000–2013), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 475 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 701 complaints, 18 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 6 an injury.
Dodge Grand Caravan steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Grand Caravan | 1 | 5% | 83,749 |
| 2019 Grand Caravan | 2 | 1% | 4,000 |
| 2018 Grand Caravan | 5 | 2% | 41,120 |
| 2017 Grand Caravan | 5 | 1% | 57,000 |
| 2016 Grand Caravan | 11 | 1% | 58,350 |
| 2015 Grand Caravan | 1 | 0% | 77,800 |
| 2014 Grand Caravan | 6 | 2% | 12,000 |
| 2013 Grand Caravan | 18 | 4% | 111,500 |
| 2012 Grand Caravan | 14 | 2% | 108,600 |
| 2011 Grand Caravan | 15 | 3% | 91,000 |
| 2010 Grand Caravan | 64 | 7% | 91,750 |
| 2009 Grand Caravan | 23 | 4% | 82,500 |
| 2008 Grand Caravan | 55 | 4% | 92,500 |
| 2007 Grand Caravan | 14 | 8% | 42,300 |
| 2006 Grand Caravan | 61 | 21% | 53,000 |
| 2005 Grand Caravan | 76 | 8% | 47,970 |
| 2004 Grand Caravan | 13 | 11% | 39,250 |
| 2003 Grand Caravan | 45 | 21% | 40,000 |
| 2002 Grand Caravan | 53 | 18% | 35,500 |
| 2001 Grand Caravan | 25 | 8% | 55,000 |
| 2000 Grand Caravan | 30 | 7% | 90,000 |
| 1999 Grand Caravan | 29 | 7% | 105,000 |
| 1998 Grand Caravan | 23 | 4% | 64,893 |
| 1997 Grand Caravan | 35 | 6% | 135,995 |
| 1996 Grand Caravan | 75 | 6% | 90,000 |
| 1995 Grand Caravan | 2 | 2% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module; steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.
Risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.
Steering:column
Model years: 2011
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.
Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Model years: 2002, 2003, 2004
Problem: On certain minivans equipped with 3.3 or 3.8l v-6 engine, the upper power steering cooler hose may split and cause a fluid leak.
Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the upper power steering cooler hose. This recall began on september 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that a dealer recently serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V396000 (Air Bags, Steering). The contact stated that the dealer replaced the airbag module components located underneath the center console; however, the connected wiring…
While driving, the engine shuts off, leaving the driver with no power steering or power brakes. All power is off. There is no warning or error messages on the dash of any kind. No warning at all. The last time this happened, I was able to coast to the side of the road to a stop. Once stopped, i can…
Am smells as if wires are burning and vehicle turns off whilst driving causing me to nearly hit a pole in one instance. Car will shut off also whilst parked or when reversing to park. Emergency Brake light come on at random times during driving as well. Or the seatbelt light will come on whilst…
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power. Additionally, the vehicle failed to steer as intended, with the front of the vehicle swaying. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it…
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the water pump was replaced. The contact stated…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Grand Caravans have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 701 owner complaints about steering for the Dodge Grand Caravan. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge Grand Caravan steering?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the Dodge Grand Caravan?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,450 (half paid between $960 and $1,750), from 40 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Dodge Grand Caravan?
The most frequent phrase is “rack pinion”, in 87 of 701 complaints, followed by “serpentine belt” (42).
Other Dodge Grand Caravan problems
- Electrical System problems (4,325)
- Air Bags problems (1,642)
- Power Train problems (1,410)
- Engine problems (1,027)
- Structure problems (907)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (743)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (583)
- Latches/locks/linkages problems (563)
See all Dodge Grand Caravan problems.