Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was pulling into my driveway when the tie-rod on my 1995 Dodge Caravan (with 58,000 miles on the odometer) broke suddenly, and without warning. The car is currently at the local mendenhall Dodge auto dealer waiting for a diagnosis of the problem. I have requested that they keep all parts associated with the repair so that I May inspect them.
My wife was driving her mother to the doctor when she started to back out of the parking space the front end made a noise. She stopped and pulled into the parking space and the tie rod broke off. Vehicle only has 68,000 miles.
When driving on wet roads the power steering fails. This is the norm not the exception. It was replaced once at about 50,000 miles ant now it is occurring again. I would not let my wife or daughter drive this vehicle,if the steering was to go out it is too heavy for them to regain control. I have spoken to other owners of this make of minivan and they say it has happenned with them too. I can understand the power steering going out occasionally in wet weather,but I can count on it going out if I drive through a puddle.
Engine stalled while decelerating and turning. Lost power steerring and brakes. Almost turned into oncoming 18 wheeler and almost rear-ended by another. This failure has happened 10-12 times previously. Have taken to dealer twice for problem. Dealer response has been that this is normal or that it might be bad gas, but use the same gas in other car with no problem. Replaced the EGR valve, but no improvement.
When going down steep grades consumer puts vehicle in 2nd gear, and vehicle will stall. Found information on internet regarding this problem. Throttle plate carbons up, and causes engine to stall. Also, went to dealer who could not remedy problem. The vehicle stalled three times on steep mountain road and the driver lost steering control and the brakes failed too.
Was driving approximately 25mph when steering wheel went out, and lost control of vehicle. Also, tires started to wobble. Had heard a loud banging before steering went. Vehicle suddenly stopped. Nothing was hit. Vehicle towed to original dealer & mechanic repaired the steering.
While driving and making a left turn the defective power steering system malfunctioned, causng the power steering system to lock in position which almost caused an accident. Dealer replaced pump/rack and pinion. Dealer cannot determine problem.
Power steering belt continues to come loose from pulley and disconnects from vehicle. Dealership has examined the problem three times, and cannot remedy the situation. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Consumer's wife was driving vehicle. While turning steering locked up due to power steering belt coming off. Vehicle lost control and ran over curve. No damage or injury. Manufacturer was notified.
Vehicle experienced loss of control and hit a tree resulting in serious injury to consumer. (attorney for consumer). Nlm
NHTSA investigations
Steering column separation
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) by letter dated April 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(g), NHTSA has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models,…
Steering complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1995 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 1995 Dodge Caravan, 5% of the model year's 489 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Caravan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1995 Dodge Caravan, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Caravan steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.