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 2001 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Caravan sport. While attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly locked and causing the steering wheel to make a popping noise. The steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to use excessive force to move the steering wheel. Suddenly, the steering wheel did a hard release and returned to normal. The hard release caused the contact to receive injuries to the hand, wrist, and arm. Medical attention was needed. The failure recurred. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the there was no recall for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Our Dodge Caravan sport has been well maintained and we've had it for 3 years and has only 35,000 miles on it. This started happening after the 30,000 mile mark. We have 2 small children and we have been very lucky that nothing has happened. We liked the Caravan because we did not hear bad things about it. But now we experienced these things and we are not alone makes me re-think of not getting a Caravan again or recommending it to people. We've run into the following problems: first item is the power door lock on the sliding door. While on the freeway, the lock would unlock and lock. Second item is the power windows on the front passenger side. I've read others who complained about it. The power window does not go up after it has gone down. An effort to giggle it up is the trick. Now it just doesn't roll up or down. Third item is the power steering. …
Aug. 20, 2007 - steering has been locking up daily, for the past year on my 2001 Dodge Caravan. It is obviously a serious and constant problem with these vehicles. I have had the issue looked at by various mechanics and none can identify the problem for sure. They all say that it is happening too often - it's very dangerous but they can only 'try changing the rack or power steering pump or flushing the fluid....' no guarantee that it will fix the problem. Chrysler has been very negligent with this issue. I encourage everyone to vote with their feet and go elsewhere when purchasing your next vehicle - not Chrysler.
The consumer stated, while driving, the driver was unable to turn left the steering wheel-which had locked up, almost causing an accident. Dealer contacted. Mr the consumer states that the steering pump was replaced by the dealer, but the problem is not solved. Still unable to turn left-not until the vehicle is warm. The consumer is dissatisfied with the vehicle and adds that the window motors were replaced(unsure if problem), the brakes done 3 times, along with numerous steering problems. Scc
I have filed several complaints on this car since buying in 2001 this latest one is the heat control knob in the dash has frozen dealer says broken and would cost 400 to fix, at that price it shouldn't break at all!car now has 50000 miles. This is the same car that within the first 72 hours and 200 miles the transmission went out. Tie rod ends were replaced 2 or 3 times at 20000 and 36700 miles motor on window also replaced carpet replaced because water seeping in car I am afraid of this car.
The van lost steering fluid and the steering wheel made a funny sound when it was turned. The dealership indicated that the steering cooler hose had split. The cooler hose split due to the defect described in the power steering fluid leakage recall 04V386000, but this model was not part of the recall. There was a shudder coming from the steering wheel when sittin gstill and moving the steering wheel from side to side.
I have a 2001 Dodge Caravan. First noticed (a few months ago) the cruise control did not work; then the horn would work intermittently. Now, the horn does not work at all. Had the dealer troubleshoot and they said the clockspring is faulty and needs to be replaced. I noticed that there had been a recall to replace clocksprings in caravans up to year 2000. I ordered my Caravan in November, 2000 and received it January, 2001.
Steering wheel locks especially during extreme cold weather. Mostly turning to left. This is an every day event for me. The dealer said that he can first try resovoir and flush which is $350, but he can't guarantee this will help. If it doesn't help then he will try a new pump which is $800 and something else which is $400. Ultimately, I will be spending up to $1550 for repairs that May or May not work.
While driving at any speed, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The driver lost control of the vehicle, but regained control. The mechanic informed the driver that the steering gear needed to be replaced. Please provide further details. Steering wheel would lock and not turn while driving. Consumer had the steering gear replaced at her own expense.
The instrument panel lights on the vehicle has decreased in brightness. The problem is noticeable at night. There is a resistance when turning the wheel and when backing. The rubber gaskets continue to fall from the sliding passenger door on the drivers side. The vehicle has taken a long time to warm up in cold weather. The alternator was replaced. Scc
Steering complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Dodge Caravan, 12% of the model year's 257 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Caravan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 Dodge Caravan, though it has 3 recalls 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 2001 Dodge Caravan steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 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.