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 2005 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Dodge Caravan. While driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized and caused the contact to crash into a guardrail. There were no injuries. The airs bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed by an independent towing company to a salvage lot where it was deemed destroyed. Blevins seaway motors (98 center st, massena, ny 13662, [phone]) was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 136,000.
As I was driving, the electrical system on my 2005 Dodge Caravan wheelchair-accessible minivan failed completely, shutting down my power brakes, power steering, all dashboard indicators, and all vehicle lights (including the four-way flashers). Fortunately, the engine continued to run, so I was able to pull it to the side of the road. This has happened to me twice. The first time we took it to our regular mechanic, who could not find anything wrong. After it happened the second time, a Dodge dealer mechanic told me that the automatic braking system locking mechanism had failed and shorted out the entire electrical system and would cost $900 to repair. It also cost an extra $500 to replace the mechanism that the part is attached to because it had rusted so severely. …
I was turning left onto a main highway and I heard a clicking noise, a loud thud and scraping noise onto the asphalt. I could not maneuver the vehicle. I could have been struck by other cars that are usually traveling about 60 MPH on highway 211 in barrow county. I was barely able to get it off the road. I was on the shoulder of the highway with a gulley on the passengers side and heavy 5:00 traffic on the driver's side. Due to the inability to maneuver this vehicle, the tail end was barely off the highway. People would honk at me as they sped by. I had my 5 year old daughter in the 2nd row seat, and had to get out of the van, making sure I would not be struck by speeding cars, and determine which way to get her out safely. I took her out the back of the van very carefully. This entailed her having to climb over the 3rd row seating. …
Have 2005 Dodge Caravan sxt- took into dealership for 60K maintenance, mileage around 61,500 at the time. Was told that seal in rack-and-pinion steering unit was leaking and whole unit will need to be replaced, sooner or later. Estimated cost at the time (June 1, 2009) was $750. Put floor cover in agarage and have noticed no leaks to date. No noticeable steering fluid depletion to date. No noticeable change in steering function so far. Will continue to observe for leaks and monitor fluid levels. Looks like a common 'fix' applied to these models whether the actual need is small or large. There is some seepage in certain bearings/seals that is a normal process, so I have been told by the technician...so, I'll watch and wait.
2005 Dodge Caravan with 65000 miles had a whining noise coming from under the hood when cold. Took van to local dealership and was told that rack and pinion was leaking and would need to be replaced as well as the power steering pump and reservoir. Total costs exceeding $1000! I see many of the exact same complaints about this model of van. A 3yr old vehicle with this amount of mileage should not need to have the steering system replaced! If this were a random occurrence, I'd just feel like we had some bad luck. But with all the other complaints, it seems as though Dodge has a problem that could turn deadly if the steering goes out completely!
Tl contact owns a 2005 Dodge Caravan. While driving approximately 5 MPH on normal road conditions, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they stated that the failure was related to the power steering system. In addition, the automated power door locks failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they recommended that the computerized system be reset. Currently, the vehicle has not been repaired for the failures. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 52,220. Updated 02-23-09 updated 02/24/09.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Dodge Caravan. The contact started the engine and heard a whining noise. It then stopped after the vehicle warmed up. After a month of experiencing this noise, she took the vehicle to the dealer. The mechanic diagnosed the failure as a gasket in the rack and pinion steering. The leaking racket was replaced and the issue was repaired. The contact believes that a recall should be issued because it is a fairly new vehicle with low mileage. The failure mileage was 38,000 and current mileage was 40,000. Updated 07/17/09 the rack and pinion was leaking and eventually replaced. Updated 07/17/09.
Fluid leaking from power steering unit. Will require installation of new rack and pinion. This could be dangerous if unrecognized by vehicle owner and could cause accident in loss of ability to steer vehicle. This is on a 2005 vehicle. There have been several of these situations on this vehicle. Automaker is not notifying owners. This piece of equipment should not fail for the lifetime of a car in most cases. Since there have been several know instances in my area, I believe that it is a defective part. I was originally told that there was a 2 to 3 week backorder on the part. It has now come in and my car is being repaired.
Car pulls to the right as if one of the calipers is hanging up has been to 3 different dealers for same issue now the 3rd dealer claims the tires need to be rotated (vehicle only has 11,000 miles) and an alignment of which the warranty will not cover at this point as per representative of Dodge corporate office this is a "maintenance issue such as an oil change" yet this vehicle has had the same issue from day one! Not to mention have already had to replace one tire on the right passenger side and the tire on that side is wearing on the outside as well. Vehicle was also brought in for the ABS light staying on.
I purchased a 2005 Dodge Caravan 3 weeks ago. On the forth day that I purchased it (I had driven it about 50 miles), the power steering went completely out. This made it very difficult and unsafe to drive, although we did make it home. I was a horrible leak and it sprayed the entire inside of the engine compartment. (we were lucky that there was not a fire) it was towed to the dealership and I was told that a clamp had been improperly attached at the factory and was re-adjusted. I am concerned that this May be related to the current recall of the v-6 models (our Caravan is a four cylinder).
Steering complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Dodge Caravan, 5% of the model year's 537 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Dodge Caravan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2005 Dodge Caravan, though it has 4 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 2005 Dodge Caravan steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.