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 2006 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have a 2006 Dodge Caravan which has been modified into a braun entervan since I am a quadriplegic. In December of 2010, at about 21,500 miles the power steering started squealing. The power steering fluid was low, so we added some. After another 100 miles, the squealing noise returned, the fluid was low again, so I knew that there was a problem. It was taken in for service and an investigation of the power steering system revealed that the power steering fluid was leaking from the steering gear/rack n pinion unit. Although the vehicle had low mileage, it was more than three years old, so the warranty was expired. I had no recourse except to have them remove and replace the steering rack n pinion assembly at a cost of $870.00 to me. The service technician told me that there was no way that this system should have failed at this low of mileage and urged me to file a complaint. …
I bought a 2006 Dodge Caravan in 2009. It had 20,000 at that time. Shortly after purchase we drove the van approximately 100 miles. It began making roaring noises so I pulled over and stopped. After sitting for about 20 minutes, I started the car again and there was no noise. Every time I traveled for over 45 minutes, this would happen. I took the car to be looked at several times but no one could find a problem. Finally in January of this year the car started making this noise all of the time and my son-in-law, who is a mechanic, said that it needed power steering fluid. That fixed the problem for awhile. In March, I took my car in and was told that the rack and pinion needs to be replaced! Very expensive! The car is now only making noise when I go through standing water. Also, the airbag warning light illuminates at intervals. …
I purchased a 4 cyl 2006 Dodge Caravan on April 28th, 2006. On May 22nd the power steering failed completely while my wife and family were out shopping. There was a substantial leak of red fluid that had spayed the entire inside of the engine compartment. (afterwards I realized how fortunate we were that there wasn't a fire) we had it towed to the dealership and were told that a hose wasn't properly "torqued" at the factory and had come off the power steering pump. I voiced my concern that all the hoses, belts and wiring had been subjected to a solvent and that it needed to be cleaned up. No effort was made to remove or clean up the solvent. I had to insist and another service was scheduled. I am still not satisfied as the engine now chatters and chirps for the first 20 minutes or so when first started. What else was "left not properly torqued" at the factory?
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Caravan. While driving various speeds in rainy weather conditions, the belts in the vehicle become wet when driving through an inch or more of water. As a result, the vehicle will have reduced power, a loss of power steering, and the alternator will reduce its conductivity. When the failure occurs, the contact is unable to make any turns due to the loss of power steering. He has to wait until the belts dry before the power steering can become operable again. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer and no repairs have been made. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 22,000 and current mileage was 50,000.
I noticed that the steering on my 2006 Dodge Caravan was getting hard and that it was making a loud noise. I took it to my mechanic who stated it just need power steering fluid, he filled up. A few months later it did again, I added power steering fluid, then about 2 weeks later there was a puddle of fluid under the van, I added more power steering fluid and took it back to my mechanic, after he checked it he discovered that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. He told me to call Dodge and find out if there were any recalls,since they shouldn't go bad so soon. I called Dodge but they stated that I would have to pay since it is no longer under warranty.
My 2006 Dodge Caravan was making a noise when turning so when I got home checked power steering fluid and it was low. When checked the next day it was low again. So had it checked out at a garage and it was leaking from the rack and pinion. So it now needs replaced. Only have 61,000 miles on the car and have noticed it seems to be a constant problem on theses cars. Called a dealership about a recall and was told there is none and there never will be one. Can't afford to replace parts just yet so ijust keep adding fluid till I can get work done. But am very disappointed with Dodge knowing there is a problem with this and not seeming to care about it at all.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Caravan. While at a stop light, the contact heard a loud popping noise. She noticed that the steering knuckle failed and the cv axle was twisted. The failure could have been worse if it occurred while driving on a highway. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and they are currently diagnosing the vehicle. The dealer was never notified because the contact could not reach anyone at Chrysler. The vehicle will be repaired. The failure and current mileages were 53,000. Updated 08/04/09 the mechanic stated theaxle failed due to a manufacturing defect. Updated 08/05/09.
Auto began making squealing noise when steering wheel was turned. 10/10/07 dealer "performed visual inspection, found power steering fluid slightly low, topped off fluid level, inspected for leaks, no leaks found at this time". Dealers advice: keep checking power steering fluid & top off as necessary. No further explanation as to why fluid would be low was offered. 2/08 found puddle of steering fluid on drive; returned car to same dealer who now advises rack & pinion needs replacement. Auto has 42,000 miles; was purchased 01/03/07 used from same dealer w/23,500 miles.
I own a 2006 Dodge grand Caravan with 42,000 miles on it. The rack-in-pinion power steering system is failing and leaking power steering fluid, causing a loss of power steering, which is a potential safety hazard. According to the Chrysler dealer that is doing the repair, Chrysler repaired 10,000 of these in February alone. They admit there is a manufacture defect in the 2005-2006 models of the Caravan. Chrysler is toying with the idea of providing assistance with the repair, which will cost me about $800.00. (because I am 5,000 miles past the warranty).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that there was a recurring failure in which the vehicle would jerk violently without warning. The power steering unit was replaced a total of four times and most recently, the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who advised that the power steering column would need replacing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance stating that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 87,000 and the current mileage was 150,000.
Steering complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Dodge Caravan, 16% of the model year's 173 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion › rack (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Caravan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 Dodge Caravan, though it has 2 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 2006 Dodge Caravan steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
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.