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 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist and then stalled. Additionally, the odometer failed to display the correct mileage and the speedometer failed to display the correct speed of the vehicle while the engine revved. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Transmission failure. The transmission in my 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan began to slip and stay in second gear around 50K miles. I had it diagnosed by the dealer and the cost of repair is more than I could ever afford. I have taken it to two other mechanics and there is not much variation in price. Generally the cost is going to be from $16,000 to $2,400. I cannot afford a new car either. I am reading all of the complaints about this, so why hasn't there been a recall? The dealer should gladly replace the transmissions since they are aware that this is occurring on a regular basis. It is because they do not want to absorb the cost themselves. They will recall something small like brakes or fan belt. I also have had the serpentine belt slip off twice when driving through puddles of water. Both times my engine overheated and the steering column locked, both fatally serious probems. …
The serpentine belt has come off of the pulleys on multiple occasions in wet weather, including rain and snow/slush, especially when a puddle is gone through by the right front side of the vehicle. On two of these occasions, I was turning a corner when the belt came off, lost control of my steering and almost hit the car which was stopped across from me. The belt coming off also causes the engine to overheat. This issue causes a loss of control and will lead to injury or death. Chrysler claims it is not a safety issue.. There is an updated belt/pulley kit which has a double-sided-grooved belt and pulley which is supposed to correct this issue but the cost to the consumer is approx $400-500 since Chrysler claims that this is not a safety issue. …
Dt: consumer complained about a rack and pinion steering and other problems. Consumer drove over a rough pothole with a metal flatbed on top at a low speed. While driving at a street at 25 MPH consumer made a right turn and there was popping noise in the steering wheel. The noise was evident only when turning to the left or right. Took vehicle back to dealer, who said there was a problem with front alignment , but that was all. However, insurance company noted there were problems with rack and pinion steering /front alignment/ radiator, and the transmission pan. Also, consumer noted the engine light was constantly on and it smoked after driving a long period of time. Oil was changed regularly. Vehicle has had a recent front end alignment but no other repairs.
During the course of a short trip, the power steering assist failed completely. The fluid drained from the system through a hole caused by a rust-through of the steel power steering lines which are completely exposed to adverse environmental conditions under the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that both the supply and return lines, made of steel were extensively rusted.
Strut tower corrosion-driver side-rust and metal breaking up-1998 Grand Caravan-purchased new-has 83,500 miles- have had belt problems several times-also windshield wipers intermit failure -rusted out power steering mech. Totally replaced-many brake jobs-and also headlight interior switch seems to fail at times. I need to make a decission to buy a new van with "hand controls" or have this van "hand controls" installed. Me thinks I need to buy a new van and be looking at another manufactor. As it seems like Chrysler/Dodge is not stepping up to all these failures that are seen by too many other van owners;of this 1998 model Caravan. Saw on line a new repair for the strut rusting called ""fusor #112b/mopar 05083855aa. Can be used to fix this problemthe TSB #23-044-02 thru a company called lord corp. Listed under their OEM bulletins and repair recommendations using fusor adhesives. …
Power steering belt comes off when driving through snow greater than 6 inches in depth. Caused sudden loss of power steering and loss of vehicle control. Technical bulletin from repair shop indicates that the tensioner arm on this model is defective (insufficiant tension to keep belt on), and that it needs a snow shield. Snow under vehicle gets pushed into belt assembly causing belt to fall off. Technical bulletin indicates the corrective procedure (stronger tensioning arm and snow shield) will be covered only if vehicle is under warranty. For questions, please use e-mail address. The work phone listed will only be current until 01/24/00. New work phone is undetermined at this time.
When braking in a sudden stop it causes extended stopping distance. Dealer was notified and unable to locate cause, prior to the side caliper failure at 34743, the vehicle would not stop, but would glide to s stop, stopping distance was extended, steering column is loose, a spring was changed but the column is llose again, the brakes occasionally depress on it's own, the consumer notices this more when the vehicle is idling a a light.
During rain, snow, or icy conditions, the accessory belt pully or idler gets wet and the belt comes off resulting in loss of power steering, power brakes, alternator, etc. This has happened on 4 separate occasions, the most recently 04/22/01 during a rain storm in chicago. I believe that there is a sheild or something missing to prevent water, snow, and/or ice from splashing up onto the belt pullies.
Two of my co-workers also have the same type of van and we all had the same problem with the steering wheel hose. Was there ever a recall for this part? If not, why. Also my battery lasted only 1 year and 5 months. This is a very short time for a battery to last. They should install good batteries. It's really devastating when your car does not want to start.
Steering complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan, 4% of the model year's 559 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1998 Dodge Grand 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 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 17% 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.