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 Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When it rains or the street is wet the power steering randomly goes out. The happens when turning out of a driveway, turning a curve or getting out of a parking space. It has happened on the road a few times, but usually happens just after starting the car and beginning to move. It only happens when it has been raining or I go over a large puddle of water. The problem has been consistent for about a year. I have discussed the problem with the dealership where I purchased the van, carmax. They have not heard of this problem, but did replace an undercarriage shield. The problem continued after the shield replacement. Carmax then directed me to this website.
When driving in rainy conditions (note: wet road, not high water), power steering failed and van was uncontrolable. This has happened 2x in the past year. Dealership says this is a common issue with this model, as water can get to the power steering belt. They offered no solution. I nearly ran into a ditch as I was unable to steer. Thankfully I was able to stop the car without causing an accident, but this was a dangerous situation. Both times this happened I was driving on a city street in rainy conditions.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving various speeds, the contact heard noises coming from the steering column. The contact drove to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The mechanic also stated that the VIN was included in an unknown recall; however, no recall was found. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving at approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and caused the contact to crash into a curb without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Refueled vehicle normally. Drove 1 mile, while turning corner the engine stalled completely, steering became sluggish. This has happening approximately 50% of the time after we refuel the Caravan. It is extremely dangerous as we lose control of the vehicle.
For at least six months, I have heard a whining sound coming from my engine, normally after driving on the interstate for about fifteen miles. When I slow down, the whining lowers in pitch; when I accelerate, the pitch goes up. In recent weeks, the whining has gotten louder. I have had the car for under two years. It has handled well and has been regularly serviced. The Dodge dealership, after spending seven hours, informed me that the steering fluid was low due to a leak and that the steering rack would have to be replaced at a cost of $1250 plus labor (it would be an all day job). They also indicated that I would soon need a serpentine belt, which would cost $125 plus labor. Upon researching on the internet, I have discovered that this problem has been common in 2006 Grand Caravan models but that Dodge has chosen not to recall them. …
Observed loud humming noise from under the hood while running engine. Looking underhood observed fluid sprayed on engine. Dealer diagnosed problem as rack & pinion. The van only has 53,000 miles. Full dealer inspection in December prior to purchase claimed there were no issues with the vehicle. The repair estimate was $800. I was told squeezing the boot on end and you could see oil leaking out as the cause of the oil. Also, previously observed a click sound when doing tight u-turn at speed. The van sat for several days until we took it to dealer Monday morning. I contacted Chrysler ([phone]) very few miles for this to fail. After a long delay while the researched the issue, they said that it was outside the 36,000 warranty and would not be covered by other warranties. They said they could not provide me any information on how often this problem has occurred. …
I purchased this car used in August, after reading reviews I discovered the rack and pinion was an issue on this van, so I asked the previous owner whether they had any issues and they replied they had just replaced the rack and pinion due too a severe power steering fluid leak. After hearing this I figured that meant problem solved. Unfortunately its now not even a month and a half later and am noticing a severe powersteering leak, my mechanic is telling me the rack and pinion has failed once again and needs replacement. Usually this part last the lifetime of any other vehicle. I am concerned and very displeased about this issue as it can be very dangerous for my family and I as well as other motorist on the road. I also suspect I am not the only one experiencing this repeatedly. Is there a recall im unaware of, what can I do? …
I noticed what appeared to be an oil leak coming from the right front side of my undercarriage. I immediately scheduled an appointment with my mechanic, who informed me the rack and pinion in my 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan needed replaced. When I asked him how common it is for a vehicle of the age mine is, with so few miles for cars today, he said it was becoming common and even showed me another Dodge Grand Caravan on the rack for the exact same thing. I was told $873 to fix it. I then called the local Dodge dealer who said they had not heard of any Grand caravans having this kind of problem and that they could not help me. I immediately got on the internet where I have found website after website describing the same problem as mine and that the rack and pinion for my vehicle is on back order. …
I got up and went out to start the van and noticed a awful whining sound I took it to a garage and they told me that it was the rack and pinion I told them I just bought this van.they told me to take it back to the dealer and find out if there is a recall on it. He said this is a known problem for this van and the part is probably on back order. So my question is if it known for this problem why would a dealer sell me this van knowing I have a family of six. I did take it back to the dealer im still waiting for them to call me back and let me now what's going on. Sound like a big law suit waiting to happen if something isn't done and it causes a accident. What gets me is they sold this van to me with this existing problem. Van was bought in March 2009 mileage 49,628. They should have to start telling people about recalls or known problems on vehicles they are selling.
Steering complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan, 22% of the model year's 286 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 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 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 14% 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.