NHTSA Complaint #11703998 — 2016 DODGE JOURNEY

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed a puddle of fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the fluid was possibly power steering fluid. The contact was on the way to work, and while the vehicle was in reverse(R), there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stopped at an auto specialty store, and when the contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir, the reservoir was empty. The contact refilled the power steering fluid reservoir. The contact stated that later in the day the contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir was checked and was empty. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. There was abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel, and extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.