I just bought a 2014 Dogde Caravan and twice within 3 days the accelerator and power steering stopped working while driving. Luckily I was I a good spot to pull over. I took it to the machanic under my service plan who then took it to a dodge machanic and both of them are saying nothing is wrong. I know what happened and I know it could end up putting me in a real serious situation like on the freeway. What do I do.

 

Sounds like it shut off. Did they scan for codes? Unless you can replicate the issue, it is hard for anyone to diagnose it. Start with a basic tune up.

 

They said they took it for a test drive and ran a diagnostic and nothing came up. This doesn't happen every time we drive it so I would imagine they have to take it for a few test drives. I don't know what to do, this could be potentially dangerous if I'm on the freeway and whole reason we got the thing was for long distance trips.

 

Unfortunately you may have to wait until it happens again for the problem to be diagnosed- intermittent malfunction can be difficult to nail down for even the most seasoned technicians.

I agree it sounds like the van shut off, so here’s some basic things to check that could cause it:

1) Clean and tight Battery cable connections at the battery, starter, fuse box and primary body and engine grounds.

2) Connections at the alternator.

3) If it’s not a push button start, start the van in the driveway and wiggle the key to see if the van dies. This checks for a loose ignition switch.