1997 DODGE Caravan Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
787
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
100 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, THE ALTERNATOR AND AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. THE VEHICLE MERGED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE ENGINE AND NOTICED THE SERPENTINE BELT DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY AND WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE CONTACT CONNECTED THE BELT BACK ONTO THE PULLEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THERE WAS NO FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE PULLEY COULD BE REPLACED FOR $1000. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
Nov 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AS THE RADIATOR OVERHEATED AND EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Apr 20, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE FAN BELT SUDDENLY FAILED, CAUSING THE STEERING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM TO ALSO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAN BELT WAS NOT IN A LOCATION AROUND THE FAN UNIT TO HOLD IT IN PLACE AND WOULD FAIL AGAIN IF WET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,000.
Sep 29, 2010
BELT SLIPPED OFF MY 1997 DODGE CARAVAN.... ALSO WHEN I GOT HOME FELL FROM TOW TRUCK BECAUSE OF ICE !~! BUT WOULD NOT OF HAPPEN IF A RECALL WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ALREADY LOOK AT ALL THOSE COMPLAINTS OUT THERE.. *TR
Dec 27, 2009
SERPENTINE BELT SLIPS OFF PULLEY SYSTEM WHEN DRIVEN THROUGH STANDING WATER IN ROAD,THIS DISABLES POWER STEERING,COOLING AND BATTERY,WHICH IN TURN DISABLES LIGHTS,POWER WINDOWS AND FUEL PUMP. I HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES WITH BOTH MY 97 AND 98 CARAVAN. BELT IS DRIED OFF AND RE ATTACHED. *TR
Oct 18, 2009
+ 95 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
98 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO BE SLIPPING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM SECOND GEAR AND, ONCE IT STOPPED, IT VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE TRANSMISSION PAN. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE FOR THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 138,000.
Feb 20, 2009
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WHEELS LOCKED UP DUE TO A DIFFERENTIAL PIN WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILS ON A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, BUT NOT A SERVICE DEALER TO LOOK AT THE ISSUE.
Sep 19, 2006
TRANSMISSION FAILED, VERMONT, 2003. REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION @ 114,152 MILES - WILSON DODGE, VT - AT 134,826 MILES, TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING - HAD NOTICED CLUNKING OCCASIONALLY IN REVERSE. COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER -IRA DODGE, MEDFORD MA RE: CLUNKING: WAS INFORMED THAT THE LEAKING OR TEAR DOWN FOR CLUNKING NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY - TO BE MY EXPENSE - SOUND NOT EASILY REPEATABLE - DEALER STATED $150 DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE. ARGUED WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER SAYING THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS UNDER WARRANTY - HE WAS NOT SYMPATHETIC. CONVINCED HIM TO HAVE HIS MECHANIC TEST DRIVE THE VAN AFTER FIXING THE LEAK (WHICH HE INDEED DID - MILEAGE OUT WAS 134828) AUGUST 2005 - MILEAGE 148781 - LOUD BANG WHILE BACKING UP IN THE HOTEL PARKING GARAGE. CALLED MOPAR CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 800-992-1997 - DATE 8/20/05 - TOLD THAT WARRANTY WAS GOOD IN CANADA BY REP; GIVEN THE NAME OF THE MONTREAL DEALERSHIP - DROVE TO DEALERSHIP 8/21/05 (WITHOUT INCIDENT); INFORMED WARRANTY NOT GOOD IN CANADA. SERVICE MANAGER DROVE THE CAR. UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM. DROVE HOME (WORCESTER, MA.) NO PROBLEMS. DROVE TO THE DODGE DEALER IN WORCESTER 8/23/05; TRANSMISSION PERSON WAS ON VACATION. TOLD THAT A DIAG WOULD BE $150, TEARDOWN MY EXPENSE. PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR AGAIN. 10/27 - ENTIRE TRANSMISSION LOCKED - MIDDLE OF BUSY PROSPECT STREET IN CAMBRIDGE. VAN WOULD NOT MOVE. TAKEN TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP, 900 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. IRA DODGE SAID COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT DISCOUNTING THE LABOR. THEY ASKED ME TO CONTACT MOPAR WARRANTY. CALLED MOPAR SERVICE 11/2/05, TOLD MY STORY, NO RECORD OF MY CALL ON 8/20/05. TRANSFERRED TO A "SENIOR STAFF AGENT" (EDDIE - EMPLOYEE #9EW) IN THE BUSINESS OFFICE - HE CALLED THE DEALER WHILE I WAS ON HOLD. WHEN HE CAME BACK TO THE LINE HE WAS NO LONGER FRIENDLY, SAYING I WAS BEYOND MY WARRANTY AND THAT DODGE WOULD NOT COVER ANYTHING. ARGUED WITH "EDDIE", ASKED FOR SUPERVISOR. EDDIE DECLINED. *JB
Nov 02, 2005
1997 DODGE CARAVAN TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES.*MR WHEN THE TRANSMISSION PAN WAS REMOVED, THE MECHANIC FOUND METAL CONTAMINATION AND BROKEN PARTS. *JB
Aug 12, 2005
TRANSMISSION IS BEING REBUILT AGAIN THIS IS MY THIRD TRANSMISSION.THE ORIGINAL WAS REPLACED AT 16,500 MILES WITH A REMANUFACTURED FROM CHRYSLER TRANSMISSION,WHICH AN INDEPENDANT SHOP PURCHASED FROM DARROW DODGE AND HAS INSTALLED IT,AND NOW ONLY AFTER 31,000 MILES FIRST GEAR WENT OUT ON IT AND IT IS BEING REBUILT NOW.THERE IS A DEFINITE PROBLEM WITH THEIR TRANSMISSIONS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED.
Jul 05, 2005
+ 93 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
93 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRATCHES TO THE RIGHT ARM WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Aug 01, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON CRASH. ANOTHER DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND NO LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES, INCLUDING A BROKEN NOSE AND CHEEK BONES, AND ALSO A SHATTERED RIGHT FOOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND PICTURES OF THE CRASH ARE AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V293000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) WAS REFERENCED. THE DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
May 11, 2009
CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING 1997 CARAVAN CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY. *TS THE VEHICLE'S HORN FAILED DUE TO A FAULTY CLOCKSPRING. THE CONSUMER DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE'S CLOCKSPRING HAD BEEN RECALLED, RECALL NUMBER 02V293000 . THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE. *NM
Dec 13, 2005
DT: AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN DOESN'T WORK. *AK CONSUMER STATES HAVING A RECALL NOTICE FOR THESE PROBLEMS BUT DELEARSHIP REFUSES TO FIX BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT A 1998 OR NEWER. THE CONSUMER'S STEERING WHEEL IS GETTING WORST. CONSUMER'S VIN #'S ARE NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, CONSUMER ALSO OWNS A 2000 DODGE VAN. CONSUMER WANTS TO BE KEPT UP TO DATE ON THE PROGRESS OF THE CLAIM. *NM
Jun 28, 2005
I HAVE A MINI- CARAVAN 1997 AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON OR BLINKS INTERMITTANTLY HORN DOESN'T WORK OR ONLY WORKS SOMTIMES (THATS FUN) CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK
Jun 15, 2005
+ 88 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
51 complaints
WAS TRAVELING HOME FROM WORK, RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC HEAVY BUT MOVING CLOSE TO POSTED SPEED LIMIT (65 MPH). TRAFFIC SLOWED IN FRONT OF ME AND I ALSO SLOWED, THEN TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP, SO I ALSO INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES. WHILE DOING SO, THE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR, I LOST BRAKE PRESSURE AND STARTED MOVING TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A COLLISION BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO. MY VAN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TIME AND SPACE TO STOP AND NOT COLLIDE IF THE BRAKES WOULD NOT HAVE FAILED, BUT WHEN I LOST BRAKES, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN MY VAN AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CLOSED TOO QUICKLY FOR ME TO AVOID THE COLLISION. THE VAN WAS DAMAGED ON THE FRONT RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE, BUT WHEN I GOT THE VAN BACK HOME OFF OF THE TOW TRUCK, I SAW BRAKE FLUID ON MY DRIVEWAY FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VAN. A FEW DAYS LATER I GOT THE VAN ON JACKSTANDS TO LOCATE THE FLUID LEAK AND FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE TERRIBLY CORRODED BRAKE LINES RUNNING ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THERE IS SOME FLEXIBLE STEEL BRAIDED LINE AND WHERE IT JOINS THE RIGID LINE, THERE IS A SO MUCH CORROSION THAT THE LINE IS LITERALLY RUSTING AWAY. SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHRYSLER MINIVANS FROM 1997 TO 2000. I FEEL IT IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. I AM 55 YEARS OLD AND HAVE WORKED ON CARS ALL OF MY ADULT LIFE AND HAVE NEVER SEEN BRAKE LINES CORRODE LIKE THIS. AS THERE ARE MANY VANS LIKE MINE ON THE ROAD, I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER VANS HAVE BRAKE LINES THAT ARE IN SIMILAR CONDITION AS THE ONES ON THIS VAN? IT WAS SIMPLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THESE LINES WOULD FAIL. NOW WHEN I DRIVE IN TRAFFIC AND SEE A CHRYSLER PRODUCT VAN I ASK MYSELF "DOES THAT DRIVER KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE BRAKE LINE PROBLEM?" I THINK PEOPLE NEED TO BE INFORMED! THERE ARE SO MANY POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN! CHRYSLER NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING! *TR
Feb 25, 2012
WHILE DRIVING THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED EVEN THOUGH THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE ABS SYSTEM PREVENTED THE BRAKES FROM FUNCTIONING AT ALL AND I ROLLED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR EVENTUALLY ILLUMINATES INDICATING SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM HOWEVER, I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD HAVE FAILED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PREVENT ANY BRAKING ACTION FROM OCCURRING. THIS PROBLEM HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE BUT I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE TRAVELING THROUGH THAT INTERSECTION AT THE SAME TIME THAT THIS PROBLEM CAUSED ME TO ROLL THROUGH IT WHILE THE STOPLIGHT WAS RED FOR ME. *KB
Oct 10, 2011
VEHICLE METAL BRAKE LINES RUSTED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. ON A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, THE METAL TUBE BRAKE LINES LEADING FROM THE DISTRIBUTION BOX TO THE REAR BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDERS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THEY FAILED UNDER USE. VEHICLE BRAKE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED TOTALLY, AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
Dec 29, 2009
(1) NO BRAKES, BRAKE FAILURE. (2) BADLY RUSTED BRAKE LINES. (3) REPLACE BRAKE LINES. *TR
Nov 01, 2007
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE FROM 5-50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO TO THE FLOOR AND CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER. WITHIN A WEEK LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *JB
Oct 14, 2004
+ 46 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
47 complaints
FUEL LEAK IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FROM DEGRADING O-RINGS ON FUEL INJECTION RAIL. FUEL DRIPPING ONTO ENGINE FROM FUEL RAIL CLAMP O-RINGS REPLACED PREVIOUSLY ON NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V268000 IN 2002. CONTACTED DAIMLER CHRYSLER AT 800-853-1403 REQUESTING DANGEROUS REPEAT PROBLEM WITH FUEL O-RINGS BE REPAIRED BY DEALER AT NO-CHARGE.MANUFACTURER DECLINED FREE REPAIR REQUEST STATING MY 1997 VEHICLE HAS TOO MANY MILES.
Aug 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE HE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS BURNED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
Oct 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN NOTICED THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE FENDER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE CONTACT BELIEVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) WAS THE CAUSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 175,000.
Jun 21, 2010
1997 DODGE CARAVAN GAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR*CW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HE FILLED THE GAS TANK, IT QUICKLY RAN OUT. AS THE CONSUMER WAS GOING BACK TO THE GAS STATION, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE SAFELY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED THE FUEL RAIL HAD BURST AND CAME LOOSE WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK, WHICH CAUSED THE FIRE. *JB
Mar 02, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE AFTER PAYING FOR THE RELATED REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD TWO FAULTY FUEL PUMPS, AND BROKE DOWN TWICE WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TWICE . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. AFTER THE THIRD FAILURE THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A BRAND NAME OTHER THAN THE ONE LISTED ON THE RECALL NOTICE. THE CONTACT REQUESTED 100% REIMBURSEMENT AND RECEIVED 50% FOR THE REPAIRS. THE REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP WASAN AFTER MARKET FUEL PUMP MODULE AND THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE WAS FROM RECALL MANAGEMENT, INC., AND THE MANUFACTURER OF THE PART WAS MASTER/TIGAS. THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THE COMPLAINT SENT TO MASTER TIGAS AND NOT DAIMLER CHRYSLER DUE TO THE SPECIFICS LISTED ON THE RECALL NOTICE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000. *AK UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB
Feb 20, 2007
+ 42 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
41 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
Mar 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RADIO STOP WORKING AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, AIR BAG AND BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Sep 22, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED FROM DRIVE INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. TWO DAYS LATER, WHILE MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND NEARLY CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE PERSISTENTLY STALLED AFTER THESE INCIDENTS AND WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COMPUTER AND CONTROL BODY MODULE WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC WAS NEEDED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
Nov 18, 2008
NO POWER TO INSTRUMENT PANEL 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. BAD SOLDERING JOINTS IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD. *TR
Oct 13, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD START, SHUT OFF, AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD MALFUNCTION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OFF AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Mar 27, 2008
+ 36 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
40 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED WORKING EVERY TIME THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WERE OPERATED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP HOWEVER THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Aug 23, 2006
HAVE OWNED A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN (BOUGHT AS NEW) FOR 108,000 MILES. RECENTLY WE'VE HAD A PROBLEM WITH OUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS. FOR SEVERAL YEARS, WE'VE HAD THE PROBLEM OF THE "GHOST WIPERS" WHERE THEY WOULD COME ON ON THEIR OWN. BUT IT WOULD ONLY HAPPEN VERY RARELY. NOW, WE HAVE A PROBLEM WHERE THE SWITCH DOES NOT REGULATE THE SPEED OF THE WIPERS. THE INTERMITTENT PART DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. WE RECENTLY HAD IT TAKEN TO A GOODYEAR DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BODY CONTROL MODULE GOING BAD. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE FIX. HAVE NOTICED A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT (#10154526) AND ALSO SEVERAL COMPLAINTS POSTED ON CARSPACE AUTOMOTIVE FORUMS. SOME SAY THE BCM IS THE PROBLEM AND OTHERS SAY IT ISN'T. *NM
Aug 17, 2006
PURCHASED DODGE CARAVAN NEW. AT 40,000 MILES, WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEGAN RANDOM WIPING ACTION UNRELATED TO TIME OR WEATHER CONDITIONS. THEY WOULD TURN ON, WIPE FOUR OR FIVE TIMES AND TURN OFF. AT 104,000 MILES, WITHOUT WARNING, WIPERS REFUSED TO RESPOND TO SWITCH EXCEPT FOR "WASH AND WIPE" CYCLE. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE INSPECTED AS WIPERS COULD NOT BE TURNED ON FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER. THREE TRIPS TO THE DEALER RESULTED IN A "BODY CONTROL MODULE" BEING REPLACED FOR A COST OF $741.00 IN ORDER TO MAKE THEM WORK. IF THEY HAD STOPPED DURING A BLIZZARD, IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. (PLEASE NOTE, DATES ARE FROM MEMORY AND COULD BE SLIGHTLY OFF). *NM
Apr 04, 2006
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON BY THEMSELVES, AND RUN ERRATICALLY, AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF AT THE CORRECT POSITION. WHEN IT'S RAINING, WIPERS CANNOT BE CONTROLLED. THE DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT SIMILAR MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *LA
Jul 20, 2004
WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AND WITHOUT WARNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD SHUT OFF, CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO CONSUMER'S VIEW. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURN ON WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED OR THETURN SIGNAL TURNS OFF.*TS
Sep 12, 2003
+ 35 more complaints for this component
STEERING
27 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER, CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO BECOME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THREE DIFFERENT TIMES WHERE THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS RECONNECTED EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Mar 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ROD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED.THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Apr 23, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT STEER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND THEN IT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF. THE BELT WAS PUT REPLACED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THIS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE FOR HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
Jul 09, 2010
THE VEHICLES RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM
Apr 16, 2003
WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A MINOR BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING.*JB
Feb 26, 2003
+ 22 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
19 complaints
BUILT IN CAR SEAT STOPPED LATCHING WITH NO WARNING. *JB
Oct 29, 2005
I OWN A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, I HAVE TWO CHILDREN THE SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED SEVERAL TIMES. TWICE MY 8 YEARS OLD DAUGHTER LEANED TO THE SIDE AND HER ELBO HIT THE RELEASE BUTTON IT UNLATHED, MY OTHER DAUGHTER IS 5 FEW TIMES WE NOTICED HER BOOSTER SEAT IS UNLACHED FOR NO REASON. NEED HELP TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM . *AK
Mar 20, 2005
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RELEASE. *NLM
Mar 04, 2003
THE PASSENGER SIDE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKED IN POSITION WITH THE INFANT BUCKLED IN AND THE SEAT BELT AROUND THE CHILDS NECK. *JB *TS
Feb 19, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH PROPERLY CAUSING THE CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE A SEAT BELT ON WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLM
Sep 30, 2002
+ 14 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
19 complaints
DT: AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON/THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH DIDN'T WORK, AND THE HORN MALFUNCTIONED. NOTICED THESE FAILURES ON JUNE 1, 2005. HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. HAD CHECKED THE FUSES, THEY WERE STILL GOOD. *AK
Aug 05, 2005
THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I LATER REALIZED THAT THE HORN DOESN'T WORK. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. AT A NYS INSPECTION VISIT. THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION.*AK I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I NEEDED TO USE THE HORN, AND WAS UNABLE TO. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT.
Jul 29, 2004
CLOCKSPRING FAILED, CAUSING HORN/AIR BAG AND CRUISE CONTROL TO MALFUNCTION. *AK
Mar 19, 2003
THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING FAILURE RESULTS IN THE SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM, HORN, AND CRUISE CONTROL.*AK
Sep 21, 2002
THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON AND NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN DO NOT WORK. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. IT IS STATED THAT THE "CLOCK SPRING" IS THE PART IN QUESTION, THIS SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE AT ONE TIME (NHTSA# 98V046) FOR A DIFFERENT MODEL , WHY IS IT NOT A SAFETY RECALL ITEM NOW? IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THE THE AIR BAG WILL NOT PERFORM WITH THIS PARTICULAR PART DEFECTIVE, WHICH WOULD LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGES OR WORSE YET "DEATH ". IF WE GET A REDUCTION IN OUR INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR PURCHASING RESTRAINT SYSTEMS SUCH AS THIS , IT SHOULD BE UPON THE MANUFACTURER TO STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCT.*AK
Aug 20, 2002
+ 14 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
18 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
Jun 28, 2011
THE ORIGINAL HEAD LIGHTS ARE WARN, DETERIORATED, AND DON'T LAMINATE DRIVING AT NIGHT, HIGH BEAMS ARE EQUAL TO ALL OTHER CARS LOW BEAMS. THE LUMIUNS DON'T GET OUT, BECAUSE OF THE DEFECTIVE LENS COVER. I WAS TOLD THAT ALL CARAVANS AROUND THE DATE OF 1997 HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THEM AT A COST OF AROUND $200.00 EACH. THEY ARE A SAFETY ISSUE AT NIGHT, A REAL HAZARD, AND THEY ARE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SHOULD BE REPLACED BY CORP/ DEALER. *TR
Sep 26, 2007
HEADLIGHT HOUSING ON 1997 DODGE SE GRAND CARAVAN. THE PLASTIC LENS OF THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING IN WHICH THE HEADLIGHT BULB IS ENCASED HAS DISCOLORED, THEREBY, OBSCURING THE LIGHT GENERATED BY THE HEADLIGHT BULB. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS. I HAVE SURVEYED OTHER MINIVANS OF THE SAME VINTAGE AND NOTICED THEY TOO WERE DISCOLORED. IT CONCERNED ME SO MUCH THAT I PURCHASED TWO NEW HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS FROM OFF THE INTERNET (NOT MOPAR). THERE IS PROBABLY A SAFETY FACTOR WITH THIS DEFECT.*JB
Nov 27, 2006
HEADLIGHTS ON 1997 DODGE CARAVAN HAVE BECOME CLOUDED AND ARE NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. *JB
Apr 05, 2006
1) DEFECT RESULT OF NORMAL USE, NO EXCEPTIONAL SITUATION JUST NORMAL EVERY DAY USE.RELATED TO TWO VEHICLES ONE 1996 CARAVAN, ANOTHER 1997 CARAVAN. 2) EXESIVE HAZE BUILDOFF ON HEADLIGHTS(PLASTIC LENS) I CAN CONTRIBUTE A LOSS OF PROPER DISTANCE ILUMINATION, FOR WITCH SEVERAL ATEMPTS OF DIFERENT METHODS WHERE TRIED TO CORRECT PROBLEM, RESULTING IN PEDESTRIAN STRUCT ACCIDENT ON DARK NIGHT,MY DRIVING RECORD HAD BEEN TICKET, ACCIDENT CLEAR FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS. 3) SEVERAL POLISHING METHODS WHERE ATTEMPTED WITH DIFFERENT ADVERTISED PRODUCTS RESULTING IN SLIGHT TEMPORARY IMPROVEMENTS ALWAYS RESULTING IN LESSER TIME RECURRANCE OF PROBLEM, CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE ALL 4 WITH NEW PARTS DUE TO EXCESIVE COST $135.00 EACH, ANLY REPLACED ONE AFTER ACCIDENT AND YES HAVE PARTS IF NEED TO BE SUBMITTED. POINT IN CASE, MY WORK IS AND HAS BEEN FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS RELATED TO PLASTICS, SPECIFICALLY INJECTION MOLDING, FOR WITCH I KNOW FIRST HAND THE CONSECUENCES FOR A POORLY DESIGN CHEMICAL CONTENT PLASTIC IN THIS CASE POLICARBONATES WITH INCORRECT UV ADITIVE CONTENT, WITCH IS THE CAUSE FOR NOT ONLY MY PARTICULAR BRAND OF VEHICLE,YEAR OR MODEL, THIS PROBLEM IS WITH ALL PLASTIC HEADLIGHT,SURE TGHEY SAVE WEIGTH, SURE ITS EASIER TO MANUFACTURE TO THE WEIRDEST SHAPES, SO MUCH SO THA KNOW A DAYS THE SEEM TO BE PART OF EITHER THE HOOD OR THE FENDERS, SO NOW THEIR BEING EXPOSED TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT FROM THE TOP CAUSING EVEN PREMATURER CONDITIONS, (THIS IS NOT A SCRATCHING RELATED ISSUE HERE THIS IS SUNLIGHT RELATED DAMAGE CAUSING REDUCED NIGHT DRIVING VISIBILITY REACH (SINCE WHEN A BODY PART IS SUBJECT TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. SINCE ASTM D 1003-92 DOES MENTION OTDOOR EXP. TEST-HAZE AND LOSS OF SURFACE LUSTER OF PLASTIC MATS, I FAILED TO LOCATE PROPER TIME LIMITS OF ACCEPTED FAILURE TO CONSIDER THEM TO BE, NON ACCEPTABLE. (GLASS DOES NOT CARRY THIS CONDITION), LIKE IT WAS MENTINED BEFORE, THIS IS NOT ONLY RELATED TO CHRYSLER THIS PROBLEM IS WITH ALL MAKES,BRANDS
Sep 21, 2005
+ 13 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
17 complaints
THE STRUT TOWER ON THE 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, THAT HAS ONLY 85,500 MILES RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. DODGE ADMITTED TO A DESIGN FLAW FOR THE PREMATURE RUSTING STRUT TOWERS. A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN FROM CHRYSLER DATED OCTOBER '02 EXPLICITLY STATED THAT ALL '1996 TO 19'99 CHRYSLER VANS PLYMOUTH, DODGE, AND CHRYSLER, HAD THE PROBLEM WITH THE STRUT TOWERS. ALL OF THEM WILL EVENTUALLY RUST FROM THE BOTTOM UP. AS I STATED, THE STRUT TOWERS WERE DEFECTIVE IN THERE DESIGN. CHRYSLER HAS A WARRANTY PART NUMBER 05086513AA BUT REFUSES TO FIX A KNOWN DANGEROUS DEFECT, BECAUSE THE VAN IS OVER THE 7 YEAR, 100,000 MILE, WHICH EVER COMES FIRST WARRANTY. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS VAN HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DODGE DEALER FOR ALMOST ALL MAINTENANCE NEEDS AND YEARLY STATE OF MAINE SAFETY INSPECTIONS, AND THIS ISSUE WAS NEVER MENTIONED. CLEARLY, WHEN THE RUSTED STRUT TOWER GIVES, THE STRUT WILL COME UP THROUGH THE HOOD. AT THAT POINT, LIVES WILL BE IN DANGER, AS THE PROBABILITY OF LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS INEVITABLE. PLEASE CONSIDER THIS MY FORMAL COMPLAINT. WILL CHRYSLER LIVE UP TO THE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPAIR THIS KNOW DEFECT FOR THOSE OF US OUT OF THE WARRANTY TIMELINE.*AK
Jul 17, 2007
SUMMARY: CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ON NATIONAL BACKLOG: WIDES-SPREAD OCCURRENCE OF THIS DEFECT INDICATES THE NEED FOR RECALL ON THESE PARTS. DETAILS: OUR DODGE CARAVAN IS IN NEED OF NEW CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, HOWEVER THERE IS A NATIONAL BACKLOG FOR THESE PARTS AND THEY WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR 4-8 WEEKS OR LONGER. WE BELIEVE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT IS A NEEDED AND FAIR WAY TO HANDLE THIS, AS THIS DEFECT IS OBVIOUSLY SO WIDE-SPREAD AS TO BE UNMANAGEABLE UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. WE HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER DIRECTLY AND THEY HAVE INFORMED US THAT THEY WILL NOT TAKE ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION. VIN: VB482644, MILEAGE: 82,000. *NM
Jul 06, 2006
DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER IN BOTH OF MY CHRYSLER MINIVANS 97 CARAVAN & 96 TC ARE RUSTING EXCESSIVELY. MY 97 CARAVAN LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BREAK THROUGH SOON. MY MECHANIC CLAIMS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY CHRYSLER MINIVAN'S. THE REPAIRS COST MORE THAN THE VAN IS WORTH. *JB
Mar 28, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING A STATE INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP NOTICED CORROSION ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT DEALER, WHICH DETERMINED THE STRUT TOWER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER IS AWAITING THE REPLACEMENT PART.
Mar 22, 2006
1997 DODGE CARAVAN TWO FRONT STRUT TOWERS ARE IN A DEFECTIVE STATE.*MR *JB
Mar 30, 2005
+ 12 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
17 complaints
I HAVE A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN SE PURCHASED NEW. TWO YEARS AGO I NOTICED A SPOT ON THE ROOF, AND ANOTHER ON THE HOOD WHERE THE POLYCOAT WAS BEGINNING TO PEEL. WITHIN TWO YEARS THE CAR LOOKED AS IF IT HAD SOME KIND OF DISEASE. I BEGAN TO NOTICE OTHER CARAVANS OF SIMILAR AGE, AND THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I SAW OTHER MAKES OF CARS THAT WERE MUCH OLDER WITH ORIGINAL PAINT JOBS AND THEY WEREN'T EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PAINT JOB AND POLY COAT ON THE DODGE CARAVAN. I FEEL FOR WHAT WE PAYED FOR, AND WITH THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED , SUCH AS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COMING ON BY THEMSELVES, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND GOING OFF, THE INTERIOR LIGHT COMING ON OR NOT WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED, THE WARNING BELL NOT GOING OFF WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPEN, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WORKING OR NOT WORKING, THE FOGGING OF THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHTS - AT LEAST THE PAINT JOB SHOULD HAVE LASTED!*AK
Apr 07, 2007
I RECENTLY BECAME AWARE OF YOUR SERVICES SO THAT IS WHY THIS IS WRITTEN WAY AFTER THE FACT. MAY PROBLEM IS THAT I OWN A 97 DODGE CARAVAN, AT THE TIME IT HAD APPOX. 80,000 MILES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL THAT HOLDS THE STRAT ROTTED TO THE POINT THAT THE STRAT WAS COMING THROUGH. I CALLED DODGE AND THEY SAID THAT PART OF THE BODY WASN'T WARRANTED AGAINST RUST THROUGH. I THOUGHT IT WAS ODD THAT THE DOORS AND HOOD WAS BUT NOT THE UNDER PART. I HAD THE REPAIRS DONE FOR $900 AND NOW THE DRIVER SIDE IS ABOUT TO DO THE SAME. WHAT IS IRONIC IS THAT THE BODY IE DOORS AND QUARTER PANELS ARE FINE. IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR PART OF THE CAR AND IF SO DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *CB
Jan 16, 2004
THE STRUT THAT HELD THE REAR HATCH SNAPPED. THE HATCH CRASHED DOWN, AND NEARLY DECAPITATED A SMALL CHILD. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
Jan 09, 2004
RIGHT ARM ON LIFTGATE SNAPPED IN TWO. MR. WHEN THE CONSUMER OPENED THE LIFTGATE THE RIGHT ARM WHICH HELD THE LIFTGATE UP SNAPPED IN TWO AND FELL ON THE CONSUMER'S ARM, ALSO THE SUNVISOR BROKE. *JB
May 16, 2003
THE PAINT ON MY 97 DODGE CARAVAN IS PEELING OFF ON THE TOP OF THE VAN. HAVE YOU HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS? *JB
Mar 14, 2003
+ 12 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 complaints
HI MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I PURCHASED A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN FOR $3,600 AND TRADED IN MY CAR WHICH WAS WORTH $400 AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THE DEALER MAN SAID. I BROUGHT BACK THE CARAVAN THE NEXT DAY TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THEY WERE GOING TO FIX SOME MINOR PROBLEMS, INCLUDING THE HORN THAT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING AT ALL . THEY SPENT THE WHOLE DAY WITH THE VAN AND DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO IT, THEN THEY SAID TO BRING IT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD ME THAT THE HORN WAS GOING TO GET ORDERED AND THAT IT WAS GOING TO TAKE A WHILE BECAUSE THE PART THAT THEY NEEDED COULDN'T BE SENT VIA MAIL BECAUSE IT WAS CONSIDERED TO BE EXPLOSIVE SO WHEN I DECIDED TO ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK SINCE IT HAD A 30 DAY WARRANTY THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE GOING TO FIX IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I WENT TO PICK UP MY VAN AND WHEN I SAW IT THEY PUT IT A DIFFERENT HORN AND TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD PASS INSPECTION AND THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART THAT THE VAN NEEDED IF I WAS WILLING TO PAY HALF ON IT. IN CONCLUSION TO THIS THE PIECE THAT THEY NEED IS THE CLOCK SPRING WHICH COST ABOUT $ 400 TO $ 900 AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE THE VAN WITH THE HORN THAT THEY PUT IN INSTEAD OF PUTTING A NEW CLOCK SPRING. THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THAT ONCE THE CLOCK SPRINGS BREAKS DOWN THE AIRBAG , CRUISE CONTROL. AND THE RADIO WOULDN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT I THINK THAT THEY SHOULD'VE TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE SELLING THAT VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER I WILL APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN HELP ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Apr 28, 2004
EA-01007 CONSUMER STATES THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMNIATES CONTINUOUSLY WHICH MEANS THE AIR BAG HAS A MALFUNCTION. THE PROBLEM HAS EFFECTED THE HORN NOT TO ALERT OTHERS. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. MR
Oct 09, 2002
THE AIRBAG LIGHTILLUMINATED. HORN NO LONGER IS OPERATIVE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *MR
Oct 08, 2002
HORN WILL INTERMITTENTLY WORK. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER STATED THAT PROBLEM COULD POSSIBLY BE BECAUSED BY A CLOCK SPRING DEFECT.*AK JLG
Sep 06, 2002
I NOTICED MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON AND THE HORN NOT WORKING. I CALLED A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A CLOCKSPRING. SHE SAID THEY GO OUT REGULARLY. IT EVIDENTLY AFFECTS THE AIRBAG, HORN AND OTHER COMPONENTS. NOT LONG AFTER MINE WENT OUT, MY MOTHERS STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. SHE ALSO HAS A 1997 MODEL DODGE, BUT HERS IS A GRAND CARAVAN. I THEN WENT TO MY MECHANIC TO ASK HIM IF HE COULD FIX IT AND HE SAID HE HAD JUST HAD SOMEONE ELSE COME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS VERY UNSAFE.*AK
Aug 08, 2002
+ 11 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
14 complaints
DT: JUST BACK FROM A ROAD TRIP THE VEHICLE STARTED ACTING UP, IT WOULD KEEP SPEEDING LIKE IT WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS ON, HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND PHYSICALLY PUSH THE THROTTLE DOWN ,IT'S LIKE IT GETS STUCK. IT WOULD DO THAT AFTER TURNING ON THE CRUISE CONTROL, AND EVEN AFTER TURNING IT OFF, IT STILL WOULD RUN AWAY. IT WOULD ONLY DO THIS DURING TIME PERIODS OF USING THE CRUISE CONTROL. DURING THAT PARTICULAR TRIP. THIS WOULD HAPPEN REGARDLESS IF THE CRUISE WAS OFF OR ON. HAD TO BRAKE VERY HARD IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN TO PULL OFF. *AK CUSTOMER STATED THE THROTTLE STICKS WITH CRUISE WHEN ON AND AFTER IT HAS BEEN ON DOES NOT HAPPEN UNLESS CRUISE HAS BEEN ON SEEMS LIKE IT WANTS TO DRIVE AWAY. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED A VACUUM HOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 09/14/07. *JB
Aug 23, 2005
CRUISE CONTROL BECAME INOPERATIVE AND DROVE CONSUMER OFF THE INTERSTATE ONTO THE SHOULDER AT 70 MPH. *MR THE CRUISE WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE BRAKE PEDAL OR THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER REPLACING THE CLOCK SPRING PER RECALL, THE SERVICE DEALER ASSURED THE CONSUMER THE CRUISE WAS REPAIRED. THE PROBLEM RETURNED WHEN THE CONSUMER'S WIFE HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE LEADING FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM TO THE THROTTLE ITSELF FAILED AT THE POINT OF THE EXIT FROM THE CABLE STRANDS IN THE CABLE WERE PULLED BACK INTO THE CABLE HOUSING LOCKING THE ACTION OF THE CABLE, AND CAUSED FAILURE. *SCC *JB
Jun 20, 2003
VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE STOPPED,THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *MJ
May 03, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE CRUISE CONTROL, BUT IT WOULD NOT WORK, THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM.*AK *JG
Feb 11, 2002
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 65MPH ON HIGHWAY AND CAME TO A OFF RAMP, HE STOPPED AT T STOP SIGN AND MADE RIGHT TURN INTO TRAFFIC. ROARED AND SURGED INTO TRAFFIC. HAD FOOT ON BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO GO. HAD TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. IN FIRST INCIDENT VEHICLE RAN INTO A TREE. THERE WERE INJURIES. *AK
Sep 27, 2001
+ 9 more complaints for this component
CHILD SEAT
13 complaints
THE INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WILL NOT ALLOW THE BELTS TO BE USED. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAD TWO SUCH SEATS IN THE VEHICLE, WHERE SEAT BELTS COULD NOT BE USED. MANUFACTURER CLAIMED THAT THE BELTS COULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNLESS THE ENTIRE SEAT WAS REPLACED. *AK
Jun 18, 2004
WE HAVE BUILT IN CHILD SEATS IN THIS CAR. THE STRAPS ON THE CAR SEATS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, SO THE SEATS ARE UNSAFE. ONE SEAT HAS BEEN HEAVILY USED, THE OTHER STOPPED RETRACTING ON FIRST FEW USES. WORSE THERE IS NO PLACE TO GET THESE SEATS REPAIRED. DODGE HAS OFFERED ONE LOCATION, ABOUT AN HOUR AWAY. WHERE THE SEAT COULD BE REPAIRED AT STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR RATES. IN FACT WHEN I CALLED THIS LOCATION THEY COULD NOT DO IT. NOTE THIS MEANS THAT DODGE IS COMFORTABLE WITH TWO UNSAFE CHILD SEATS IN THIS VEHICLE. DT
Nov 06, 2002
THE CONSUMER WENT TO TAKE HER CHILD OUT OF THE CARSEAT. AND THE STRAP TIGHTENED UP, SHE HAD TO CUT THE STRAP IN HALF TO RETREIVE HER CHILD FROM THE SEAT.*JB
Sep 23, 2002
BELT RETRACTOR FOR THE INTEGRAL CHILD SAFETY SEAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED. BELT IS EXTENDED FULLY AND CANNOT BE USED PROPERLY. DEALERSHIP HAS YET TO EXAMINE VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK
Sep 07, 2001
CONSUMER HAD TO CUT THE STRAP ON THE INTEGRATED SEAT IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE CHILD, THE SEAT WAS UNDER RECALL 98V-0185 BUT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. NLM
Oct 12, 2000
+ 8 more complaints for this component
TIRES
11 complaints
WHILE DRIVING, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TREADS SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. FIRESTONE AFFINITY P205/60R15 #DOTW2VFAIT229/W2VFAIT169. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Sep 07, 2004
LEFT MACON ON I-75 SOUTH, NEARING PERRY GA IN CENTER LANE, CARS ALL AROUND, FRONT, REAR, LEFT AND RIGHT. SPEED WAS SOME WHERE BETWEEN 65 OR 70. FRONT RIGHT TIRE BLEW. I THANK GOD I HAD ENOUGH SKILL TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. I MANAGED TO SLOW AND OTHER VEHICLES ALLOWED ME TO STEER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. AFTER PUTTING ON MY SPARE I RETRACTED AND LOCATED PARTS OF THE TIRE AND STILL HAVE WHAT'S LEFT. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE A MANUFACTURES NAME. THERE ARE SOME NUMBERS THAT CAN BE USED TO IDENTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THERE IS STILL A LOT OF TREAD LEFT AND THE TIRE WAS IN APPARENT GOOD SHAPE. I HAVE DRIVEN MORE THAN A MILLION MILES IN THE LAST 45 YEARS. THIS IS MY SECOND BLOWOUT. THIS WAS A BAD TIRE THAT WAS PURCHASED AT BLOOMFIELD TIRE COMPANY IN MACON, GA. THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERAL VEHICLES TO CRASH AND COULD HAVE KILLED. PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS TO POSSIBLY SAVE SOME LIVES. *JB
Jul 01, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE VEHICLE'S TIRE BLEW OUT.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOWOUT. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SIDE SWIPED THE GUARDRAIL. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *NM
Dec 24, 2003
DUE TO A FLAT TIRE CONSUMER TRIED TO REMOVE SPARE TIRE ,HOWEVER, LOCKING MECHANISM WOULD NOT RELEASE. CONSUMER WAS STRANDED, AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER.*AK
May 21, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, PASSENGERS SIDE REAR TIRE SEPARATED. MODEL FT70C, DLT# BJKWJNB268, SIZE P215-65R-15.*AK TIRE TREAD DAMAGED REAR SIDE BUMPER MOLDING, TIRE REMAINED INFLATED. *NLM
May 17, 2002
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
10 complaints
DT: TRANSMISSION: CONTACT STATES VEHICLE HAD 28,000 MILES WHEN TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT, AND AGAIN AT 50,000 THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, THE TRANSMISSION WAS AGAIN REBUILT. AT ABOUT 70,000 THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN. TRANSMISSION SERVICE MECHANIC STATED THAT THESE VANS NEEDED TO BE EQUIPPED WITH ANOTHER COOLING SYSTEM. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AND ANOTHER COOLING SYSTEM INSTALLED.*AK ENGINE: CONTACT STATES THE OIL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FULL OF OIL. THREE DIFFERENT MECHANIC SHOPS SAID THERE IS NOT ENOUGH OIL PRESSURE TO KEEP OIL ON THE BEARINGS.
Jun 03, 2005
A BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD EITHER FROM THE TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE NOISE OCCURED WHILE DRIVING OR IDLING. DEALERSHIP WASN'T PROVIDING ANY ASSISTANCE. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE NOISE COULD NOT BE CORRECTED.*AK
Mar 29, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 60MPH, SPEEDOMETER KEPT MOVING BETWEEN 20MPH AND 90MPH, WITHOUT DRIVER DECREASING OR INCREASING IN SPEED. OIL LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING ALONG WITH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING.*AK. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A SHORTAGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ENGINE OIL, THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS FRAYED ON ONE SIDE EVENTUALLY COMING OFF IDLE PULLY, LOSING STEERING ABILITY, CHRYSLER WAS AWARE OF THE TRANSMISSION AND SPEEDOMETER AND FIXED THE PROBLEM AS A GOODWILL GESTURE.*JB
Jul 31, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Aug 08, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Aug 08, 2001
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SEATS
10 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN TURNING CORNERS CENTER SEAT LIFTED UP ON THE RIGHT SIDE. CONSUMER REMOVED THE SEATS, AND REPLACED THEM ACCORDING TO HER IN THE PROPER WAY.*AK
Jun 07, 2004
CONSUMER STATES THE MIDDLE VEHICLE SEAT MOVES LEFT TO RIGHT AND BACKWARDS DUE TO THE TRACKS UNDER THE SEAT. PH
Jan 06, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE RECLINE LATCH BROKE. THE DRIVER SEAT FULLY RECLINED BACK CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. TS
Jan 02, 2003
AT 15-20 MPH VEHICLE WAS HIT IN REAR. SEATBACK BROKE AND RECLINED BACKWARDS. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK THERE WERE 2 INJURIES*YH
May 15, 2002
THE MANUAL DRIVER SEAT WILL JUMP BACK INTERMITTANTLY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. NLM
Apr 19, 2002
+ 5 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 complaints
NO SUMMARY. DT
Oct 24, 2002
BOLT WHICH HOLDS ONE OF TWO HYDRAULIC LIFTS ON HATCHBACK SHEARED. AS A RESULT, THE HATCHBACK CLOSED VERY QUICKLY DUE TO WEIGHT OF DOOR.
Sep 24, 2002
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON DASHBOARD FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Mar 05, 2001
RICON FLEET DEFECT. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. AK SCC ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS******741473
Feb 24, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Sep 12, 2000
+ 5 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
8 complaints
THE RADIO HAD TO BE TESTED AND REPLACED WITH EXCHANGE UNIT. *TT
Mar 12, 2002
THE EXACT SAME COMPONENTS FAILED ON MY 1994 DODGE INTREPID AT 30K MILES, IN 3 MODEL YEARS, CHRYSLER HAS MADE NO CHANGE TO THE OBVIOUSLY LOW QUALITY/POORLY DESIGNED/DEFECTIVE AC PUMP. *AK
Jun 12, 2001
CD PLAYER INOPERATIVE. NLM
Oct 30, 2000
CD PLAYER INOPERATIVE. NLM
Oct 30, 2000
SPARE TIRE CARRIER CONTINUALLY BECAME LOOSE AND MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. DEALER NOTIFIED AND TIGHTENED IT. PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. *AK *ML
May 18, 2000
+ 3 more complaints for this component
PARKING BRAKE
6 complaints
PARKING BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY FAILED. *TT
May 31, 2002
PARKING BRAKE HAS NEVER BE ABLE TO HOLD VEH., EVEN ON SLIGHT INCLINE. DEALER SAID PARKING BRAKE "NORMAL".*AK
Feb 26, 2001
TEETH IN EMERGENCY BRAKE GEAR HAVE WORN OUT. WHEN EMERGENCY BRAKE IS APPLIED IT DOES NOT HOLD. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED BECAUSE THE BRAKE GEARS ARE COMPLETELY STRIPPED. *YH
Dec 04, 2000
PARKING BRAKE CABLE FAILED. NLM
Oct 30, 2000
PARKING BRAKE CABLE FAILED. NLM
Oct 30, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
6 complaints
DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AND DOOR LINK ACTUATOR WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO DOOR LATCH CONTROL ASSEMBLY FAILURE. *YH
Jun 04, 2001
THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT OPEN SEVERAL TSB'S ON THE DOORS DEALER SAID IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK
Jul 27, 2000
DEAL SAID CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, BUT I NOTICE THERE IS A DIFFERENCE LACTH MECHANISM BETWEEN THE RIGHT AND LEFT DOORS. THE RIGHT DOOR HAS ONE LATCH AND THE LEFT HAS TWO LATCHES. *AK
Jun 20, 2000
RIGHT FRONT DOOR LATCH FAILED. MJS
Jul 14, 1999
SLIDING DOOR FAILED, DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE. OWNER IS VERY CONCERNED FOR SAFETY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jul 01, 1998
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
5 complaints
CONSUMER STATES THAT TRANSMISSION IS USELESS. TRANSMISSION HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED TWICE, AND ANOTHER ONE IS NEEDED. CONSUMER COMPLAINS THAT THERE IS A BURNING RUBBER SMELL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, AND WHEN EVER THE BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED.*AK
Aug 04, 2003
HAD BRAKE TROUBLE; TOLD NEEDED NEW MASTER CYLINDER AT SAME TIME TOLD NEEDED NEW TRANSMISSION.... WHEN I ASKED WHY BOTH WOULD NEED REPLACED SO SOON, DEALER SAID "THESE THINGS HAPPEN"; BOTH ISSUES COULD HAVE LED TO MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. I USE THIS VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT MY TWO CHILDREN, BOTH UNDER AGE 4; THEN DEALER FAILED TO CORRECT BRAKE PROBLEM (LEFT AIR IN THE LINES) WHICH LED TO BRAKES CONTINUING TO LOCK... ANOTHER MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! I WAS TOLD THE CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL... BUT BRAKES CONTINUED TO LOCK UNTIL THEY FINALLY DISCOVERED AIR IN THE BRAKE LINES! I THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT UNTIL I CHECKED WITH COLLEAGUES WHO ALSO OWN CARAVAN WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS... CHECKED NHTSA WEB SITE AND WAS SHOCKED AT THE NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS!
Oct 31, 2000
TRANSMISSION JUMPED OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY. THE BRAKE SHOES WERE RUBBED INTO THE DRUM SO BADLY THAT THE DRUMS HAD TO BE REPLACED. NO INDICATION OF BRAKE WEAR, NOISE, OR STOPPING PRIOR TO THIS EVENT.*AK
Aug 08, 2000
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THERE IS A SQEUAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. *AK
Sep 30, 1999
HAD LOST TIMING BELT FROM TRANSMISSION DUE TO LEAKAGE. TRANSMISSION WOULD SHUTTER & CLUNK WHEN IN LOW SPEED & JERK. ALSO, BRAKES WOULD SQUEAL/SQUEAK & GRIND LOUDLY WHEN APPLIED. HAD THEM REPLACED. *AK
Jun 29, 1999
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED WHIEL DRIVING, AND CRUISE CONTROL IS INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CLOCK SPRING CONNECTOR FAILED. *SLC
Sep 10, 2001
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AND STAYED ON. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL HAS FAILED TO FUNCTION. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY WAS A DEFECTIVE COMPONENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
May 29, 2001
CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED DUE TO AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH COMING ON, AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILING TO FUNCTION. *AK *SLC
Apr 03, 2001
AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT WON'T GO OFF. ALSO, IT AFFECTED CRUISER CONTROL. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT IT COULD BE A DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. *AK
Jun 08, 2000
AIR BAGS,SEATS
3 complaints
COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. MY VEHICLE WAS MET WITH AN ACCIDENT ON ROUTE 516, OLD BRIDGE, NJ. MY VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY A SCHOOL BUS AND PUSHED INTO A LAMP POLE. MY VEHICLE IS TOTALED AS PER STATE FARM INSURANCE. BOTH AIR BAG FAILED TO WORK. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS COLLAPSED BACKWARD INSTEAD OF PROTECTING OUR NECK AND BODY. THE VEHICLE IS WITH STATE FARM INSURANCE. *JB. ALSO, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS COLLAPSED BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN TWO INJURIES. *AK
Nov 22, 2004
DODGE CARAVAN 97 MODEL VIN#[XXX]. STAT FARM INSURANCE # [XXX]. THE ABOVE DODGE CARAVAN WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY A SCHOOL BUS ON TUE. 16TH NOV 04 ON ROUTE 516 OLD BRIDGE, NJ 08857. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE UTILITY POLE. *AK THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO WORK. THE DRIVER SEAT AND PASSENGER SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARD INSTEAD OF PROTECTING US FROM NECK AND BODY INJURY. THE VEHICLE IS WITH STATEFARM INSURANCE. THEY MAY REMOVE IT FROM ITS TEMPORARY STORAGE IN COUPLE OF DAYS. YOU MAY CONTACT THEM OR THE OLD BRIDGE POLICE IN CASE YOU WANT TO INSPECT THE FAILED SAFETY SYSTEMS. UPDATED 08/03/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Nov 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE THIRD ROW SEAT SEPARATED FROM THE TRACK AN SLID FORWARD. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. *AK *NLM
Oct 01, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THEN, CONSUMER CAN HEAR WATER IN ENGINE. THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Sep 19, 2002
OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL COME ON THE DASHBOARD RED.*AK
Jul 05, 2000
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR SITTING AT STOP THE VAN JUST QUITS. SOMETIMES ENGINE CHECKLIGHT WILL COME ON. THE OXGYEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP. OWNER KEPT EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. ON NOV 3, 1999, THE VAN WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER COULD NOT FIND WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *AK
Nov 03, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT STATES THAT THE ONLY POSSIBLE NATURAL CAUSE FOR THE FIRE WOULD BE AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION, HOWEVER THIS WAS NOT PRESENT IN THE EVIDENCE THAT WAS EXAMNINED AFTER THE FIRE, CLAIM 13-7000-834. *SLC
Jan 17, 2002
WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT STATES THAT THE ONLY POSSIBLE NATURAL CAUSE FOR THE FIRE WOULD BE AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION, HOWEVER THIS WAS NOT PRESENT IN THE EVIDENCE THAT WAS EXAMNINED AFTER THE FIRE, CLAIM 13-7000-834. *SLC
Jan 17, 2002
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN DUE TO FAILURE OF THE (PCM) POWER CONTROL MODULE AND OXYGEN SENSOR.
Feb 18, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
MY WIFE PARK THE VAN INSIDE THE GARAGE, TURN OFF THE RADIO, ENGINE AND LIGHTS. SHE OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR AND SEE FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING BY THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLER. AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE VAN WERE ON. SHE REMOVE THE KIDS FROM THE VAN AND MY SON CALL 911.POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, REMOVE THE VAN FROM THE GARAGE AND CHECK IT AND FOUND POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION .CHECK THE VAN TODAY 8-24 2013 AND FOUND THAT THE FIRE START AT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH. DIM SWITCH OK AND MIRROR SWITCH OK. THE FIRE DAMAGE THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD, WINDSHIELD, SUN VISOR AND CELLING. I HAVE THIS VAN SINCE NEW, NEVER HAVE A PROBLEM BEFORE. AND NEVER SEE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. *TR
Aug 24, 2013
REPLACEMENT OF FAILED BULB CAUSED ABRASIONS TO HAND ACCESS DOOR IS TOO SMALL, AND A WIRING HARNESS OBSTRUCTS ACCESS TO LIGHT SOCKET. TWO BULBS SHATTERED. DEALER HAD TO DISASSEMBLE BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL BUS TO ACCESS THE LIGHT SOCKET, 30 MIN LABOR, $45 COST. DIFFICULTY OF REPLACEMENT DISCOURAGES SAFE MAINTENANCE OF LIGHTING, AND CUTS YOUR HANDS.
Mar 15, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
1997 DODGE CARAVAN. STARTING AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD MYSTERIOUSLY COME ON, MAKE 4 TO 5 WIPES AND TURN OFF. WE MADE JOKES ABOUT THE GHOST RIDING WITH US. IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, HAPPENING ABOUT EVERY MONTH OR SIX WEEKS. IT COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED ON DEMAND. FINALLY, AT 72,000, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REFUSED TO TURN ON FROM THE STALK--EXCEPT WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WAS GIVEN A "SQUIRT" OF FLUID BY LIFTING UP ON THE TURN SIGNAL/WIPER CONTROL STALK, THEN THEY GAVE THE REGULAR THREE WIPES AND TURNED OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE SWITCH UNIT. IT DID NOT HELP. THEN THEY CALLED CHRYSLER'S "SUPER TECH 800 NUMBER" AND NO HELP WAS PROVIDED. SINCE THE CAR COULD NOT BE INSPECTED WITH NO WIPER FUNCTION, THE ENTIRE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED (COMPUTER) WHICH FIXED THE PROBLEM. COST: $741.00. SINCE ALL OF THE MECHANICAL PARTS OF THE WIPER SYSTEM WORKED, IF THIS HAPPENED AGAIN, I DETERMINED I WOULD SIMPLY PULL A HOT WIRE THROUGH THE DASH TO AN "ON-OFF" SWITCH AND CONNECT THAT UP TO THE WIPER FEED--ESTIMATED COST OF LESS THAN $10.00. *TR
Aug 16, 2010
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD AUTOMATICALLY COME ON WHILE TRAVELING ON THE ROAD. THEY WOULD COME ON FOR TWO TO FOUR WIPES AND THEN STOP. THIS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WAS RARE AT FIRST, THEN STARTED TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY. WE FINALLY TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THEY REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH AT NO COST TO US. (ONLY BECAUSE WE WERE UNDER THE 36MO./36,000MI. WARANTY.) THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY WENT DEAD. WE TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR, AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BATTERY AT NO COST TO US. (ONLY BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER THE 36MO./36,000MI. WARANTY) . THE OTHER PROBLEM WAS THAT THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR BECAME UNGLUED FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. I WENT TO A AUTO REPAIR STORE AND PURCHASED A REAR VIEW MIRROR GLUE KIT. I GLUED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ON MYSELF. ( I DON'T HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE DEALERSHIPS GLUE) THANK YOU ........ RICHARD MALDONADO. *AK
Dec 15, 1999
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY TOOK THREE WEEKS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND, BEFORE THE CONTACT COULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, THE NEW TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY NEW REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE AT THE COST OF $900. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR THREE WEEKS, SOMEONE IN THE SERVICE CENTER CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO CRACK. THE MILEAGE INFORMATION AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
Jun 03, 2008
I WAS PARKED AT BURGER KING, TURNED THE IGNITION AND PUT MY CARAVAN IN REVERSE TO GET OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE. TO MY SURPRISE, THE CAR GAVE A SEVER JOLT, AND WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE....I TRIED AGAIN AND THE SAME JOLT OCCURRED, THIS TIME SOUNDING LIKE STUFF INSIDE WAS BEING SMASHED UP (LIKE A TRASH COMPACTOR SOUNDS). I TRIED TO GET IT INTO DRIVE (EVEN THOUGH I WAS ALMOST AS FAR UP AS I COULD GO) AND IT WOULDN'T BUDGE EITHER...THE SOUNDS GETTING WORSE. AFRAID I WAS CRUSHING THINGS INSIDE, I TURNED THE CAR OFF. MY TWO CHILDREN AND I WALKED THE MILE OR SO HOME AND I CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THE MECHANIC SAID IT APPEARED TO BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. ONCE HE LOOKED IT OVER AND TOOK THE TRANSMISSION OUT, IT WAS A SEVERE PROBLEM, "BIZZARRE" IS THE EXACT WORD OF THE MECHANC WHO ASKED ME IF I HAD ANY WARNING SIGNS. I HAD NONE. HE SAID HE COULDN'T BELIEVE THE EXTENT OF STUFF BROKEN APART INSIDE THE TRANSMISION LIKE BROKEN GLASS...AND SAID HE COULD NOT EVEN COME UP WITH AN EXPLANATION OF HOW IT MIGHT HAVE OCCURED SINCE IT WAS SO UNLIKELY FOR A CAR THIS NEW (97) WITH ONLY 43000 MILES AND THEN FOR THE "REAR PLANETARY (SP) GEAR CARRIER TO HAVE BEEN MUTILATED LIKE IT WAS WITHOUT THE FRONT HAPPENING. I HAVE PHOTOS TO SHOW THE HORRIFIC DAMAGE. AND I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE, GOD FORBID, I HAD NOT BEEN PARKED BUT STOPPED FOR A LIGHT OR SOMETHING OR ON A DARK ROAD OR WHEREVER, I CRINGE AT THE THOUGHT OF THE ACCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED WITH THIS HAPPENING WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING AND I FEEL CHRYSLER SHOULD ANSWER TO THIS!!!!!!!! I DID CALL THEIR CUSTOMER SVC CENTER TO REPORT THIS AND TO DEMAND RESTITUTION AS IT COST ME $2134; THEY DID NOT WANT TO KNOW NOTHING SINCE I HAD NOT BROUGHT IT TO A "CHRYLSER/DODGE DEALER" TO BE FIXED....THE CATCH 22 IS THAT I DID NOT DO SO BECAUSE I WAS PASSED MY WARRANTLY AND MY EXPERIENCES WITH DEALERS' SERVICE CENTER PRICES FOR MAJOR WORK HAS BEEN BEYOND MY POCKETBOOK!!! PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER
Jul 16, 1999
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
ON RAINY DAYS WHEN MAKING SHARP LEFT TURN, THE 97 DODGE CARAVAN (3.0 V6) LOOSES POWER STEERING AND GOES OUT OF CONTROL. THE SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT SLIPPED OUT OF THE TENSIONER PULLEY CAUSING THE POWER STEERING LOSS LEADING TO THIS HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHILE DRIVING IN ADDITION TO THE ROAD BEING WET AND SLIPPERY. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH OR DEADLY ACCIDENT IF THIS CONDITION HAPPENS. THIS CONDITION HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. *TR
Feb 06, 2008
WHILE DRIVING SERPENTINE BELT WOULD BECOME LOOSE. WOULD HAVE NO PRIOR WARNING. IT CAUSED PROBLEM WITH STEERING.*AK THE LOOSE SERPENTINE BELT CAUSED POWER STEERING LOSS AS WELL AS POWER BRAKES AND COOLING FAN. *YH
Mar 01, 2001
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
THE VAN HAS A HARD TIME GOING IN REVERSE WHEN IT IS COOL OUTSIDE. AND WHEN GOING IN DRIVE THE VAN HAS A HARD TIME SHIFTING INTO ANY GEAR. SOMETIMES THE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE SPEEDOMETER FLIPS OUT AND SHOOTS TO 0 TO 80 3 TIMES BEFORE IT STOPS AND GOES BACK TO THE RIGHT SPEED THAT I AM GOING. *JB
Mar 12, 2007
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN DISTRIBUTOR BEARINGS SEIZED UP AND CAUSED TRANSAXLE TO LOOSEN UP. TRANSMISSION THEN FAILED. VEHICLE IS AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC INDICATED PLUG ON TRANSMISSION CANISTER CAP HAD MELTED. THIS HAPPENED AT 78,000 MILES. HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED WITH NEW TRANSMISSION. PROBLEM REAPPEARED IN NEW TRANSMISSION. HAD PREVIOUSLY SMELLED SULFUR LIKE FUMES INSIDE VEHICLE. VEHICLE GAVE BIG JERK , AND MADE A LOUD NOISE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. ALSO, NOTICED GRAYISH SMOKE IN REAR. AT DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC NOTICED PLUG, MADE OF PLASTIC, HAD MELTED LIKE THE FIRST ONE.*AK *SLC
Aug 06, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
I BOUGHT THIS VAN NEW IN 1997 JUST AFTER BUYING THE VAN THERE WAS TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE I FEEL IT IS THE LIFTERS BUT DEALERSHIP SAYS NO IT WAS THE FUEL PURGE VALVE. THE NOISE COUNTINUES TO GET WORSE AND I AM SURE THE NOISE IS THE LIFTERS WHEN I CHANGE THE OIL TO 10W-30 THE NOISE GOES AWAY. THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED AT APPROX 50K MILES. THE VAN HAS RECENTLY BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR THE TRANSMISSION TWO OR THREE TIME SINCE NOVEMBER 2003 APROX. 90,000 MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS HANGING UP IN SECOND GEAR WHEN DODGE RETUNED TO ME THE TRANSMISSION SHUTTERED WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE IS NOW IN THE SHOP FOR THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN IT IS LEAKING FROM THE OUTPUT SHAFT SEALS AND WHILE IN PARK WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE VAN JERKS FOWARD LIKE THE TRASMISSION IS STILL ENGAGED. THIS ALL HAPPENS WHILE IN PARK. SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK IF THE ACCELORATOR IS PRESSED THE VEHICLE JUMPS / JERKS FOWARD THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS MY WIFE AND I HAVE THREE CHILDREN THAT SOMETIMES WALK IN FRONT OF THE VAN TO GET IN WHEN WE GO OFF AS A FAMILY. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON JUST HOURS BEFORE I RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICE AND IT IS THE EGR VALVE FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE CKECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION OFF AS THAT BUT I AM ALSO A MECHANIC THE EGR VALVE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSIONACTING AS IF IT IS ENGAGE ALTHOUGH IT IS ACUALLY IN PARK.THIS IS NOT GOOD PRACTICE TO LIE ABOUT A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION LEAK WAS CAUSED FROM THE FIRST REMOVAL OF THE TRANSMISSION AND CHRYSLER WARRANTY DEPARTMENT SAID THE LEAK WOULD NOT BE COVERED THIS IS ALSO VERY DIGUSTING WHEN YOU REMOVE AN AXLE THE SEAL SHOULD BE REPLACED BEFORE YOU REINSTALL THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER IS STILL TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY TRANSMISSION. THE WATER PUMP HAS FAILED AND ALSO THE COOLING FAN RELAY FAILED FOR THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM.*AK
May 14, 2004
THERE HAS BEEN 5 REPLACEMENT TORQUE CONVERTERS SINCE PURCHASE. VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN DUE TO THE DEFECT IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *MR THIS PROBLEM HAD HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, EVERY YEAR THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT, ALSO THE BRAKES. THE TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED TWICE, THERE WAS AN OIL PAN LEAK, THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON, AND THE AC NEEDED A NEW CONDENSER. *SCC
Aug 27, 2003
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING OVER WATER PUDDLES CONSUMER NOTICED THE SERPENTINE BELT FROZE, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP. *AK THE POWER STEERING HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE GEARS WOULD SLIP WHEN SHIFTED, THE WATER PUMP LEAKED, THE BELT TENSIONER FELL APART, THE CONSUMER WOULD LOSE THE STEERING WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER,THE A/C DID NOT BLOW COOL AIR DUE TO A LEAKING EVAPORATOR, AND THE BELT TENSIONER WOULD STICK AND MAKE NOISES WHEN DRIVING THROUGH WATER. *SC *JB
Mar 11, 2004
WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER PULLEY BROKE, CAUSING ALL POWER STEERING TO BE LOST. VAN WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE BELT TENSIONER ASSEMBLY AND POWER STEERING PULLEY WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM,AND HAPPENED ALL THE TIME. OWNER VERY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF HIMSELF AND OTHERS. *AK TRANSMISSION JERKS WHILE TAKING OFF FROM STOP. A/C DOES NOT COOL ENOUGH. *YH
Aug 02, 2000
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
WE HAVE HAD OUR VEHICLE SINCE 1999 AND HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED WITH ITS PERFORMANCE. THIS IS OUR THIRD CHRYSLER/DODGE VAN AND THIS IS THE SECOND OF THE THREE TO HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE FIRST HAD THEM AT 37,000 MILES AND THIS ONE IS HAVING THEM AT 71,000 MILES. WE WERE SMART ENOUGH TO HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR BOTH VEHICLES, UNFORTUNATELY, ON THE CURRENT VAN THE WARRANTY RAN OUT LAST MONTH...BESIDES THE POOR ENGINEERING OF THE TRANSMISSIONS THIS VAN HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TIE ROD AND FRONT END NOISE AS WELL AS GOING THROUGH FRONT BRAKES RELATIVELY QUICKLY (WE DO NOT DRIVE IT ROUGHLY AND IT IS MAINLY USED TO TRANSPORT OUR KIDS AROUND OUR COMMUNITY APPROXIMATELY. 12000 MILES OR LESS A YEAR SINCE WE HAVE OWNED IT. *LA
Oct 24, 2003
NO SUMMARY. DT
Nov 18, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
THE VEHICLE CLOCK SPRING FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE #B24. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *AK *NLM
Apr 22, 2003
CONSUMER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR CLOCK SPRING WORK DONE ON VEHICLE ON MARCH 21, 2002.
Dec 03, 2002
WHEELS
2 complaints
ON THE DATE GIVEN, MY 19 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD IN THE TOWN OF PERU, NY, WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT (FACTORY OPTION) CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL SPLIT IN TWO CIRCUMFRENTIALLY, PULLING HER VIOLENTLY INTO A SNOWBANK. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INDICATION OF THE FAILURE, AND THE VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN ABUSED OR INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE IS A 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN LS, AND THE WHEEL IN QUESTION IS THE FACTORY OPTIONAL ALUMINUM CAST ITEM. WE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, AND WERE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE AND THAT THE FAILURE WAS OUR FAULT. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, IT HAD NEVER BEEN ABUSED, THERE WAS NO AIR LEAKAGE OVER TIME TO INDICATE A CRACK OR FAULT, THE TEMPERATURE AT THE TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY 10 DEGREES F., AND THERE WAS NO OBSTACLE IN THE ROAD WHICH COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE INCIDENT. THE WHEEL SIMPLY BROK INTO TWO PIECES. WE FEEL THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THIS POSSIBLE DEFECT SINCE SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED FAILURE OF SUCH A VITAL PIECE OF VEHICLE EQUIPMENT COULD OBVIOUSLY PROVE FATAL. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED ON AN INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, OR IF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL HAD FAILED, PULLING THE VEHICLE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THE POSSIBLE RESULTS ARE OBVIOUS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT MYSELF OR MY WIFE AT ANY TIME CONCERNING THIS MATTER, AND WE ARE CURIOUS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ASSISTANCE.
Feb 14, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THE WHEEL TRIM RING / COVER / HUB CAP HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT
Mar 12, 2002
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED CLOCK SPRING. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT OTHER VEHICLES ARE INCLUDED IN A RECALL, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE VIN. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS LEAKING, DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. *SLC
Aug 13, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND WITHOUT THE SENSOR BEING TRIGGERED. PREVIOUSLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH A/C, BUT NO AIRBAGS PROBLEM. OCCUPANT SUSTAINED INJURIES DUE TO THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *AK *SLC
Jul 08, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
2 complaints
LEFT FRONT BRAKE PAD WORE OUT.
Sep 08, 1999
WARPED ROTORS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
Jan 26, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
2 complaints
BRAKES FAILED @ 35 MPH; REGAINED BRAKES THEREAFTER; EMERGENCY BRAKE STUCK (DEALER CLAIMS NOTHING WRONG).
Jan 01, 1999
VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE STILL ENGAGED, WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE DUE TO POOR LOCATION OF BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. ALSO, VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. *AK
Apr 24, 1998
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I know it's my solenoid my vehicle won't go out of 2 gear. My name is [XXX].[XXX] my number is [XXX]. I'm not sure if anything can be done being the vehicle is so old but I thought I'd give it a try. Email is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Jul 30, 2022
ENGINE
1 complaint
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED AND THE ENGINE REMAINS ON. *TR
Mar 23, 2014
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE PARKED AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. A FIRE THEN APPEARED COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. 911 WAS CALLED AND FIRE SQUAD CAME. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WERE USED BUT IT COULD NOT PUT OUT THE FIRE. FIRE TRUCK CAME AND BY THIS TIME THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIREMEN USED WATER TO FINALLY CONTROL THE FIRE. FIRE RESTARTED AND HAD TO BE PUT OUT AGAIN AND EVENTUALLY THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED. IT WAS PERHAPS ONLY 10 MINUTES FOR THE FIRE TO START, SPREAD, AND COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY DESTROY THE VAN. BECAUSE OF THE INTENSITY, QUICKNESS OF THE FIRE, AND THE DIFFICULTY IN PUTTING IT OUT, IT APPEARS TO BE A FUEL RELATED FIRE. I READ THAT DODGE HAD FUEL LINE "O" RINGS THAT COULD BE DEFECTIVE AND THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE. I CALLED DODGE HEADQUARTERS AND EXPLAINED THE EVENT. I AM STILL WAITING FOR A CALL BACK. *TR
Aug 04, 2012
STEERING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE WINDOWS BECAME FOGGY, CAUSING VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER THE CONTACT HAD JUST REPLACED THE SERPINITINE BELT 2,000 MILES PRIOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,000.
Jul 11, 2012
VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE VENT WINDOW IS STUCK IN AN INWARD POSITION AND CANNOT BE OPENED. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS BEGIN TO FLASH AND THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THE VEHICLE CAN ONLY BE RESTARTED AFTER WAITING 15 MINUTES. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Apr 30, 2008
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE O-RINGS ON THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE FAILING. CHRYSLER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 192,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Jul 13, 2007
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,INTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
DT: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. INSTRUMENT PANEL DID NOT WORK. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS DIGITAL. BUTTONS FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND REAR DEFROSTER FLASHED CONSTANTLY. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO GARAGE, AND THEY RECOMMENDED DODGE DEALER. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON THEIR OWN. VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE TO BE ON RUNNING FOR WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO COME ON. THEY CAME ON ABOUT EVERY TWO WEEKS. ALSO, TRAVELING INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON. CONSUMER STOPPED LIGHTS FROM COMING ON BY PUTTING TAPE ON DOOR. CONSUMER BELIEVED THESE WERE DIFFERENT ISSUES. HE REPLACED FAN CONTROL MODULE LAST YEAR, AND THAT DID NOT HELP.*AK CONSUMER ADDED THAT POUNDING ON THE DASHBOARD MADE THE DASH LIGHT ILLUMINATE. *TT
Aug 19, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE THE DEALER. *NM THE A/C WAS INOPERATIVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE SES LIGHT. RECALL# 04V480000. *SC *JB
Oct 15, 2004
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WE BOUGHT THIS VAN ONE YEAR AGO AND SO FAR WE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OXYGEN SENSOR, SPEED SENSOR, HEAD GASKET, WATER PUMP, THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK WHENEVER THEY WANT NOT JUST THE 16 MPH THING, BALL JOINTS ARE CLUNKING, THE CD PLAYER QUIT AND THEN SOON AFTER FM RADIO ONLY AM WORKS. *AK
Feb 04, 2004
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I OWN A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, WITH APPROX 139,000 MILES ON IT. I JUST READ IN THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS ABOUT THE NHTSA INVESTIGATING DAIMLER-CHRYSLER'S 1998-1999 DODGE CARAVANS/CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRYS/PLYMOUTH VOYAGERS. THE ARTICLE STATES THE VANS HAD A DEFECT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL/AIRBAG. MINE IS DOING THIS EXACT THING. ABOUT A MONTH AGO, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING. PLEASE INCLUDE THE 1997 MODEL YEARS IN THE INVESTIGATION.*AK
Feb 03, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WARNING LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH INTERMITTENTLY, AND AIR BAG SENSOR TO STAYS ON. *AK THE BRAKE LIGHT FLASHED, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN WAS INOPERATIVE. THE AIR BAG AND HORN PROBLEM MAY BE THE RESULT OF A CLOCKSPRING FAILURE. *PH *NLM
Nov 05, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION ON 1997 DODGE CARAVAN.*MR IGNITION TUMBLE WAS REPLACED, FAN ASSEMBLY.*TS
Nov 05, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN ON SINCE SHE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE DEALER WHICH ASKED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED AT THE DEALER IT WAS TOO LATE. ON THE WAY BACK HOME SHE SMELLED SMOKE BUT KEPT DRIVING UNTIL SHE REACHED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. SHE GOT THE HOSE AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THEN, CALLED THE MECHANIC/DEALER. THERE WERE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS. *AK
Sep 08, 2003
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON BY THEMSELVES ALL THE TIME, SOMETIMES THEY STOP AFTER A FEW SWIPES AND SOMETIMES I NEED TO TURN THE SWITCH ON AND THEN OFF AGAIN TO MAKE THEM STOP. SO FAR THEY HAVE WORKED WHEN I NEEDED THEM BUT IT MAY ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM, IT IS VERY UNSAFE! (1999) AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON NEARLY ALL THE TIME NOW. (JUN 2003) SLIDING DOOR LOCK DOESN'T ALWAYS ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE WHEN USING THE POWER LOCKS. *JB
Jun 24, 2003
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
CLOCK SPRING REPLACEMENT / CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TRADED TO CONSUMER WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON. UPON DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM, THE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING WAS BROKEN. *TS. ALSO THE RIGHT AXLE OUTPUT SHAFT LEAKED OIL, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS. *JB
Jun 10, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTIFICATION, THE CONSUMER HAD PAID FOR THE REPAIRS REGARDING THE CLOCK SPRING, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER REPLACED ENGINE OIL FILTER. *AK. ALSO THE GAS FILLER DOOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB *TS
Apr 11, 2003
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE TAILGATE AND THE RIGHT ARM THAT HOLD IT UP SNAPPED, AS A RESULT THE ARM FELL ONTO THE CONSUMERS LEFT ARM. THE ARM ON THE SUNVISOR SNAPPED. *NLM
Mar 26, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
FUEL TANK, BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE WE BOUGHT IT, EVERY TIME WE GO TO BRING THE VECHICLE IN FOR THEM, THEN COULD NOT FIND AN ANSWER AFTER ABOUT THE 4TH TIME WE BROUGHT IT IN, WE SAID THIS IS TO MUCH AND WE BROUGHT IT IN MORE THEN 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND WE SHOULD GET REPAIRED FREE, I BELIVE BY LEMON LAW?, WELL NUTTHING YET 3 YEARS AND RUNNING, WITH SEVERAL SEVERAL PROBLEMS, SHOULD ALL BE A RECALL CAUSE THAT TOMANY PROBLEMS, SUCH AS ON ALLDATA.COM AND READ ABOUT THE 97 DODGE CARAVAN 3.3L, MY LORD EVER PROBLEM ON THAT SHEET I HAVE, REALY GETTING ON MY NERVES...
Jan 18, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I RECENTLY LEARNED ABOUT YOUR WEB SITE SERVICE AND DECIDED TO USE IT. BECAUSE I HAVE EXPERIENCED TOO MANY PROBLEMS (VARIOUS IN ADDITION TO THIS LIST) OVER THE PAST YEARS WITH THIS VEHICLE. DT
Dec 05, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MICHAEL SCHOTTLAND ON BEHALF OF THE DECEASED OWNER STEPHANIE BERMAN. MS. BERMANS VEHICLE, WHILE IN MOTION, TURNED OVER AND BECAME ENGULFED IN A FIRE THAT LED TO HER DEATH, THERE WAS A RECALL 00V268 REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE. *JG
Sep 18, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
EA 01 007/AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING, AIR BAG LIGHT REMAIN ON WHILE DRIVING AND HORN IS INOPERATIVE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK. THE ENGINE BLEW AT 73000 MILES ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIAN AND ADVISOR AT THE DODGE DEALERSHIP. *JG
Jul 09, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
FIRST TIME CLOCKSPRING FAILURE RENDERED DRIVER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE. SECOND FAILURE RENDERED CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE. A NON-WORKING AIRBAG IS A SAFETY ISSUE.*AK
Jul 04, 2002
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHILE BACKING OUT, NOTICED VEHICLE HAD NO TAIL LIGHTS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND REPAIRED VEHICLE, BUT PROBLEM HAS RETURNED EVERY YEAR. *AKPROBLEM IS STILL OCCURING. A DODGE MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE SWITCH ON THE TRANSMISSION. *JG
Jun 24, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS PART TIME, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. *SCC
Jun 19, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
FUEL SENDING UNIT IS LINKING FLUID.*AK
May 03, 2002
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AT THE SAME TIME, THE HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CEASED TO FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE WIPERS COME ON AT RANDOM, BUT ESPECIALLY UPON USING TURN SIGNALS (WIPER CONTROLS ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER).*AK
Sep 23, 2001
AIR BAGS,TIRES
1 complaint
TIRE BLEW-WE SPUN OUT, HIT A SEMI, TOTALED VAN..INSURANCE CO INSPECTOR SAID TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE-TREAD TOTALLY CAME OFF-JUST HAD TIRES SERVICED IN JULY 2001. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND WE HIT SEMI IN FRONT-CUT ENGINE IN HALF . WHEN BOUGHT CAR, DEALER SAID IT HAD BEEN IN NO PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS, BUT WE'RE LATER TOLD WHEN WE FOUND GLASS IN THE BACK, THAT THE REAR BUMPER/PANEL HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. WONDERING NOW IF AIRBAGS WERE NOT RECHARGED FROM A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT. ACCIDENT OCCURED 6 HRS OUTSIDE SAN ANTONIO (VAN HORN, TX) AND VAN IS NOW IN EL PASO, TX.*AK
Aug 22, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM TAIL PIPE. THEN, WHITE SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER STOPPED CAR AND TURNED IGNITION OFF. CONSUMER EXITED THE CAR, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS MAY RELATED TO RECALL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS IN SHOP FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON FEBRUARY 16TH, 2001. *SLC
Jul 05, 2001
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE EXPERIENCED FAILURES IN MY STEERING COLMN WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW ME TO USE MY HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, AND I AM AFRAID THAT MY AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALONG WITH ABS AND INTERMITANT OTHER LIGHTS. I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION AND IT STILL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. SLIPPING FROM TIME TO TIME. THE REAR A/C FAN SWITCH ONLY WORKS IN THE LOW AND HIGH POSITION. TRASSMISION GIVES OFF A BURNING SMELL WHEN HOT.*AK
Jun 12, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASHBOARD WILL NOT GO OFF DURING OPERATION OF VEHICLE/ HORN WILL NOT FUNCTION. ALSO, CONSUMER'S WIFE SMELLED A BURNED RUBBER ODOR THAT WENT AWAY BEFORE LIGHT ON DASHBOARD CAME ON. *AK DEALER REPLACED CLOCKSPRING DUE TO OPEN CIRCUIT. *SLC
Apr 17, 2001
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
ELECTRICAL COMPONENT FAILURES HAVE RESULTED IN FIVE VISITS, FOUR REPAIRS - COUNTING THIS CURRENT INCIDENT. WARRANTY ISSUES HAVE PREVENTED IMMEDIATE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH WE HOLD AN EXTENDED GOLD WARRANTY. DEALER CLAIMS CLOCKSPRING INVOLVEMENT - CUSTOMER CLAIMS OPERATION PERFECT WITHOUT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. CUSTOMER LEFT CLOCKSPRING UNREPAIRED DUE TO WARRANTY ISSUE, SINCE, A POSSIBLE RECALL IS UNDER REVIEW. CUSTOMER REFUSES PAYMENT FOR REPAIR. DODGE IS UNRESPONSIVE. DEALER IS UNRESPONSIVE. LAWSUIT WILL BE PURSUED. *AK
Apr 12, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND HORN STOPPED WORKING, MECHANIC STATED CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK ALSO CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE RADIO THAT HAS BEEN WORKED ON FIVE TIMES AND REPLACED TWICE AND STILL DOESNOT WORK TO CONSUMER'S SATISFACTION, CONSUMER ALSO HAD BRAKES REPLACED, ALSO THE TENSIONER BELT ON THE TIMING BELT, ALSO THE WATER PUMP BROKE, ALSO TRANSMISSION WENT OUT.*JB
Mar 23, 2001
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
DEALERSHIP REPAIRED DEFECT OF AIRBAG/STEERING COLUMN/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS LAST FEBRUARY. CONSUMER STATES THAT THESE DEFECTS HAVE OCCURRED AGAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
Mar 20, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
AIRBAG LIGHT IN ON DASHBOARD STAYS ON CONSTINOUSLY, AND VEHICLE OVERHEATS. *AK
Mar 20, 2001
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHILE USING AIR CONDITIONER IT STOPPED WITHOUT A WARNING OF ANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *AK A/C WAS REPLACED ON WARRANTY. THE STRUTS WERE LEAKING. THE FUEL SENSOR SYSTEM FAILED PREMATURELY AND WAS REPLACED. *YH
Feb 21, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
ENGINE HAD LEAKING SEALS WHICH CAUSED EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO LEAK. FUMES WOULD COME FROM BLOWER (DEFROSTER) WHEN IT WAS TURNED ON. THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN ENGINE. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ERRATIC & WOULD COME ON OR OFF BY THEMSELVES, AND HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH STARTER. *AK GASOLINE LEAKS FROM THE TANK DUE TO THE SEAL FAILURE. INSIDE DOOR PANEL ON DRIVERS SIDE IS BROKEN. *YH
Dec 26, 2000
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
HAD JUST TURNED ON AIR CONDITIONER WHEN CONDENSATION STARTED TO BUILD UP & DRIPPED ON BELT CONTROLLING STEERING. THIS CAUSED BELT TO SLIP & LOSS OF POWER STEERING. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED BY MECHANIC A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #19-01-97 REVISED A WAS SENT ON THE PROBLEM. REPLACING AIR CONDITIONER. *AK THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WAS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW BY THE MANUFACTURER, ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR. *YH
Dec 04, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
DRIVING ALONG AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON WITHOUT NOTICE. ALSO NUMEROUS TIMES HAVING TO CHANGE OUT THE FUEL INJECTION ELECTRICAL PARTS. ALL OF THESE HAVE BEEN TOLD TO US THAT THEY WERE NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL OF THE MASTER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UNDER THE HOOD OF THIS MODEL OF CAR BUT WE HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION OF THIS SITUATION. PLEASE NOTIFY US IF SUCH A RECAL EXISTS. WE WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF THIS INFORMATION. WE ARE AFFRAID THAT IT WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO HAVE AN ELECRICAL FIRE.*AK
Nov 19, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
SLIDING DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM FAILS--DOOR REMAINS LOCKED AND DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, OR DOOR IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LOCK. JUST BEFORE FAILURE DOOR HAS PROBLEM LATCHING SUCCESSFULLY. AUTO DOOR LOCK MAKES BUZZING NOISE WHEN LOCKING IS ATTEMPTED. AFTER SECOND FAILURE, DEALER SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT IS COMMON TO REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF ROCKWELL ACTUATOR PART FOR THESE VEHICLES. WE'VE HAD 3 FAILURES OF DRIVERS SIDE AND 5 ON PASSENGER SIDE. LATEST WAS TODAY, 10/11/00. VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT THE FAILURES KEEP HAPPENING.
Oct 12, 2000
STEERING,SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL VIBRATIONS, DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, ESPECIALLY WHEN BREAKING, AND POPPING NOISES. HAD TO REPLACE RACK AND PINION AT 37,100 MILES. REPLACED LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AT 54,354 MILES. REPLACED LOWER CONTROL ARM JOINTS AT 59,421 MILES. TIRES: TIRES LOOSE AIR PRESSURE AND GO FLAT FOR NO APPARENT REASON INTERMITANTLY, RESULTING IN THE REPLACEMENT OF TWO TIRES. TIRE BURST WHILE DRIVING, RESULTING IN REPLACEMENT OF A THIRD TIRE. DOOR LOCKS: INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF RIGHT SIDE SLIDING DOOR POWER LOCK. WILL NOT LOCK/UNLOCK WITH POWER CONTROL. RADIO TAPE DECK: TAPE PLAYER ACTIVATED WITHOUT TAPE IN THE DECK. UNABLE TO STOP TAPE PLAYER. REQUIRED REPLACEMENT.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/65R15 )
Aug 03, 2000
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLES WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IN TOWN AND ON THE HIGHWAY. DODGE FIXED THE VEHICLE ONCE AND HAD TO REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL ASSY. THEY SAID IT WAS AN INTERNAL PROBLEM AND DID REPAIRS ON THE REAR AXLE, ASSY. AND BEARING, TRANSMISSION AND OTHER MAJOR PARTS. *AK
Jul 17, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I FEEL THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON SOME OF THE PROBLEMS IT HAS. THEY ARE DEFENITELY A MAJOR FACTOR IN SAFETY. I HOPE THESE PROBLEMS ARE FIXED IN THE NEWER MODLES BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE PURCHASE MINI-VANS FOR THEIR FAMILY OR COMPANY VEHICLE. THEREFORE, THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE I FEEL COULD PROBABLY FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW. OR, MANUFACTORS ARE JUST MAKING A BIG PROFIT AND ARE NOT CONSIDERING THE SAFETY OF THEIR DRIVERS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM PUT THEIR FAMILY IN A VEHICLE WITH THE PROBLEMS MINE HAS AND QUARANTEE THEIR SAFETY.*AK
May 09, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
FIRST IN JULY THE MASTER CYLINDERS ON OUR BACK BRAKES WERE SHREDDED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING ON A BRIDGE WITH A CAR FULL TO TEEN AGE GIRLS. IN DECEMBER, I NOTICED A HESITATION AND SEEMINGLY "JUMPING INTO GEAR" ESPECIALLY IN REVERSE. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND ALTHOUGH WAS 2 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY THEY DECLINED TO PAY FOR IT. THE JOB WAS TO COST ABOUT $1500. IN FEB, WE BROUGHT THE VAN TO A INDEPENDENT SERVICE PROVIDER, AND AS HE WAS LOOKING AT THE ENGINE, HE SAW THE BLOWN HEAD GASKET. WE DID CONTACT CHRYSLER AND WERE TOLD TO BRING IT TO A DEALERSHIP IN OUR AREA. TODAY, WE DID FIND OUT THAT THEY WOULD COVER THE HEAD GASKET BUT NOT THE TRANSMISSION. THERE ARE VOLUMES OF INTERNET SITES THAT SITE SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH 90-98 CARAVANS. THESE STORIES COULD BE RUBBER STAMPED. DURING THIS TIME, I FOUND ABOUT 15 PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING OR HAD TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THEIR VANS. SOMEONE NEEDS TO MAKE CHRYSLER RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PRODUCTS. PLEASE HELP. *AK
Feb 24, 2000
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I FEEL THIS MODEL, CARAVAN SE SPORT, NEEDS ALOT OF UPGRADES. I FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE FOR FAMILIES. I BELIEVE THAT DODGE IS
Oct 13, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
CAMSHAFT BROKE IN HALF AT 59,000 MILES, NECESSITATING ENGINE REPLACEMENT. SERVICE MGR. & TECHNICIAN BOTH INISTSTED THIS WAS VERY UNUSUAL IN ANY ENGINE, ESPECIALLY ONE WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE. DODGE REFUSED TO HELP WITH REPAIRS AS CAR WAS "OUT OF WARRANTY". THE WIPERS TURN ON BY THEMSELVES EVERY NOW AND THEN, SOMETIMES WHEN JUST OPENING THE DOORS. THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 43,000 MILES AS IT HAD NEVER BEEN PROPERLY LOOKED AT, EVEN THOUGH SERVICE RECORDS SHOWED INSPECTION AT THREE OCCASIONS BEFORE BREAKING DOWN. ORIGINAL DEALER WAS DUTCHESS DODGE, 614 SOUTH ROAD, POUGHKEEPSIE, NY 12601 (914) 462-7700. THEY NEVER RESPONDED TO CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THE BRAKES & WIPERS. THE ENGINE WAS REPAIRED AT HYDE PARK MOTORS. I'VE CONTACTED DODGE (DAIMLER/CHRYSLER) AND THE DISTRICT MGR. (PHIL FORNABAIO) BUT THEY REFUSE TO HELP WITH THE ENGINE AND WOULDN'T EVEN MEET WITH ME.
Oct 01, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TENSION PULLEY BELT THATS CONTROLS THE POWER STEERING AND BATTERY WAS VERY LOW. THE BATTERY/ THERMOSTAT WENT INTO A HOT MODE. ALSO, THAT THERE IS WATER UNDERNEATH THE CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT SOUNDS LIKE A BOAT. THE WATER UNDERNEATH COMES FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHEN RIDING THE VEHICLE. *AK
Sep 20, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,TIRES
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER WAS A PASSENGER IN VEHICLE, AND REAR TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO APPLY THE BRAKES, WHICH DID NOT WORK. VEHICLE HIT A CURB, AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *AK
May 26, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE SERPENTINE BELT PULLY HAS BROKEN TWICE, RESULTING IN VEHICLE BEING TOWED TWICE, THERE IS A CONSTANT THUD FROM THE GAS TANK WHEN ACCELERATING, STOPPED DRAINS FROM THE "AC" ARE A CONTINOUS PROBLEM, CAR STUTTERS AT TURNPIKE SPEEDS AS WELL AS NORMAL CITY DRIVING, CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 22 TIMES IN 27 MONTHS, TRIED TO GET INFORMATION CONCERNING "LEMON LAW" BUT WAS ASKED TO "GIVE US THE CHANCE TO MAKE IT RIGHT" .HAVE HAD A NIAGRA FALLS FROM UNDER THE DASH TWICE SINCE THEY "FIXED THE PROBLEM" CAR VIBRATES AT TURNPIKE SPEEDS. DOOR LOCKS BREAK/FOUL SMELL WHEN THE "AC" COMES ON, ENGINE SERVICE LIGHTS COME ON FOR NO REASON, THE VAN WAS LEASED, AND TO GET OUT OF THE LEASE WOULD INVOLVE SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. I WOULD TAKE MY 7 YEAR OLD BONNEVILLE ON TRIP BEFORE I WOULD TAKE MY 2 YEAR OLD VAN. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS? *AK
Mar 30, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE FIRST INCIDENT INVOLVES THE AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM, I REPORTED A WHINING NOISE TO THE DEALER AND ON THE FIRST INSPECTION THEY INDICATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, ON THE SECOND VISIT I INSISTED THAT THE SERVICE ADVISOR RIDE WITH ME AT WHICH TIME HE DID INFACT HEAR THE NOISE,THEY INSPECTED THE VAN AND SAID THAT IT WAS LEAKING FREON.THE NOISE STILL PREVAILED AND WHEN I TOOK THE VAN BACK TO THE DEALER THEY REINSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INDICATED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE COMPRESSOR,A MOVE TO A NEW LOCATION BY THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER REQUIRED ME TO WAIT OVER A MONTH, AND CAUSED MY VAN TO GO OUT OF WARRANTY, WHICH THE DEALER TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY THAT THEY WOULD HANDLE ANY PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD WITH NO CHARGE. I RETURNED THE VAN TO THE DEALER ON WEDNESDAY NOV. 18,1998 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT AGAIN, AND INFORMED THEM THAT IT STILL MAKES NOISE AND IN FACT IT MAKES OTHER NOISES, POSSIBLY THE FAN BELT WAS LOOSE ETC. THEY REPLACED THE FAN BELT AND CHARGES ME $71.00 TO DO SO AS IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.I HAVE PURCHASED A MAX WARRANTY FROM CHRYSLER FOR $1200.00, IN OCTOBER BEFORE IT WENT OUT OF WARRANTY. THE SECOND PROBLEM I HAVE BEEN HAVING IS THAT THE VEHICLE IS BURNING OIL, AND I HAVE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCATIONS TO HAVE THIS LOOKED AT. THEY DID A MILAGE CHECK TO SEE THE CONSUMPTION OVER A GIVEN TIME PERIOD.IT WAS FIRST DONE OVER A 3000 MILE PERIOD AT WHICH TIME IT BURNED A HALF QUART OF OIL,WHICH THE DEALER SAID WAS ACCEPTABLE, THE SECOND TEST WAS OVER A 6000 MILE PERIOD AND THE VEHICLE BURNED A HALF A QUART OF OIL, THE THIRD TIME WAS OVER A 3000 MILE PERIOD AND NOW THE VEHICLE BURNS A FULL QUART OF OIL, AND WHEN I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THAT WAS STILL ACCEPTABLE. I AM CONFUSED, THIS DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT I THINK THAT I MAY HAVE A LEMON, PLEASE RESPOND, AS I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO AT THIS POINT.
Nov 19, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
VEHICLE LEAKS FUEL WHILE DRIVING. OWNER NOTES PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RETURNS. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT PROBLEM BEGAN AT 55 MILES WHEN THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS FIXED, HOWEVER ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED 30 MILES LATER, DEALER REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN AND DEALER REPLACED THE O-RING AND HOLDING NUT, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. LEFT SIDE DOOR GLASS WAS BOWED. UNUSUAL NOISE OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE SHIFTS FROM PARK TO REVERSE, NEUTRAL TO REVERSE, AND NEUTRAL TO DRIVE, DEALER STATED THIS WAS NORMAL. OIL PAN BENT, DEALER REPLACED. *SLC
Dec 04, 1997
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES
1 complaint
ACCIDENT. VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT, STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER. TIRES LEAKING AIR. BENT OIL PAN.
Aug 18, 1997
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TRAVELING SHORT DISTANCES DRIVER BEGINS TO ACCELERATE. STEERING COLUMN BEGINS TO VIBRATE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION JERKS. THIS CONSTITUTES POOR HANDLING. *AK
Jun 09, 1997
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1997 DODGE Caravan have?
The 1997 DODGE Caravan currently has 787 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1997 DODGE Caravan?
The most common problems reported for the 1997 DODGE Caravan are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1997 DODGE Caravan problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1997 DODGE Caravan comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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2010 Problems
2009 Problems
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2001 Problems
2000 Problems
1999 Problems
1998 Problems
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1995 Problems
1994 Problems
1993 Problems
1992 Problems
1991 Problems
1990 Problems
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