1998 DODGE Grand Caravan Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
597
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
121 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WITHOUT WARNING, THE SERPENTINE BELT DETACHED OUT OF PLACE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE SERPENTINE BELTS AND THE PULLEYS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO SERVICE CAMPAIGN AND RECALL TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/30/17*LJ UPDATED 09/25/2017*JS
Jan 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD REFUSE TO TURN. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE SERPENTINE BELT BUT AFTER A MONTH THE BELT FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000.
Jan 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE SERPENTINE BELT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOUR TIMES. THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A TENSIONER TO HOLD THE SERPENTINE BELT IN PLACE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,500. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BELT TENSIONER AND IDLER PULLEY WAS REPLACED ON 03/04/12 UPDATED 03/30/12
Jan 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE SERPENTINE BELT AND THE TENSIONER. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONE MONTH LATER AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE BELT BACK IN PLACE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES AND ONLY WHEN DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Nov 09, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWENTY OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CONSISTENT PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jul 20, 2011
+ 116 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
68 complaints
1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY SERVICE ON VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, ALONG WITH A COPY OF THE SAFETY RECALL LETTER REGARDING PROBLEMS WITH THE CLOCKSPRING. AFTER AN HOUR, THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, NOT THE CLOCKSPRING AND THAT IT WOULD TAKE MORE THAN TWO HOURS TO TROUBLESHOOT THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, AND THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, PLUS THE REPAIR CHARGES. THE CONSUMER REFUSED THEIR OFFER. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER ESTABLISHMENT, WHERE THE MECHANIC'S FIRST REACTION WAS THE CLOCKSPRING. AN HOUR LATER, THE CLOCKSPRING WAS REPLACED AND ALL OF THE LOST FUNCTIONALITIES WERE RESTORED.
Jan 15, 2013
UPON THE VEHICLES IMPACT THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSING AN INJURY TO THE DRIVER. *TR
Nov 25, 2011
THE CLOCK SPRING ON MY DODGE CARAVAN FAILED RENDERING THE AIR BAG, SPEED CONTROL AND HORN USELESS. IT REQUIRED $200 REPAIR TO REPLACE THE SPRING. *TR
May 23, 2008
1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH DEFECTIVE CLOCKSPRING. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE RECALL STATED IF THE PROBLEM WASN'T ACKNOWLEDGED THEN, AND DID HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE TO TAKE IT TO GET IT FIXED FREE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD NO ABOUT GETTING REIMBURSED FOR REPAIR. KB THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE THE CONSUMER TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE SHOP INSTEAD OF THE DEALER. *JB
Jan 31, 2008
THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE HORN AND CRUISE DON'T WORK. THEY REPLACED THE CLOCK SPRING A FEW YEARS AGO BUT I WASN'T HAVING ANY PROBLEMS THEN BUT I AM NOW. *NM
Jul 03, 2006
+ 63 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
64 complaints
WHILE DRIVING THE RAIN I WENT THROUGH A MIDSIZE PUDDLE DUE TO STORM DRAINS BEING BLOCKED I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR STOPPED AND STARTED TO OVERHEAT. I WAS THANKFULLY DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AT 25 MPH WITH OUT ALOT OF TRAFFIC AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER RIGHT AWAY. BECAUSE OF GOING THROUGH THE PUDDLE THE DRIVE BELT CAME OFF. WHEN THE BELT SLIPPED OFF IT BENT THE SUSPENSION AND SPRING THAT HOLD THE BELT TIGHT. THE BELT IS FAIRLY NEW AND THE CAR HAD RECENTLY BEEN IN FOR SERVICE AND CHECKED OVER. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE BELT TO COME OFF. CAN I NOT DRIVE MY CAR IN THE RAIN? IF I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 50MPH OR THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE SNOWY OR ICY I MAY NOT BE HERE. *TR
Dec 29, 2008
VEHICLE ONLY HAS PARK INTERMITTENTLY, MUST USE PARKING BRAKE TO INSURE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE. *TR
Dec 10, 2007
TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE GOING 60 ON INTERSTATE. POWER WOULD COME AND GO LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND ATTEMPTING TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT GETTING HIT. THE ENGINE LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON UNTIL I WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD. NO PRIOR WARNING OF THE PENDING FAILURE. *JB
Jan 21, 2007
MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT, WHEN I WENT TO MOVE FORWARD, IT CLUNKED, AND DID NOT MOVE FOR 1-2 SECONDS, THEN JUMPED FORWARD. TOOK TO TRANNY SHOP AND WAS TOLD I WILL NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE SHOP INDICATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT COMPLETELY DAMAGED AT THE TIME, BUT RECOMMENDS THAT IT BE REPLACED. *NM
Dec 07, 2006
WE WERE JUST DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT (A COUPLE OF JERKS AND THEN NO ACCELERATION ABILITY). WE WERE ALMOST KILLED BY A SEMI WHO ALMOST RAN INTO US WHEN WE SUDDENLY AND DRASTICALLY SLOWED AND HADN'T BRAKED AND HE COULDN'T MOVE TO ANOTHER LANE BECAUSE OF OTHER TRUCKS IN THAT LANE. OUR 98 GRAND CARAVAN HAS ONLY 79K MILES ON IT AND THIS IS THE SECOND TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, (THOUGH I THINK THE FIRST TIME IT WAS REPAIRED RATHER THAN REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $1000 AND JUST A COUPLE OF MONTHS PAST THE YEAR WARRANTY). NOW WE FIND THAT IT WILL BE $3000 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. WE HAVE IT SERVICED REGULARLY AT THE DODGE DEALER. WE HAVE ALSO HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED TWICE (ONCE WHEN THE FIRST TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WAS MIS-DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY BATTERY). ALL WORK HAS BEEN OR IS BEING DONE BY THE DODGE DEALER. NOW I SEE ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON WITH THIS MODEL. WHY ISN'T DODGE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS INSTEAD OF GOUGING THE PUBLIC (NOT TO MENTION PUTTING US IN DANGER)?*JB
Dec 05, 2005
+ 59 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
38 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN, SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT CALLED STEW HANSEN DODGE RAM CHRYSLER JEEP AT (515) 331-2900 (LOCATED AT 12103 HICKMAN RD, URBANDALE, IA 50323) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Aug 17, 2018
THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LOSES THE ELECTRICITY AND THE GAUGES COMPLETELY DIE OFF. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND I HAVE NO WAY OF FIXING THIS. *TR
Oct 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AS THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Mar 20, 2014
ON 3 OCCASIONS RECENTLY ALL THE DASHBOARD GAUGES STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE GAUGES RESUMED EITHER ON THEIR OWN AFTER A FEW MOMENTS OR AFTER STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE VAN. DEALER COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE ONLY SAID THAT COMMUNICATION HAD BEEN LOST. THE TECHNICIAN CLAIMED THAT HE COULD NOT FIND SIMILAR ISSUES IN HIS DATABASE, BUT FROM THIS WEBSITE I SEE THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE SURE-FIRE FIX. THE VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AND LIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS CONTINUE TO WORK WHILE THE GAUGES MALFUNCTION. BUT, DRIVING IS DIFFICULT WITHOUT THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE ODOMETER AND TRIP MILEAGE ARE INCORRECT AFTER THE GAUGES COME BACK TO LIFE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM ON A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 148,000 MILES. IT WOULD ALSO NOT START, ACTED LIKE SENTRY SYSTEM KICKED IN (NON SENTRY SYSTEM VEHICLE) FINALLY IT MALFUNCTIONED AND STAYED IN MALFUNCTION MODE AND I GOT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS "NO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE MODULES ON HE CCD BUS - CIRCUIT WAS FOUND SHORTED TOGETHER AND WITH THE CLUSTER UNPLUGGED, BUS COMMUNICATION WAS POSSIBLE - SHORT IN THE BUS" THE "BOARD INST CLUSTER P/C W/FLEX P/C ( PART # 4874440) WAS REPLACED " $850 REPAIR JOB BUT IT HAS SOLVED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Mar 14, 2011
ON 3 OCCASIONS RECENTLY ALL THE DASHBOARD GAUGES STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE GAUGES RESUMED EITHER ON THEIR OWN AFTER A FEW MOMENTS OR AFTER STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE VAN. DEALER COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE ONLY SAID THAT COMMUNICATION HAD BEEN LOST. THE TECHNICIAN CLAIMED THAT HE COULD NOT FIND SIMILAR ISSUES IN HIS DATABASE, BUT FROM THIS WEBSITE I SEE THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE SURE-FIRE FIX. THE VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AND LIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS CONTINUE TO WORK WHILE THE GAUGES MALFUNCTION. BUT, DRIVING IS DIFFICULT WITHOUT THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE ODOMETER AND TRIP MILEAGE ARE INCORRECT AFTER THE GAUGES COME BACK TO LIFE. *TR
Feb 08, 2011
+ 33 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
32 complaints
I'VE HAVE THIS 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, THE STRUT MOUNT HOUSING IS RUSTED SO BAD I'M AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE IT ANYMORE. THE METAL IS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. THERE IS ONE RUSTED RING THAT HOLDS THE STRUT TO THE BODY. IT STARTED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO WITH A SMALL RUST HOLE ON BOTH SIDE. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST RUST FROM THE BAD WINTERS WE GET IN THE MIDWEST. WHEN MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED (15-20MPH) THE VAN FEELS LIKE YOUR ON A PITTED DIRT TRAIL AND NOTHING BUT SIDE TO SIDE SHAKING. THIS HAS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. I SEE THESE VANS ALL OVER THE PLACE AND THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM!
Feb 27, 2014
SUSPENSIONS MOUNTS ARE RUSTED ALL THE WAY AND MAKING A SQUEAKY NOISE AND HITS HARD AND MAKES NOISES WHEN TURNING AND GOING OVER BUMPS. WATER RUNNING IN MY FLOOR BOARD ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEN RUNNING THE HEATER. THIS IS WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. *TR
Dec 12, 2009
1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN STRUT TOWERS RUST PROBLEM. THE DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER IS ABOUT 60% RUSTED OUT. WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE RUST CAN'T HOLD THE STRUT MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. FAILURE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL, AND PASSENGER INJURY OR DEATHS. *TR
Mar 26, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR TIRE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT TOWER MOUNT WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,000. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 131,000.
Feb 19, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE DRIVER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED. AFTER REPLACING THE TIRES, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SHOCK TOWER WAS CORRODED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,015. UPDATED 03/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/24/09.*JB
Feb 17, 2009
+ 27 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
23 complaints
1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DO TO RUSTED BRAKE LINES. *TR
Jul 13, 2010
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO RUSTED BRAKE LINES AND SUDDEN LOSS OF ALL BRAKE FLUID NO STOPPING ABILITY EXCEPT EMERGENCY BRAKE (ONLY EFFECTIVE AT LOW SPEED). *TR
Jun 14, 2010
MY SON STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR UPON INSPECTION THE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING RIGHT BEHIND THE BRADED PART ABOUT A FOOT BEHIND THE ABS UNIT THE OTHER REAR LIND IS IN BAD SHAPE AT THE SAME POINT. *TR
Apr 17, 2009
DT: 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK AT 20 MPH AND SOMEONE WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. WHEILE SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ACCELERATED BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL CAME ON, AND HIT THE VEHICLE SITTING AT THE RED LIGHT FROM BEHIND WHEN WAS NORMAL BRAKING. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. THE ROAD WAS DRY AT THE TIME. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS. HAD NOT YET CONTACTED DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURER. CALLED THE POLICE, AND THEY TOOK A BREPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES IN THE ACCIDENT. THE ONLY DAMAGE MADE WAS TO THE VEHICLES. *AK
Oct 19, 2005
MY CAR IS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN LE. IT HAS 120,000 MILES ON IT. I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW. REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE. FAILURE DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. DISSIMILAR METALS (STEEL AND STAINLESS STEEL) USED ON A JOINT (FLEXIBLE COUPLING) ON REAR BRAKE LINES. DISSIMILAR METALS JOINT CAUSED ELECTROLYTIC CORROSION AND FAILURE (RUPTURE) OF BRAKE LINE. THE BRAKE LINE JOINT WITH DISSIMILAR METALS DESIGN FLAW IS A TIME BOMB WAITING TO HAPPEN IN MANY OF THE DODGE AND CHRYSLER. THE POTENTIAL FOR A VERY HIGH NUMBER OF DEATHS AND MAJOR INJURIES DUE TO THIS DESIGN FLAW IS HUGE. *NM
Oct 03, 2005
+ 18 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
20 complaints
I OWN 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND I'M 1-ST OWNER. FOR SOME TIME NOW I CAN SMELL GAS FUMES INSIDE OF CAR, IN PARTICULAR AFTER HARDER BREAKING. *TR
May 09, 2008
AS I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE I SMELLED A STRONG ODOR BUT EVERYTHING AROUND THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO WORK NORMALLY (NO SMOKE OR OVERHEATING PRESENT). LESS THAN 5 MINUTES AFTER THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE IS BURNED, THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. EXPERTS THAT LOOKED AT THE ENGINE AFTER THE FIRE WAS PUT OFF SUGGEST A FAILURE IN THE GAS HOSE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO CATCH FIRE. *NM
Dec 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER BEING TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL AT THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT ENCOUNTERED A NHTSA RECALL # 00V268000 REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS AS STATED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 02/16/07. *JB
Nov 28, 2006
CONSUMER STATES FUEL RAIL IS LEAKING. AS A RESULT, FUEL FUMES SEEP THROUGH THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *AK
Jun 02, 2004
MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN BEGAN SMELLING LIKE GAS INTERMITTENTLY IN 2002. WHEN THE SMELL REPEATED ITSELF OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL MONTHS, WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER FAILED TO FIND A LEAK OR REASON FOR THE SMELL. THE SMELL CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY AND IN 2004, WE TOOK THE CAR BACK AGAIN. THIS TIME THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED REPLACING THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK AT A COST TO US OF $572. I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE LABOR COST WAS. THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF THE POOR DESIGN. THEY APPEAR TO HAVE REPLACED IT WITH A 2000 FUEL PUMP, WHICH WAS ONE OF THE PUMPS FOUND POOR IN AN INSURANCE CRASH TEST RATING. *AK
Apr 23, 2004
+ 15 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
18 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INOPERABLE AND OBSTRUCTED HER VIEW OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE CONTROL UNIT, HOWEVER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
May 17, 2011
RECENTLY BOUGHT 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE FRONT WIPERS STOPPED WORKING MOST IMMEDIATELY. WE REPLACED THE SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT DID NOTHING. THEN WE REPLACED THE WIPER MOTOR. THAT SEEMED TO WORK BUT NOW THEY WON'T COME ON UNTIL THE CAR HAS BEEN ON FOR A WHILE. THAT IS NOT SAFE AS THE RAIN DOES NOT WAIT UNTIL THE CAR HAS BEEN ON FOR A WHILE. IS SUCH A SAFETY HAZARD AND OTHER VANS HAVE RECALLS FOR THIS WHY NOT MINE? *TR
Sep 23, 2009
THE INTERMITTENT FEATURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS JUST QUIT WORKING AS IT SHOULD. IT WOULD SOMETIMES WORK FOR A FEW WIPES, STOP WORKING FOR A WHILE, THEN SOMETIMES IT WOULD START WORKING FOR A FEW MORE WIPES. THE CONTROL MODULE ON THE STEERING COLUMN HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. IT WORKED FOR ABOUT TWO BLOCKS OUT OF THE SHOP & JUST QUIT AGAIN. SO FAR I HAVE INVESTED OVER $1,000.00 TRYING TO GET THEM TO WORK. *TR
Jul 14, 2008
THE WIPER BLADES WILL TURN ON BY THEMSELVES WHILE DRIVING. TO GET THEM TO TURN OFF YOU MUST TURN THE IGNITION SYSTEM OFF THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE. IF YOU TURN ON THE WIPERS WHILE DRIVING THEY WILL NOT GO BACK OFF UNTIL THE CAR HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED ALSO. *JB
Nov 11, 2006
THE INTERMITTENT MODE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DOSE NOT WORK. THE WIPER CONTROL MODULE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE A TOTAL OF FIVE DAYS FOR THE ATTEMPTED REPAIRS. *NM
Nov 25, 2005
+ 13 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
16 complaints
WHILE STOPPING AT A LIGHT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED IN A FIVE CAR COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, THE REAR SEAT BELT DISCONNECTED, CAUSING THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT TO FLY FORWARD, HITTING THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK *SC *JB
Jun 24, 2004
SEAT BELT COMPLAINT. *NLM
Apr 28, 2003
CONSUMER SAW A NEWS PROGRAM STATING THAT 1993-2002 GRAND CARAVANS HAVE DEFECTIVE SEAT BELTS. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED FOR HER FAMILY'S SAFETY AND FEELS A RECALL SHOULD BE IN ORDER. *JG
Feb 03, 2003
THE FEMALE END OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IN THE INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY CRUMBLED INTO SEVERAL PIECES. WE ARE WORRIED THAT THE OTHER SEAT MAY HAVE THE SAME DEFECT. CHRYSLER SAYS THAT THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WOULD THINK THEY WOULD BE MORE CONCERNED, ESPECIALLY SINE THE PROBLEM INVOLVES A CHILD SEAT. *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS***770772
Dec 19, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT REMAIN LATCHED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. TS SCC
Dec 17, 2002
+ 11 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
15 complaints
1998 DODGE CARAVAN STRUT TOWERS RUSTING THROUGH. *TR
Jul 06, 2010
1) DEFECT DISCOVERED ON VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION 2) CORROSION ON DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER 3) VEHICLE OPERATION IS UNSAFE, CORROSION COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF STRUT FROM STRUT TOWER CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, POTENTIAL COLLISION, VEHICLE DAMAGE AND INJURY TO OCCUPANTS. REPAIR TO STRUT TOWER IS REQUIRED. *TR
Jan 19, 2008
AFTER I HAD CLOSED THE LIFTGATE ON MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, I HEARD A "POP". I HAD HEARD THIS "POP" BEFORE - I HAD PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 1992 PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND WAS COVERED UNDER A RECALL. WHEN I RE-OPENED THE LIFTGATE, THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT SHOT THROUGH THE SPACE BETWEEN THE LIFTGATE AND THE ROOFLINE. IT WAS STILL SECURED BY THE LOWER BOLT, BUT THE TOP BOLT HAD SHEARED, JUST AS HAPPENED ON THE 1992 PLYMOUTH MODEL . HOWEVER, DUE TO DESIGN CHANGES IN THE AREA OF THE WHERE THE STRUT IS, THERE WAS NO PLACE FOR THE STRUT TO GO BUT TO SCRATCH THE PAINT ON THE VEHICLE. THE 1992 PLYMOUTH HAD A "POCKET" THAT THE UPPER BOLT SAT IN AND IT WOULD FORCE THE STRUT INTO THE AREA BETWEEN THE ROOF AND ROOF LINER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. ON THIS 1998 DODGE, I HAD TO FORCIBLY REMOVE THE STRUT FROM THE LOWER BOLT, SINCE IT WAS ATTACHED WITH A STAR DESIGN HEADED BOLT, THEREFORE EFFECTIVELY RUINING THE LOWER PIVOT AREA OF THE STRUT. THIS IS THE FIFTH (5TH) STRUT (1ST ON THE 1998) THAT I HAVE HAD FAILURE WITH, AND ALL HAVE BEEN TO BOLT FAILURE IN THE THREADED AREA OF THE BOLT. I WILL CONTACT LOCAL DODGE DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT POSSIBILITY OF FIXING UNDER SAME RECALL AS 1992 RECALL. *NM
Jun 04, 2006
I TOOK MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AFTER HEARING NOISES. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS CORRODING AND THE UNDER BODY WAS SHIFTING. FURTHER CORROSION AND MOVEMENT COULD COLLAPSE THE HOUSING AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TWO TSBS WERE ISSUED ON THESE PROBLEMS, 23-044-02 AND 23-01-97. DODGE SAYS THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE PROBLEMS, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE SAFETY ISSUES, SINCE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. EVEN THE PRESIDENT OF DAIMLER CHRYSLER CLAIMS HE CANNOT ACCOMMODATE MY REQUEST FOR A RESOLUTION OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I GUESS I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT RESULTING IN DEATH BEFORE THEY WOULD DO SOMETHING.*AK
Apr 07, 2005
CLEAR COAT PAINT BUBBLING AND PEELING OFF ENTIRE VAN. *AK
Mar 05, 2005
+ 10 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 complaints
AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. HORN FAILURE/SPEED CONTROL FAILURE. *AK
May 21, 2004
AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED/CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING, AND HORN WON'T BLOW.*AK
Feb 27, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN APPLIED. THE DRIVER PRESSED DOWN ON THE HORN AND THERE WAS NOT A SOUND. ALSO, AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD AND STAYED ON. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK RECALL#1500521 *SC
Feb 23, 2004
AIRBAG LIGHT AND ABS LIGHTS REMAIN LIGHTED. CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN NON-FUNCTIONING. *AK
Feb 06, 2004
AT ANY SPEED AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK. THERE IS AN ARTICLE IN A CONSUMER MAGAZINE THAT DOCUMENTS THE PROBLEMS THE CONSUMER IS HAVING. THE PROBLEM MENTIONED IS A DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. *AK
Feb 03, 2004
+ 9 more complaints for this component
SEATS
11 complaints
I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT INCAS IN CAME APART AT THE ADJUSTER TRACKS. THIS CAUSED ME TO BE THROWN INTO THE REAR OF THE VAN MAKING MY INJURES MUCH WORSE. SEE ALSO 11004775. *DSY
Jul 12, 2017
THE BOLT ATTACHING THE HANDLE TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINING MECHANISM BROKE. HERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO EVENTS LEADINGUP TO THE FAILURE.SEAT WILL NOT STAY UPRIGHT.VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED, I WILL RETAIN DEFECTIVE PARTS.*AK
Nov 18, 2004
PASSENGER SEATBACKS ON MIDDLE ROW CAPITAINS SEATS ARE CONSTANTLY COMMING LOOSE DUE TO BOLTS ON SIDE NEAR FOLDING HINGES COMING LOOSE! VERY UNSAFE AS BACKS OF SEATS CAN FALL OFF OR RECLINE FULLY BACK RENDERING SEATBELTS WORTHLESS!*AK
Sep 06, 2003
PASSENGER SEAT BACK BROKE FOR NO REASON. *JB
May 09, 2003
WHILE STOPPED THE VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER MINI-VAN TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. AS A RESULT LEFT POWER SEAT COLLAPSED TO THE FULLY RECLINED POSITION.*AK
Mar 01, 2002
+ 6 more complaints for this component
TIRES
11 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE TWO FRONT TIRES SUDDENLY LOCKED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE SEVERAL FEET. THE VEHICLE MADE A CLANKING SOUND AND IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS, THE TWO FRONT TIRES UNLOCKED AND ALLOWED THE CONTACT TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 266,000.
Aug 06, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE VEHICLE HAS MICHELIN X RADIAL TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE TIRE SHOP STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE VALVE STEM AND THEY MADE THE REPAIR. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE TIRE SHOP STATED THAT THE VALVE STEM WAS CRACKED AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT. THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY OTHER FAILURES SINCE THAT TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 130,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Jul 19, 2007
TIRE BLOWOUT ON HIGHWAY 505. THE TREAD CAME OFF THE BACK LEFT TIRE OF MY DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WE PULLED OVER AND GOT AAA TO COME. THERE IS $1967.00 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WHICH INCLUDES DAMAGE TO FENDER, GAS COVER AND CAP, AND PAINT DAMAGE. JB
Jan 24, 2007
DT: CONSUMER HAS A DODGE CARAVAN. HAD A FLAT TIRE, AND THE SPARE WOULDN'T COME OUT. CONSUMER HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK, AND THEY TOLD HIM THERE WERE A LOT OF PROBLEMS. HAD TO VEHICLE TAKE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE SPARE TIRE OUT. CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE. DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM HAD TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE SERVICE OF REMOVING THE SPARE TIRE. WHEN HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER THEY ALSO TOLD HIM THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. *AK
Jun 28, 2005
THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED TREAD SEPARATION ON 3 OF THE TIRES, WHICH WERE ONLY 1 YEAR AND 4 MONTHS OLD. *TS *JB
Apr 09, 2003
+ 6 more complaints for this component
STEERING
10 complaints
THE BELT CAME UP AFTER HITTING A PUDDLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE. *TR
Jun 18, 2013
DURING THE COURSE OF A SHORT TRIP, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED COMPLETELY. THE FLUID DRAINED FROM THE SYSTEM THROUGH A HOLE CAUSED BY A RUST-THROUGH OF THE STEEL POWER STEERING LINES WHICH ARE COMPLETELY EXPOSED TO ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS UNDER THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH THE SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES, MADE OF STEEL WERE EXTENSIVELY RUSTED.
Nov 05, 2003
DURING RAIN, SNOW, OR ICY CONDITIONS, THE ACCESSORY BELT PULLY OR IDLER GETS WET AND THE BELT COMES OFF RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, ALTERNATOR, ETC. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE MOST RECENTLY 04/22/01 DURING A RAIN STORM IN CHICAGO. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A SHEILD OR SOMETHING MISSING TO PREVENT WATER, SNOW, AND/OR ICE FROM SPLASHING UP ONTO THE BELT PULLIES. *AK
Apr 23, 2001
POWER STEERING BELT COMES OFF WHEN DRIVING THROUGH SNOW GREATER THAN 6 INCHES IN DEPTH. CAUSED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. TECHNICAL BULLETIN FROM REPAIR SHOP INDICATES THAT THE TENSIONER ARM ON THIS MODEL IS DEFECTIVE (INSUFFICIANT TENSION TO KEEP BELT ON), AND THAT IT NEEDS A SNOW SHIELD. SNOW UNDER VEHICLE GETS PUSHED INTO BELT ASSEMBLY CAUSING BELT TO FALL OFF. TECHNICAL BULLETIN INDICATES THE CORRECTIVE PROCEDURE (STRONGER TENSIONING ARM AND SNOW SHIELD) WILL BE COVERED ONLY IF VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY. FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE E-MAIL ADDRESS. THE WORK PHONE LISTED WILL ONLY BE CURRENT UNTIL 01/24/00. NEW WORK PHONE IS UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK
Jan 17, 2001
SERPINTINE BELT TENSIONER FAILS WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS
Aug 23, 2000
+ 5 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9 complaints
MY ELDERLY MOTHER PURCHASED A USED 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN FROM THE LOCAL CHRYSLER-DODGE DEALER IN APRIL 2002 AND ALSO PURCHASED THE POWERTRAIN CARE PLUS COVERAGE. NOT TOO LONG AFTERWARDS, THE DASH INSTRUMENTS FAILED TO WORK, SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS. NOTHING COULD BE FOUND WRONG AND WE WERE TOLD TO SIMPLY "KEEP AN EYE ON IT AND BRING IT IN WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING." WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TWICE MORE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM -- SPEEDOMETER, TACH, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE -- ALL NOT WORKING, BUT THESE LAST COUPLE OF TIMES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AIRBAG AND ABS LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THESE THREE TIMES THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER THIS EXTRA COVERAGE AND ALL THREE TIMES, WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG! THE LAST STRAW CAME ON OCTOBER 13, 2004 WHEN WE TOOK THE VAN IN FOR THE 4TH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS TIME, WE WERE TOLD THERE WERE MASSIVE OIL LEAKS WHICH HAD SPRAYED OIL ON THE WIRE HARNESS, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WE HAD THAT REPAIRED TO THE TUNE OF OVER $300. THEN WE WERE TOLD THAT THE REASON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED WAS NOT DUE TO THE WIRE HARNESS, BUT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) HAD FAILED. IT WOULD COST ANOTHER $500 TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. WE POLITELY TOLD THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WE'D TAKE THE VEHICLE ELSEWHERE FOR REPAIRS (WE'VE GOTTEN THE QUOTES, BUT NOT HAD REPAIRS DONE AT THIS TIME). IT JUST SEEMS STRANGE TO US THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS FINALLY ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AFTER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED!
Oct 21, 2004
MANUFACTURER FAILED TO SEND MANDATORY RECALL NOTICES TO REGISTERED ORIGINAL PURCHASER AT ADDRESS ON FILE. *LA
Jan 23, 2004
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO ROLL DOWN THE POWER WINDOW IT WILL MAKE A TERRIBLY LOUD NOISE CAUSING IT TO BE A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER WHEN DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Jan 08, 2003
NO SUMMARY. DT
Nov 09, 2002
WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SLIPED INTO THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT, I HAD OPENED THE SIDE DOOR TO PUT HER IN HER CAR SEAT AND IN A MATTER OF SECONDS SHE SLIPPED INTO THE OPENED FRONT DOOR WHERE I HAD JUST TURNED ON THE AC TO COOL THE VEHICLE OFF. WHEN I WENT TO TAKE HER OUT OF THE SEAT SHE GRADED THE GEAR SHIFT AND WITH ME HOLDING ONTO HER AND THE STEERING WHEEL I WAS DRAGGED BY THE MOVING VEHICLE UNTIL WE RESTED UPON THE FENCE THAT SURROUNDS MY SIDE/REAR YARD. SHE WAS NOT INJURED BUT I STRAINED MY BACK BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO MOVE SO EASILY AND WAS WITHIN ARMS REACH THE ENTIRE TIME. I HAVE REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY BUT NO POLICE WERE INVOLVED.
Jun 14, 2001
+ 4 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
8 complaints
STRUT TOWER ASSEMBLY CORROSION (STRUTS ASSEMBLY COULD COLLAPSE) I AM PROUD OWNER OF DODGE VEHICLES FOR MANY YEARS AND DRIVE A 98 GRAND CARAVAN. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A STRUT REPAIR THE MECHANIC REFUSED TO REPLACE THE STRUTS AS HE FOUND THE CORROSION AND SAID ITS A SAFETY ISSUE.TO MY SURPRISE THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE FOR MANY AMERICAN FAMILIES WHO OWN A SIMILAR MODEL MINIVAN. I WANT THE SAFETY AUTHORITIES TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER IMMEDIATELY. ALL THE VEHICLES WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR GOD FORBIDDEN LOOSES THEIR LOVED ONE IN AN ACCIDENT. CAME TO KNOW THAT THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON ISSUE IN THESE MINIVANS AND SURPRISE THE INSPITE OF KNOWING THE ISSUE THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL ???. I AM A FAMILY PERSON AND CANNOT PURCHASE ANOTHER CAR IN THESE TROUBLE TIME AND REQUEST THE AUTHORITIES TAKE THIS TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE AND GET A RECALL OUT. HOPEFULLY THIS MAY SAVE SOMEONE. I THINK HAVE DONE MY JOB AND IT IS YOUR TURN NOW. *TR
Feb 25, 2012
STRUT TOWER HOUSING ON DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE UNDER THE HOOD IS SEVERELY RUSTED. UPON TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND HAS TO GO TO A BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP WHO INFORMED ME THAT THERE HAVE BEEN 4 OTHER CUSTOMERS COME IN WITH THE SAME ISSUE IN THE SAME PLACE ON THE SAME MODEL OF VEHICLE WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. THIS CAUSES A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS THIS HOUSING IS WHAT HOLDS THE STRUT IN PLACE ON THE VEHICLE. IF THE WEAKENED STRUCTURE FAILS, THE PRESSURE OF THE STRUT WILL CAUSE THE STRUT TO FLY OFF AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE WITH GREAT FORCE. THIS WILL NOT ONLY CAUSE THE SUSPENSION TO FAIL, BUT THE VELOCITY OF THE STRUT ITSELF WOULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN. DODGE HAS ENACTED RECALLS FOR THE SAME SITUATION ON EARLIER MODELS OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE RECALLS WERE ENACTED AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED. THE COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE INTO SAFE OPERATING CONDITION IS $2000. *TR
Jul 07, 2011
THE STRUT TOWER IS DEFECTIVE AND FAILS CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLE INJURY THIS HAPPENS ON ALL NEW (1995 AND NEWER) BODY STYLE MINIVANS MADE BY CHRYSLER/DODGE AND DRIVEN IN CLIMATE WHERE SALT IS USED ON THE ROADS IN THE WINTER. THE STRUT TOWER REQUIRES PATCHES WELDED TO REINFORCE THE CORRODED AREA. *TR
Jun 16, 2010
FRONT STRUT CONE ON PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTED, LEAVING A 3 X 3 INCH GAP BESIDES THE STRUT MOUNT. HAD AN ESTIMATE DONE FOR REPAIR WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 1.3K INCLUDING LABOR ON ONE SIDE. CAR RUNS GREAT AT 157.7K MILES, RECENTLY HAD TO BUY A NEW GAS PUMP, WATER PUMP, ABS SENSOR, AND BRAKE CALIPER ON DRIVERS SIDE. ALL LEADING UP TO 1.2K IN REPAIRS INCLUDING LABOR. CHRYSLER/DODGE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AS THIS CAN BE A POTENTIAL RISK ON THE ROAD, SPECIALLY ON HIGHWAY COMMUTES. *TR
Sep 15, 2009
THE STRUT TOWER CAPS ARE RUSTING OUT. THIS CAN PROCEED TO A POINT OF THE STRUTS COLLAPSING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED. SEE EXAMPLE SIMILAR TO WHAT IS HAPPENING ON MY VEHICLE AT HTTP://WWW.LUMUC.COM/FRONTSTRUTTOWER/. CHRYSLER HAS A REPAIR KIT FOR THIS. THIS STRUCTURAL PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED. *TR
Sep 15, 2009
+ 3 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 complaints
CRAZED, FOGGED HEADLIGHT ENCLOSURES BOTH SIDES; FACTORY DEFECT DUE TO LACK OF DURABILITY. *NM
Nov 26, 2005
REFERENCE DEFECT INVESTIGATION EA05009: I HAVE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR FAILURE ON MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS CEASED TO WORK. A LOCAL MECHANIC (NOT DEALER) TRACED THE PROBLEM TO A SINGLE BROKEN CONDUCTOR IN ONE OF THE WIRING HARNESSES, AND REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. CAN AND WILL THIS INVESTIGATION BE EXPANDED TO COVER EARLIER MODEL YEARS? THANK YOU. INCIDENT DATE IS APPROXIMATE.
Jun 08, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM AND CLOUDED. THE CONSUMER'S VISIBILITY BECOMES IMPAIRED . *AK *SC *JB
Feb 16, 2005
THE HEADLIGHT LENS DEVELOPED A CLOUDY DISCOLORATION THAT REDUCED THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATION. THIS MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO SEE WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT OR ON A DARK ROAD. THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, COSTING $200.00 EACH.*AK
Oct 26, 2004
THE HEAD LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE WERE OPAQUE (GREY) WHICH AFFECTED THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT ILLUMINATED ONTO THE ROAD. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ADDRESSED DURING OTHER TRIPS TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB *NM
Feb 24, 2004
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
6 complaints
EMERGENCY BRAKE GOES RIGHT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND DOES NOT HOLD VEHICLE ON INCLINE. FRONT ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITH ONLY 20000 MILES AND PADS ALSO REPLACED.
Oct 09, 2001
EMERGENCY BRAKE GOES RIGHT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND DOES NOT HOLD VEHICLE ON INCLINE. FRONT ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITH ONLY 20000 MILES AND PADS ALSO REPLACED.
Oct 09, 2001
EMERGENCY BRAKE GOES RIGHT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND DOES NOT HOLD VEHICLE ON INCLINE. FRONT ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITH ONLY 20000 MILES AND PADS ALSO REPLACED.
Oct 09, 2001
EMERGENCY BRAKE GOES RIGHT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND DOES NOT HOLD VEHICLE ON INCLINE. FRONT ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITH ONLY 20000 MILES AND PADS ALSO REPLACED.
Oct 09, 2001
EMERGENCY PARK BRAKE DID NOT RELEASE COMPLETELY; DRIVEN APPROX 1 MI UNTIL REAR RIGHT WHEEL LOCK-UP; SUBSEQUENT BOTH REAR DRUMS WARPED, SHOES RUINED- BOTH REAR DRUMS AND SHOES REPLACED AT COST OF $330.00. *AK
Jan 23, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
EQUIPMENT
5 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ALARM WOULD REMAIN ON EVEN WHEN SHE MANUALLY TURNED IT OFF. THE FAILURE PREVENTED HER FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERIES IN THE REMOTE. SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY REPAIRED. THE EQUIPMENT INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Aug 21, 2008
THIS WAS SENT TO DODGE'S WEBSITE EMAIL CONTACT. I AM SENDING IT TO YOU FWIIW JUST IN CASE ENOUGH PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS. I REALLY DON'T EXPECT A REPLY. I JUST WANT TO DOCUMENT MY PROBLEMS WHICH ARE: 1. AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR GOING OUT AT 58298 MILES 2. MOTOR PUTTING A CONNECTING ROD (WE THINK) THROUGH THE CRANKCASE AT 62,500 MILES. THE MECHANICS I KNOW SAY THESE ITEMS SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN DOWN, RATHER STRANGE THEY SAY. I WANT TO SEND YOU MY GRIPE SO THAT IT IS DOCUMENTED. AFTER BEING TOWED 130 MILES HOME AND TALKING TO 2 TOW TRUCK OPERATORS, A JUNK YARD MECHANIC(EX-DODGE WRENCH), AND A PATRON AT MY WIFE'S RESTAURANT, I LEARNED THAT NO ONE WAS SURPRISED THAT THIS MOTOR DIED WITH THIS LOW OF MILEAGE. THEY HAVE SEEN IT HAPPEN TO OTHERS OR HAD IT HAPPEN TO THEM AT NEARLY THE EXACT MILEAGE. THIS MAY BE, AND PROBABLY WILL BE, THE LAST CHRYSLER I EVER BY. HONDA AND TOYOTA ARE LOOKING PRETTY GOOD RIGHT NOW. SOOOO, IF YOU HEAR ENOUGH GRIPES, MAYBE YOU WILL BE FORCED TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. REGARDING EXTENDED WARRANTY, YES I WAS OFFERED IT, BUT REFUSED BECAUSE IT IS EXPENSIVE AND IT SHOULDN'T BE NEEDED. SEE HONDA/TOYOTA QUOTE. THE HEAD MECHANIC AT MY SHOP, WITH A FLEET OF DOZENS OF VEHICLES OPINED THE SAME REGARDING EXTENDED WARRANTIES, THEY ARE AN UNNECESSARY EXPENSE. EVERYONE KNOWS EXTENDED WARRANTIES ARE A MONEY MAKER FOR THE SELLER, OR ELSE IT WOULDN'T BE SOLD, JUST LIKE ANY OTHER INSURANCE. MY 2CENTS.*AK
Sep 10, 2003
AIR CONDITIONER A/C FAILED DUE TO PROBLEMS AT REAR A/C SYSTEM. DEFROSTING/FOGGING PROBLEMS WERE A CONSEQUENCE AND CREATED A VISABILITY PROBLEM!*AK
Sep 06, 2003
DUE TO DEFECTIVE A/C SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING SMOKE ENTERING THE VEHICLE WHICH MAY START A FIRE. PREVIOUSLY, HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AC SYSTEM 5 TIMES. DELAER CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Sep 29, 1999
AIR CONDITION DUCTS FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 02V293000. ALSO, HORN WAS INOPERABLE. *AK
Sep 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER PRESSED THE HORN AND THERE WAS NO SOUND COMING FROM THE HORN. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT HORN CAME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT AIR BAG MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Feb 12, 2004
AIR BAG LIGHT WILL INTERMITTENTLY COME ON AND OFF WHEN CONSUMER IS DRIVING. AFTER CONTACTING DEALER, DEALER NOTED THAT AIR BAG MIGHT NOT WORK. ALSO, THE HORN WILL NOT WORK. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
Jul 19, 2002
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASH COMES ON & GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY,HORN DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK.*AK
May 14, 2002
HORN SOUNDS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN PRESSED. HAD CONTACTED DEALERSHIP, AND INFORMED CONSUME RTHAT SOP MODULE WAS FAULTY, AND AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Feb 01, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
5 complaints
WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF THE FAN CONTINUES TO RUN. CONSUMER DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY SO IT WOULDN'T BURN OUT THE MOTOR. THIS OCCURS BECAUSE THE RADIATOR FAN RELAY DOES NOT TURN THE COOLING FAN OFF OR ON, WHICH IS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM DEALERSHIP HAS TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR FAN RELAY, AND REPROGRAM THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE AS STATED IN THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Jun 04, 2004
NOVEMBER, 2003 - 1998 GRAND CARAVAN WITH 73500 MILES. HEAD GASKET FAILURE. LEAKING COOLANT TO THE OUTSIDE OF ENGINE FROM REAR HEAD. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH HEAD GASKET AND OIL PRESSURE SWITCH. VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND SERVICED REGULARLY. DRIVEN BY "SOCCER" MOM. ALSO, COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE-SEE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECTION. *JB
Feb 05, 2004
THE VAN STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS LAST WEEK.IT DOES NOT WANT TO GO INTO FIRST GEAR AFTER REVERSE OR AFTER STOPPING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE THE DIFFERENTIAL PIN IS BROKEN AND WILL TAKE ANYWHERE FROM $1700 TO $2300 TO REPAIR. I AM TRYING TO GET CHRYSLER TO COVER THE COST OF THIS AS IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE VANS. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE AGAIN.
Jan 15, 2004
AFTER TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF. THEN, TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT BELT COULD FELL OFF ANY TIME IF IT GETS WET. CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE A COVER TO AVOID TO FELL OFF.*AK
Feb 27, 2001
TRANSMISSION: DOWN SHIFTS TO SECOND GEAR AND WILL NOT SHIFT OUT. OCCURRED WHILE ENTERING FREEWAY ON AN ON RAMP. SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPED OFF WHILE DRIVING IN SMALL PUDDLES OF WATER ON HIGHWAY. TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHICH RESULTED IN DANGEROUS HANDLING OF VEHICLE ON WET ROADS. *AK
Jul 26, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
4 complaints
I PURCHASED MY 1998 GRAND CARAVAN IN OCTOBER OF 2003. I LOVE THIS VEHICLE, IT HAS EVERYTHING I WANT AND NEED. I PURCHASED THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AFTER THE OTHER ONE WAS TOTALED BY A DEER. COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHY THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE AIR CONDITIONER? I REPLACED THE EVAPORATOR IN MY OTHER VAN AND THIS ONE NEEDS THE SAME THING DONE TO IT. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN THE COOLER MONTH, BUT NOW THAT IT REACHES 100 DEGREES HERE IN FLORIDA, I NEED AN AIR CONDITIONER THAT WORKS. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY $1,400 TO FIX THIS ONE, I DID IN MY OTHER VAN AND AM STILL MAKING THE PAYMENTS ON THAT REPAIR BILL. I HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND CANNOT GO ANYWHERE WHEN THE HEAT IS SO INTENSE. MANY PEOPLE WITH A CARAVAN HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. CAN YOU HELP, CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS MALFUNCTIONING PROBLEM? THANK YOU!*AK
Jul 08, 2004
AFTER DRIVING THROUGH STANDING WATER, THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPED OFF, CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL. THE SAME THING HAD HAPPENED IN JUNE 2003, ABOUT THREE WEEKS AFTER THE DEALER HAD REPLACED THE BELT AND TENSIONER. THE TENDENCY FOR THE BELT TO SLIP OFF AFTER DRIVING THROUGH WATER IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM, WHICH COULD EASILY LEAD TO A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR BY A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER.*AK
Feb 11, 2004
WE BOUGHT OUR 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE (3.3 LITER) USED FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER IN 2000. AT THAT POINT, THE TENSIONER HAD BEEN REPLACED ONCE AT LEAST. SINCE THEN WE HAVE HAD THE UNFORTUNATE AND DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCE OF BEING STRANDED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH OUR 3 CHILDREN BECAUSE OF THE TENSIONER BELT FALLING OFF, NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE. IT COINCIDED WITH RAINY WEATHER BOTH TIMES. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET WITH OTHER CONSUMERS HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH THEIR DODGE GRAND CARAVANS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. THIS COULD LEAD TO DEATHS VERY EASILY. WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC, WITH NO STEERING OR POWER, AND PARK IN THE BREAK DOWN LANE WHILE TRAFFIC PASSED BY US AT 75 MILES AN HOUR. WE WERE NEARLY REARENDED A COUPLE TIMES, WHICH WOULD HAVE MEANT OUR CHILDREN WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT FIRST, AND I DOUBT THAT THEY WOULD HAVE SURVIVED THAT KIND OF IMPACT. IN THE MEANTIME, MY HUSBAND LITERALLY STOOD IN BACK OF OUR VAN WAVING OUR DETACHED SERPENTINE BELT IN THE AIR DESPERATE FOR SOMEONE TO HELP GET US OFF OF THE BUSY AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY HIGHWAY. THE NEXT 30 MINUTES WERE SCARY, I CRIED THE ENTIRE TIME SCARED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY 3 YOUNG CHILDREN (A NEWBORN, A 2 YEAR OLD AND A 3 YEAR OLD). THE NEXT TIME THE BELT FELL OFF, LUCKILY I WAS NEARER TO OUR HOME ON A QUIET STREET. I COULD ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD I LOST THE BELT WHILE ON A BACK COUNTRY ROAD IN MAINE, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINTER, WITH MY 3 CHILDREN BY MYSELF. A FAMILY VAN SHOULD NEVER LOSE IT'S SERPENTINE BELT 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. WITH ALL THE RECORDED STATEMENTS FROM OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM, SEVERAL TIMES OVER, THERE IS AMPLE PROOF THAT DODGE IS AWARE THAT THERE IS A HUGE PROBLEM. LOSING POWER, STEERING, ETC. IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED. WE WERE LUCKY TO SURVIVE OUR INCIDENT. THERE WILL COME A DAY, IF THIS SITUATION IS NOT RESOLVED, WHERE A PERSON OR WHOLE FAMILY, WILL DIE BECAUSE OF THIS CARELESS DEFECT. *AK
Feb 08, 2004
WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN AUGUST 2001. AFTER TWO MONTHS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE WE HAD TO REPLACE THE SERPENTINE BELT, WHICH BROKE AS SOON AS I TURNED A CORNER,(WE WERE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP, MAROONE TOYOTA IN WESTON, FL SOULD SEE NOTHING WRONG) WE THEN HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT AS OUR ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE) WITHIN THE NEXT 2 YEARS OF HAVING THIS CAR, WE HAVE REPLACED THE SERPENTINE BELT 4 ADDIOTNAL TIMES, WE HAVE HAD THE MOTOR IN THE DRIVER DOOR BREAK AND WE CANNOT GET THAT WINDOW DOWN, WE HAVE THE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM (WHICH I JUST NOTED IS A RECALL ISSUE THAT I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE), WE HAVE JUST EXPERIENCED THE A/C BREAKING DOWN, WICH LOOKS IN TURN THAT THIS WILL BE A PROBLEM WITH THE PULLEY OR SYSTEM IT IS ATTCHED TO ( A COIL PROBLEM). WE HAVE 3 SMALL CHILDREN AND I MUST ADMIT THAT THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST EXPERIENCE THAT I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED WITH A USED VEHICLE. WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT COMPLICATIONS WITH THIS VEHICLE - I SHOULD HAVE RETURNED THEVEHICLE AND COUNT MY BLESSINGS, I'M AFRAID THE NEXT TIME SOMETHING GOES WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE - IT MAY COST US OURLIVES. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE CONTACT ME AND TELL ME MY OPTIONS.*AK
Sep 09, 2003
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
VEHICLE PARKED WITH ENGINE RUNNING ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND HIT A TREE.$ 3000 DAMAGE. CHRYSLER REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY, SAID NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. YET DEALER FOUND ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RESET. *AK
Mar 05, 2001
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE IN REVERSE GEAR RESULTING IN COLLISION WITH UNOCCUPIED STORE, INJURY TO CONSUMER. *MJS
Apr 12, 2000
AT A DEAD STOP PULLED UP INTO A PARKING LOT, PUT TRANSMISSION GEAR INTO DRIVE AND VEHICLE JUST TOOK OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *AK *ML
Mar 08, 2000
CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO HOLD SPEED AND OCCASIONALLY ACCELERATES WITHOUT CAUSE.
Sep 03, 1998
ENGINE
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO LOW OIL PRESSURE CAUSED BY FAULTY ENGINE CONNECTING RODS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. SWANTYS DODGE (2494 SOUTH HWY 95, BULLHEAD CITY, AZ) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 261,000.
Jun 14, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT BECAME DETACHED NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED FIVE TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Feb 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD BECOME DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP WHERE THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES AND THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS EITHER RE-ATTACHED OR REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECURRING PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Dec 27, 2012
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
THE SERPENTINE BELT ON THE 1998 DODGE CARAVAN, HAS FALLEN OFF DURING DRIVING, WHENEVER THE CAR GOES THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER. THIS CAUSES NEARLY UNRESPONSIVE STEERING UNTIL THE BELT CAN BE REPLACED. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF REPORTS ON THIS ISSUES ON ONLINE FORMS, AND DODGE DOES NOT ADMIT TO THE PROBLEM. *TR
Mar 16, 2011
SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHEN IT GETS WET SUCH AS DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES OR WATER FROM ROADWAY WHEN RAINING. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER PAST FEW MONTHS. REPLACED BELT BUT STILL COMES OFF. THIS RESULTS IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SAFELY PULL OFF ROAD TO SAFE LOCATION. *TR
Aug 28, 2009
TENSIONER ON ENGINE HAD BROKEN TWICE. REPAIRED FIRST TIME UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND TIME NOT UNDER WARRANTY. HAD LOST POWER STEERING DUE TO TENSIONER BREAKING.*AK
Mar 26, 2001
PARKING BRAKE
3 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE PEDAL WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE AND ENGAGE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE INITIAL REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Dec 13, 2006
THREE MONTHS AFTER INSTALLATION OF A NEW EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE, THE CABLE BROKE AND VEHICLE HAD A RUNAWAY. *LA TWO CABLES ON THE SAME SIDE BROKE IN THREE MONTHS. TWO DEALERS SUGGESTED THAT THE PROBLEM WILL CONTINUE TO RECUR. (DODGE DUALLY) *SC
Feb 12, 2004
PARKING BRAKE RELEASED IT SELF WHILE PERFORMING TRANSMISSION OIL CHECK. *AK
Apr 02, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
3 complaints
1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE HORN. *MR THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FILLER NECK ON THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED AND THAT WAS THE REASON WHY THE HORN DID NOT OPERATE. THE AIR BAG HAD NEVER DEPLOYED. IN 2002 THE CLOCK SWITCH FOR THE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED ASSISTANCE TO HELP AGAINST THE CHARGE OF THE HORN REPAIR. *SC *JB
May 13, 2005
BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE HORN NOT WORKING, AND THE BRAKE FAILURE. MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO DEFECTS. RECALL 04V480000 FOR CLOCK SPRING WAS ISSUED, AND CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. *AK *NM
Dec 14, 2004
CONSUMER HAD A HEAD-ON COLLISON, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO, BRAKES DID NOT WORK, CAUSING HER TO HAVE HEAD-ON COLLISION. *AK *ML
Feb 11, 2000
CHILD SEAT
3 complaints
THE VAN WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT FOR THE BUILT IN CAR SEAT HAD BROKEN. IT WAS INSPECTED AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS A DEFECT FROM THE FACTORY. DAIMLER-CHRYSLER REFUSED TO FIX IT AT THEIR COST. *JG
Nov 04, 2002
BUCKLE ASSEMBLY FOR THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT IN LEFT-MIDDLE SEATING POSITION DEVELOPED STRESS CRACKS. CRACKS WERE DISCOVERED ONE MONTH AFTER CONSUMER TOOK POSSESSION OF VEHICLE. COMPONENT WAS REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP. *AK *YD
Nov 14, 2001
THE CHILD SEAT PLASTIC BUCKLES HAVE WHITE STREAKS SHOWING IN THE PLASTIC AND APPEAR READY TO BREAK ON BOTH SEATS. MANUFACTURER STATES I AM NOT PART OF A RECALL BUT WILL NOT INVESTIGATE AND CONFIRM ISSUE WITH COVERED CORRECTION, IF NECESSARY.
Nov 12, 2001
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
FIRST, MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, THEN MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED. I FEEL THIS IS ALL TIED IN TO THE CLOCK SPRING WIRE ASSEMBLY IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I'M CONCERNED THAT MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND THAT PRIOR TO THAT, MY HORN IS GOING TO STOP WORKING NEXT. IF I GET THESE ITEMS REPAIRED NOW, AND THERE IS A RECALL, WILL THE MANUFACTURER BE REQUIRED TO REIMBURSE ME? *AK
Jan 19, 2002
CLOCK SPRING FAILURE, AIRBAG LIGHT ON, CRUISE CONTROL INOPERABLE. *AK
Oct 28, 2001
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK AS LONG AS LIGHT IS ON. DEALER STATED THERE IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND PART IS IN STOCK, BUT NO RECALL ISSUED.*AK
Jun 14, 2001
WHEELS
3 complaints
WHILE TAKING THE TIRE OFF THE VEHICLE FOR BRAKE REPAIRS, LUGS: NUTS BROKE ON EACH OF FRONT TIRES. THE REPLACEMENTS THAT CONSUME RGOT FROM THE DEALER WERE DIFFERENT THEN THE ONES ON THE VEHICLE. *AK
Sep 02, 1999
LUG NUTS CAME LOOSE CAUSING TIRE TO COME OFF. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
FRONT WHEEL SHEARED OFF AND FELL OFF VEHICLE WHILE GOING AT 65 MPH. *AK
Nov 18, 1997
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AS THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. A SPLASH GUARD WAS INSTALLED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE BUT THE FAILURE THREE TIMES AS THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR
Dec 10, 2013
WHEN MY VAN IS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC THE RADIATOR FAN FAILS TO TURN ON TO COOL THE ENGINE TO HELP IT COOL. ALSO IT OVERHEATS AT RANDOM IN HOT WEATHER. MY VAN USES A LOT OF COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE BECAUSE OF THIS. I HAVE HAD THE RADIATOR REPLACED AND PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING ELSE THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM IN AN EFFORT TO FIX THIS, BUT TO NO AVAIL. BECAUSE OF THIS I DON'T DRIVE MUCH AS IF IT OVERHEATS I AM STRANDED. *TR
Oct 07, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO MALFUNCTION. THEY FLICKERED ON AND OFF WHILE ENGAGED. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE PART BEING ON BACK ORDER. THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE ON THESE VEHICLES. *AK *NM
Mar 31, 2005
I HAVE TWO RECENT PROBLEMS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. 1) THE TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT CANCEL ANY LONGER AFTER MAKING A TURN AND 2) THE IGNITION SWITCH IS STUCK IN THE OFF POSITION, WHICH IMMOBOLIZES THE CAR.
Mar 21, 2001
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
THE REAR LIFT GATE LOCKING MECHANISM BROKE WITHOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE WHILE BEING USED. *PH
Aug 07, 2003
THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SAFETY CHILD PROOF DOORS ARE INOPERATIVE. THE CHILD WAS ABLE TO OPEN DOOR AND GET OUT OF VEHICLE WITH SYSTEM ACTIVATED. *NLM *SCC
Sep 24, 2002
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. CAME TO STOP SIGN AND THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD. TOOK IT TO DEALER WHERE METAL FILINGS FOUND IN TRANSMISSION PAN. THIS VAN HAD TRANSMISSION SERVICE AT 15000, 30000, AND AGAIN AT 45000 WHICH IS WHY I BROUGHT IT IN THERE. NOBODY TOUCHED THE ENGINE BUT THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER. WHEN THE DEALER GOT INTO THE TRANSMISSION, FOUND THAT THE CLUTCHES WERE GRINDING THEMSELVES UP. $2050.00 TOTAL IN REPAIRS. NOTHING FROM DODGE EXCEPT I'M SORRY.*AK
Apr 11, 2002
TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE OPERATING. ENGINE SURGED SEVERAL TIMES, LOST ACCELERATION, THEN STALLED. VEHICLE OPERATED WITH ONLY PASSENGER WEIGHT. DEALER NO EXPLANATION FOR FAILURE. SUGGEST COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION. *AK
Jan 12, 2000
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist and then stalled. Additionally, the odometer failed to display the correct mileage and the speedometer failed to display the correct speed of the vehicle while the engine revved. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Jun 27, 2022
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE DRIVER'S HORN DOES NOT WORK AND HASN'T SINCE IT WAS TAKEN IN TO REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY. THIS WAS DONE AS PER A RECALL ISSUED BY NHTSA AND DAIMLERCHRYSTLER CORPORATION RELATING TO DRIVER'S AIRBAG BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER. HE ALSO DID NOT HAVE THE ORIGINAL PAPERWORK ON THE VAN. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND WHEN I DISCOVERED THE HORN DID NOT WORK. AFTER RESEARCHING AND SUBSCRIBING TO THE THE NHTSA RECALL ALERTS I DETERMINED THAT THIS MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE CLOCK SPRING REPLACEMENT. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE REPLACEMENT CLOCK SPRING COULD HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE AS WELL, BECAUSE IT WAS DONE SO SOON AFTER THE RECALL WAS ISSUED. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE I LIVE AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ISSUED AND THEY WERE SORRY, BUT THEY COULDN'T REPLACE IT AGAIN. THEY SUGGESTED THAT I TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND DIDN'T KNOW WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED FROM ORIGINALLY. EVEN WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT I WOULD PAY THE COST OF THE REPAIR, THEY WERE NOT INTERESTED. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE DIDN'T WANT TO TOUCH IT BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH INVOLVED IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT COULD GO WRONG AND HE DIDN'T HAVE THE EXPERTISE TO DO IT. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND HASN'T BEEN SINCE BEFORE AND AFTER I PURCHASED IT. MY CONCERN IS IF THE HORN DOESN'T WORK'THEN HOW CAN I BE SURE THE AIRBAG DOES. I'M STILL DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE I CAN'T SELL IT TO SOMEONE ELSE IN THIS CONDITION. IS THERE NO RECOURSE IF THE VEHICLE AS NOT REPAIRED AS PER THE NHTSA'S RECALL? THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 91054 MILES ON IT AS OF THIS DATE.
Apr 20, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
SERVICE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING, DIAGNOSED BY REPAIR SHOP AS A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. INSPECTION OF OTHER BRAKE LINES SHOWED HEAVY CORROSION. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION (STRAIGHT LINE) ON A CITY STREET AND RETAINED MINIMAL BRAKING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP AT A STOP LIGHT (NO COLLISION) AND 'LIMP' TO THE REPAIR SHOP. REPAIRS CONSISTED OF REPLACING THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINES.
Aug 18, 2017
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH STRUCK THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT (THE CONTACT'S SEAT) SEPARATED FROM THE SEAT TRACK. THE CONTACT STRUCK THE SIDE DOOR AND WAS THROWN INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT AND HE WAS THEN STRUCK BY THE SEAT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THREE OCCUPANTS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE ALSO INJURED, AS THE FRONT PASSENGER'S FEET WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD AND TWO OF THE OCCUPANTS SUFFERED WHIPLASH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED FOR ALL THE INJURED OCCUPANTS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE AND THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. SEE ALSO 11004763. *DSY ..UPDATED 08/04/17 *BF UPDATED 10/11/2017*JS *JS *JS
Jul 12, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V373000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Oct 07, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE CAR JUST STOPPED WORKING IT WOULD'T START ANY MORE
Sep 22, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S MUFFLER BECAME LOUDER AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MUFFLER, FUEL TANK, AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,563.
Jun 22, 2015
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I APPROACHED A RED LIGHT HIT THE BRAKES. THE CAR DID NOT STOP. I HIT TWO CARS AND THE MEDIAN. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED NUT NOT THE DRIVER SIDE. I HAD MAJOR INJURIES INCLUDING BROKEN ANKLE, HAND, RIBS AND BREATHING. I SPENT 3 MONTHS IN THE HOSPITAL. *TR
Apr 22, 2015
AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THERE ARE AT LEAST 4 RECALL ITEMS LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER BEEN CONTACTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED? IF YES, WHAT SHOULD I DO? *TR
Feb 02, 2015
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 201,000.
Nov 06, 2013
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE SERPENTINE BELT HAS COME OFF OF THE PULLEYS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS IN WET WEATHER, INCLUDING RAIN AND SNOW/SLUSH, ESPECIALLY WHEN A PUDDLE IS GONE THROUGH BY THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ON TWO OF THESE OCCASIONS, I WAS TURNING A CORNER WHEN THE BELT CAME OFF, LOST CONTROL OF MY STEERING AND ALMOST HIT THE CAR WHICH WAS STOPPED ACROSS FROM ME. THE BELT COMING OFF ALSO CAUSES THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THIS ISSUE CAUSES A LOSS OF CONTROL AND WILL LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH. CHRYSLER CLAIMS IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE.. THERE IS AN UPDATED BELT/PULLEY KIT WHICH HAS A DOUBLE-SIDED-GROOVED BELT AND PULLEY WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE BUT THE COST TO THE CONSUMER IS APPROX $400-500 SINCE CHRYSLER CLAIMS THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. HOWEVER, THIS IS MOST CERTAINLY A SAFETY ISSUE CONSIDERING THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL ON WET ROADS ESPECIALLY IF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AS I DO, WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 55-65MPH OR TURNING A CORNER AT AN INTERSECTION WHERE OTHER CARS ARE STOPPED. *TR
Sep 09, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
WHEN I PURCHASED MY VAN AUGUST 21 2009 IT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL. THE SALESPERSON SAID IT WAS FROM THE BULBS BEING BURNT OUT. I WENT TO AUTOZONE THAT DAY TO GET THE BULBS REPLACED, AND THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM. AUTOZONE TOLD ME IT WAS THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH THAT HAD WENT BAD AND WAS CAUSING MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL NOT TO WORK. I WENT TO GOODYEAR A FEW DAYS LATER TO HAVE THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH REPLACED. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT A GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULD HOLD OR WORK FOR A WHILE. SINCE THEN IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES IF I TURNED THE DEFROSTER ON IT WOULD KICK ON, BUT NOW IT WILL TURN ON FOR MAYBE ONE TURN AND TURN OFF RIGHT AND WHEN I GO TO USE IT AGAIN, IT'LL TURN ON THEN CUT OFF AND WONT TURN BACK ON. ALSO MY SLIDING PASSENGER DOORS, THE CHILD LOCK IS STUCK AND NOONE CAN OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. I HAVE TO GET OUT OR THE PASSENGER HAS TO GET OUT TO OPEN THE DOORS. THE DOOR HANDLES ARE HARD TO OPEN ON THE OUTSIDE. EVEN THOUGH THE CHILD LOCK WILL SAY ITS NOT ON, YOU CAN NOT STILL OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE. THIS HAS BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VAN. ALSO I HAVE SOME PANS UNDER MY ENGINE THAT LEAKING FLUIDS AND AS FAR AS I KNOW, ITS THE OIL PAN, COOLANT PAN, AND I HAVE METAL SHAVINGS IN SOME OF MY FLUIDS. THIS WAS ALSO LIKE THIS WHEN I PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Oct 17, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LINE FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE CLOCKSPRING WAS ALSO REPLACED ACCORDING TO A RECALL WITHOUT THE CONTACT'S CONSENT. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE FLASHING ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE HORN DID NOT OPERATE AND THERE WERE OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 59,492. UPDATED 08/19/09 *BF UPDATED 08/20/09.*JB
Jul 23, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
THE ABS VALVE ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS CLOSING CAUSING BRAKES TO GRAB WHILE DRIVING. SEVERAL MECHANICS WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT AGREE THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AND RECOMMENDED I CHECK TO SEE IF IT WAS RECALLED. IT IS, BUT NOT FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL. MECHANICS ALSO NOTED THAT THE DASHLIGHT SHOULD HAVE INDICATED A PROBLEM AND DID NOT, NOR WERE THEIR MACHINES ABLE TO DETECT THE EXACT PROBLEM. *TR
Jun 19, 2008
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE A 98 GRAND CARAVAN WHEN I BOUGHT IT THE BACK HATCH WOULD NOT OPEN THEN I NOTICED A LOUD HUMMING IN THE TIRES WHEN I BOUGHT IT HAD THE BEARING REPLACED FIXED THAT PROBLEM THEN WHEN CHECKING OIL NOTICED STRUT TOWERS RUSTED DRIVER SIDE ABOUT 5 TO 6 INCH TOTAL SEPARATION PASSENGER ABOUT 3 INCH,NEXT MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AS MY CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN QUIT WORKING,NOW MY INSTRUMENT PANEL DON'T WORK ALL OF IT DON'T KNOW HOW MANY MILES OR HOW MUCH GAS NOR HOW FAST IM GOING HAVE NOT HAD NOTHING FIXED TRYING TO GET A HOLD OF DODGE WILL SOME ONE HAVE TO DIE FROM THE STRUT TOWERS BEFORE THEY RECALL THEM? ALSO WHEN I PUT GAS IN I HAVE TO OPEN WINDOWS A REALLY STRONG SMELL OF GAS FILLS THE VAN. *TR
May 04, 2008
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER AT 5 MPH. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT CAME OFF TRACK DURING THE CRASH. DUE TO THE SEAT POSITION, THE CONTACT COULD NOT DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL OR CONTROL THE STEERING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 124,000.
Jun 08, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. TRIED TO START IT AND IT WOULD START AND DIE ABOUT 3 TIMES AND THEN NOT START AT ALL. REPLACE PCM. WORKED A COUPLE DAYS AND THEN STARTED AGAIN. READ ON WEB BOARDS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE AND IF THEY HIT THE DASH IT WOULD START AND WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN I HIT THE DASH AND IT WOULD START. WHEN IT WOULDN'T START ALL THE GUAGES ON THE DASH WOULD NOT WORK. THIS SEEMED TO WORK. THEN WHEN I WENT OVER A BUMP AND TURNED AT THE SAME TIME THE VAN WOULD DIE. I COULD PUT IT IN "N" AND GET IT STARTED AGAIN WHILE I WAS STILL TURNING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECASE YOU LOOSE POWER STEERING WHILE GOING AROUND A CORNER. HEARD ON MESSAGE BORAD IF YOU TOOK THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OFF AND CHECK THE SAUDERING THAT THIS WOUDL SOLVE THE PROBLEM. DID THIS BUT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THEN THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD STOP READING WHEN IT DID HAVE GAS IN IT. THEN THE FUEL GUAGE WOULD START DINGING EVEN THOUGH IT READ FULL. I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET WITH MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. BELOW IS ONE SUCH WEBSITE. HAVE DONE ALL KINDS OF DIAGNOSTICS ON IT AND CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. IT STILL LOOSES GUAGES AND WILL NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.NET/FORUM/AUTOS/DODGE-GRAND-CARAVAN/TPC8IH1LI2S41I22D/P5. *NM
Nov 04, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. ALSO, DURING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION FAILURE, THE ENGINE WAS SLUGGISH AND OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 11/21/2006 - *NM
Oct 12, 2006
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
STRUT TOWER CORROSION-DRIVER SIDE-RUST AND METAL BREAKING UP-1998 GRAND CARAVAN-PURCHASED NEW-HAS 83,500 MILES- HAVE HAD BELT PROBLEMS SEVERAL TIMES-ALSO WINDSHIELD WIPERS INTERMIT FAILURE -RUSTED OUT POWER STEERING MECH. TOTALLY REPLACED-MANY BRAKE JOBS-AND ALSO HEADLIGHT INTERIOR SWITCH SEEMS TO FAIL AT TIMES. I NEED TO MAKE A DECISSION TO BUY A NEW VAN WITH "HAND CONTROLS" OR HAVE THIS VAN "HAND CONTROLS" INSTALLED. ME THINKS I NEED TO BUY A NEW VAN AND BE LOOKING AT ANOTHER MANUFACTOR. AS IT SEEMS LIKE CHRYSLER/DODGE IS NOT STEPPING UP TO ALL THESE FAILURES THAT ARE SEEN BY TOO MANY OTHER VAN OWNERS;OF THIS 1998 MODEL CARAVAN. SAW ON LINE A NEW REPAIR FOR THE STRUT RUSTING CALLED ""FUSOR #112B/MOPAR 05083855AA. CAN BE USED TO FIX THIS PROBLEMTHE TSB #23-044-02 THRU A COMPANY CALLED LORD CORP. LISTED UNDER THEIR OEM BULLETINS AND REPAIR RECOMMENDATIONS USING FUSOR ADHESIVES. THINK I MAY USE THIS ON MINE. HOPE OTHERS CAN USE THIS ALSO. THANKS. *NM
Jul 25, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BESIDES ALL THE 1998 RECALLS ON THIS VAN, I FOUND A PINHOLE LEAK IN THE HEAD ITSELF. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A GASKET LEAK BUT ITS NOT. WHEN IT RAN OUT OF WATER, TEMPERATURE GAUGE DID NOT TELL ME IT WAS HOT BUT INSTEAD REGISTERED COLD. ON TOP OF THE FRONT SPEAKERS GOES OFF AND ON AND THE REAR SPEAKERS DO IT ON OCCASION. STEREO GETS REALLY HOT TO THE TOUCH. TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE DOING STRANGE THINGS LIKE NOT KICKING DOWN WHEN STOPPED AND THEN LUNGING WHILE STOPPED OR ACCELERATING WHEN STOPPED. I THINK THIS WHOLE VAN SHOULD BE ON RECALL. *NM
Nov 09, 2005
TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FLAT TIRE REQUIRING NEED FOR USE OF COMPACT SPARE TIRE. THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SPARE TIRE REMOVAL DO NOT SHOW A RELEASE MECHANISM THAT IS CRITICAL FOR LOWERING OF THE SPARE TIRE. THE RELEASE MECHANISM IS REQUIRED TO LOWER A NYLON FIXTURE THAT SECURES THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE THE INSTRUCTIONS DID NOT MENTION THE RELEASE MECHANISM, AND THE RELEASE MECHANISM WAS NOT VISIBLE, I HAD TO CUT THE NYLON FIXTURE (SUGGESTED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF A DODGE DEALERSHIP I CONTACTED), WHICH THEN CAUSED THE SPARE TIRE TO FALL DOWN. I WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED BUT IF SOMEONE HAD THEIR HEAD UNDERNEATH THE SPARE TIRE WHEN IT DROPPED DOWN, THEY COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE NYLON FIXTURE IS NOW RUINED. THE ORIGINAL DESIGN IS POOR AND THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE CLEARLY LACKING IN THE USE OF THE RELEASE MECHANISM. *JB
Sep 07, 2005
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
DT: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A RACK AND PINION STEERING AND OTHER PROBLEMS. CONSUMER DROVE OVER A ROUGH POTHOLE WITH A METAL FLATBED ON TOP AT A LOW SPEED. WHILE DRIVING AT A STREET AT 25 MPH CONSUMER MADE A RIGHT TURN AND THERE WAS POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE NOISE WAS EVIDENT ONLY WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER, WHO SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH FRONT ALIGNMENT , BUT THAT WAS ALL. HOWEVER, INSURANCE COMPANY NOTED THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH RACK AND PINION STEERING /FRONT ALIGNMENT/ RADIATOR, AND THE TRANSMISSION PAN. ALSO, CONSUMER NOTED THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ON AND IT SMOKED AFTER DRIVING A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. OIL WAS CHANGED REGULARLY. VEHICLE HAS HAD A RECENT FRONT END ALIGNMENT BUT NO OTHER REPAIRS. *AK
Jul 29, 2005
POWER TRAIN,TIRES
1 complaint
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE VEHICLE IS AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE. VEHICLE HAD A FLAT TIRE, AND CONTACT USED THE SPARE TIRE THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER ONLY DRIVING ABOUT 5 MILES IT DONE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IT BROKE SOME OF THE GEARS IN THE TRANSFER CASE, AND POTENTIALLY COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE VISCOUS COUPLINGS. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASE. MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE DISTRICT MANAGER WAS GOING TO CONTACT HIM. HOWEVER CURRENTLY THEY WERE TELLING HIM THAT THE CASE HAD BEEN CLOSED BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE WARRANTY WAS NOT AN ISSUE BECAUSE THE SPARE TIRE WOULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IF USED ON THIS VEHICLE. *AK
Jun 22, 2005
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED POWER STEERING FAILED. DRIVER HAD DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING AND THE POWER STEERING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Mar 31, 2005
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME APART,RESULTING IN VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. DRIVER HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP. ALSO, THE BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BROKE APART. *AK
Mar 08, 2005
SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WE HAVE REPLACED OUR STRUTS 2 TIMES ALREADY IN THE 4 YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, AND THEY ARE GETTING READY TO FAIL AGAIN. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. *JB
Feb 03, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ALONG WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INFORMED CONSUMER THAT CLOCK SPRING CRACKED. *AK THE TENSIONER SEIZED. *NM
May 11, 2004
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE CAR IS ON IT'S THIRD TRANSMISSION. WE LIKE THE CARAVAN AS A PACKAGE, BUT QUALITY IS LACKING AND PROBLEMATIC. THE MOST CRITICAL PROBLEM IS BODY RUST THROUGH. THE DRIVERS SIDE SHOCK MOUNT TOWER IS RUSTED THROUGH AND CHRYSLER OWNER RELATIONS REFUSING TO FIX IT. NEVER MIND THAT THE DEALERS SAY THE PROBLEM IS PREVALENT AND CHRYSLER USED TO FIX IT BUT RECENTLY STOPPED PAYING FOR (PERHAPS DUE TO FINANCIAL AND MARKET CONDITIONS).
Jan 15, 2004
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
ALMOST ALL OF THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED ONLY TO FIND THAT LESS THAN 1 YEAR LATER, JULY 2003, THE EVAPORATER IS LEAKING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $750.00.
Jan 15, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN - WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATE SPORADICALLY ON THEIR OWN; IN ADDTION, THE GAS GAUGE GOES FULL TO EMPTY AND BACK AGAIN SPORADICALLY. AN INTERNET SEARCH POINTS TO A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS AS THE PROBLEM. *LA
Oct 17, 2003
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN BEGAN TO SLIP AND STAY IN SECOND GEAR AROUND 50K MILES. I HAD IT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THE COST OF REPAIR IS MORE THAN I COULD EVER AFFORD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO OTHER MECHANICS AND THERE IS NOT MUCH VARIATION IN PRICE. GENERALLY THE COST IS GOING TO BE FROM $16,000 TO $2,400. I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW CAR EITHER. I AM READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS, SO WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL? THE DEALER SHOULD GLADLY REPLACE THE TRANSMISSIONS SINCE THEY ARE AWARE THAT THIS IS OCCURRING ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT IS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT WANT TO ABSORB THE COST THEMSELVES. THEY WILL RECALL SOMETHING SMALL LIKE BRAKES OR FAN BELT. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIP OFF TWICE WHEN DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES OF WATER. BOTH TIMES MY ENGINE OVERHEATED AND THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED, BOTH FATALLY SERIOUS PROBEMS. WHAT IS THE DEAL? I DEMAND RELIEF! NO ONE IS GOING TO TRADE THIS PIECE OF JUNK WITH ME. WHAT IS THE DEALER WILLING TO DO?
Sep 25, 2003
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATES THAT AIR COMPRESSOR HAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. CONSUMER ALSO, HORN IS NOT FUNCTIONING, AND THE WARNING LIGHT FOR AIR BAGS IS ON AT ALL TIMES.*AK
Aug 04, 2003
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
THE VEHICLES AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED IN THE REAR. *NLM *NLM
Mar 27, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ALL OF THE ORIGINAL TIRES ON THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *JG PH
Feb 05, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS PARKED, KEY NOT IN IGNITION WHEN IT SUDDENLY STARTED ON ITS OWN. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCKED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
Jul 16, 2002
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
WHEN BRAKING IN A SUDDEN STOP IT CAUSES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND UNABLE TO LOCATE CAUSE, PRIOR TO THE SIDE CALIPER FAILURE AT 34743, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, BUT WOULD GLIDE TO S STOP, STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED, STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE, A SPRING WAS CHANGED BUT THE COLUMN IS LLOSE AGAIN, THE BRAKES OCCASIONALLY DEPRESS ON IT'S OWN, THE CONSUMER NOTICES THIS MORE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLING A A LIGHT.*AK *MJ
May 14, 2002
SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG, CRUISE CONTROL & HORN STARTED APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES OVER WARRANTY. AT TIMES, THE HORN WILL WORK, BUT NOT OFTEN AND WITH NO REGULARITY. IN REGARD TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, I HAVE HAD THEM REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP ONCE. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO PERSIST. I HAVE ALSO REPORTED THE SUSPENSION TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. NLM
Mar 26, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Mar 07, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AND UPON APPLYING BRAKES THEY WILL MOMENTARILY LOCK UP, AND HEADLIGHTS WILL GET VERY DIM. ALSO A NOISE WAS COMING FROM DASHBOARD AFTER BRAKES WERE APPLIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Jan 29, 2002
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
HORN DOESN'T WORK,AND CRUISE DOESN'T WORK. *AK
Jan 16, 2002
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING, AND HORN/ CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO FUNCTION. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT CLOCK SPRING WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
Aug 29, 2001
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
SERPENTINE BELT FAILED X3 OVER 3D INCL. ON HWY -> LOSS OF POWER. STEERING, ALTERNATOR AND OTHER FUNCTIONS. *AK
Aug 19, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
HEAD GASKET FAILED AT 45,000 MILES, ALLOWING COOLANT TO FLOW OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE ENGINE. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED TO SPOOL OUT AND ALLOW THE OCCUPANT TO BUCKLE THE LATCH PLATE.*AK
Apr 07, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
HAD JUST FILLED FUEL TANK, GOT INSIDE VEHICLE, AND SMELLED AN ODOR OF GASOLINE FUMES. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON & STAYED. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND RAN DIAGNOSTIC TEST. MECHANIC RESET THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, AND IT CAME BACK ON.*AK CONSUMER STATES ENGINE LIGHT IS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED AND THERE IS A STRONG ODOR COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK DOOR. *SLC
Mar 28, 2001
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE 3 MONTHS AFTER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. A VALVE HAD TO BE CHANGED AT 24,000 MILES LATER WHILE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE EMITTS BLACK SMOKE. THERE HAS BEEN NO REMEDY THUS FAR FOR PROBLEMS. SLIDING DOOR RATTLES, DEALER MADE AN ADJUSTMENT, FRONT PASSENGER DOOR RATTLES WHEN CLOSING. ENGINE HESITATES, MISSES, AND SQUEALS, DEALER REPLACED BELTS FOR THE SQUEALING. WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL, THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT END, DEALER PERFORMED TSB 19-05-98. SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED DUE TO BEING WORN. GEAR LEVEL WAS HARD TO GET OUT OF PARK. THE LEFT VISOR WOULD NOT STAY UP, DELAER FOUND A BROKEN CLIP. *SLC
Nov 24, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP PEDAL TRAVELED TO FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, SMOKE CAME FROM BRAKES. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM. ALSO, WHEN GEAR WAS PLACED IN DRIVE IT POPPED OUT OF GEAR. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Oct 02, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
SUDDEN STOPS RESULT IN GRINDING NOISES FROM THE ABS SYSTEM. NOTICED COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS.
Aug 11, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BKS FAILED IN NOV1999(19KMILES)RPLCD DVR ROTORS, PADS, CALIPER STICKING, DEALER GREASED WOULD NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY, BACK BKS W/N ENGAGE,ADJTD. FEB2000(25.5K ML) FRT PADS WORN, CALIPER POPS WHEN PEDAL RELEASED. DEALER GREASED. MAY2000 BKS FAILED TO WORK, CUASED ACIDENT, DLR CLAIMS NOTHING WRONG. JUN2000 FAILED SAFTY TEST DUE TO REAR BRAKES NOT ENGAGING. *AK
Jun 19, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION WAS NOISY--FAULTY FLYWHEEL AND STARTER WERE REPLACED TO CORRECT IT.
Sep 08, 1999
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
REAR HEAT AND AIR LINE RUNNING UNDER FRONT OF VAN CAUSED RATTLE. DEALER HAD VAN FOR OVER 15 DAYS , REPLACED TRANSMISSION, MOST OF THE DASH WAS PULLED OUT, ALL KINDS OF HEAT SHIELDS WERE REMOVED AND PROBLEM STILL RETURNED. FINALLY AFTER OVER 12 RETURN TRIPS TO DEALER THEY REPLACED THE LINES OR CLAMPS AND PROBLEM IS GONE. NOW THE PROBLEMS ARE SHOWING UP FROM THE DASH BEING REMOVE. RADIO,SPEAKERS,DASH LITES & RATTLES.
Jun 08, 1999
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
SERPENTINE BELT SNAPS CAUSING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES TO FAIL AS WELL AS CAUSING THE CAR TO OVERHEAT. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES! STEERING COLUMN HAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE 3 TIMES AND STILL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THIS VEHICLE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM IF ANY ONE OF THESE THINGS SHOULD FAIL AGAIN.
Feb 24, 1999
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
COURTESY LIGHT FAILED. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
EXPERIENCED FRONT END NOISE, TWO TSB'S PERFORMED #19-14-97 AND 23-001-97 (TIE ROD ENDS AND CRADLE BOLTS REPLACED), HOWEVER CONTINUED NOISE DUE TO LOOSE LEFT FRONT AXLE NUT. YH
Feb 01, 1999
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
VEHICLE IS POPPING IN THE FRONT END/ LITTLE BRAKE CONTROL/ POWER STEERING IS POOR ALSO MAKES LOUD NOISES.
Oct 20, 1998
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1998 DODGE Grand Caravan have?
The 1998 DODGE Grand Caravan currently has 597 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 1998 DODGE Grand Caravan?
The most common problems reported for the 1998 DODGE Grand 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 1998 DODGE Grand Caravan problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1998 DODGE Grand Caravan comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - DODGE Grand Caravan
2025 Problems
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
2022 Problems
2021 Problems
2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
1999 Problems
1997 Problems
1996 Problems
1995 Problems
1994 Problems
1993 Problems
1992 Problems
1991 Problems
1990 Problems
Other DODGE Models
400
480 Series
580 Series
600
ARIES
Avenger
Caliber
Caravan
Caravan/Grand Caravan
Challenger
Charger
Chassis with Powertrain
Similar Brands
ST
3,555 models
RS
3,484 models
NC
2,822 models
ND
2,385 models
Z
1,951 models
MOTO
1,583 models
NU
1,189 models
RC
1,122 models