1998 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems & Complaints

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

THE CAR JUST STOPPED WORKING IT WOULD'T START ANY MORE

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.

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

THE BELT CAME UP AFTER HITTING A PUDDLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE. *TR

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

UPON THE VEHICLES IMPACT THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSING AN INJURY TO THE DRIVER. *TR

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH IN THE SNOW, THE SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF AND CAUSED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD BEEN REPLACED SIX TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

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

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

INTERMITTENTLY INSTRUMENT PANEL FLICKERS WHILE DRIVING. RADIO/CD-PLAYER DIES OUT SOME TIMES. IT HAPPENS AROUND 3 TO 5 TIMES IN 1 HOUR DRIVING. *TR

1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DO TO RUSTED BRAKE LINES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN OCTOBER 2009, ALL OF THE GAUGES AND LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEGAN TO FAIL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT DIAGNOSTIC CODE P1689 CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT DODGE IS AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. CHRYSLER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IT WAS "NOT THEIR PROBLEM, BUY A NEW CAR." THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 157,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

1998 DODGE CARAVAN STRUT TOWERS RUSTING THROUGH. *TR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOMETIMES WHEN I START MY VAN, IT WILL START AND IMMEDIATELY SHUTS OFF, NO MATTER HOW MANY TIME YOU TRY, THE ABS, AND ALARM DASH LIGHT STAY ON. IF YOU TAP ON THE DASH OR WAIT A WHILE THE VAN STARTS NORMAL. ALSO ALL THE GAUGES SOMETIMES STOP WORKING WHILE I'M DRIVING. *TR

I OWN A 1998 DODGE CARAVAN AND MY SPEED ODOMETER, MY RPM, THE TEMP GAUGE, AND THE GAS GAUGE POP OFF AT LEAST 3 TIMES A WEEK EITHER I WAIT AND EVENTUALLY IT WILL COME BACK ON OR I MUST HIT IT SOMETIMES IT COMES BACK ON OTHER TIMES IT DON'T. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS. THE ABS COMES ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO COMES ON. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU HAVE CHILDREN IN THE CAR. *TR

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

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED TWO FAILURES REGARDING THE SERPENTINE BELT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES LOST POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF BY RE-ATTACHING THE SERPENTINE BELT. THE CONTACT IS CURRENTLY UNABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

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

I ONLY OWNED THE VAN FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS(IT WAS USED) AND ALL MY GAUGES WENT OUT. THE FIRST TIME I TURNED ON THE MIRROR BUTTON IT CAME BACK ON FOR A FEW DAYS WENT OUT AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED I TURNED ON THE WIPERS IT CAME BACK ON FOR ABOUT A DAY, THEN IT WENT OUT COMPLETELY. IT SEEMS ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR

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

ENGINE FAILURE & OIL PRESSURE SENSOR WENT BAD.. *TR

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.

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

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

CARAVAN WILL ATTEMPT TO START THEN STALLS OUT. ONCE DONE 3 TIMES IT WILL NOT START FOR HOURS OR DAYS. ALL GAUGES FAIL AT THIS TIME AS WELL. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE SO TRIES TO CHARGE ME FOR REPLACING VARIOUS PARTS. DODGE NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND PLACE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR

I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL PEOPLE I COULD REPORT AN ISSUE HERE. I HAVE A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. ALTHOUGH, THE VEHICLE HAS 185K MILES AND RUNS AWESOME, THE STRUT TOWER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AS ALMOST DISINTEGRATED., THE PASSENGER SIDE IIS STILL SOLID AS A ROCK. COME TO FIND OUT, THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR ABOUT 6 MODEL YEARS. MY QUESTION IS WHY HAS CHRYSLER NOT MADE AND ATTEMPT TO ASSIST OWNERS WITH THIS FIX. THE CAUSE IS A DUMB ONE AND HAS BEEN ADDRESSED ON 2003 AND NEWER MODELS. THE COST TO FIX ONE SIDE IS ABOUT $400 FOR ONE SIDE AND NEARLY $650 FOR BOTH SIDES. THIS IS A LOT OF MONEY TO SPEND ON SOMEONELSES MISTAKE. METAL ON METAL WILL NOT REMAIN SOLID FOR EVER, MYSELF AS A CHEF KNOWS THIS. WHEN I ASKED AROUND FOR ESTIMATES,. EVERY SINGLE PLACE KNEW THE ISSUE AND THEY ALL KNEW WHAT YEAR MY CAR WAS AND THEY COULD TELL ME HOW SEVERE THE TOWERS WERE BEFORE THEY EVEN LOOKED UNDER MY HOOD!!!!CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME IF CHRYSLER HAS MADE AN ATTEMPT TO ASSIST PAYING FOR THIS BLATANT MISTAKE THEY MADE IN MANUFACTURING? *TR

RANDOMLY WILL START UP AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN. AFTER 3 TIMES, WILL NOT START. HAVE HAD IT TAKEN TO 4 DIFFERENT MECHANICS OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS. 2 WERE DODGE DEALERSHIPS. ONE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE STARTER FOR $440. THE NEXT DEALERSHIP (I WAS OUT OF TOWN FOR CHRISTMAS, SO COULDN'T RETURN TO FIRST DEALERSHIP) REPLACED THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE FOR $800. STILL HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM. THE MESSAGE BOARD IS FULL OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND DEALERS REPLACING THE SAME PARTS THAT I HAVE HAD REPLACED AND STILL NOT GETTING FIXED. IF I CAN LOOK ON THE INTERNET AND SEE WHAT IS WRONG, WHY CAN'T A MECHANIC? I WILL HAVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER CHANGED NEXT AND IT BETTER BE NO CHARGE!! *TR

I OWN A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THE SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF DURING MY EVACUATION FROM HURRICANE GUSTAV IT HAPPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF A BRIDGE AT NIGHT IS THE 6TH TIME THAT THIS OCCUR I JUST HAD THIS REPLACE HOW COME THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL TO SOLVE THIS BEFORE SOMEONE DIE. *TR

I HAVE A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THAT HAS SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT CAN'T SEEM TO BE FIXED. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS TURN OFF AND THE VEHICLE WON'T START AND STAY RUNNING. IT USED TO COME RIGHT BACK ON AFTER TAPPING THE CENTER OF THE DASH, BUT THAT DOESN'T WORK ANYMORE. IT EVEN HAPPENS NOW WHILE WE ARE DRIVING. MY LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT, AND AFTER SPENDING A CHUNK OF MONEY TRYING TO GET IT FIXED MANY DIFFERENT TIMES, SO MY WIFE AND CHILDREN FEEL SAFE IN IT I AM DEFINITELY SORRY I EVER BOUGHT IT. THE PROBLEM OCCURS NOW ALMOST EVERY DAY TO EVERY SECOND DAY, AND WILL LAST ANYWHERE FROM A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO COUPLE OF DAYS. *TR

AFTER HAVING MY TRANSMISSION REPLACE I NOTICED EVERYTHING ON MY DASH WAS DEAD, MY ABS AND ALARM SET LIGHT WOULD COME ON. IT ONLY STAYED THAT WAY FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN EVERYTHING WOULD COME BACK ON, BUT THEN THE PROBLEM ONLY GOT WORSE. I WOULD TRY TO START THE VAN BUT WHEN I DID IT WOULD SHUT BACK OFF BECAUSE MY DASH GAUGES WERE NOT WORKING AND MY ABS LIGHT WAS ON. I HAVE 3 KIDS AND I DEPEND ON MY VAN FOR TRANSPORTATION. I WENT ON A WEBSITE " TOPIX" AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, ALSO THAT IS HOW I GOT THIS ADDRESS. IT SEEMS LIKE NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT SOLUTION, THERE ARE JUST DIFFERENT SUGGESTIONS. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL SO THAT WAY EVERYBODY CAN STOP WASTING MONEY ON WHAT REPAIR SHOPS TRY (SAY) AND LET DODGE FIGURE IT OUT AND COMPENSATE FOR ALL OF THE HASSLES, MISSED APPOINTMENTS, AND EVERYTHING ELSE. *TR

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.

SOMETIMES WHEN I TURN THE KEY THE ENGINE WILL START AND IMMEDIATELY STALL. AFTER THE THIRD TRY, IT WILL NOT START AT ALL. THE GAUGES AND ODOMETER ALSO FAILS AT THIS TIME. AFTER SITTING FOR ANYWHERE FROM 1 HOUR TO 4 DAYS (SO FAR) THE ENGINE WILL START. IT MIGHT BE OK FOR A DAY OR A MONTH AND THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE GAUGES GO OFF, ENGINE FALTERS AND THEN COMES BACK ON. OTHER TIMES ENGINE STARTS AND IDLES ROUGH AS IF THERE IS A VACUUM LEAK THEN IT STRAIGHTENS OUT. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM OFF AND ON FOR AROUND 2 YEARS BUT IS NOW HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. TODAY I WENT TO A STORE AND WHEN I CAME OUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. IT IS STILL PARKED AT THE STORE. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND A VARIETY OF ANSWERS. DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO INSTALL MANY PARTS AT $250 PLUS LABOR EACH TIME AND STILL HAVE THE SAME SITUATION. I KNOW OF THREE PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS OR SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *TR

DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT SHEET METAL RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. *TR

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.

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

TL*THE CONTACT'S CLIENT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. AFTER INSTALLING A NEW TRANSMISSION AND DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S CLIENT NOTICED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FUEL LOSS. THE FOLLOWING DAY IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SEAM OF THE MUFFLER HAD ROTTED AWAY AND WAS BLOWING HOT AIR DIRECTLY ONTO THE PLASTIC GAS TANK. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 129,580.

ENGINE STARTS AND IMMEDIATELY SHUTS OFF. AFTER 3 OR 4 TRIES IT WILL NOT TURN OVER AT ALL. THIS HAPPENS COMPLETELY AT RANDOM AND HAPPENS 3 OR FOUR TIMES A MONTH MINIMUM. AFTER 24 HOURS, ENGINE WILL START NORMALLY. REPLACED BODY CONTROL MODULE AND CLOCK SPRING. A MECHANIC ALSO CHECKED FOR LOOSE CONNECTIONS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND CORROSION. *TR

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

OUR DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS IDLING AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT DURING LATE OCTOBER OF 2007. THERE HAD BEEN NO PROBLEMS UP TO THIS POINT. I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE HAD GONE ALL THE WAY TO THE HOT POSITION AND MY HUSBAND GOT OUT TO LOOK. THE COOLING FANS WEREN'T RUNNING. MY HUSBAND OPENED THE HOOD. HE HEARD THE RADIATOR BOILING LOUDLY, AND THEN THE CAP BLEW OFF WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED, GIVING HIM SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO HIS FACE AND CHEST. AFTER AN EMERGENCY ROOM VISIT, WE SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE COOLING FAN RELAY SYSTEM IS A FAULTY COMPONENT LISTED AS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR ALL CHRYSLER MINIVANS AND AS A RECALL ITEM ONLY FOR CERTAIN CHRYSLER MINIVANS. THE FUNNY THING IS THEY USED THE SAME CONTROL UNIT ON ALL OF THE CHRYSLER MINIVANS BUT WON'T FIX THEM BECAUSE THEY AREN'T ON THE "OFFICIAL" RECALL LIST. THE VAN WAS TAKEN TO THE DODGE DEALER IN PENSACOLA FLORIDA AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX IT WITHOUT AN $80.00 INSPECTION. THE PROBLEM PART IS A FAN RELAY. IT IS CALLED A SOLID-STATE SPEED CONTROL WHICH IS A COMPUTER UNIT CONTROLLING SEVERAL DEVICES ALTHOUGH DODGE CALLS IT A RELAY. WHEN LOOKING TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE, PART STORES EITHER SAID THAT IT IS A RECALL ITEM OR THAT IT IS ONLY AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGH CHRYSLER AS THE ENTIRE COMPUTER SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE "FLASHED" AFTER INSTALLATION AND ONLY A DEALER CAN DO IT. WE CONNECTED A HOT WIRE DIRECTLY TO THE FANS FROM A POWER SOURCE TO RUN THE SYSTEM FULL TIME. AS FOR THE RADIATOR EXPLOSION, IT IS UNCERTAIN WHY THE CAP BLEW OFF. WE THOUGHT THE RADIATOR TOP WAS TO BLAME BUT THE PLASTIC MOUTH IS NOT NOTICEABLY BROKEN. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE OR DEFECT IN THE CAP. WE HAVE SINCE REPLACED IT. PEOPLE ON THE WEB SAY THAT THE BOILING OVER HAD GOT SO VIOLENT IN THE RADIATOR THAT IT MAY HAVE WORKED THE CAP LOOSE AND BLOWN IT OFF WHICH HAS BEEN KNOWN TO HAPPEN. AS A SIDE NOTE, A RELIABILITY REPORT AT MSN AUTOS STATES THAT THIS IS A "MODERATE PROBLEM". *TR

BELT FALLING OFF 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN FOR THE 5TH TIME IN 1 1/2 YEARS. RESULTING IN MECHANIC CHARGES AND LOSS OF VEHICLE. WE HAVE REPLACED TENSIONER ON 2 OCCASIONS, BELTS ON 5 OCCASIONS TO NO AVAIL. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. DODGE/CHRYSLER SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS HURT (THIS TIME). THE ADDED EXPENSE IS KILLING US! *TR

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN COLD WEATHER AND APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR DURING THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

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

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT CONTINUOUSLY DETACHES IN WET WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE BELT DETACHES WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

RUSTED OUT SHOCK TOWERS. SHOCK COMING OUT OF TOWER AND UP TO BOTTOM OF WIPER COWL. SCARED TO DRIVE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BUT LEFT SIDE IS THE WORST. *TR

SERPENTINE BELT FLIES OFF WITH A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF MOISTURE. BOTH WIFE AND I HAVE DRIVEN OUR 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN IN WET WEATHER AND THE SERPENTINE BELT HAS COME OFF NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE DOESN'T EVEN NEED TO HIT A PUDDLE, THE SLIGHTEST AMOUNT OF WATER SPLASHING FROM ANOTHER CAR WILL CAUSE IT TO COME OFF. BELT FALLING OFF CAUSES POWER STEERING, COOLING, AND CHARGING TO FAIL RESULTING IN SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AS CAR IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. *TR

SHOCK ABSORBER TOWER ON DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE IS SERIOUSLY DETERIORATING. RUST IS PENETRATING INNER AND OUTER PORTIONS OF TOWER CAUSING SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS ABOUT STABILITY AND INTEGRITY OF VEHICLE SUSPENSION. *TR

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONSTANTLY SHORTS OUT, CAUSING THE CAR TO NOT RUN . WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO NUMEROUS SERVICE CENTERS AND DEALERS, NONE OF WHICH COULD DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR THE LAST SIX YEARS. WE HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS. WE DEMAND A RESPONSE FROM THEM AND THEY DO NOT RETURN OUR CALLS. *TR

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

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

VEHICLE ONLY HAS PARK INTERMITTENTLY, MUST USE PARKING BRAKE TO INSURE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE. *TR

1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN - CORROSION IN DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER RESULTED IN A CRACKED STRUT TOWER AND INSECURE STRUT MOUNT. *JB

MY CAR FAILED ITS STATE INSPECTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE STRUT TOWERS. WHEN INFORMED I ASKED THE SHOP IF THEY KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY REFERRED ME TO A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB 23-044-02 ISSUED IN OCT OF 2002 WHICH AFFECTED MY MINIVAN WHICH I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF STATING THAT MINVANS BUILT BETWEEN 1996-2000 HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND NEED TO BE IMMEDIATELY CORRECTED. I WENT TO A CHRYSLER DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE IN EXCESS OF 1300 DOLLARS AND THAT SINCE NO RECALL HAD EVER BEEN ISSUED THAT THEY WOULDN'T COVER THE REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD ISSUED THE BULLETIN. IF THE REPAIR ISN'T MADE THE CAR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PASS THE PA STATE INSPECTION AS THE INSPECTOR HAS DEEMED THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. I HAVE LOOKED AT YOUR DATA BASE AND SEEN MULTIPLE EXAMPLES OF THIS COMPLAINT REGISTERED AS WELL AS ON MULTIPLE CAR BOARDS DISCUSSING THIS AND NHTSA'S REFUSAL TO ISSUE A RECALL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT COULD RESULT IN PHYSICAL INJURY AND IN MY CASE HAS LEAD TO AN UNSAFE CAR THAT CANT BE DRIVEN IN PA. I AM PART OF THE SAE CORROSION COUNCIL LOOKING INTO CORROSION PRACTICES IN THE HEAVY TRUCKING INDUSTRY AND I KNOW THAT IF THIS HAPPENED IN THE HEAVY TRUCKING INDUSTRY THERE WOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL. WHY HASN'T THIS HAPPENED HERE WHEN THERE IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM THAT THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS ABOUT THAT AFFECTS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES? *TR *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED *JB

WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN MY SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF THE PULLEYS AND RESULTED IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN I LOST MY STEERING WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM ON THE EARLIER (1997 THROUGH THE EARLY 2000S MODELS) DODGE CARAVAN 3.0, 3.3, AND 3.8 ENGINES. THERE ARE MANY POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET WITH PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME THING HAPPENING DURING RAIN STORMS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS 1998 DODGE CARAVAN. THE VAN ONLY HAS 61,686 MILES ON IT. AT 43,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE THE BELT, TENSIONER, AND PULLEY IDLER. I ALSO HAVE HEARD THAT DODGE DID A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM IN AT LEAST ONE OTHER COUNTRY. CHRYSLER SHOULD BE MANDATED TO OFFER A FIX FOR THIS HERE IN THE USA. I TEMPORARILY FIXED MY PROBLEM BY PUTTING THE OLD SERPENTINE BELT BACK ON THE PULLEYS. THIS IS NOT AN EASY TASK AND TRYING TO DO IT ALONG THE ROAD IS HAZARDOUS. BUT FOR MOST PEOPLE THIS WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO DO. *JB

SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF FOUR TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN. AFTER THE FOURTH TIME THE GARAGE ORDERED A CONVERSION KIT FROM THE GATES CORPORATION THAT REPLACED THE IDLER PLUS THE TENSIONER. THE KIT ALSO INCLUDED A NEW DOUBLE SIDED RIBBED BELT. THEIR PART NUMBER IS 38,342 K. IT CAN ALSO BE ORDERED THROUGH CAR QUEST AUTO PARTS STORES. THEIR PART NUMBER IS THE SAME. I HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM SINCE. *TR

1. NORMAL DRIVING 2. RUSTING DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER 3. HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET, BUT HAVE BEEN QUOTED $600 - $1000 *JB

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.

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.

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPED OFF IN WET WEATHER, AND IT MADE STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THERE WAS NO LONGER POWER STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000. *AK CONSUMER STATES DEALER MADE ADDITIONAL INSTALLATION OF THE BELT 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. UPDATE *4/23/07 **TR

AFTER HAVING CLOCK SPRING CHANGED FROM RECALL, VEHICLE WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND AUTOMATICALLY START BACK UP ON ITS OWN. IT WILL DO THIS FROM A COASTING SPEED TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 70 MPH. THERE IS NO WARNING!! I DON'T KNOW IF ITS FROM THE CLOCK SPRING OR ANOTHER ISSUE. HAD TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALS AND PERSONAL FRIEND THAT HAS THE OBDII COMPUTER AND IT DOES NOT KICK OR STORE A CODE, EVEN WHEN HOOKED UP TO THE COMPUTER! I HAVE A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, 3.3L WITH THE FLEXFUEL ENGINE. *JB

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

STRUT TOWERS FAILING DUE TO CORROSION. *NM

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

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED, FOLLOWED BY LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER, ILLUMINATION OF ALL WARNING LIGHTS, AND THE RISING OF THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT BECAME DETACHED DUE TO WATER SPLASHING UP INTO THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BELT, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE SERVICE DEALER MENTIONED THAT A SPLASH SHIELD KIT WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/30/06. *JB

DURING A HARD RAIN SHOWER, THE SERPENTINE BELT WHICH DRIVES THE ALTERNATOR, A/C, POWER STEERING AND WATER PUMP JUMPED OFF OF THE PULLEYS RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE POWER STEERING AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATING. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS. REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT FIND ANY REASON FOR THE BELT TO JUMP OFF. BELT WAS EXAMINED AND FOUND TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION. THIS FIRST OCCURRENCE OCCURRED ON 12/16/2005. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OCCURRED ON 7/28/2006 UNDER THE SAME WET WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME REPAIR SHOP AND CHECKED OUT BY THE OWNER OF THE BUSINESS. THE BELT WAS EXAMINED AGAIN AND FOUND NOT TO HAVE ANY SIGN OF DAMAGE. THE OWNER OF THE BUSINESS REPLACED THE BELT WITH A NEW ONE AS HE COULD FIND NO REASON FOR THE BELT TO JUMP OFF. STEERING OF THE VEHICLE WAS NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO THE LOSS OF THE POWER STEERING. I CHECKED WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID HE HAD NOT HAD ANY SERVICE BULLETINS FROM CHRYSLER ON THIS PROBLEM. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE STATION FOR NORMAL MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THE STRUT TOWERS, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WERE RUSTED. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A SERVICE BULLETIN, DESCRIBING HOW TO TREAT THE RUSTED PARTS. UPDATED 8/30/2006 - *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TRAVELS ROUGH AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TOP OF THE MACPHERSON STRUT TOWERS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT REPLACED THE STRUTS.

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

THIS IS FOR A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 3.0 WE HAD TO REPLACE THE SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER TWICE IN TWO YEARS. IN DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER SO WE WANTED TO ADD THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO OURS. *JB

1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN - WHEN NEW, RECALLED FOR SAFETY BELT REPAIR/REPLACEMENT AND AIR BAG CLOCK SWITCH REPLACEMENT. FOR ABOUT THE PAST 2 YEARS, THE INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS SWITCH FROM DIM TO LIGHT WITH A CLICKING SOUND BUT HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM I FEEL NEEDED IMMEDIATE ADDRESSING. MORE RECENTLY, REAR AIR VENTS BLOW COLD/WARM/HOT AIR WHEN A/C IS TURNED ON. HOWEVER, FRONT VENTS BLOW ICE COLD AIR. REAR AIR VENTS FUNCTION DIFFERENTLY EACH TIME WE START THE CAR. ALL THESE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CAUSE ME GREAT CONCERN FOR OUR FAMILY OF 5 REGARDING OTHER ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS THAT MIGHT BE AFFECTED IN THE FUTURE. AFTER READING ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS BRAND, I'M FAIRLY CERTAIN WE WILL BE PURCHASING A MORE REPUTABLE BRAND WHEN WE REPLACE OUR CAR. WHAT IS CHRYSLER DOING TO ADDRESS THESE NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS? *JB

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

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

SERPENTINE BELT KEEPS COMING OFF. *NM

MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (3.3 L ENGINE VIN: [XXX] ), THE SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHEN DRIVING IN RAIN, OR WHEN DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLE. WHEN THIS HAPPEN, THE VEHICLE LOSE POWER BRAKES POWER STEERING, CAUSING VERY HAZARDOUS CONDITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 TIMES DURING THE LAST 18 MONTHS OUT OF WHICH 2 WERE ON FREEWAY AT 60MPH. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY. REPLACED THE BELT, TENSIONER ETC, STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. TOOK IT TO DODGE DEALER (DAYTON DODGE, DAYTON, NJ) ON 01/10/2006, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX, SITING "CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, BUT HAS NO FIX" A SEARCH ON GOOGLE SHOWS NUMEROUS HITS FOR THIS PROBLEM ON CHRYSLER MINIVANS. I BELIEVE CHRYSLER HAS A TSB FOR THIS, BUT HAS NOT A RECALL. SEE BELOW LINKS BELOW. HTTP://WWW.DODGETALK.COM/FORUMS/ARCHIVE/INDEX.PHP/T-4450.HTML HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_30931.HTML. *NM UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I OWN A 1998 DODGE CARAVAN AND WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION. NONE OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *JB

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

CRAZED, FOGGED HEADLIGHT ENCLOSURES BOTH SIDES; FACTORY DEFECT DUE TO LACK OF DURABILITY. *NM

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

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

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

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES THE SERPENTINE BELT WHICH CONTROLS THE STEERING AND OTHER ACCESSORIES SLIPS OFF. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. WENT TO DEALER HE INSTALLED TSB BULLETIN 07-02-99 THAT CONSISTS OF A BRACKET TO STOP THE BELT FROM COMING OFF, BUT AFTER I DROVE 7 MILES IN THE RAIN IT CAME OFF AGAIN. WHILE AT THE DEALER THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER CARAVANS TOWED THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, EVEN A 2005. THE DEALER REP SAYS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BECAUSE THE WATER IS SPLASHED ONTO THE BELT TENSIONER AND IDLER PULLEYS WHICH ARE NOT GROOVED AND JUST SLIPS OFF. I DID A WEB SEARCH AT ALLPAR.COM, EDMUNDS.COM, ETC. AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS CONDITION, PEOPLE CAN BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED WHEN THEY LOSE POWER STEERING CONTROL UNEXPECTEDLY. I CAN'T BELIEVE CHRYSLER CORP. HAS ALLOWED THIS CONDITION TO GO UNRESOLVED FOR SO LONG. *NM

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

CONSUMER DASH LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTAINING THE CLUSTER OF THE ENGINE, TEMPERATURE GAUGE, RPM GAUGE, SPEEDOMETER, GAS TANK AND DIGITAL ODOMETER BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY GO OFF AND COME BACK ON WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON. THE PROBLEM BEGAN TO EFFECT THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS THAT WAS LEFT IN THE TANK, IT ALSO EFFECTED THE DOOR LOCKS WHICH DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATE AS THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHICH WAS DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PROCESSOR AND THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE CONSUMER PICK THE VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALER,WITHIN 20 MINUTES, THE CONSUMER SAW A THIN BLUISH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED HOME HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT SAW NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE TO ANYTHING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *JB

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

SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON REVEALING A PROBLEM. COMPUTER DIAG SHOWS THAT THERE IS A MISFIRE ON #6. OPENING THE VALVE COVER REVEALED THAT THE CAMSHAFT IS DEFECTIVE - METAL PIECES HAVE FALLEN OFF OF IT. REPLACEMENT OF CAMSHAFT AND ALL OTHER PARTS (ROCKER, LIFTERS ETC.) INCLUDING LABOR WILL COME TO A TOTAL OF CLOSE TO $1800. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE DEFECT.*JB

LOWER BALL JOINT OF DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL FAILED WHILE TRAVELING IN STRAIGHT LINE ON EXPRESSWAY. THE VEHICLE SUFFERED MAJOR DAMAGE TO STEERING, DRIVE TRAIN AND BODY. FAILURE OCCURRED 450 MILES FROM HOME. DECIDED NOT TO REPAIR VEHICLE BECAUSE OF PARTS AVAILABILITY AND COST. *JB

WINDSHIELD WIPPERS SOMETIMES STOP WORKING WHEN IN THE INTERMITANT MODE.HAD MODULE IN STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. STILL HAPPENS.

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

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

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

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.

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

VEHICLE: MAKE : DODGE MODEL : GRAND CARAVAN YEAR : 1998 BULLETIN NUM : 98771 DATE OF BULLETIN: MAY 01, 1998 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 601474 COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN SUMMARY: THE RADIATOR FAN RELAY MAY NOT TURN ON THE RADIATOR COOLING FANS, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. *AK ================ THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TO ME FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SEP 2004. THE RADIATOR FAN RELAY FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY DEALER, THEY REPLACED THE PART AND CHARGED ME OVER $200. THIS PROBLEM REOCURRED AGAIN IN MAY 2005. THIS DEFECTIVE PART SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A FACTORY RECALL AND WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE

A BODY SHOP TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE STRUT TOWERS WERE SO SERIOUSLY RUSTED AS TO PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD. HE RECOMMENDED EITHER REPLACING THE VEHICLE OR REPAIRING THE DAMAGE IMMEDIATELY, AS ALL IT WOULD TAKE IS FOR US TO HIT A POTHOLE AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION FAIL COMPLETELY EASILY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (#23-044-02) REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND ALTHOUGH THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF REPORTS OF THIS DEFECT IN YOUR DATABASE, CHRYSLER ARE UNWILLING TO REIMBURSE ME TO FIX THE PROBLEM AS THE VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY.*AK

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

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

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

EXHAUST BECAME LOUD AND YOU CAN SMELL IT COMING THROUGH TO CABIN. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A CRACK IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CROSSOVER PIPE. DOING RESEARCH ON THE WEB, THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM CITING THAT THEY WERE TOLD BY DEALERS IT WAS A BAD DESIGN. THE REPAIR COSTS IN EXCESS OF $900 AND THERE IS A CHANCE IF NOT REPAIR FOR CARBON MONOXIDE TO LEAK INTO CABIN.*AK

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

CLEAR COAT PAINT BUBBLING AND PEELING OFF ENTIRE VAN. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM AND CLOUDED. THE CONSUMER'S VISIBILITY BECOMES IMPAIRED . *AK *SC *JB

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE STRUTS. THE STRUT TOWERS RUSTED, CAUSING THE STRUTS TO PUSH THROUGH THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT SUSPENSION EVENTUALLY WILL DROP DOWN. *AK

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

THE SERPENTINE BELT FALLS OFF WHEN IT GETS WET. DEALER HAS REPLACED IT TWICE, AND A SHIELD ONCE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK

THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED DURING A FRONT END COLLISION. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG OVER INFLATED CAUSING MORE SEVER INJURIES THAN THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG. *NM THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE AIR BAGS WERE FOUND OVER-INFLATED WHEN THEY DEPLOYED. *SC *JB

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOW SPEED TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A TRANSMISSION SHOP BEING SERVICED. *AK THE UPPER AND LOWER PLANETARY ASSEMBLY FAILED. *NM

WHILE DRIVING SERPENTINE BELT DISENGAGED, CAUSING POWER STEERING TO FAIL, AND WATER PUMP TO OVERHEAT. THIS HAPPENED FIVE TIMES. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM. *AK

THE CROSS OVER MANIFOLD WAS RECALLED. HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THE PART WAS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER CONSUMER WAS WAITING FOR EIGHT MONTHS. AS A RESULT, FUMES SEEPED THROUGH THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO PASS EMISSIONS INSPECTION. *AK

IN OCTOBER OF 2003 MY 2.7 LITER ENGINE WENT WITH ONLY 73,000 MILES. I CHANGED THE OIL IN THIS VEHICLE FAITHFULLY EVERY 3,000 MILES. I WAS TRAVELING THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION WHEN THE ENGINE BLEW. WHEN IT HAPPENED I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO HIT A CURB SO HARD THAT MY TIRE BLEW. I AM THANKFUL THAT IT WAS A CURB THAT I HIT. THIS OCCURRED NOT FAR FROM A MIDDLE SCHOOL WHERE CHILDREN ALWAYS WERE . I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT MY VEHICLE, HE TOLD ME THAT THESE WERE THE WORST ENGINES EVER MADE, HE ALSO ADVISED ME NOT TO REPLACE THIS ENGINE NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE HIGH EXPENSE, BUT ALSO IT WAS LIKELY THAT I WOULD BE REPLACING IT AGAIN WITHIN A YEAR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW DAIMLER CHRYSLER HAS GOTTEN AWAY WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR AS LONG AS THEY HAD. I CALLED SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS, AUTO PART STORES, AND EVEN DODGE DEALERSHIPS INQUIRING ABOUT PRICES FOR REPAIR. EVERYONE WAS WELL AWARE OF THESE ENGINES CALLING THEM DEFECTIVE, EVEN MECHANICS AT THE DODGE DEALERSHIP. THERE ALSO HAS BEEN SEVERAL CASES OF THE NEWS MEDIA DOING STORIES ON THIS SITUATION. AUTO MAGAZINES(MOTOR MAGAZINE MOSTLY) WRITE STORIES ABOUT THESE DEFECTIVE ENGINES. THE STORIES WRITTEN INCLUDE THAT SEVERAL ENGINE SPECIALIST HAVE ASSESSED THE PROBLEM AND ALL HAVE CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION THAT THESE ENGINES ARE DEFECTIVE AND IT IS 100% CHRYSLERS FAULT. WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY DAIMLER CHRYSLER HASN'T BEEN FORCED TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM. WE AS CONSUMERS HAVE SUFFERED ENOUGH DO TO CHRYSLERS NEGLECT. IN MY OPINION NO ONE SHOULD BE FORCED TO WAIT ANY LONGER.THE NHTSA IS SUPPOSE TO BE PROTECTING US FROM CORPORATIONS WHO OPERATE LIKE DAIMLER CHRYSLER. *JB

TIMING BELT SNAPPED OFF FOUR TIMES FROM 1999 -2002, REPLACED 3 TIMES AT DESERT DODGE IN LAS VEGAS ONCE WITH ALL PULLEYS REPLACED AND ONE TIME AT SPITZER DODGE IN MAYFIELD HTS, OHIO 2 WEEKS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. NEITHER DODGE WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS.*AK

THE DRIVE BELT HAS REPEATEDLY COME OFF RESULTING IN THE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP EACH TIME, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A FLEXING ENGINE MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS PROBLEM IS SO COMMON THERE IS A CHRYSLER SERVICE BULLETIN #07-02-99. THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED AS A SAFETY RECALL. *JB

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

WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FIRST. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED.SOMETHING UNDERNEATH THE VEHILCE BROKE, WHICH WAS THE FRAME. *AKI AS A RESULT OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYING THE CONSUMER HIT A CURB AFTERWHICH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *TC

THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED 4 DAYS BEFORE SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE AIR BAGS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY THAT CHANGED FROM PAVEMENT TO GRAVEL, WHEN THE PAVEMENT ENDED, SHE STARTED TO FISH TAIL, SHE STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, WHICH SENT HER INTO A SPIN TWICE. *JB

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

WHILE PRESSING DOWN THE HORN A LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(WB663712D17) FOR THE CLOCK SPRING. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THIS RECALL WAS NOT FOR THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

DEAR NHTSA: IAM POSTING THE EXACT PROBLEM AS LISTED UNDER YOUR "DEFECTS" PAGE FOR MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE: MAKE : DODGE MODEL : GRAND CARAVAN YEAR : 1998 MANUFACTURER : DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION ERVICE BULLETIN NUM : 98771 DATE OF BULLETIN: MAY 01, 1998 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 601474 COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN SUMMARY: THE RADIATOR FAN RELAY MAY NOT TURN ON THE RADIATOR COOLING FANS, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. *AK ================ THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TO ME A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. THE RADIATOR FAN RELAY FAILED, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. I WAS STRANDED AND HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO MY DEALER, TEAM DODGE OF STONE MOUNTAIN, GOERGIA. THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE RELAY AS A RECALL (A TINY MODULE LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF THE RADIATOR), AND CHARGED ME IN EXCESS OF $150.00 TO REPLACE IT. SINCE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME, I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY MANY DODGE CARAVAN OWNERS THAT THIS IS INDEED A COMMON PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS DEFECTIVE PART SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF A FACTORY-WIDE RECALL, AND WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU MAY BE ABLE TO OFFER. THANK YOU.

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A OFF CENTER FRONTAL COLLISION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AN IMPACT OF 30 MPH. THE TOP LATCHES ON THE INTERGRATED CHILD SEAT HAS OPEN ON IMPACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WILL BE SENDING OUT AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE INTERGRATED SEAT AND THE VEHICLE.PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATRION. *AK

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

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, WHERE THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD COME TO A STOP. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HEAT FROM THE AIR BURNED THE CONSUMER ON THE ARM AND FACE.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD COLLISION. UPON IMPACT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. *AK

AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER STATED THAT BATTERY WAS CRUSHED. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE CLOCK SPRING.*AK

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!

IGNITION SWITCH AT FIRST WOULD GIVE ME SOME TROUBLE BY NOT TURNING AT ALL. BUT I WAS ABLE TO EVENTUALLY GET IT TO WORK. AFTER SOME TIME WITHOUT FAILURE, IT FINALLY DID IT AGAIN, ONLY THIS TIME, IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. I TRIED TURNING THE WHEEL, I TRIED TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER, ALL IN AN ATTEMPT TO SEE IF IT WAS PART OF THE PROBLEM. BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS COMPLETELY FROZEN, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. WHEN I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL, BECAUSE THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN THE LOCKED STATE WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS IN THE OFF POSITION. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR, NOT INCLUDING THE TOW, WAS $250.00. DEALER WANTED $325.00. THIS PROBLEM LEAVES YOU STRANDED, AND THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE MOVED BECAUSE THE SHIFT LEVER IS LOCKED. COULD HAPPEN TO SOMEONE IN A REMOTE AREA, HOPEFULLY THE WEATHER WILL BE WARM AT THE TIME! I ALSO KNOW FROM MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN DODGE/PLYMOUTH MINI VANS, RANGING IN YEARS 1997 TO 2000, AND THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. WILL CHRYSLER RECALL THIS, REPLACE FAULT UNITS WITH BETTER QUALITY UNITS, OR EVEN REIMBURSE THOSE OF US WHO HAVE BEEN STRANDED FOR THIS COMMON PROBLEM?*AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT BRAKES VIBRATED AND MADE A LOT OF NOISE. SHE SOME TIMES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THE NOISE GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS GOING ON THIS FOR 4 MONTHS. *AK

WHEN PARKED AND WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK UNTIL CONSUMER GAINED CONTROL. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK

THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE HAS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE AIR BAGS ARE INOPERABLE. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 02V293000. ALSO, HORN WAS INOPERABLE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH. PROCEEDING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. ACCIDENT OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED VERY BADLY CONSUMER STATES THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. ALSO STATES THE AIR BAG CAUSED THE INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHEREBY THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, INJURING THE NECK/BACK AND SHOULDERS. *AK

THE HATCHBACK DOOR STRUT HINGES FAILED, CAUSING THE DOOR TO FALL. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURRED ON MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AT 60,000 MILES. DIFFERENTIAL PIN RELEASED AND SHATTERED THE CASING. THE CAR JOLTED AS I WAS DRIVING AS IF I FELL IN A DITCH. LUCKILY I HAD JUST PULL OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND WAS TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED(25 MILES/HR). TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS RELEASED ALL OVER THE ROAD.. THE VAN IS AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP RIGHT NOW AND WILL COST IN EXCESS OF $2500. COMPLETE REBUILD IN A NEW CASING REQUIRED. I CAN ASK FOR THE OLD PART SINCE THE CORE IS NO LONGER USABLE FOR A TRADE IN. *JB

THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE HORN WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH TRANSMISSION FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK

THE STRUT TOWER RUSTED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *AK

I HAVE A 1998 GRAND CARAVAN SE WITH 85000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED RUSTING AND CRACKED METAL IN THE AREA OF THE UPPER STRUT MOUNT. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS COMMON, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. ALSO CONTACTED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE IN DETROIT, AND WAS ALSO TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD AS THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR/36000 MILES WARRANTY. I SINCERELY HOPE THIS SITUATION IS LOOKED INTO BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF ONE OF THE STRUTS GOES LAUNCHING THROUGH THE HOOD!*AK

THE ENGINE "BLEW UP". APPARENTLY THERE WAS AN OIL PROBLEM" ON THE INSIDE OF ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE AND A CHUNCK OF IT ACTUALLY "BLEW OFF". THE ENTIRE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED INCLUDING HOSES, ETC. THE ORIGINAL ENGINE HAD ONLY 77,326 MILES!!! I HAVE SPOKEN WITH MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEIR ENGINES IN THIS SAME MINI-VAN AT OR AROUND 70,000-80,000 MILES! NOT ONLY THAT, BUT I SPOKEN WITH AND WAS WARNED THAT THIS WOULD PROBABLY HAPPEN BY THE OWNER OF AN AUTO BODY SHOP, PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. HE SAID "WE SEE THESE ENGINES ON THESE MINI-VANS GO BAD RIGHT AROUND 70,000 MILES, LYNN". THIS SEEMS TO BE A CHRONIC PROBLEM FOR THE DODGE/CHRYSLER MINI-VAN. *AK

CONSUMER'S AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER STARTING THE V IGNITION. RECALL02V293000 WA SISSUED. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.*AK

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

SAME ISSUE AS ODI COMPLAINT 10074411 - METAL AT TOP OF WELL HOUSING STRUT/SPRING COMPONENTS, DRIVER FRONT, RUSTING. COULD CAUSE SUSPENSION FAILURE. *JB

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

ABOUT THREE OR FOUR TIMES A WEEK I WILL LOSE MY DASH GUAGES. THE LIGHTS AND UPPER DASH LIGHT WILL STILL WORK BUT GUAGES WON'T. AFTER NO SET AMOUNT OF TIME IT WILL POWER BACK UP AND DOORS WILL LOCK DOWN, SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL COME ON AND VAN WILL ACT LIKE IT JUST STARTED (GOES THROUGH INTIAL START UP SEQUENCE). SOMETIMES THE VAN WON'T START. KEY WILL BE TURNED AND VAN WILL START UP AND IMMEDIATELY STALL. THIS WILL HAPPEN THREE TIMES AND THEN DOESN'T ROLL OVER OR ANYTHING. LATELY VAN WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK ITSELF CONTINUALLY WHILE DRIVING, SOMETIMES UNLOCKING ITSELF AFTER ALARM HAS BEEN SET RISKING THE LOSS OF VALUABLES IN THE CAR WHILE WE ARE AWAY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON PERIODICALLY AND WE TAKE IT INTO DEALER AND THE COMPUTERS AREN'T COMMUNICATING SO THEY REPLACE WIRES, ETC AND FIXES FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT DOESN'T FIX THE STALLING PROBLEM, ETC. DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG AND SUGGESTED REPLACING ALL WIRING AT $2000 BUT NO GUARANTEE THIS IS CAUSING PROBLEM. WE HAVE ALREADY SPENT CLOSE TO $700 ON NEW STARTER, ETC. TO NO AVAIL. ON MESSAGE BOARD SOMEONE SUGGESTED WHEN IT DOESN'T START BEFORE IT COMPLETELY WON'T TURN OVER TO TURN THE KEY OVER AND HIT THE DASH AS HARD AS POSSIBLE AND IT WORKED....STARTED RIGHT UP. SUGGESTED THE CIRCUIT BOARD IS BAD. WHY CAN'T THE DEALER FIGURE THIS OUT. STILL COSTS $500 TO FIX. WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP PUTTING INTO VAN....WE JUST BOUGHT IT LESS THAN A YEAR AGO...BUT WE CAN'T AFFORD TO GET ANYTHING ELSE RIGHT NOW EITHER.*AK

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

CONSUMER STATES FUEL RAIL IS LEAKING. AS A RESULT, FUEL FUMES SEEP THROUGH THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *AK

THE DRIVER SIDE, UPPER METAL PORTION THAT HOLD THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THE METAL IS NOT HOLDING ANY MORE. THUS MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *LA

AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. HORN FAILURE/SPEED CONTROL FAILURE. *AK

WHILE USING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE WIPER MOTOR FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE BLADES TO STOP MOVING. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *JB

DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING RECALLED PART WAS ON A NATION WIDE BACK ORDER WHEN CONSUMER CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. CONSUMER INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP THAT AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON. DEALERSHIP REPLIED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC BECAUSE A NOISE DEVELOPED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT CLOCK SPRING WAS BAD, AND VEHICLE SHOULDN'T BE DRIVEN UNTIL CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED. MECHANIC CONTACTED A DEALERSHIP, WHO SENT HIM THE RECALLED PART. *AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WHEN VEHICLE WAS STARTED TRANSMISSION WENT FROM SECOND GEAR TO NEUTRAL BEFORE GOING INTO THIRD GEAR. *AK

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

RE: RECALL # 02V293000: I HAVE A 1989 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. IT IS READILY EVIDENT TO ME THAT THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY HAS RECENTLY FAILED. AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, HORN DOES NOT WORK, CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. THE LOCAL DEALER INFORMED ME THAT MY VAN WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL [XXX], WHICH IS PUZZLING. IF I AM IN A CRASH AND I OR MY FAMILY IS INJURED DUE TO SAFETY-RELATED FAILURES, I SUPPOSE DODGE COULD HAVE EASILY PREVENTED THE SAME AND DIMINISHED THEIR LIABILITY BY FIXING THIS PROBLEM UNDER THE RECALL. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET FOR SOMETHING THAT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. THE DEALER SAID HE WOULD FILE A COMPLAINT W/ DAIMLERCHRYSLER, BUT A RESPONSE COULD TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS. WHAT IS MY FAMILY TO DO IF I AM IN A SAFETY-RELATED WRECK IN THE MEANTIME? *LA UPDATED 07/30/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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

WHILE ALLOWING VEHICLE TO IDLE IN PARK IN RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, DRIVER STEPPED INSIDE HOUSE AND WITHIN 30 SEC HEARD LOUD CRASH. UPON INVESTIGATION FOUND VEHICLES ENGINE IDLE AT 5500 RPMS AND HAD COLLIDED WITH WASHER/DRYER 4FT IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. *AK DAMAGE WAS TO THE W/D AND MINOR SCRATCHES WERE FOUND ON BUMPER. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WASHER WAS TOTAL LOSS.

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH PULLEY BELT FELL OFF. STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO STEER AND TURN. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED OR RESOLVED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THEN VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

DIFFERENTIAL PIN CAME OUT, HIT TRANSMISSION HOUSING AND BROKE A HOLE IN IT. COSTING ME OVER $1700 TO REPAIR. TRANSMISSION SHOP COMMENTED THEY HAVE SEEN THIS IN CHRYSLER PRODUCTS OTHER TIMES.*AK

WHEN TAKING TRANSMISSION IN FOR ROUTINE FLUID & FILTER CHANGE, SEVERAL FRAGMENTS OF METAL WERE FOUND IN THE PAN. SOME FROM GEAR TEETH, OTHERS FROM BEARINGS. TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE COMPLETLEY REMANUFACTURED, AND THE COST IS ASTONOMICAL. THIS IS MY SECOND (AND NOW MY LAST) CHYSLER MINIVAN. I HAD SIMILAR TROUBLE WITH AN OLDER MODEL, HOWEVER CHRYSLER HONORED THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT LAST VERY LONG. THIS TIME HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT ONLY NASTY TO ME ON THE PHONE WHEN I CALLED, BUT THEIR RESPONSE WAS "WE WILL NEVER PAY FOR OR REPAIR THIS VEHICLE" WHICH I FIND ODD, CONSIDERING WHAT THEY WOULD DO IF THEY WERE FORCED TO RECALL IT FOR THIS PROBLEM. I'VE LOOKED INTO THIS, AND IT SEEMS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME TROUBLE WITH THESE VANS. NOW, I ASK CHRYSLER "FOR OVER 13 YEARS YOU'VE CONTINUED TO MANUFACTURE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS, HOW LONG WILL YOU CONTINUE TO BILK THE CUSTOMERS WHO HELPED MAKE YOU ONE OF THE BIGGEST AUTOMAKERS IN THE WORLD" YOU HAVE TURNED YOUR BACK ON THOSE OF US WHO HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL TO YOUR PRODUCT, DON'T BE SHOCKED WHEN WE RETURN THE FAVOR. WHEN THE FOREIGN AUTOMAKERS EVENTUALLY PUT YOU OUT OF BUSINESS, IT WILL BE BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO INTENTION OF CORRECTING YOUR BIGGEST AND LONGEST LASTING MISTAKE IN THE HISTORY OF YOUR VEHICLES. I SUGGEST YOU CHARGE A LITTLE MORE FOR YOUR CARS, AND INVEST IN THE TRANSMISSION LONGEVITY. SAVING A FEW PENNIES PER VEHICLE TODAY, WILL COST YOU BILLIONS SOME DAY. I WAS HOPEFULL THAT DAIMLER WOULD COME IN AND STRAIGHTEN THINGS OUT, BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE. SHAME ON YOU DAIMLER FOR EMBARRASSING YOURSELVES WITH POOR QUALITY, AND FOR THE POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE YOU ALLLOW TO CONTINUE. YOUR PREVIOUS HISTORY WAS TO BE ADMIRED WITH YOUR MECEDES LINE OF VEHICLES. NOW YOU ARE SLOWLY BECOMING AN EMBARRASSMENT. I WAS EXPECTING BETTER FROM YOU, AND YOU LET US DOWN. IF IT IS YOUR INTENTION TO SLOWLY DISSOLVE CHRYSLER, THEN YOU ARE CERTAINLY ON THE RIGHT TRACK. *AK

TECHNICIAN SERVICED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *MR

THE STRUT TOWER FOR MY 1998 GRAND CARAVAN IS RUSTING THROUGH. AFTER SPEAKING WITH A MECHANIC, HE STATED IT IS A PROBLEM ON MOST OF THE CARAVANS. WE ALSO CAUTIONED ME THAT THE STRUT WILL CAUSE THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO BUCKLE. HE SAID IN ABOUT A YEAR THERE WILL BE MANY CRASHES CAUSED BY THIS FAILURE.*AK

I WAS DRIVING ON 95 IN VIRGINIA IN 1998 GRAND CARAVAN LE (80,000) , AND I HEARD A BANGING NOISE. IT SOUNDED AND FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WENT FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK OF THE CAR. THERE WAS A PUFF OF SMOKE IN BACK OF ME, AND THE CARS BEHIND ME BACKED OFF. AT THIS POINT I REALIZED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT OF THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS A FRIGHTFUL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL US. WE CALLED THE STATE POLICE AND THEY PROCEEDED TO CALL AAA WHERE THEY TOWED US INTO WHITTEN DODGE. ALL OF THE FLUIDS HAD COME OUT OF THE CAR AND THE ENGINE WAS LOCKED UP. SEEING AS WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO FLORIDA ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON OUR ONLY OPTION WAS TO BUY ANOTHER DODGE. WE PURCHASED A 2004 GRAND CARAVAN. I HAVE A DIARY OF EVERYTHING THAT HAS EVER BEEN DONE TO MY VAN. IT WAS VERY WELL KEPT. JOSH A MACHANIC WITH WHITTEN DODGE WENT OVER THE WHOLE CAR AND FOUND THE TRANSMISSION DIFFERENCIAL PIN (THAT HOLDS THE SPIDE GEARS) IN THE TRANSMISSION FELL OUT. THIS PIN ALONG WITH THE SPIDER GEARS TOTALED THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE. DUE TO THIS UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT WE GOT NOTHING FOR THE CAR. IN CLOSING, I WANT TO SAY THAT WE WERE SO LUCKY THAT WE WERE NOT SMEARED ON THE HIGHWAY. WE STRONGLY FEEL THAT MAJOR RESTITUTION IS DUE IN THIS SERIOUS SITUATION. NOW I HAVE A 04 GRAND CARAVAN, SHOULD I BE WARY OF THIS VAN? WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION TO THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM.*AK

DRIVER SIDE FRONT STRUT IS RUSTED. VEHICLE IS PULLING HARD TO THE LEFT, MAKING TURNS TO THE LEFT VERY DIFFICULT. ALSO, TURNS TO THE RIGHT ARE EQUALLY TOUGH. *AK

ENGINE FAILURE OF SECOND ENGINE IN VEHICLE WITHIN 55,000 MILES. I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THE REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE IN MY DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AT 37,000 MILES DUE TO A LIFTER FAILURE OCCASIONED BY WHAT WAS DESCRIBED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER AS "SOFT METAL." A LONG BLOCK REPLACEMENT WAS INSTALLED AND NOW AT 55000 MILES I AM TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAS A "BAD LIFT" AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THUS, I NOW HAVE HAD TWO ENGINES IN THE SAME CAR EACH OF WHICH HAS FAILED IN ABOUT THE SAME WAY. I HAVE A WARRANTY CLAIM PENDING BUT FEEL STRONGLY THAT THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. I ASSURE YOU THAT THE CAR WAS WELL CARED FOR AND THAT ALL REQUIRED SERVICE WAS MET OR EXCEEDED. I HAVE HAD MANY CARS NOT ONE OF WHICH HAD ENGINE FAILURE EVEN AFTER A HUNDRED AND TWENTY THOUSAND MILES AND CONSIDERABLY LESS METICULOUS CARE.

IGNITION FROZE UP. THE KEY WILL ONLY TURN HALF THE WAY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, AND THE IGNITION HOUSING WAS REPLACED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON. WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT WORK. AN ARTICLE APPEARED IN A CONSUMER MAGAZINE THAT DOCUMENTED A DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. *AK *NM

AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED/CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING, AND HORN WON'T BLOW.*AK

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

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH TRANSMISSION BLEW OUT. THIS CAUSED TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER ,AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK

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

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION BLEW OUT, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

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

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

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

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

MY 1998 GRAND CARAVAN SUDDENLY STARTED BURNING OIL. MY MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS DUE TO LEAKING VALVES THAT ARE COMMON IN THE 3.0L ENGINE. THE DISTURBING PART IS THE OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON DESPITE A VERY LOW LEVEL OF ENGINE OIL. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING BOTH PROBLEMS AND RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE WITH EITHER PROBLEM. THE ENGINE AND WARNING LIGHT MALFUCNTIONS RESULTED IN LIFTER DAMAGE THAT WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $500.*AK

AIRBAG LIGHT AND ABS LIGHTS REMAIN LIGHTED. CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN NON-FUNCTIONING. *AK

FEBRUARY, 2004 - 1998 GRAND CARAVAN WITH 75100 MILES STARTED SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING. NO PREVIOUS WARNING OF PROBLEM. TOTAL REBUILD OF TRANSMISSION COSTING $1500.00. VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND SERVICED REGULARLY. DRIVEN BY "SOCCER" MOM. OBVIOUS THROUGH RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. *JB

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

AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER STATED THAT CLOCK SPRING FAILED, AND AIR BAGS WERE INOPERATIVE. A RECALL 02V293000 WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

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

I HAVE A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE THAT HADE ENGINE FAILURE. THE VAN HAS BEEN RUNNING GOOD AND HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF. MY VAN AT THAT TIME HADE 126,000 MILES ON IT, SO IT IS PASS WARRANTY PERIOD. I STILL BELIEVE THAT THIS ENGINE SHOULDN,T HAVE FAILED AT 126,000 MILES. THIS IS MY SECOND MINI-VAN, AND UP UNTIL THIS POINT HAVE BEEN SATISFIED WITH THEM. I THINK CHYSLER SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS FAILURE. MY VOYAGER HAS 208,000 MILES ON THE ENGINE AND STILL RUNNING. SOMETHING WENT WRONG WITH THIS 3.3 L V6 ENGINE. I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE FAILURE OR WITH ME HAVING TO SPEND $2,500.00 TO REPAIR IT. THIS SHOULDN,T HAVE HAPPEN.*AK

MANUFACTURER FAILED TO SEND MANDATORY RECALL NOTICES TO REGISTERED ORIGINAL PURCHASER AT ADDRESS ON FILE. *LA

1998 CHRYSLER GRAND CARAVAN EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.*MR 1998 DODGE CARAVAN SUFFERED FROM AVEHICLE FIRE AS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. CONSUMER IS SEEKING A FAIR SETTLEMENT FOR LOSS OF VEHICLE.*MR

PREMATURE, SUDDEN FAILURE OF HEAD GASKET, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO RAPID LOSS OF COOLANT, OBSCURED VISION, LOSS OF CONTROL, ETC.

INTERMITTENTLY, THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS DID NOT RESPOND WHEN USING THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB *SC

THE TOP OF THE STRUT TOWER, UNDER THE HOOD, IS RUSTING. I HAVEN'T APPROACHED CHRYSLER, BUT WILL TRY. I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON TWO MINIVANS AND AM WONDERING IF CHRYSLER IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT ITL.

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.

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).

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.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE UNCONTROLLABLE. SOMETIMES THEY WORK, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. SOMETIMES THEY WILL NOT TURN OFF. SOMETIMES THE INTERMITTENT FUNCTION DOESN'T WORK. THIS IS A SERIOUS DISTRACTION AND ALSO A BIG HAZARD IN THE RAIN. *AK

WE WERE DRIVING OUR CARAVAN AND HAD TO USE THE HORN. ONCE I PRESSED THE PAD FOR THE HORN, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, THE HORN DID NOT BLOW AND THEN I DETERMINED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING. BEFORE DOING ANY RESEARCH I HAD THE REPAIRS COMPLETED AT THE DEALER. IT WAS A DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING AND THE COST TO REPLACE IT CAME TO $269.01. I THEN CAME TO THIS SITE AND FOUND DOZENS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS EXACTLY LIKE MINE. I WOULD LIST EVERYONE I FOUND BUT I'M SURE YOU CAN LOOK THEM UP FASTER THAN I COULD TYPE THE ID NUMBERS. I ALSO FOUND A RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V293000 ON YOUR SITE. I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THEY CLAIM OUR CARAVAN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELEAVE SINCE THEY ADMIT THEY ARE DEFECTIVE IN THE RECALL SO WHY ISN'T OURS COVERED UNDER IT?*AK

MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (WHICH I PURCHASED NEW) HAD "THROWN" ITS' SERPENTINE-BELT 4 TIMES (APPROXIMATELY EVERY 10,000 MILES- IT NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER). THE DANGER/HAZARD IN THIS CIRCUMSTANCE IS THAT POWER-STEERING, WATER-PUMP, ALTERNATOR, & POSSIBLY OIL-PUMP ARE DRIVEN BY THIS BELT! DODGE HAS REPLACED THE BELT, TENSIONER, TENSIONER-MOUNT BRACKET SUCCESSIVELY: I.E.- BELT AT 1ST INCIDENT, TENSIONER AT 2ND, BRACKET AT 3RD. NOW IT HAS OCCURRED AGAIN & THEY WISH TO CHARGE FOR ALL THE AFOREMENTIONED. THE VEHICLE HAD CAMSHAFT FAILURE AT 41,000 MILES & NOW HAS A REBUILT ENGINE- THE BELT/ TENSIONER/ BRACKET ARE SAID BY DODGE NOT TO BE AFFECTED BY THE REPLACED ENGINE. SO, DOES THIS MEAN THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW TENSIONER/ BELT/ BRACKET EVERY 10,000 MILES? *LA

TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 40 MPH. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY THE MECHANIC.*AK *MR

ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO RUST ANYWHERE ELSE ON THIS VEHICLE, THE FRONT SUSPENSION TOWER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS SEVERELY RUSTED AROUND THE STRUT MOUNT. THE RUST IS COMING THROUGH FROM UNDERNEATH. IF IT RUSTS THROUGH COMPLETELY THE STRUT WILL COME UP THROUGH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WILL PROBABLY BE AN ACCIDENT AND SOMEONE WILL PROBABLY GET HURT. IN MY INVESTIGATION OF THIS DEFECT, I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS INCIDENCES OF THE SAME RUST FAILURE IN THE SAME LOCATION ON CHRYSLER MINIVANS BUILT FROM 1996 TO 1999. THIS INCLUDES THE CARAVAN, VOYAGER, AND TOWN & COUNTRY MODELS, AS WELL AS THE GRAND VERSION OF EACH. THESE SIX MODELS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TOGETHER WHEN INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM. THEY EACH EXHIBIT THE SAME DEFECT IN THE SAME LOCATION. I REFER TO IT AS A DEFECT BECAUSE CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEIR MECHANICS REFER TO IT AS A DESIGN FLAW. THEY HAVE A WARRANTY PART#05086513AA FOR REPAIRING THIS DEFECT; YET THEY OFFER NO COMPENSATION TO OWNERS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY COVERAGE. IF YOU INVESTIGATE THIS DEFECT YOU WILL SEE IT CLEARLY WARRANTS RECALL STATUS.

CLOCK SPRING FAILED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN FAILED A STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION DUE TO SAFETY RISKS CAUSED BY SIGNIFICANT RUSTING OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT SUPPORT TOWER. TOP OF STRUT SUPPORT TOWER WAS APPROXIMATELY 75% RUSTED THROUGH. MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN OBSERVED IN OTHER SIMILARLY AGED DODGE VANS. MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE LEVEL OF RUSTING WAS HIGHLY EXCESSIVE AND NOT NORMAL SINCE STRUT TOWER LOCATED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND IS NORMALLY PROTECTED FROM ELEMENTS. POSSIBLE THAT EXCESSIVE RUSTING DUE TO DESIGN OR STRUCTURAL DEFECT. *AK

THE SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER INDICATED THE NEED TO INSTALL BRACKET TO RETAIN THE SERPENTINE BELT.*AK

IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WARMED UP BEFORE BEING DRIVEN, IT WOULD HESITATE. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER THEY WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *JB

SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF THE TENSION PULLEY, CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. TSB 6088784 WAS ISSUED ON THE PROBLEM, WHICH INDICATED THAT CAUSE WAS RAIN/STAGNANT WATER, AND SNOW.*AK 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EXPERIENCED PROBLEM WHERE SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF THE TENSION PULLEY CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES AND ENGINE FAILURE. CHRYSLER CORPORATION SENT A MEMO TO THEIR DEALERSHIPS ADDRESSING HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MEMO ALSO STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE.*MR

SERPENTINE BELT OF MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I LOST ABS, POWER STEERING, RADIO, AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. MY DAUGHTERS WERE IN THE CAR AND I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I COULD BARELY STEER THE VAN. I WAS ALARMED TO FIND THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING, I'M NOT SURE IF SHE COULD HAVE STEERED THE VAN. I COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT/INJURY/DEATH TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. THE BELT WAS NOT FRAYED, THE TENSIONER IS FINE. THE THING JUST SLIPPED OFF. IT WAS RAINING AT THE TIME AS WELL, MAKING A DANGEROUS PROBLEM ALMOST CATASTROPHIC.*JB

WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL, FUEL LEAKS PROFUSELY FROM THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE, POOLING ON THE GROUND UNDER THE CAR. THIS SAME PROBLEM RESULTED IN A RECALL OF 96 MODEL YEAR CARAVANS AFTER ONLY SIX SMALL FIRES. *NLM

WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD THE INTSURMENTS WILL HAVE A LOSS OF POWER. NO GAUGES, ODOMETER SPEEDOMETER. WHEN IT COMES BACK THE DOORS RELOCK.*AK

OUR 1998 DODGE CARAVAN AND MANY OTHERS HAVE PLASTIC COVERS ON THE HEADLIGHTS (HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY). THE PLASTIC DETERIORATES IN THE SUN AND SALT AIR WHICH CAUSES THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT GIVEN OFF DRIVING AT NIGHT TO BE MUCH REDUCED. DODGE DEALER SAID BUY NEW ONES AT ALMOST $300 APIECE. I SAY IT IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM - CARS SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 5 YEARS AND THE PRODUCT IS POOR QUALITY. *LA

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. NO HORN AND NO CRUISE CONTROL. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CLOCKSPRING MALFUNCTIONED. CLOCKSPRING ON SOME OF THE 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS ON RECALL BUT NOT ON HER'S. VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON MARCH 1998.

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL OPERATE SPORADICALLY. *AK

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.

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED FRONT END VIBRATED STRONGLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER REPLACED ROTORS AND CALIPERS. *AK

ON TWO OCCASIONS, BOTH DURING A HEAVY RAINSTORM, THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD FALLEN OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED. THIS CAUSED A LOST OF POWER STEERING, OVERHEATING AND THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT HAD COME ON. THE SERVICE COULD NOT FIND A REASON AS TO WHY THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS WAS COMMON ON THE EAST COST DUE TO THE RAIN AND SNOW. (MODEL/SPORT) *PH *SCC *JB

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

RECALL 02V293000 CONCERNING AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT REQUIRED TO REPAIR VEHICLE WITH OVER 70,000 MILES.*AK. THE CONSUMER STATED IF IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AS DODGE HAD STATED THEN IT SHOULD NOT MATTER HOW MANY MILES A VEHICLE HAS. *JB

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?

AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, AN ODOR AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM

I HAVE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH UNEVEN SHIFTING FROM THE BEGINNING OF OWNERSHIP OF THIS GRAND CARAVAN. THE ENGINE WOULD REV UP TO A HIGHER RPM THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEFORE SHIFTING INTO HIGHER GEAR. INITIALLY WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CAR WOULD ADJUST TO THE DRIVER AND THUS ACCEPTED THE EXPLANATION. THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST TWO DIFFERENT RECENT OCCURRENCES, WHEN IN GEAR, THE CAR DID NOT ENGAGE AND SEEMED TO BE STUCK IN NEUTRAL. THE THIRD TIME, WHILE MOVING AND MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN, THE CAR SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND INTO NEUTRAL, CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND PUT ME IN THE PATH OF INCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE, DIAGNOSTICS INDICATED A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND THUS NEEDED TO TAKE TRANSMISSION APART. UPON DISASSEMBLY, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE GEARS HAD BEEN GROUND OFF AND NOT REPAIRABLE AND I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NO FAULT OF ANYTHING I DID. THE REMEDY WAS A $3000 COST TO PUT IN A FACTORY-REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATAL ACCIDENT EXCEPT THAT THE INCIDENT OCCURRED LATE AT NIGHT ON A MAJOR ROAD WHEN TRAFFIC WAS LOW. THIS FAILURE IS NOT UNIQUE TO THIS VEHICLE AS OTHER COMPLAINTS AGAINST IT HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE NHTSA. THIS GRAND CARAVAN TRANSMISSION DESIGN FLAW NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE FATALITIES OCCUR. THE CAR OWNERS LIVES SHOULD NOT BE PUT AT RISK, NOR SHOULD THEY HAVE TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FIXING A PROBLEM WHICH IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER DESIGN FLAW.

ON 07/05/03, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN DRIVING. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS BROKEN CAMSHAFT AND REPAIRED IT. ON 08/19/03, ENGINE STALLED AGAIN WHILE DRIVING. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED FAILURE DUE TO CAMSHAFT BROKEN AGAIN. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED A DEFECT EXISTED BEHIND THE ENGINE BLOCK WHICH CAUSED THE CAMSHAFT FAILURE.*AK *PH *JB

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

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

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

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

THE RADIATOR RELAY SWITCH ON MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN KEEPS GOING OUT, CAUSING RADIATOR FANS TO NOT RUN AND VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THIS IS THIRD TIME. ONCE IN APRIL, JULY AND NOW AUGUST. DEALER REPALCES RELAY EACH TIME AND MOVES IT ON SECOND TIME WITH NEW GROUND. FAILED A THIRD TIME.*AK

THE REAR LIFT GATE LOCKING MECHANISM BROKE WITHOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE WHILE BEING USED. *PH

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SERPENTINE BELT 5 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE 1998 GRAND CARAVAN A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED ALL IDLER PULLEYS, TENSIONERS ETC MULTIPLE TIMES TRYING TO GET RID OF THE SQUAKING NOISE AND THE BELT FALLING OFF WHEN YOU GET IT WET.*AK

TRANSMISSION IN 1998 GRAND CARAVAN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ACCORDING TO THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP, I HAVE A BROKEN DIFFERENTIAL PIN. *AK

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

WHEN IT RAINS HARD THE SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF THE ENGINE. THIS RESULTS IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, AND OVERHEATING.*AK

1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN: MASSIVE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE SHAFT OF A PIN EXTENDING INTO THE CORE (SORRY IF I HAVE THE TECHNICAL DETAILS WRONG) SHEERED OF COMPLETELY AND DESTROYED THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AT AROUND 50,000 MILES. SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST BEING LOOKED AT BY MY MECHANIC, THE TRANSMISSION "LOCKED UP", MEANING THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED OR MOVED. THE REASON I AM REPORTING THIS IS BECAUSE MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT HAD THIS "LOCK UP OCCURRED" AT THE WRONG TIME AND PLACE THAT THERE IS GOOD CHANCE MY WIFE (WHO DRIVES THIS VEHICLE DAILY) AND MY CHILDREN (WHO RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE DAILY) WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. I HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES SHOWING THE FAILURE AND DAMAGE INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION, AND MY MECHANIC IS AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS OR INFORMATION. *AK

WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVE BELT CAME OFF AND SHREDDED INTO PIECES WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. *NLM. *AK *CB *NLM

THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. SOON AFTER, THE STEERING BECAME HARD. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING ON TO THE GROUND. THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. *JB. IT WAS DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION HAD EXITED THE CASE PH *JB

THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH CAUSED THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL TO BE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER STATED THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED. RELATED RECALL 02V293000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB *TS *JB

THE DRIVER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IN PARK, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT A GATE AND SOME TRASH CANS. WHEN RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, IT WAS STILL IN PARK. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 6/25/2003. *AK

BOLT HOLDING HATCH STRUT TO SIDE OF VEHICLE SHEARED IN HALF CAUSING THE HATCH TO FALL ON TOP OF THE PERSON ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR HATCH DOOR. PERSON CLOSING DOOR WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. STRUT ARM SCRATCHED REAR BUMPER WHEN HATCH FELL. DEFECTIVE PART WAS SAVED. *JB

THE WIRES TO THE HORN HAD BURNED.PROBLEM WAS NOT CAUSED BY THE RECALL 02V293000 FOR AIR BAG REPAIR OF THE CLOCK SPRING. HAD PART OF RECALL DONE ON AIR BAG. MECHANIC CHARGED CONSUMER TO HAVE DIAGNOSTIC DONE ON HORN. ESSINGTON FAMILY DODGE IN PHILA. PA (215 492 8600). REFERENCE NUMBER 11278103. *AK

SERPETINE BELT HAS SHREDDED TWO TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. A SMALL SECTION OF THE BELT ON THE INNER SIDE NEXT TO THE ENGINE APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN CUT, BOTH TIMES THIS OCCURRED THE DAMAGE WAS THE SAME. VEHICLE HAD 99,000 MILES AND WAS WELL MAINTAINED. THIS EVENT NEVER OCCURRED UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS OVER 95,000 MILES. *TT

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE TRANSMISSION BLEW. *NLM

WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH THE CONSUMER HEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE CONSUMER PULLED AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED IT BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NLM

THE DRIVE BELT CAME PARTIALLY OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE BELT SHREDDED AND THEN CAME OFF COMPLETELY. THE BELT WAS REPLACED 6000 MILES AGO. IT WAS A WET DAY OUTSIDE (LIGHT RAIN). *NLM

PASSENGER SEAT BACK BROKE FOR NO REASON. *JB

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A "POP" THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE MECHANIC STATED THE TRANSMISSION PIN CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE CASING WHICH CAUSED THE CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. *JB

SEAT BELT COMPLAINT. *NLM

COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 65,000 MILES. VAN NEEDS COMPLETE REPLACEMENT AT COST OF $2,400. PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ONE MONTH EARLIER WITH TRANSMISSION VALVE PROBLEM AT SAME DEALER. OPENING CASES WITH CFAS AND ZONE REP ALSO. PLEASE ADVISE. *JB

THE CONSUMER NOTICED RUST AROUND THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICE AND THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS RUSTED. *NLM THE CONSUMER NOTICED RUST AROUND THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICE AND THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS RUSTED. THE STRUT TOWERS ARE RUSTED THROUGH. THESE SUPPORT THE MACPHERSON STRUTS/SUSPENSION/AXLES AND STEERING. THE DODGE DEALER I WENT TO SEE SAID HE IS SEEING THIS SHOW ON VANS. THE LOSS OF THE STRUT SUPPORT. *MR

ON JANUARY 24, 2003 AT ABOUT 10 P.M. MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN JUST STOPPED DEAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 7 IN RIDGEFIELD CT. THE ENGINE WITH 67,000 MILES JUST SEIZED UP. I WAS ABLE TO USE THE CARS MOMENTUM TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY, WE MIGHT HAVE HAD A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *NLM

THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED TREAD SEPARATION ON 3 OF THE TIRES, WHICH WERE ONLY 1 YEAR AND 4 MONTHS OLD. *TS *JB

MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM MY CHILDREN'S SCHOOL WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE AIRBAG LIGHT NEVER CAME ON AND I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER. IT BUSTED UP MY STEERING WHEEL AND DASH BOARD. I LET MY INSURANCE CO. LOOK AT IT AND AN INVESTIGATOR FROM DAIMLER-CHRYSLER CAME OUT AND TOOK PICTURES OF IT. THERE WAS AND IS NO DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD RECEIVE COPIES OF EVERYTHING, BUT INSTEAD WAS SENT A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER DENYING RESPONSIBILITY. THE LETTER STATED THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR A LONG TIME. THIS IS NOT TRUE. I HAD JUST HAD MY VEHICLE STATE INSPECTED AND ALL OF THOSE THING ARE CHECKED. MY CAR PASSED INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WON'T RETURN MY PHONE CALLS AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANY PROOF TO THEIR CLAIM. ALL THAT I WANT AND WANTED IS MY AIRBAG FIXED. I NEVER CLAIMED THAT I WAS HURT OR ANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS THAT WERE IN THE VAN AT THE TIME. PLEASE HELP. *NLM

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

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAME TO A SCREECHING HALT. CONSUMER GOT OUT AND NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID ALL OVER THE GROUND AND A ROD WAS STICKING THROUGH THE CASTING. *NLM

MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HAD A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT LATE ONE EVENING. IT WOULD NO LONGER RESPOND TO ANY GEAR CHANGE AND IN FACT, IT SOUNDED AND SMELLED TERRIBLE! I WAS COMPLETELY STRANDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON A DARK WINDY ROAD UNTIL I COULD OBTAIN HELP. UPON INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET I SAW THAT THIS IS UNFORTUNATELY A COMMONLY KNOWN PROBLEM FOR DODGE OWNERS. I HAVE NEVER TOWED ANYTHING WITH MY CAR AND HAD ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE COMPLETED. THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP SAID THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME WITH CHRYSLER PRODUCTS. DANGEROUS!! *JB

THE VEHICLES BRAKES WORE EVERY 3000 MILES. *NLM

AIR BAG LIGHT FLICKERED INTERMITTENTLY AND LATER STAYED ON PERMANENTLY. HORN WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY CLOCK SPRING SAME AS OTHER DAIMLER CHRYSLER RECALLED MINIVANS. THIS PARTICULAR MODEL & YEAR WAS NOT RECALLED, BUT SHOULD BE AS IDENTICAL PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED. THIS IS A HIGHLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. DEALER STATED THAT MANY SIMILAR CARS (NOT RECALLED AND RECALLED) HAVE SAME PROBLEM. REPAIR COST APPROXIMATELY $198 AT DEALER. *JB

NAR 03/05/2003 THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT ILLUMINATION. CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *CB

TENSION, IDLER PULLEY. SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. WET PAVEMENT CAUSES BELT TO SLIP AND LOSS OF POWER RESULTING TO VEHICLE DURING OPERATIONS. THIS HAS OCCURRED DURING REGULAR DRIVING, AS WELL AS HIGHWAY DRIVING UNDER WHAT SHOULD BE NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.*JB

THE ENGINE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPED OFF THE PULLEYS. *AK *JB

RECALL# 02-V-293-000:THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG, THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE ISSUE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED.*JB

VEHICLE EXPRIENCED A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND REQUIRED A NEW TRANSMISSION WITH ONLY 55,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. IN OUR RESEARCH, WE HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS TYPE WITH DODGE GRAND CARAVANS.

LEAKING HEAD GASKETS AT 61,000 MILES CAUSING OIL AND WATER LOSS.

SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE. THIS DISABLED ALL OF THE ACCESSORIES AND MADE THE VAN UNDRIVABLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE. VEHICLE WAS DISABLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET

ALL OF THE ORIGINAL TIRES ON THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *JG PH

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.

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

SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF OFTEN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND OTHER FUNCTIONS.THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS VERY OFTEN IN THE SHORT TIME THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR.THERE MUST BE SOME WAY THIS CAN BE PREVENTED OR CORRECTED!!

I HAVE A 1998 GRAND CARAVAN 3.3 LTR WITH ONLY 57,XXX MILES. I JUST TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO CHECK OUT AN ANTIFREEZE SMELL, AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING, AND TO TALK TO CHRYSLER ASAP. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT HE HAS BEEN SEEING THIS PROBLEM QUITE FREQUENTLY.

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

CONSUMER STATES THAT DEALER TOOK 15 MINUTES TO REPLACE CLOCK SPRING PER RECALL REMEDY 02V293000. CONSUMER ADVISED THAT HORN WAS STILL INOPERATIVE AND DEALER ADVISED HORN IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL REMEDY. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED THAT DEALER HAS NO WAY OF KNOWING WHETHER HORN PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED IN WRITING ON SERVICE RECORD THAT CONSUMER ONLY HAD A 3 MONTH/4000 MILE WARRANTY ON CLOCK SPRING REPAIR, WHEN RECALL LETTER STATED AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY WAS TO BE INSTITUTED ON COMPONENT. TS

CONSUMER STATES WINDOW COMES OFF TRACK THE VEHICLE WONT PASS INSPECTION. TS

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE ENGINE WAS OFF. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. TS

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

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

IN APRIL ON 2002 MY AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON, I BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A CLOCKSPRING FOR IT, I DECLINED TO HAVE IT REPAIR AS IT WAS NOT A COVERED ITEM. IN JUNE 2002 MY CRUISE CONTROL WENT OUT, AFTER BRINGING IT IN TO THE DEALER AGAIN I WAS TOLD IN WAS THE CLOCKSPRING, AGAIN I DECLINED REPAIR AS IT WASN'T COVERED. IN SEPT2002 MY HORN WENT AGAIN I WAS TIOLD THAT IT WAS THE CLOCKSPRING. STILL NOT COVERED BUT NOW I HAVE TO GET IT FIXED. THE PART WAS BACK ODERED DURING THIS TIME A SAFTEY RECALL WAS ISSUSED AND CHRYSLER SAID THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR REPAIRS. ON 12-10-2002 I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE CLOCKSPRING WELL NOW MY HORN AND CRUISE WORK BUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS STILL ON. NOW I'M TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT I NEED A NEW AIR BAG AGAIN NOT COVERED ITEMED, I DECLINED REPAIR. I WANT TO FIND OUT IF THE AIR BAG AND THE CLOCKSPRING FAILURE ARE CONNECTED IN SOME WAY.

WARPING OCCURS ON DISKS CAR SHAKES WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. DT

I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE EXPERIENCING OIL LEAKAGE FROM THE REAR OF THE ENGINE. DT

NHTSA ID # 02V293000 MY VAN MISSED THE RECALL BY 100 MILES AND 4 MONTHS. DT

1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ES PURCHASED NEW AND METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED STARTED HAVING INTERMITTENT AIR BAG LIGHT FAILURES ON 10/13/02. AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS AT DIFFERING TIMES WHILE STARTING, DRIVING, ETC. ANYTIME THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING. CONCERNED THE AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY AND INJURY FAMILY OR CAUSE ACCIDENT. PLEASE ADVISE. DT

CLOCK SPRING DEFECTIVE. DEALER IS AWARE BUT NOT CONCERNED. DT

WILL NOT PAY FOR THIS REPAIR! CONSIDERING BUYING ANOTHER GM PRODUCT INSTEAD. THIS IS THE 3RD AND FINAL CHRYSLER PURCHASE. LOVE THE VEHICLE, BUT TOO MANY DEFECTS FOR THE PRICE PAID. DT

NO SUMMARY. DT

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

CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY . DEALER WAS CONTACTED. TS

CONSUMER STATES THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON AND OFF FOR PERIODS OF TIME. THE FREQUENCY WAS INCREASING. THE CLOCKSPRING WAS REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. TS

CONSUMER STATES WAS HIT HEAD-ON WHILE TRAVELLING 30 MPH. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER STATES THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG CAUSED EXTENSIVE INJURIES TO CONSUMER'S EYE SOCKET, CHEST PALET AND TEETH. CONSUMER ALSO ADVISED LOST VISION IN ONE EYE DUE TO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MR

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER LOCK. THE FIRST TIME AT AROUND 40,000 MILES AND THE KEY WOULDN'T TURN IN THE LOCK AT ALL. THIS TIME THE KEY WOULD TURN, BUT IT WAS VERY STIFF. EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A TSB ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, NEITHER THE DEALER NOR CHRYSLER WILL HELP DEFER THE COST OF THIS COMMON PROBLEM. *PH *JB **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**768019

TWO ORIGINAL GOODYEAR TIRES SUFFERED TREAD SEPARATION. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TRAVELING AT 75 MPH. MR

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HARNESS STRAPS RECEPTACLE IS INOPERATIVE, UNABLE TO FASTEN BUCKLE. NLM

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

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF OWNING OUR VAN, THE BELT CAME OFF THE PULLEY SYSTEM RENDERING THE VAN DEAD. WHEN IT CAME OFF IT WAS CUT IN TWO AND WRAPPED AROUND THE CRANK PULLEY. WE REPLACED THE BELT 8 TIMES SINCE THAT OCCURRENCE. WE HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE CRANK PULLEY AND TENSION PULLEY. AFTER BECOMING TOTALLY FRUSTRATED WITH THIS PROBLEM, WE CONTACTED THE CORPORATION, WHICH WAS OF NO USE. A FAIRBANKS DODGE SERVICE CONSULTANT SHARED WITH US THE FACT THAT THEY OFTEN RECEIVE SEVERAL TOWED IN CARAVANS ON RAINY DAYS DUE TO THE BELT SLIPPING OFF. MY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN THIS BELT COMES OFF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING, NOR ALTERNATOR, NOR A/C. IF THIS OCCURS AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THE USE OF POWER STEERING WILL BE LOST, MEANING QUICK REACTION IF NEEDED WOULD BE HINDERED. OUR MECHANIC CALLED CHRYSLER TO VERIFY IF IT WAS PURELY THE USE OF A WRONG BELT TYPE, ONLY TO BE TOLD NO. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THEY TOLD HIM NOT TO USE A CHRYSLER BELT. IN ADDITION TO THAT, WE WERE ALSO INFORMED THAT THE BELT SYSTEM IS BEING REDESIGNED FOR 2003 BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP! I HAVE A WIFE AND TWO KIDS THAT RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE EVERYDAY AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SAFETY.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 25MPH AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS HIT ON FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL OCCASIONALLY WOULD NOT WORK.*AK

TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE.THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY INDICATION OF AIR BAG PROBLEM.WAS CALLED AND TOLD THAT CLOCKSPRING WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT.WAS TOLD THIS CLOCKSPRING IS IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND CONNECTS TO AIRBAG.WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE AND THAT ABOUT 10 A WEEK ARE REPLACED.I COMPLAINED THAT THE AIR BAG HAD NEVER BEEN ACTIVATED AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER.WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IF AIRBAG LIGHT DID NOT COME ON ,THEN IT COULD BE A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC PROBLEM.I DID NOT HAVE THE PART REPLACED SINCE THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS NOT ON.ON THE WAY HOME,THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON.I CALLED THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT BACK AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A PROBLEM WAITING TO HAPPEN.SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN A FEW MILES WITH AN INTERMITTANT AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATION.THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL APPEAR TO WORK PROPERLY.*AK

AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON, COULD RESULT IN NONE DEPLOYEMENT OF AIR BAG OR PERMATURE DEPLOYEMENT OF AIR BAG. CONTACTED DEALER. THIS WAS A RESULT OF THE CLOCK SPRINGS BEING DEFECTIVE.*AK

AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

I WAS DRIVING MY APPROXIMATELY 10MPH WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG UNEXPECTEDLY DEPLOYED. WE NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEGAN TO LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY A WEEK PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OUR LOCAL DODGE DEALER, LANCASTER DODGE. THEY IMMEDIATELY IMPLIED THAT THE AIRBAG NEVER WENT OFF AND THAT IT WASN'T A CHRYSLER AIRBAG. THEY REFUSED TO DO ANY WORK ON THE VEHICLE AND REPEATEDLY STATED "WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO PULL HERE?". MY WIFE AND I WERE SHOCKED AND COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY WERE IMPLYING. I TOOK THE VAN TO ANOTHER DODGE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE AIRBAG DID IN FACT GO OFF (NO SURPRISE TO US). I CALLED TO DISCUSS WITH CHRYSLER AND DESCRIBE THE SITUATION. THE CLIENT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE WASN'T INTERESTED IN HEARING ABOUT THE SECOND CHRYSLER DEALER'S FINDING EVEN WHEN I REPEATEDLY EXPLAINED HOW THE FIRST DEALER'S REPORT HAD TO BE INNACCURATE BECAUSE THEY SAID THE AIRBAG DIDN'T GO OFF. I SINCE INVESTIGATED REPORTS SIMILAR TO MINE ON THE NHTSA SITE AND FOUND AN ACTIVE INVESTIGATION INTO THE CLOCK SPRING ON MY VEHICLE. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE FIRST CHRYSLER DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ARE FRAUDULENTLY COVERING-UP THIS ISSUE BY PREPARING INACCURATE REPORTS OF THE FAILURE.*AK

STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IN OUR GARAGE ONE MORNING LED US TO FIND THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING.*AK

MY CLOCKSPRING BROKE,IT MAKES THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON AND DISABLES THE HORN, CRUISE CONTROL AND AIRBAGS. DEALER WANTS ABOUT $200 TO REPAIR, I BOUGHT THE PART FROM THE DEALER FOR $73.15 AND REPLACED IT MYSELF. I HAVE FRIEND WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN HER 97 CARAVAN.S

EA 01 007/AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING: AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON WHILE DRIVING, HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERATIVE. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

THIS IS A FOLLOWUP LETTER TO NHTSA FROM ME REGARDING FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY IN MY 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. PRODUCTION PROBLEMS FOR THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY WERE FROM 1996 AND 2000. NOW COMES THE PART I DO NOT UNDERSTAND....MY VEHICLE FALLS BETWEEN 1996 AND 2000 AND....MY CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY FAILED...DAIMLER CHRYSLER TELLS ME I DO NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT ON THEIR LIST OF RECALLS. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON? THIS IS VERY PUZZELING. I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME ON THIS. I HOPE YOU CAN. I'M 70 YEARS OLD AND ON A VERY LIMITED INCOME. THIS WAS A COSTLY REPAIR JOB, BY MY STANDARDS.*AK

STARTING AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES, THIS CAR PRODUCED CLICKING NOISE FROM THE HEAD/VALVE TRAIN. UPON INITIAL INSPECTION, A DEALER (NOT THE ONE WHERE IT WAS BOUGHT) TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG, AT 35K, DURING A HIGHWAY TRIP, THE NOISE BECAME PRONOUNCED. SOON THEREAFTER, I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL GARAGE AND EXPLAINED THE NOISE AND THAT I NOTICED THE HEAD WAS RUNNING DRY WITHOUT THE TYPE OF OIL SPLASH I HAVE SEEN IN ALL OTHER CARS I HAVE OWNED. HE SAID THAT IT SEEMS THAT CHYSLER MINI-VANS HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VALVES AND THAT IT WAS, IN HIS OPINION, AN OIL DELIVERY PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT HE HAD 2 IN DURING THE PRIOR FEW WEEKS FOR THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM. HE SUGGESTED THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AS THIS WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, ONE THAT SHOULDN'T EXIST IN A CAR WITH 35K MILES. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER, TO MY SHOCK, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO MAJOR REPAIRS DUE TO "CAMSHAFT FAILURE". ALTHOUGH I ASKED FOR MORE DETAIL ON THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE MANY TIMES, BOTH IN WRITING AND ON THE PHONE, "CAMSHAFT FAILURE" IS ALL THEY WOULD SAY ABOUT THE PROBLEM. FORTUNATELY FOR ME, THEY AGREED TO PROVIDE A FULL "LONG BLOCK" ENGINE REPLACEMENT (UNDER "COURTESY" WARRANTY WITH $300 "DEDUCTIBLE.") BECAUSE OF WHAT MY NON-DEALER MECHANIC SAID (THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN CHRYSLER MINI-VANS OF MY CAR'S VINTAGE AND BECAUSE HE OPINED THAT THERE MAY BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH OIL DELIVERY, PLUS THE FACT THAT WHEN I CHECKED THIS SITE, I FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAD REPORTED LIKE SOUNDING PROBLEMS, I FEEL I SHOULD REPORT THIS. FYI, THIS CAR ALWAYS SEEMED TO RUN DRY (NO OIL SPLASH WHEN ENGINE RUN WITH FILLER CAP OFF). I THINK NHTSA MIGHT WISH TO CONSIDER INVESTIGATING TO SEE IF THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ERROR. THANKS FOR THE HELP KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!.*AK

FAILURE OF CLOCKSPRING AFFECTS HORN & SPEED CONTROL ALSO.*JB

AIRBAG LIGHT IS COMING ON AND OFF. CURRENTLY, AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT A PERSON CAN NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY WITH A KEY, THE DOORS CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED FROM THE INSIDE BY PULLING UP ON THE LOCKS OR BY TRYING TO PULL OPEN THE DOOR HANDLES, THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT IS BY USING THE REMOTE CONTROL AND BY USING THE LOCK BUTTON, CONSUMER IS CONCERNED IF THE VEHICLE WERE TO LOSE ELECTRICAL POWER, THE POWER LOCKS WOULD BE INOPERABLE, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOCK MECHANISMS NEEDED REPLACED. *SLC

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

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

HORN WOULD INTERMITTENTLY / CONTINUALLY BEEP. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

OUR CLOCKSPRING BROKE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT CONTROLS THE HORN, AIRBAG AND UNFORTUNATELY THE CRUISE CONTROL. WE WERE ON A TRIP AND APPROACHING A TOWN. I TAPPED ON THE BRAKES TO SHUT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF AND IT WOULDN'T SHUT OFF. IN FACT, I COULDN'T SLOW DOWN AT ALL. I WAS GOING ABOUT 60 OR 65 WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND EVENTUALLY I WAS AT THE SPEED OF 90. THE VAN WAS ACCELLING WHILE I WAS TRYING TO STOP IT. WE FINALLY GOT OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PUT IT IN EITHER NEUTRAL OR PARK JUST SO WE COULD GET IT TO STOP. OUR HORN DOESN'T WORK NOW AND OUR AIRBAG PROBABLY WON'T DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. THIS COULD CAUSE ALOT OF ACCIDENTS AND MAY HURT PEOPLE IF SOMETHING DOESN'T GET DONE ABOUT IT.*AK

BELTS HAVE BEEN BRAKING AFTER ~ 18000-20000 MILES. DODGE DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE.*JB

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

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASH COMES ON & GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY,HORN DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK.*AK

REAR SEAT BELTS ARE RELEASING INVOLUNTARILY. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND KNEW NOTHING OF THE PROBLEM. DEALER WILL REPLACE SEAT BELT WITH SAME EXACT STYLE INSTEAD OF USING ANOTHER KIND THAT DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AT OWNERS EXPENSE.*AK *TT

MIRRORS NO LONGER STAY IN PLACE; PASSENGER SIDE FLOPS AROUND, DRIVER SIDE PULLS OUT AWAY FROM DRIVER. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $500. *AK

MIRRORS NO LONGER STAY IN PLACE; PASSENGER SIDE FLOPS AROUND, DRIVER SIDE PULLS OUT AWAY FROM DRIVER. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $500. *AK

WHILE WAITING ON A TRAFFIC LIGH VEHICLE REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES. HORN AND SPEED CONTROL IS INOPERABLE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *SLC

CONSUMER HAS NOTICE BOLT ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING ANTI FREEZE TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE. NLM

I WAS SITTING NEXT TO MY CHILD IN HIS CAR SEAT AND WAS PUTTING ON MY SEATBELT WHEN I BUMPED THE RELEASE LEVER TO HIS SEATBELT AND IT POPPED OPEN. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL I HEARD ABOUT THE PROBLEMS OTHER DODGE/CHRYSLER VEHICLE OWNERS HAD BEEN HAVING WITH THEIR GEN-3 SEATBELTS. I THOUGHT THAT IF IT WAS THIS EASY TO RELEASE THE BELT, THEN THERE HAD TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. NLM

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

WHEN TRYING TO INSERT KEY INTO IGNITION, THE TUMBLERS ON VEHICLE BROKE OFF, CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PUT KEY ALL THE WAY IN. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS GOING TO REPLACE IGNITION.*AK *YD

CONSUMER HAS TO WAIT A MONTH BEFORE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. CONSUMER STATED RECALL LETTER 00V268000 WAS NEVER SENT, AND WATING LIST IS VERY LONG. *AK

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

DOOR THAT COVERS GAS CAP EASILY DISENGAGES, EXPOSING GAS CAP.*AK THE GAS CAP LID BROKE OFF. *YH

1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HAS GEN-3 SEAT BELTS. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE NEW GEN-4 SEAT BELTS INSTALLED ASAP. THE GEN-3 SEAT BELTS ARE UNSAFE DUE TO ACCIDENTAL RELEASE. I WANT MY CAR TO BE AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE FOR MY FAMILY AND A POSSIBLE RELEASE DURING AN ACCIDENT IS NOT SAFE!*AK

VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE GEN-3 SEATBELT WHICH IS DEFECTIVE. ON AT LEAST 8 OCCASIONS MY SONS CAR SEAT HAS BECOME UNBUCKLED BECAUSE IF ANYTHING TOUCHES THE TOP OF THE BELT IT RELEASES. SO IF THE CAR SEAT SHIFTS AT ALL THE SEATBELT IS RELEASED AND OFTEN GOES UNNOTICED. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH BEFORE MANY PEOPLE ARE INJURED OR KILLED. *AK

MY DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HAS THE GEN-3 SEATBELTS. AFTER SEEING THE INVESTIGATION ON ABC NEWS, I BUCKLED UP ON MY MINIVAN AND APPLIED SLIGHT UPWARD PRESSURE ON THE BELT AND BARELY TOUCHED THE RED SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTON WITH THE PALM OF MY HAND AND THE SEAT BELT EJECTED. I PROCEEDED TO DO THE SAME WITH THE REST OF THE SEAT BELTS BECAUSE I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND WOULD NOT LIKE TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAVE THE SEAT BELTS EJECT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING HITTING THE RELEASE BUTTON. I THINK IF THE PALM OF MY HAND RELEASED THE BELTS, I REALLY DO NOT FEEL THAT MY FAMILY IS SECURE AT ALL IN THE GRAND CARAVAN. I HAVE TOLD CO-WORKERS THAT ALSO HAVE THESE TYPE OF SEAT BELTS AND ARE GOING TO PROCEED WITH A COMPLAINT. *AK

REQUEST RECALL TO REPLACE SEATBELTS. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

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

WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. ONE PERSON WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK*JG

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

AIR BAG LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE DURING NORMAL OPERATION, IN ADDITION TO HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS FAILING TO OPERATE. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CLOCKSPRING. *AK *TT

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

DRIVERS SEAT, TOP BACK MOVES BACK WHILE DRIVING. WOULD HAVE TO STOP TO ADJUST SEAT CONSTANTLY. VEHICLE NOT TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP YET. *AK *JG

VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP SIGN, AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP BECAUSE OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK

WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTANENCE, IT CAME BACK WITH A RECALL FOR THE FUEL RAIL THAT CAN CAUSE A FIRE. HOWEVER, THE DEALER CLAIMED NO INORMATION YET ON THIS RECALL, SO IT IS NOT YET FIXED. AFTER RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT THE RECALL DATE WAS 9/14/2000 . THIS IS 16 MONTHS AGO. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ME WITH NOTICE VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL AS REQUIRED. THIS SEEMS LIKE A LONG TIME BETWEEN RECALL AND WHEN I FOUND OUT. SHOULD NOT THIS RECALL INFORMATION AND THE FIX NEEDED ALREADY HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE AFTER RECALL TO GET THE FIX TO THE DEALERS?*AK

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

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO PUT OUT THE FIRE, CLAIM 35-W772-194. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, CLAIM 05-4542-179. *SLC

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 20-5406-593. *SLC

WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH PARKING LOT, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, THERE WAS ONE INJURY, CLAIM 22-V298-813. *SLC

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE, CLAIM 75-A337-158. *SLC

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, CLAIM 13-7276-388

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, CLAIM 43-R510-326. *SLC

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 20-5406-593. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO PUT OUT THE FIRE, CLAIM 35-W772-194. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, CLAIM 05-4542-179. *SLC

WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH PARKING LOT, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, THERE WAS ONE INJURY, CLAIM 22-V298-813. *SLC

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE, CLAIM 75-A337-158. *SLC

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, CLAIM 13-7276-388

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, CLAIM 43-R510-326. *SLC

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES/CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO FUNCTION,AND HORN DOES NOT WORK. DEALERSHIP IS SCHEDULED TO EXAMINE VEHICLE, AND MAKE ALL NECESSARY REPAIRS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK

HORN DOESN'T WORK,AND CRUISE DOESN'T WORK. *AK

CHRYSLER REFUSED TO HELP WITH THE OVER $600 REPAIR BILL FOR HEAD GASKET. DID NOT CALL THEM ON THE VALVE COVER GASKETS IN OCTOBER. NOW WITH THE FAILURE OF THE HEAD GASKET IT MAKES ME WONDER WHY THE FAILURE OF THEIR GASKETS. THIS IS PREMATURE FAILURE ON BOTH CASES. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES. NO WONDER THEY WILL SOON DROP OUT OF THE BIG THREE. *AK

UNABLE TO GET A FRONT WHEELS ALIGNED BECAUSE OF A POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE CAMBER OR STRUT THAT NEEDEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER / MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND BOTH REFUSED TO ASSIST BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL, AND OUT OF IT WARRANTY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER.*AK

UPON TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER FOUND CRACK IN HEAD GASKET AND IT LEAKED OIL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION, AND IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.*AK

WE HAD TO TRADE IN OUR 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ON 01-05-02 AS THE ENGINE WAS WORTHLESS. WE LOST OVER $7500.

THE DRIVESHAFT SPLIT IN HALF ..THE METAL TWISTED APART...IF I WAS GOING AT A FAST RATE OF SPEED SOMEONE ELSE WOULD BE WIRTING YOU..*AK

AIR BAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL STAYS ON DURING OPERATION OF VEHICLE. ALSO, HORN FAILS TO FUNCTION, AND CRUISE CONTROL IS INOPERABLE. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK

THE PROBLEMS BEGAN AS INTERMITTENT ISSUES AND THEN BECAME PERMANENT. NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED. *AK

WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND THE VAN CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. WITH THE THOUGHT OF ENGINE TROUBLE FURTHEST FROM OUR MINDS WITH ONLY 48000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CAMSHAFT WAS BROKE AND NO EXPLANATION GIVEN, WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALER IT WAS RARE BUT THAT ONE OF THEIR TECHNICIANS HAD SEEN THIS IN ABOUT 2-3 OTHER VANS LIKE OURS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PAY ANYTHING AND DAIMLER CHRYSLER WAS NOTIFIED AND ALTHOUGH THEY WOULD NOT ADMIT TO FACTORY DEFECT THEY DID RELUCTANTLY PAY HALF OF THE MORE THAN 3000.00 IN DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A NONE DODGE DEALER FIRST WHO COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW BAD THE ENGINE LOOKED FOR 48000 MILES. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MARCH OF 2001 FROM THE DEALER AND THE ENGINES APPEARANCE WAS GOOD WE OWNED IT LESS THAN 4 MONTHS WHEN MALFUNCTION OCCURED. CHRYSLER WAS CONTACTED DIRECTLY BY US AND TOLD US THIS WAS RARE, HOWEVER FOR ONE TECHNICIAN TO SEE 2-3 VANS BESIDES OURS IN ONE STATE DOES NOT SEEM THAT RARE TO US. *AK

SERPENTINE BELT WILL COME OFF IN HEAVY RAIN, THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES. DEALER WILL PUT ON NEW BELT. *AK

BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PULLING INTO A GAS STATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE OR OBSTRUCTION.*AK

ENGINE BELT HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED FIVE TIMES SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. ALSO, ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INCLUDING LIGHTS AND HAZARD LIGHTS AND POWER STEERING ARE LOST. VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN MORE THAN TWENTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TENSIONER FAILED AND WAS REPLACED FOR THE FIFTH TIME ON 1-04-02. *YD

HORN IS NOT WORKING, AND AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. *AK CONSUMER STATED AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DEALER STATED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM, POSSIBLE CLOCKSPRING FAILURE. *JB

I WANTED TO ADD TO THE LIST OF PEOPLE REPORTING PROBLEM OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMING ON - THEN HAVING TO PAY FOR THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.*AK

DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL CAME ON. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE AND REPLACED CLOCK SPRING MATERIAL IN STEERING COLUMN WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. IN OCTOBER OF 2001, AIR BAG LIGHT CAME BACK ON WITH ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS OF HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR THE SECOND INCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK

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

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.

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE AND CALLED FIRE DEPT, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 35-W772-194. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE AND CALLED FIRE DEPT, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 35-W772-194. *SLC

CLOCK SPRING FAILURE, AIRBAG LIGHT ON, CRUISE CONTROL INOPERABLE. *AK

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.

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.

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.

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.

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

THE FAILURE OF THE TENSIONER BELT CAUSED THE SERPENTINE BELT TO COME OFF RESULTING IN POWER STEERING FAILURE. *YH

THE FAILURE OF THE TENSIONER BELT CAUSED THE SERPENTINE BELT TO COME OFF RESULTING IN POWER STEERING FAILURE. *YH

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 20-5406-593. *SLC

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 20-5406-593. *SLC

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

SERPENTINE BELT FAILED X3 OVER 3D INCL. ON HWY -> LOSS OF POWER. STEERING, ALTERNATOR AND OTHER FUNCTIONS. *AK

THE HEAD GASKET FOR THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A HAIR LINE CRACK WHICH LEAKS ANTIFREEZE DOWN THE BACKSIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS OCCURRED AFTER STANDARD WARRANTY EXPIRED WITH A MILAGE OF ONLY 57000 MILES. THE LEAKING CREATES AN ODER FROM THE EVAPORATION OF ANTIFREEZE WHICH IS CLEARLY DETECTABLE FROM WITHIN THE VEHICLE CAB. THIS PROBLEM EQUATES TO AN ESTIMATED REPAIR COST OF $1000.00+. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING AFTER TALKING TO SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THIS IS AN EPEDEMIC TYPICAL OF THIS ENGINE. THE AUTO MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS DONE NOTHING, THAT I'M AWARE OF, TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM FOR CURRENT OWNERS APART FROM MAKING THE OWNER REPAIR THE DEFECT AT THEIR EXPENSE (WITHOUT HAVING PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY). I'M DEEPLY DISGUSTED WITH THE MANUFACTURERS ATTEMPT TO IGNORE THIS DESIGN FLAW.*AK

A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY A DRAGGING SOUND, THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STALLED, IT WAS FOUND BY THE DEALER THAT A COMPONENT BROKE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION AND CAME THROUGH THE CASE. NLM

TIRE IS BEING FED SENT TO YOKOHAMA IN FULLERTON CA 8/3/01 FOR THEIR ENGINEERS TO EXAMINE FOR DEFECTS. *AK (DOT NUMBER: CCKWCA5317 TIRESIZE: P215/65R15)

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AT THE SAME TIME THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT WORK AND THE HORN WOULD NOT WORK. THE DEALER ADVISED NOT A GOOD IDEA TO DRIVE THE CAR DUE TO THE FACT THE AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF COLLISION. ALSO, THE HORN NOT WORKING WAS A HAZARD. ALTHOUGH WE HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER ADVISED THE MATTER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE HAD PURCHASED. THE COST FOR REPAIR WAS $223.16. THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A SAFETY ITEM AND NOT AS A WARRANTY ITEM. PLEASE HELP ! TFSINISDWAS RDU N. *AK

KNOWN CHRYSLER MINIVAN TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *AK

HORN FAILED, WOULD NOT SHUT-OFF, THEN JUST "DIED". DEALER WANTS NEARLY $500 TO FIX - REDICULOUS!*AK

LOSS OF BRAKING OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 MPH, DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS DUE TO FAILURE OF MASTER CYLINDER. *AK

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH FOUR KIDS INSIDE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN DRIVEWAY INTO A HOUSE. EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT APPLIED. CONSUMER STATED THAT INCIDENT OCCURRED BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH SHIFT INTERLOCK. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON/ HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL HAD STOPPED WORKING. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AND HAD CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY REPLACED. *AK

VEHICLE CAN GO INTO ANY GEAR WITHOUT PRESSING ON BRAKES. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

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

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.

VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT GOING AT 30-40MPH. VEHICLE T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD. UPON IMPACT, FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH CHRYSLER, AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT WILL CONTACT THE CONSUMER TO COME OUT AND INSPECT.*AK TOTAL DAMGE DONE TO VEHICLE WAS $6700, CHRYSLER INVESTIGATOR STATED IT WAS JUST HIT IN THE WRONG SPOT. *SLC

THE PROBLEM/COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO AN ARTICLE I SAW IN 'AUTOMOTIVE NEWS' PUBLICATION ABOUT A NHTSA PROBE INTO DCX MINIWAN WIRING CAUSING AIRBAGS TO FAIL. BEGINNING LAST FALL SOME TIME, WE BEGAN NOTICING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON. AT FIRST IT WAS VERY INTERMITTENT-ONCE EVERY COUPLE WEEKS OR SO. NOW THE PROBLEM IS MORE FREQUENT BUT STILL HAPPENING RANDOMLY. SOME DAYS THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL STAY ON ALMOST CONTINUOUSLY AND OTHER DAYS IT DOESN'T COME ON AT ALL. BUT ANYWAY, WHEN I READ THE ARTICLE, THE DESCRIPTION SOUNDED EXACTLY LIKE WHAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING. THANK YOU. *AK

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 48,000. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THE SERVICE MANAGER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM OVER THE TELEPHONE. WHEN I ASKED HIM HOW HE KNEW WHAT WAS WRONG, HIS RESPONSE WAS " HAPPENS ON THESE VANS ALL THE TIME, IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM". WHEN I ASKED WHY DODGE DIDN'T DO A RECALL AND FIX THEM ALL, HIS RESPONSE WAS "WE WOULD RATHER HANDLE THEM ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS". I'M SURE IT'S A COST FACTOR. MY POSITION IS THAT DODGE, (CHRYSLER), HAS A MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ON THEIR VEHICLES, THEY KNOWINGLY INSTALLED THEM ANYWAYS AND HAVE DECEIVED THE PUBLIC. IF A SURVEY OF DODGE OWNERS WAS CONDUCTED, I'M SURE THAT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WOULD BE FREQUENT. DODGE SPLIT THE COST OF A RE-BUILT TRANMISSION WITH ME WHICH COST ME $864.00. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE COSTS SPLIT LIKE ME, HAD THE WHOLE THING TAKEN CARE OF AND THOSE WHO SUFFERED THE BURDEN OF PAYING FOR THE ENTIRE COST. I FEEL THAT CHRYSLER OWES ME $864.00 AND THAT THEY SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR PUTTING "BAD" TRANSMISSIONS IN CARS. *AK

SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING SPEEDOMETER TO DROP TO ZERO, AND TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT - "NEUTRAL" ONLY. *AK

I WAS WALKING ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR COMING AROUND THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND WALKING TOWARD THE DRIVER'S DOOR TO ENTER THE CAR AND LEAVE ON AN ERRAND. WHEN I WALKED BY THE POWER MIRROR ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR, MY LEFT ARM BUMPED THE MIRROR ASSEMBLY AND I HEARD A SNAP, LOOKED BACK AND SAW THE MIRROR WAS NO LONGER IN ITS PROPER POSITION. THE MIRROR HAD RELEASED AND ITS REFLECTIVE SURFACE WAS NOW FACING PERPENDICULAR TO THE SIDE OF THE CAR INSTEAD OF TOWARD THE BACK OF THE CAR. I ATTEMPTED TO REPOSITION THE MIRROR TO ITS PROPER PLACE BUT IT WOULD NOT SNAP INTO PLACE AND WILL NOT REMAIN STATIONERY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT IT WAS ABOUT ONE MONTH AFTER THE END OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THE DEALERSHIP REPRESENTATIVE SAID THERE HAS BEEN NO NOTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS WITH THE MIRROR ASSEMBLY. I WAS QUOTED ABOUT $300+ FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF THE MIRROR ASSEMBLY. THE MIRROR BROKE VERY EASILY AND THAT IS VERY DISTURBING...NOT TOO MENTION THAT IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE USED A LOCKING, PLASTIC FASTENER TO SECURE THE MIRROR IN ITS PROPER POSITION AND PLAN TO CONTINUE THIS METHOD FOR THE TIME BEING. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE AN ENGINEERING OR STRUCTURAL FLAW AS IT REQUIRED ONLY A VERY MINOR BUMP BY SOFT TISSUE TO CAUSE THE DAMAGE. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED AND DISAPPOINTED BY THIS EVENT AND THE QUALITY FAILURE.*AK

LEFT REAR ROW AND LEFT MIDDLE ROW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES LOCKED UP, AND REQUIRED CONSUMER TO CUT BELTS TO GET CHILDREN OUT OF VEHICLE. BOTH BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES LOCKED UP, AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

SERPENTINE BELTS HAVE COME OFF WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, IT RESULTED IN COSUMER LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

TRANSMISSION FAILED SUDDENLY; TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT <70K MI HAS OCCURRED WITH 3 OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS - RECALL NEEDED?*AK

VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF WITH KEYS AND VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACK, AND HIT A PARKED CAR. CONSUMER WAS TAKING VEHICLE IN AS OF 14TH OF MAY TO DETERMINE CAUSE. *AK

CONSUMER IS ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKES. *AK

FRONT CRASH AT 20 MPH, VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND NEITHER FRONTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *AK

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

DIRT, SAND, AND MUD GETS ONTO THE ROTOR DISC AND THE BRAKE PADS AND CAUSES THE BRAKES TO SLIP AND ALSO WEAR PREMATURELY. THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS THAT THE MANUFACTURER ELIMINATED THE SHIELD ON THE INSIDE SO THAT DEBRIS CAN GET ONTO THE DISC AND PAD MUCH EASIER. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THE ROTOR DISCS ARE WEARING PREMATURELY FROM THIS AS WELL AS THE FACT THAT THE DISCS HAVE DEFECTIVE STEEL (AIR BUBBLES ENTRAPPED DURING MANUFACTURING OF THE DISCS BECOME EXPOSED AT PITS THROUGH WEAR RESULTING IN ADDITIONAL BUILDUP OF DIRT AND WEAR).

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

PARKING BRAKE RELEASED IT SELF WHILE PERFORMING TRANSMISSION OIL CHECK. *AK

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

I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR AND THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL AND BE REIMBURSED FOR MY REPAIR.*AK

AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION DUE TO BAD CLOCK SPRING. ALSO, HORN ASSEMBLY AND CRUISE CONTROL ARE INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

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

TRANSMISSION HAD 35,094 MILES AND CONSUMER PUT 48,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD 5,000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY TO GET FIXED. DEALER WILL NOT CONSIDER REPAIRING OR ASSISTING CONSUMER. *AK THE TRANSMISSION EXPLODED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, AND THE CONSUMER WAS ASKING THE MANUFACTURER TO REIMBURSE HIM THE COST OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION. *YH

CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE , AND MECHANIC FOUND OUT THAT ANTI-FREEZ WAS LEAKING FROM HEAD GASKET. THEN, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED, AND DROVE HOME FINDING OUT THAT DEALER DID NOT PUT FLUID IN TRANSMISSION, AND HAD TO RETURN FOR REPAIRS.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT DEALER DID NOT PERFORM ALL REPAIRS, ONLY FIXED HEAD GASKET, DID NOT PROPERLY RE-CLAMP FUEL LINE. CONSUMER STATES THERE WAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM DUE TO DEALER POSSIBLY REMOVING RADIATOR AND NOT PROPERLY RE-ATTACHING THE TRANSMISSION LINE, CAUSING LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID AND NOISE. *SLC

HAD LEFT STOP LIGHT AND ABOUT TO MAKE LEFT TURN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE KEPT STRAIGHT, AND WAS HIT ON DRIVER'S SIDE WITH DRIVER SIDE OF CARAVAN. AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY.*AK

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.

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH HAS BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY SINCE LAST NOVEMBER APPROXIMATELY. IT SOMETIMES LIGHTS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, OR WHILE DRIVING, OR WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC. THERE APPEARS TO BE NO PATTERN OR CIRCUMSTANCE THAT TRIGGERS THE LIGHT. I HAD THE PROBLEM CHECKED BY THE DEALERSHIP ON MARCH 3, 2001. I WAS TOLD THEY HAD CHECKED IT OUT AND RESET THE "TROUBLE CODES" AND TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS NO FURTHER PROBLEM. THEY SAID IF THE PROBLEM RECURRED, THEY WOULD HAVE TO DIAGNOSE IT FURTHER. I WAS CHARGED ABOUT $25.00 FOR THE WORK THEY DID. THE LIGHT AGAIN CAME ON BEFORE I REACHED HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE LIGHT CONTINUES TO INTERMITTENTLY COME ON AND OFF AS BEFORE. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN REGARDING THE CONTINUING PROBLEM. I AM FILING THIS REPORT BECAUSE I BECAME AWARE OF YOUR INVESTIGATION INTO WHAT SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING. WHEN I WAS AT THE DEALER, I ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY, BUT SOMETIMES THE CLOCKSPRING COULS CAUSE A PROBLEM. BUT WITH MY MILEAGE, THERE WASN'T ANY WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR REPAIR. PLEASE ADD MY REPORT TO YOUR DATABASE.*AK

WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE, CLAIM 13-7276-388. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE, CLAIM 13-7276-388. *SLC

FUEL WOULD LEAK FROM GASKETS "O" RING FROM GASOLINE TANK, WHICH WAS CORRODED. *AK THE LEAK WAS FROM CONNECTION BETWEEN TANK AND FUEL LINE. *YH

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE, CLAIM 75-A337-158. *SLC

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE, CLAIM 75-A337-158. *SLC

A INTERNAL PART FAILED IN TRANSMISSION. MINIVAN WAS NEVER USED FOR TOWING. A TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 56000 MILES DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS IS NOT A UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCE, THIS IS A DEFECT.*AK

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

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

SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF, AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING. THIS HAPPENED IN RAIN OR SNOWY WEATHER. CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 35-40MPH IN RAIN AND SPLASHING THROUGH PUDDLES. JUST AS THEY WERE EXITING BATTERY/OIL AND TEMPERATURE LIGHTS CAME ON. VEHICLE LOST STEERING. SECOND TIME ON 2-22-01, GOING 60MPH IN RAIN AND WATER SPLASHING UNDERNEATH MADE VEHICLE LOSE STEERING. MAUFACTURER SAID NOT ENOUGHT VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED TO ASSIST WITH PROBLEM. *AK *SLC

THE PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE IS THAT THE TRANSMISSIO HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT A NEW VEHICLE FOR THE SECURITY AND SO THAT I WOULD NOT BE INCONVENIENCED WITH MAJOR REPAIRS. THAT THEORY WAS THROWN OUT THE WINDOW WITH THIS PROBLEM. DIFFERENTIAL PIN WAS WORN IS WHAT THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED AS THE PROBLEM AND GAVE ME THE CHOICE OF REBUILDING OR REPLACING TRANSMISSION. I HAVE TO SAY THAT I WAS A LITTLE ALARMED WHEN I WAS TOLD HOW LONG I WOULD BE WITHOUT THE VAHICLE BECAUSE THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMSISSION ARE NOT UNCOMMON. I FURHTER BELIEVE MY THEORY TO BE TRUE BECAUSE WHENEVER I MENTION IT TO PEOPLE THEY ARE NOT SURPRISED AND BASICALLY TELL ME THAT IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME TO CARAVANS. SO, $2091.25 POORER, I AM WRITING THIS IN HOPES THAT THIS DOESN'T HAVE TO HAPPEN TO OTHER OWNERS OF DODGE CARAVANS. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE OF ABSOLUTELY NO HELP WHEN IT CAME TO RECTIFYING THIS PROBLEM. THEREFORE, YOU HAVE A LETTER FROM ONE EXTREMELY UNHAPPY AND IRATE DODGE CARAVAN OWNER (ALTHOUGH NOT FOR LONG, BECAUSE I AM LOOKING TO TRADE).*AK

FAN BELT FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY OTHER MECHANICS THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM, AND THAT SOME CONSUMERS HAVE PUT ON SHIELDS TO PREVENT FAN BELT FROM FALLING OFF. *AK

SCREW CLAMP THAT CONNECTS RUBBER FUEL LINE TO THE METAL FUEL LINE ON TOP OF ENGINE CAME LOOSE, CAUSING GAS TO LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE. I SCREWED CLAIM TIGHT AND SO FAR SO GOOD. I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE USED A DIFFERENT TYPE CLAMP TO SECURE THIS FITTING.*AK

INTEGRATED SEAT BROKE AT THE LATCH PLATE BETWEEN LEGS. THERE'S A JAGGED PLASTIC PIECE THAT CAN INJURE CHILD. IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE'S MILEAGE IS OVER 36,000. CONSUMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COST.*AK

BRAKING DISTANCE IS NOT WHAT IT SHOULD BE, MOSTLY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT SPEEDS OF 60-65 MPH. TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER AT LEAST 6 TIMES, DEALER COULD NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONS. *YH

GOODYEAR, CONQUEST TIRES, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, TIRE SIZE P215-65-R15, DOT # IS M6VFHKDR128. THERE WAS TREAD SEPERATION ON 3 OF 4 TIRES, TIRES HAVE LESS THAN 50 THOUSAND MILES ON THEM, ONLY REAR RIGHT TIRE DID NOT SEPARATE, CONTACTED GOODYEAR DEALER, AND CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR ALL 3 NEW TIRES.*AK *SLC

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

SERPENTINE BELT THROWN OFF. *AK

ENGINE FAILURE PREMATURE WEAR OF HEAD GASKET WHICH STARTED LEAKING. *AK

WIFE AND 2 CHILDREN WERE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AT 45 MPH, HEARD CLUNK, COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD WHERE TRANSMISSION GEARS AND PARTIAL SHAFTS FELL INTO ROAD FROM APPROX. 4" HOLE IN TRANSMISSION CASE.*AK

THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING FLUID, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THEY CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT FIND A LEAK BUT SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE DEALER SAID IT HAD TO BE REPLACED, CONSUMER FEELS TRANSMISSION SHOULD HAVE LASTED LONGER THAN 2 YEARS. NLM

WHILE DRIVING HEAD GASKET BLEWOUT UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL, AND RESULT IN A CRASH. *AK *SLC

NOVEMBER 1999 TRANSMISSION LEAKED. DEALER COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM, AND LEAK STOPPED ON IT'S OWN. ON DECEMBER 4 WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HEARD LOUD NOISE, PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID POURING OUT OF VEHICLE, VEHICLE AT DEALER NOW. TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE MANUFACTURER PAID ONLY HALF OF THE COST OF THE PARTS. *YH

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

TIRE SEPARATION. *AK (TIRESIZE: P215/65R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/65R15 )

WHEN APPYLING BRAKES IN NORMAL CONDITIONS ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS STOPPED, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *YH

INSTRUMENT PANEL EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL OR WARRANTY, AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 05-4542-179. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 05-4542-179. *SLC

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

RECENTLY A PLASTIC BAG GOT CAUGHT UNDER MY VAN WHEN I WAS DRIVING 30 MPH. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED. *AK

RECENTLY A PLASTIC BAG GOT CAUGHT UNDER MY VAN WHEN I WAS DRIVING 30 MPH. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, CLAIM 43-R510-326. *SLC

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, CLAIM 43-R510-326. *SLC

THE BELT TENSIONER FROZE ON MY GRAND CARAVAN. AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE STEERING THIS PART NEEDS TO BE GIVEN MORE CONSIDERATION. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET WWW.ALLPAR.COM . THE DAMAGE THAT CAN BE DONE TO DRIVE PULLEY'S POWER STEERING UNITS CAN BE QUITE EXPENSIVE AND CHRYSLER WILL NOT INCLUDE THIS PART IN THEIR WARRANTY'S. ONLY AFTER TELLING THEM I WOULD REPORT THIS TO THE NHTSA DID THEY OFFER TO PAY 1/2 THE REPAIR. IT STILL DID NOT MAKE ME FEEL THAT THE PROBLEM WAS LOOKED AT PROPERLY THERE ARE FAR TOO MANY CARAVANS ON THE ROAD TO HAVE A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING.

SERPINTINE BELT TENSIONER FAILS WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS

BELT KEEPS COMING LOOSE FROM THE SYSTEM, IS EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE ALL THE TIME. I AM SURE THAT THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM AND IS THE MANUFACTURER GOING TO FIX IT? OR DO I GET STUCK FOR THE REPAIRS AGAIN? *AK

SUDDEN STOPS RESULT IN GRINDING NOISES FROM THE ABS SYSTEM. NOTICED COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS.

EXITING HIGHWAY AT 43 MPH DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL 2 TIMES WITH NO BRAKING ACTION OBSERVED. SLOWED TO 35 MPH AND TRIED PEDAL 1 MORE TIME WITH NO STOPPING ACTION. USED TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE COMPRESSION TO SLOW VEHICLE. COASTED TO A STOP AND NOTICED SMOKE EMINATING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE WITH THE "SMELL" OF BRAKES PREVALENT. NO INTERIOR BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT ANY TIME. FIX: REPLACED REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS AND SHOES (EXCESSIVE WEAR NOTED), AND DRUMS TURNED. PROBABLE CAUSE UNIDENTIFIED (EXCESSIVE WEAR UNUSUAL FOR HIGHWAY MILES DRIVEN - FRONT BRAKES ALL NORMAL) FELT TO ME LIKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILURE WITH RESULTING ZERO PRESSURE IN SYSTEM AND NO BRAKING ACTION AT ALL. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH HIT A COYOTE THAT HAD RAN IN FRONT OF VEHICLE . ONLY DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS LICENSE PLATE HOLDER, BUT MOST DAMAGE CAME FROM DUAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. CONSUMER FELT THAT AIRBAGS WERE TOO SENSITIVE , AND SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. ALSO, DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK

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

AT 45,000 MILES BRAKES FAILED DUE TO RIVETS DIGGING INTO ROTORS. BRAKES WEAR OUT QUICKLY, BUT DEALER SAYS THAT THEY ARE NORMAL. *AK *ML

SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT SLIPPED COMPLETELY OFF THE PULLEY WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF THE POWER STEERING CAPABILITY FOR MY WIFE

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

TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO A PIN SHEARING OFF FROM WITHIN, CAUSING A HOLE, AND ALLOWING FLUID TO LEAK. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

I HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS REQUESTING THEM TO STATE IN WRITING THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THEY WILL NOT TELL ME THE CAUSE; HOWEVER, THEY ARE REAL QUICK TO STATE THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THIS IS A NEWER VEHICLE WITH ALL ORIGINAL COMPONENTS INSTALLED DIRECTLY FROM THEIR ASSEMBLY PLANT. ALL I KNOW IS THAT WE WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE A FIRE STATED IN THE ENGINE AND I WAS WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. I AM GETTING NOTHING BUT THE RUN AROUND FROM THIS COMPANY. THEY ARE TRYING TO AVOID MY REQUESTS. I HAVE CONTACTED YOUR OFFICE THREE TIMES ONCE VIA PHONE AND ONCE VIA INTERNET AND HAVE YET TO HEAR ANYTHING. IT HAS NOW BEEN 30 DAYS SINCE YOUR AGENCY WAS ORIGINALLY CONTACTED. KINDLY HELP IN A TIMELY FASHION. *AK

CHRYSLER AND THE DEALERSHIP ARE UNABLE TO TELL ME WHAT STARTED THE ENGINE FIRE ONLY THAT THEY HAVE NOT SEEN THIS TYPE OF FIRE BEFORE. THEY ARE QUICKLY TO STATE THAT THEY DO NOT FEEL THAT IT IS DUE TO A MANUFACTURING OR ASSEMBLY ERROR. HOW CAN THAT STATEMENT BE MADE WHEN THEY ARE UNABLE TO STATE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE? THEY WILL NOT COMMENT ON A DEFECTIVE PART. I HAVE ALL DEFECTIVE (BURNT) PARTS IN MY POSSESSION. HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN THEY CAN'T TELL ME IF THEY FIXED THE PART THAT STARTED THE FIRE BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW. IN A LETTER DATED 5/2/200 FROM THIER COMPANY THEY APPOLOGIZED OVER THE FIRE BUT HAVE WASHED THEIR HANDS OF THE INCIDENT WITHOUT BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE AS TO HOW THIS HAPPENED. *AK

TIRES WOULD WOBBLE WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE & STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE & PULLED TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE WAS CONTROLLABLE, BUT USE OF CONSTANT PRESSURE WAS NEEDED TO KEEP IT STRAIGHT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC BALANCED WHEELS. TOOK IT BACK DUE TO TIRES BEING DEFECTIVE. MANUFACTURER & DEALERSHIP NOT CLAIMING FAULT. MICHLEIN 215/65416 MX4 ALL SEASONS. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH A PARKING LOT, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 22-V298-813. *SLC

WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH A PARKING LOT, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 22-V298-813. *SLC

WHEN VAN WAS REAR ENDED BY A 95 AUDI, TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATBACK BROKE AND RECLINED ALL THE WAY BACK. SEATS ARE BEING REPAIRED. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE IN REVERSE GEAR RESULTING IN COLLISION WITH UNOCCUPIED STORE, INJURY TO CONSUMER. *MJS

INTERMITTENTLY WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ACTIVATED AND THEY CUT OFF. ALSO, WHEN VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED THEY COME ON AUTOMATICALLY, OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER. DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

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

WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS COVERED UNDER UNDER SERVICE CONTRACT BUT AFER TAKING IT IN TO BE REPAIRED WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED AND IT WOULD COST 350.00 TO REPAIR. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK

WHILE THE VAN WAS RUNNING TWO YEAR OLD CHILD WAS ABLE TO SHIFT GEAR FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITHOUT BRAKE APPLICATION, CAUSING THE VAN TO CRASH THROUGH THE GARAGE . MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT A STANDARD THAT WOULD KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

WHEN TRAVELING CONSUMER NOTICED PLAY WITHIN THE STEERING. ALSO, VIBRATION WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. CONSUMER UNSURE IF THE PROBLEM IS LINKED TO MICHELIN TIRES 215/65R16 WHICH ARE WEARING EXCESSIVELY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED BOTH MANUFACTURERS, DODGE AND MICHELIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

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

FRONT BRAKE ROTOR WARPED AT 4700 MILES AND 27700 MILES AGAIN, AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE PADS. BRAKES ALSO PULLED TO THE LEFT, BUT DEALER NEVER COULD FIX THEM. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5000 MILES ON NEW VEHICLE THE BRAKE PULLING TO THE LEFT FADED AWAY. *AK

TRANSMISSION WAS PUNCTURED FROM INSIDE AND LEAKS FLUID. YH

STEERING COLUMN MAKES NOISE. YH

IGNITION FAILED. YH

DROVE THE VEHICLE IN THE AREA TAKING CHILDREN TO SCHOOL. PULLED UP INTO THE DRIVEWAY, PARKED VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE RADIATOR FAN STAYED ON WHICH WILL DRAIN THE BATTERY. DIDN'T DRIVE A LONG DISTANCE FOR THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

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

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

A 200 LB 80 YEAR OLD MAN WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF HIS VAN. WHEN HE AND HIS WIFE WAS REAR-ENDED IN A 25-30 MPH IMPACT BY A 85 NISSAN PICKUP. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE PASSENGER SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS AND THE MAN BROKE HIS NECK, HE PASSED AWAY A FEW DAYS LATER. SEEING HOW THIS IS A FAIRLY NEW VEHICLE, IT DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT THAT THE SEAT BROKE UNDER SUCH A RELATIVELY MINOR IMPACT. WHO WOULD I NEED TO CONTACT TO INITIATE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT CLAIM TO HELP COVER THE MOUNTAIN OF MEDICAL BILLS RESULTING FROM THIS A INCIDENT?

REAR CYLINDER HEAD FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO USE EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF ENGINE OIL. NLM

NO SUMMARY

RIGHT REAR HYDRAULIC WHEEL CYLINDER FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF BREAKING POWER. THIS CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT DISC PADS WHICH RESULTED IN OVERHEATING AND WARPAGE OF FRONT ROTORS. REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED AS WERE FRONT DISC PADS AND ROTORS TURNED. DEALER STATED WEAR ON BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE NOT UNDER WARRANTY AFTER 12000 MILES.

WHILE DRIVING THE SERPENTINE BELT CAME OF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

WE COULD INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THSI HAPPENED MANY TIMES BEFORE 10/28, BUT WE WERE ALWAYS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED LATER. THIS TIME WE COULD NOT. I CONTACTED DEALER IN COLORADO, WHERE WE NOW LIVE, AND THEY SUGGESTED THAT WE BRING IN THE CAR. THEY LOOKED IT OVER ON 11/1/99 AND SAID THAT THE IGNITION, CYLINDER LOCK NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. I ASKED WHY THIS FAILED AND THEY COULD NOT GIVE ANY REASON OTHER THAN IT WAS NO GOOD. I DO NOT FEEL THAT AT ONLY 39000 MILES THIS MAJOR PIECE SHOULD HAVE FAILED, THEY AGREED BUT SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. DEALER WAS: CHEERY CREEK DODGE, 2727 S. HAVANA ST. DENVER, CO 80014, 303-751-1104. WHAT WAS STRANGE WAS THE BATTERY DIED AT SAME TIME, COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED, DO NOT KNOW. TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS WAS $322.

SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHEN CONSUMER RIDES THROUGH PUDDLE CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP AND RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING.

SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHEN CONSUMER RIDES THROUGH PUDDLE CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP AND RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING.

SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHEN CONSUMER RIDES THROUGH PUDDLE CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP AND RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING.

NOT ONLY DID THE FRONT BRAKES FAIL AT 27,000 AND THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO WARRANTY THEM, THE DRIVER SIDE ROTORS ALSO FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. NO BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. *AK

THE SEAT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DRIVERS HAS SEATBELT RECEIVERS THAT ARE FLUSH WITH THE SEAT. THIS IS A PROBLEM IF YOU PLACE A CHILD'S SAFETY SEAT ON THAT BENCH AND HOOK IT IN BECAUSE ANY CHILD THAT ENTERS THE CAR AND TRIES TO HOOK THEIR SEATBELT IN, COULD UNHOOK THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THEY CAN UNHOOK IT SIMPLY BY PUTTING A TOY DOWN NEXT TO THEM OR EVEN IF THE CHILD IN THE SAFETY SEAT SHOULD DROP A TOY IT COULD UNHOOK THE LATCH. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT. ONE TIME AS I WAS TURNING THE CORNER MY SONS SEAT FLIPPED COMPLETELY OVER AND LANDED NEXT TO THE BENCH (BETWEEN THE BENCH AND THE DOOR). YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW ANGRY I WAS. I HAVE TRIED TO GO TO DODGE AND I HAVE CALLED THE NTSB AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL CARSEAT SAFETY BUREAU, BUT I HAVE NO ANSWERS YET. I HAVE WRITTEN TO DODGE, BUT HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM THEM. TO KEEP MY SON SAFE AND ALIVE I HAVE HAD TO REMOVE THE MIDDLE BENCH AND MOVE THE REAR SEAT FORWARD, AS IT HAS BELT LATCHES THAT ARE MORE DIFFICULT TO UNHOOK( THEY ARE LONGER) AND HAVE REMAINED LATCHED. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR ME IN GETTING IN TOUCH WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP? OR TO MAKE SURE SOMEONE IN SAFEETY AND DESIGN AT DODGE WILL KNOW HOW POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS THOSE HOOKS ARE. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HEAR ME AND OFFER SUGGESTIONS. SINCERELY, LISA RAMBO

THERE IS EXTREME PEDAL PRESSURE WHEN TRYING TO STOP, THE BRAKES AND WHEELS OVERHEAT, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE STICKS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. BRAKE REPLACED TO SOLVE LOCKING UP PROBLEM, BUT NEW BRAKES REQUIRE MORE PRESSURE, BRAKES FAIL AFTER EXTENDED DRIVING, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE NO LONGER WORKS. *AK *ML

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

WHILE DRIVING HORN BLOWS OUT UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY SCARE THE DRIVER AND CAUSE HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

TRANSMISSION WAS NOISY--FAULTY FLYWHEEL AND STARTER WERE REPLACED TO CORRECT IT.

DOOR SEAL.

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

TIRES GO OUT OF ROUND UNDER 30,000 MILES DUE TOMANUFACTURING DESIGN FLAW, CAUSIN VEHICLE TO WOBBLE OR BOUNCE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

SHORTLY AFTER TURN VEHICLE OFF AND RETURNING, CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE BATTERY EXPLODED. VEHICLE BEGAN TO FILL WITH SMOKE AND THE IMPACT OF THE EXPLOSION DENTED THE HOOD. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REPLACED THE BATTERY. *AK

TWO OF MY CO-WORKERS ALSO HAVE THE SAME TYPE OF VAN AND WE ALL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL HOSE. WAS THERE EVER A RECALL FOR THIS PART? IF NOT, WHY. ALSO MY BATTERY LASTED ONLY 1 YEAR AND 5 MONTHS. THIS IS A VERY SHORT TIME FOR A BATTERY TO LAST. THEY SHOULD INSTALL GOOD BATTERIES. IT'S REALLY DEVASTATING WHEN YOUR CAR DOES NOT WANT TO START.

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH V AUTO TRANSMISSION WORKING ERRATICALLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER , AND WAS INFORMED THAT NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. SUBSEQUENTLY, VEHICLE WOULD ONLY START IN 3RD. GEAR AND REMAIN IN 3RD. GEAR. DEALER NOTIFED. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK

WE HAVE HAD THE STRUT MOUNT CHANGED 4 TIMES,NOW SOMTHING IS WRONG WITH THE LEFT FRONT SIDE.

THE SAME IDENTICAL FAILURE HAS OCCURRED 3 TIME IN 14 MONTHS ON MY MINIVAN. THIS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS DURING RAIN WHEN WATER GETS UP ONTO THE BELT CAUSING IT TO COME OFF AND CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF ABILITY TO STEER AND CONTROL THE CAR. ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT ANY OF THE TIMES THIS OCCURED, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS JUST LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT RUNNING INTO ANYONE OR GETTING RUN INTO BY SOMEONE ELSE. EACH TIME, JERRY'S DODGE HAS IMPLEMENTED YET ANOTHER TECHNICAL SERVICES BULLETIN TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND IT IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM.

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE.

WHEN VEHICLE IS TAKEN OUT OF REVERSE AND PUT IN DRIVE IT CONTINUES TO GO IN REVERSE. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

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.

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

THE VAN CAN BE PULLED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE BRAKE, KIDS OFTEN GO TO THE FRONT OF A PARKED VEHICLE. IF THE IGNITION IS ON THE VAN CAN BE PUT IN GEAR BY JUST PULLING DOWN ON THE GEAR CHANGE HANDLE. MANY CARS HAVE A LOCK OUT THIS SHOULD BE REQUIRED. A RESPONSE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

DESIGN OF SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY CAUSES BELT BUCKLES TO BECOME DISLODGED WHEN VEHICLE HITS ROUGH ROAD.

REAR AND FRONT HATCH FAILED.

SPEEDOMETER FAILED.

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.

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND LOST ALL POWER. TOOK TO DEALER & HAD BELT REPLACED AT LEAST THREE TIMES. THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN THROUGH WATER OR PUDDLES. *AK

INEFFECTIVE DESIGN OF MIRROR IS CAUSING A BLINDSPOT IN BOTH REARVIEW AND DRIVER'S SIDE MIRRORS, RESULTING IN CONSUMER NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE WITHIN 30 FEET BEHIND THE VEHICLE. *AK

ALL FOUR TIRES LOOSE AIR - GOODYEAR 205/75R14. *YC

TRANSMISSION FAILED. NLM

COURTESY LIGHT FAILED. *YC

DRIVER SIDE VISOR MALFUNCTIONING. *YC

LUG NUTS CAME LOOSE CAUSING TIRE TO COME OFF. *YC

ELECTRIC LOCKS HAVE FAILED, GIVE NOISE WHEN ACTIVATED. YH

FROZEN PISTON IN CALIPER CAUSED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON BRAKE PAD AND DAMAGED ROTOR. YH

FAN RELAY FAILED. YH

DASH BOARD INDICATORS DESIGNED TOO SMALL TO SEE. YH

AIR CONDITION DUCTS FAILED. YH

BATTERY FAILED. YH

POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED. *YC

REAR DOORS WOULD NO OPEN WHEN BUTTONS PUSHED. YH

HEAD GASKET FAILED. *YC

STRUT MADE POPPING NOISE, REPLACED DUE TO NOISE. YH

DEFECTIVE SIDEVIEW MIRROR SNAPPED OFF WHEN DOOR WAS OPENED. YH

DRIVER SEAT IS UNCOMFORTABLE FOR LONG DRIVES. YH

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

BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE EXTERIOR MIRRORS MALFUNCTIONS. YH

D.I.S AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR FAILED. YH

MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER SEALS FAILED, RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE. YH

DRIVER'S SEAT TRACKS AND ANCHORS ARE DEFECTIVE. DROVE, STOPPED AND REAR ENDED, SEAT WENT FORWARD, CAME BACK AND WAS BROKEN. DEALER CONTACTED, AND WAS UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ALSO, PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS BENT/ MIDDLE PASSENGER'S SEAT BROKENAND WILL NOT LIFT UP. PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THOS VEHICLE. *AK

INCIDENT 1 - 08/1998 - WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, TURNED A CORNER AND DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE. ALL CONTROL WAS LOST TO VEHICLE, WHICH HAD TO BE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED. THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS HANGING VISIBLY FROM THE VEHICLE AND AFTER TOWING TO THE DEALER, WAS REPLACED AS DEFECTIVE UNDER WARRANTY. INCIDENT 2 - 01/02/99 - WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, TURNING A CORNER THROGH A PUDDLE, ALL CONTROL WAS LOST AND THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY STOPPED. THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS CHECKED AND FOUND BY THE OWNER TO BE DISCONNECTED. THE DEALER WILL BE CONTACTED FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT ON THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS DANGEROUS LOSS OF CONTROL PROBLEM BEFORE A THIRD OCCURANCE AT HIGHER SPEEDS.

PRESSURE SENSORS IN TURBOR BOOST FAILED. *TT

NEITHER DRIVER NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN 30 MPH FRONT-END COLLISION. ACQUANTICE AT GM SAID THAT IT SHOULD HAVE.

WE BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW. IT VIBRATED WHEN WE TEST DROVE IT.THE DEALER SAID IT JUST NEEDED THE TIRES BALANCED. WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN THE SHOP MANY TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR. IT VIBRATES TERRIBLY AT 45 MPH. THE DISTRICT MANAGER FOR ORLANDO ZONE CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH DROVE THE CAR AND VERIFIED THE VIBRATION. SHE HAS DOCUMENTED THIS PROBLEM AND OPENED A FILE NUMBER. HOWEVER, WE ARE STILL IN LIMBO AS TO WHAT COURSE OF ACTION TO TAKE OR WHAT CHRYSLER WILL DO TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. WE RENTED A 1998 GRAND CARAVAN IN ANOTHER STATE. IT VIBRATED TERRIBLY AT 45 MPH. THEN ONE DAY IN A PARKING LOT, A WOMAN STOPPED ME(SHE HAD JUST BOUGHT A CAR LIKE OURS) AND SHE ASKED ME IF I HAD VIBRATION AND CHUGGING PROBLEMS. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION OF THESE CARS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS OR KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT. WHILE IT MAY NOT BE LIFE THREATENING, IT IS A REAL NUISANCE. EVERYTHING IN MY NEW CAR RATTLES...BECAUSE IT SHAKES SO BADLY. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT FRANK GRIFFIN DEALERSHIP SAYS ANOTHER CUSTOMER IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS 1998 CARAVAN. ANY INFORMATION YOU HAVE REGARDING THIS WILL BE MOST APRPECIATED. THANK YOU.

GEAR SHIFT WAS ABLE TO BE MOVED BY TWO YEAR OLD CHILD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN INTO A TREE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

VEHICLE IS POPPING IN THE FRONT END/ LITTLE BRAKE CONTROL/ POWER STEERING IS POOR ALSO MAKES LOUD NOISES.

SHIFT GEAR ( ON COLUMN ) CAN BE TAKEN OUT OF PARK WHEN BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED.

DEFECTIVE GAS TANK IS CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN FIRE. *AK

DESCENDING MOUNTAIN OUT OF YOSEMITE. FRONT BRAKES OVERHEATED AND CAUGHT FIRE. FLAMES VISIBLE THROUGH WHEEL SPOKES ON BOTH LEFT FRONT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEELS. PUT OUT FIRE WITH WATER. VALVE COVER ON TIRE STEM MELTED BUT NO OTHER USER VISIBLE DAMAGE. DEALER INSPECTED BRAKES AND ADJUSTED REAR BRAKES TO HANDLE MORE LOAD, SAID EVERYTHING ELSE LOOKS OK. I BELIEVE ANYTIME NORMAL USE OF THE VEHICLE CAUSES FLAMES IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD.

DRIVER EXPERIENCES RANDOM LOSS OF BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. QUICK RELEASE AND PUSHING ON BRAKE REGAINS PEDAL PRESSURE.

CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO HOLD SPEED AND OCCASIONALLY ACCELERATES WITHOUT CAUSE.

WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY AND THE WEATHER IS HOT, UPON FILLING UP THE FUEL TANK, FUEL LEAKS FROM THE GASKET ON THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK WILL LEAK ABOUT 3 GALLONS OF FUEL WHEN ONLY 18 GALLONS OF FUEL IN PUT IN THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK IS A 20 GALLON TANK. THE DEALER TIGHTENED UP THE GASKET ON THE FUEL TANK. A NEW FUEL TANK AND GASKET AS ALSO BEEN ORDERED.

GAS TANK LEAKS WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL EXCEEDS 3/4 OF THE TANK.

OWNER FILLED UP THE TANK AND DROVE 4 MILES AND MOST OF THE GAS HAD LEAKED OUT. DEALER REPLACED GAS TANK. *AK

TIRE BLEW OUT.

VEHICLE WA SPARKED USING THE GEAR SHIFT. KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. AFTER SEVERAL MOMENTS, VEHICLE ROLED SLIGHTLY FORWARD, PICKE DUP SPEED AND CRASHE DINTO A TREE, STOPPING IT. GEA RSHIFT WAS NOT IN PARK AFTER THE COLLISION. *AK

FRONT WHEEL SHEARED OFF AND FELL OFF VEHICLE WHILE GOING AT 65 MPH. *AK

SHIFT INDICATOR GEAR DOES NOT CONTAIN A LOCKING MECHANISM, ALLOWING CHILD TO ENGAGE GEAR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE COLLISION.