514 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan. Click any complaint to view the full owner description.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 18, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHUTOFF AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER LITHIA CHRYSLER LOCATED AT 1421 N.E. 6TH ST GRANTS PASS, OR 97526-1253, WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. ## VIN PASSED ## DODGE 1999 TOWN AND COUNTRY ##
AIR BAGSOctober 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V480000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED AND ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUNCTIONS STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY, SUCH AS THE FUEL GAUGE AND THE ODOMETER. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEJuly 21, 2017
MY DODGE KEEPS ON HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH BATTERY LIGHT COMING ON AND BATTERY IS NEW LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF ON PANEL WHILE DRIVING. CONCERNING POSSIBILITY OF CHARGING SYSTEM NOT WORKING AS WELL. BUT ALTERNATOR IS NEW. CAR WONT START SOMETIMES LIKE THE BATTERY IS DEAD BUT BATTERY IS NEW BOUGHT IN 2016 OCT. IT SOMETIMES WONT TURN OVER AND FACT IS THE CARS POWER DOORS ARE NOW BEEPING AT ME AND NOT SURE WHY. THAT JUST STARTED. I GOT TO UNLOCK DOORS BUT NOW THEY BUZZ CONSTANTLY. CITY DRIVING MOSTLY BUT SCARED TO DRIVE BECAUSE IT ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO STOP COMPLETELY .ALL THIS HAPPENS AS I TRY AND DRIVE MY CAR. ONE TIME THIS LAST WEEK CAR DIDN'T START, HAD TO JUMP IT STARTED RIGHT UP THEN. IM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR.NO ONE AT BEAR AUTO TOLD ME THIS CAR HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. REDMOND OREGON.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFebruary 7, 2017
ON 01/23/17 I TOOK A SHORT DRIVE IN THE CAR AND I SMELLED A SLIGHT STENCH OF GASOLINE BUT DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT AT THE TIME, UNTIL LATER ON IN THE DAY WHEN I HAD TO TAKE MY CAR OUT AGAIN AND THE ENGINE STARTED SMOKING AND BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND THE KEYS WERE IN THE IGNITION THEN I PROCEEDED TO STARTED THE CAR AND THAT'S WHEN IT HAPPENED, SO IM GUESSING IT WAS FUEL INJECTION PROBLEM.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10949959ENGINEDecember 25, 2016
SERPENTINE BELT REPEATEDLY COMES OFF DURING RAIN, CAR WASH, ETC. POWER STEERING GOES OUT, WATER PUMP QUITS WORKING, ALTERNATOR STOPS WORKING. THIS CREATES SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC AND/OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THERE ARE LITERALLY HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF PEOPLE WITH THIS COMPLAINT. CHRYSLER/DODGE TURNS A DEAF EAR TO THE REQUEST FOR A FIX, ALWAYS POINTING TO OTHER POSSIBLE ISSUES (WHICH AT TIMES ARE LEGITIMATE), WHILE IGNORING THE DESIGN DEFECT IN THEIR VANS (WHICH IS ALWAYS PRESENT). THIS IS A MULTI-YEAR PROBLEM INVOLVING SEVERAL DODGE VANS AND THERE IS STILL NO RECALL ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT. WHERE IS THE PROTECTION NHTSA STATES IS THEIR MISSION? THERE IS A SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM: GATES 38379K ENHANCEMENT COMPONENT KIT PRICE: $125.74 FOUND ON EBAY. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL! *TR
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMNovember 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER LANE AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A FIRE REPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 275,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10923844ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGSAugust 27, 2016
CLOCKSPRING ON MY 99 GRAND CARAVAN SE HAS MY AIRBAG LIGHT ON. MY GAUGES WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN HWY GOING 65MPH AND CAME RIGHT BACK ON AND MY HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER AND ITS LIKE IT JUST COMES AND GOES.
SUSPENSIONDecember 3, 2015
DRIVER STRUT TOWER GAVE AWAY DO TO RUST. I NEED HELP PAYING FOR THE VAN TO GET FIXED. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR I HAVE FOR MY FAMILY AND WE CAN NOT AFFORD AN OTHER CAR RIGHT NOW. PLEAS LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 16, 2015
INTERMITTENT LOSS OF ALL DASHBOARD INDICATOR LIGHTS AND GAUGES. ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT WORK. SOMETIMES ALL MALFUNCTIONS WILL CLEAR THEMSELVES, SOMETIMES I MUST SLAP THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD WITH MY HAND SEVERAL TIMES TO CLEAR THE MALFUNCTION. I HAVE ONLY SEEN THIS WITH VEHICLE IN MOTION AND ON ALL ROADS.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHED AND SUDDENLY REMAINED ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL RELATED TO THE AIR BAGS, BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WERE UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ UPDATED 11/07/2017*CN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 1, 2014
WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL GO BLANK. INSTRUMENTS: GAS GAUGE, TEMPERATURE, AND SPEEDOMETER NEEDLES WILL GO TO ZERO. DIGITAL READOUTS GO BLANK. NORMAL FUNCTION RETURNS USUALLY IN MINUTES AND SOMETIMES FASTER IF I HIT THE DASHBOARD WITH MY HAND. MY RESEARCH INDICATES THIS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM WITH NUMEROUS YEAR MODELS OF DODGE MINIVANS. THIS ISSUE IS DESCRIBED AS A COMPUTER COMMUNICATION PROBLEM CAUSED BY FAULTY CONNECTIONS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT INTERRUPT THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE THREE ONBOARD COMPUTERS. WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT TO THE DASH, INDICATING A CONNECTION PROBLEM, WILL MY AIRBAGS STILL WORK? THE ERROR CODE FOR THIS MALFUNCTION IS: P1698. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 21, 2014
DRIVING DOWN ROAD AS USUAL AND ALL THE DASH COMPONENTS WENT DOWN I HIT A BUMP AND THEY CAME BACK UP OR IF I SLAP THE TOP OF IT THEY WILL COME BACK ON. I LIKE KNOWING HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE,HOW FAST I'M GOING OR EVEN IF I'M OVERHEATING. AND I DO CARRY A DISABLED PERSON PLUS MY SELF SO WE DEPEND ON THIS EVERYDAY. *TR
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 29, 2014
WE BOUGHT THIS VAN FOR MY WIFE'S MOM. DAYS AFTER WE BOUGHT IT, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK ANYMORE AND THE RADIO CHANGES STATION WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. WE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP THAT TOLD US THE CLOCK SPRING WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED BY CHRYSLER SHORTLY AFTER THE RECALL WAS ISSUED. WHAT CAN WE DO? IS THIS SOMETHING CHRYSLER WILL COVER AGAIN? *TR
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 28, 2014
MY SERPENTINE BELT FALLS OFF EVERY TIME IT GETS WET. IT FALLS OFF IN HEAVY RAIN, IT FALLS OFF IN SNOW. AS YOU COULD IMAGINE WHEN YOU SUDDENLY DON'T HAVE STEERING ON WET AND/OR ICY ROADS IT BECOMES VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IN A FAMILY VAN. EVEN AFTER I GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I HAVE TO GET THE BELT BACK ON. ROAD SIDE REPAIRS ARE NEVER SAFE OR EASY BUT THEY ARE MADE EVEN MORE SO WHEN DONE IN THE RAIN OR IN A BLIZZARD WHEN IT'S 60 BELOW WIND CHILL. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED!!!!! *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 20, 2014
BOTH ORIGINAL KEYS AND SPARES CAN BE REMOVED WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AND IN ANY GEAR. THE VAN ALSO HAS A FAILURE TO START THAT RESEMBLES A DEAD BATTERY. I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND IS COMPLETELY RELATED TO THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJanuary 22, 2014
TWO WEEKS AGO MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN DEVELOPED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY STRONGER. IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND /OR STOPPING SUDDENLY, AND STOPPING /PARKING IN THE GARAGE. *TR
STEERINGAugust 16, 2013
ON GOING PROBLEM, WITH MYSELF AND PREVIOUS OWNERS. NEVER ADDRESSED BY CHRYSLER AND NO RECALL EVER DONE. WHEN DRIVING ON WET ROADS THE SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF LEAVING YOU WITH NO POWER STEERING AND LOSS OF CONTROL IF GOING AT NORMAL SPEEDS AND ON A CURVE. IT IS A WELL KNOW PROBLEM AND HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY CHRYSLER. THEY JUST SAY THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL AND REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS SO PREVALENT THAT GATES HAS MADE A REPLACEMENT PULLEY AND BELT TO FIX IT, BUT IT COSTS ABOUT $120.00 AND CHRYSLER SHOULD PAY FOR THE FIX AND INSTALLATION. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF? *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10535682SUSPENSIONJuly 30, 2013
DRIVER SIDE FRONT STRUT MOUNT DANGEROUSLY RUSTED, COULD CAUSE FATEL ACCIDENT. *TR
TRAILER HITCHESJune 4, 2013
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM CONSTITUENT RE UTILITY TRAILER SAFETY. *SMD THE DRIVER OF A MINIVAN ALONG WITH SIX OTHER PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION ON A RURAL ROAD, WHEN IT WAS STRUCK BY A TRAILER LOADED WITH CRUSHED VEHICLES, THAT HAD BROKEN LOOSE FROM A TRACTOR TRAILER HEADING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)7 death(s)
NHTSA #10515254SUSPENSIONApril 8, 2013
STRUT BROKE ,STARTED TO RUB ON TIRE ,MADE IT TO REPAIR SHOP ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE STRUT HOUSING IS ALL RUSTED OUT. *TR
SUSPENSIONJanuary 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. RETURNED BY USPS. 2ND ATTEMPT ON 2/13/2013 FAILED. *KB
SERVICE BRAKESJune 20, 2012
I WAS COMING AROUND A TURN AND SAW A CAR MAKING A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ME. I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN BY BRAKING AND THE VAN APPEARED TO ACCELERATE. I BARELY AVOIDED RUNNING INTO THE TURNING CAR BY SWERVING AROUND IT. I THEN FOUND THAT ONLY MY EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS WORKING. I GOT HOME AND MY NEIGHBOR HELPED LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT THROUGH THE BRAKE LINE. THERE ARE 6 CONNECTIONS TO THE CAB. TWO ARE FOR LINES RUNNING TO THE REAR OF THE VAN. THEY HAVE 6 INCH SECTIONS OF FLEX TUBING BETWEEN THE SOLID TUBING. THE LEAK IS AT THE REARWARD CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE SOLID AND FLEX TUBING. BOTH REARWARD CONNECTIONS HAVE THE CORRODED SOLID METAL FOR THE FIRST FEW INCHES AFTER THE FLEX TUBING. I NOTED THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION OF BRAKE LINES ON THE 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CARAVAN ON THE INTERNET. *JS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOTICED THAT IT DROPPED TO THE FLOOR BOARD; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THE BRAKE LINE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 7, 2011
1999 AWD ABS GRAND CARAVAN, PERSONAL USE ONLY , NO TOWING, MILD NJ WINTER CONDITIONS. CAR PARKED FOR THREE DAYS AFTER EXTENDED TRIP (2,880 MILES OVER 3WEEKS)AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO PROBLEMS.ON SECOND LEG OF K-TURN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REPOSITION CAR IN DRIVEWAY (SPEED LESS THAN 5MILES/ HR) BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY DEPRRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. INSPECTING BELOW THE VAN SHOWED BRAKE FLUID LEAK FROM A RUPTURED REAR BRAKE LINE CLOSE TO BRAIDED FLEX LINE CLOSE TO ABS MODULE. ALL STEEL LINES FOUND TO BE EXTENSIVELY CORRODED /RUSTED UP TO AND INVOLVING FIXTURES AT ATTACHMENT TO INNER BRAKE HOSES AT THE REAR, UP TO THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE FRONT WHEEL LINES AT THE ATTACHMENT TO FRONT HOSES. DODGE DEALERSHIP (AUTOLAND) TOTALLY HANDS-OFF IN TRYING TO ADDRESS THIS GLARING SAFETY ISSUE - "NO RECALLS, NO MECHANISMS TO REPORT THIS ISSUE TO CHRYSLER", MORE INFURIATING IS THAT NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS, THEY HAVE ALL BEEN DISCONTINUED....RIGHT AT THE TIME THAT MOST OF THESE CARS WILL BE NEEDING THE BRAKING PLUMBING CHANGED!!! MEANWHILE THERE ALL THESE TICKING TIME BOMBS OF CARAVANS OUT THERE WITH TENUOUS BRAKING ABILITY ONCE THESE DEFECTIVE LINES RUPTURE. PLEASE RECALL THESE BEFORE SOMEONE DIES, BEFORE SOMEBODY'S FAMILY CRIES!!! I SHUDDER TO THINK THIS COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING MY LONG ROAD TRIP. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEAugust 3, 2011
!999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. ONE GAS TANK SUPPORT STRAP FELL OFF DRIVING ON SMOOTH PAVEMENT, 2ND STRAP DISINTEGRATED WITH SLIGHT MANUAL TWIST, GOT IT BACK ONTO DRIVEWAY & SUPPORTED TANK BEFORE REPLACING BOTH. HAVE BOTH PARTS SAME AS REPORTED; FORD PICKUPS RECALL. *KB
UNKNOWN OR OTHERApril 25, 2011
WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY STATE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN AND DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE. THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPED OFF AND I LOST THE POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, WATER PUMP. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT WITHOUT INCIDENT, BUT THE OTHER DRIVER WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 28, 2011
AS MY FRIEND WHO BORROWED MY VEHICLE APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION IN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED, CAUSING HER TO COLLIDE INTO A VEHICLE WHICH CONSEQUENTLY HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE POLICE REPORT CORRECTLY INDICATES NO OPERATOR FAULT, BUT RATHER A FAULTY BRAKE LINE WHICH BURST, LEAVING A POOL OF BRAKE FLUID ON THE GROUND AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. MOST VEHICLES HAVE A BRAKING SYSTEM THAT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES TO FAIL SIMULTANEOUSLY. UNFORTUNATELY THE 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN DOES NOT HAVE SUCH A SYSTEM. ALL BRAKES WERE LOST, MY VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE (WHICH WAS TOTALED AND RESULTED IN AN INJURED DRIVER) WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. THE BRAKES THEMSELVES WERE INSPECTED WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT BUT THE BRAKE LINE RUSTED AND CREATED THE INCIDENT.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10393502STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 25, 2011
SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF PULLEYS WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN. LOST ABILITY TO STEER VAN. HEADED DIRECTLY FOR ANOTHER CAR AND COLLISION NARROWLY AVOIDED. BELT COMING OFF WHEN WET APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS SERIES VAN, AND WOULD SEEM TO BE A VERY SERIOUS HAZARD. IT IS BEYOND ME WHY DODGE IS NOT REQUIRED TO RETROFIT A BETTER BELT/PULLEY SYSTEM (WHICH DOES EXIST AND IS ON THE MARKET). *TR
TIRESFebruary 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH GOODYEAR ALLEGRA TIRES, LINE SIZE P205 75/R14 DOT PJKC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE OF THE TIRES FAILED BETWEEN 12,000 AND 26,000 MILES. THE CONTACT OBSERVED SEVERAL SMALL CRACKS ON THE TIRES PRIOR TO THE THEM FAILING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE TIRE DISTRIBUTOR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES. THE DISTRIBUTOR ALSO ADVISED THAT THE TIRES WERE NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,499 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 159,819.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 11, 2011
AFTER HITTING APPROXIMATELY 3 INCHES OF SNOW/SLUSH IN THE ROAD THE SERPENTINE BELT SLID OFF CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID ACCIDENT AND PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD. THIS IS THE 5TH SUCH INCIDENT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. *TR
SUSPENSIONOctober 10, 2010
I HAVE 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND NOTICED RUST BUBBLES AT THE TOP OF THE STRUT TOWER MOUNTS WITH A ROUTINE INSPECTION. THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE THAN THE PASSENGER SIDE. I KNOCKED ON THE AREA WITH MY HAND AND ABOUT HALF OF THE STRUT TOWER METAL SUPPORT FELL APART! THE STRUT SUPPORT IS NOW JUST BEING HELD IN PLACE WITH ONE NUT AND MINIMAL METAL. I WENT ONLINE AND NOTICED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHRYSLER MINIVANS AND THAT CHRYSLER HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND HAD ISSUED A TECHNICAL SALES BULLETIN BACK IN 2002 ON THIS STRUT TOWER RUST PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE A WARRANTY ISSUE AND CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL YEARS AGO. CONSIDERING THAT THESE MINIVANS ARE USED PRIMARILY AS A FAMILY TRANSPORT VEHICLE, THIS RUST PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALLED ASAP! THIS IS THE FIRST I HAVE EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS AND HAVE OWNED NUMEROUS VEHICLES INCLUDING AN OLDER CAR DRIVING IN THE SAME ENVIRONMENT. *TR
POWER TRAINSeptember 7, 2010
4 YEAR OLD CHILD IN CAR RAN TO GET KEYS DIDN'T KNOW WAS IN SWITCH. CHILD TURNED KEY ON DID NOT START. BUMPED SHIFTER RAN OVER BANK IN TO HIGHWAY OVER ANOTHER BANK. CHILD WAS VERY LUCKY HAD MASHED THUMB. CAR WAS NOT FIXABLE. OWNER MANUAL STATES YOU MOST APPLY BRAKE BEFORE PUTTING IN GEAR. THIS NEEDS FIX BEFORE MORE HAPPEN THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10354123STRUCTUREAugust 26, 2010
THE LEFT FRONT SPRING TOWER RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE BODY TO DROP ON THE WHEEL. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSAugust 25, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER WINDOWS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND CRUISE CONTROL WOULD FAIL SPORADICALLY. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ALSO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE RADIO HAD ALSO FAILED IN ADDITION TO THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINING ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL REPAIRS IN 2008 UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V480000 (AIR BAGS) WHERE THE CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR CORRECTED THE FAILURE FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH BEFORE RECURRING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVE BELT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESAugust 10, 2010
POWER DOOR LOCK ON DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR WILL NOT WORK. I HAVE TO OPEN THE REAR SLIDING DOOR ON MY VAN AND REACH AROUND TO UNLOCK MANUALLY. IT DOESN'T LOCK AFTER BEGINNING TO MOVE EITHER. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 8, 2010
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 3.3L. SERPENTINE BELT SLIPS OFF PULLEYS WHEN DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS, EVEN SLIGHTLY. THIS PRODUCES AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING, WATER PUMP, ETC., AND WITHIN 15-20 SECONDS THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS. THIS CREATES SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD WITH IMPAIRED STEERING ABILITY ALONG WITH ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE VEHICLE FROM TRAFFIC BEFORE IT OVERHEATS, STALLS, OR ENGINE CATCHES FIRE. THIS SLIPPAGE OCCURS CONSISTENTLY TO THE POINT WE MUST AVOID DRIVING WHEN RAINING (EVEN DRIZZLING) OR EVEN IF ROADS ARE STILL MOIST AFTER A RAIN. WE FOUND HUNDREDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINT AFFECTING NUMEROUS MODEL YEAR DODGE CARAVANS, AS WELL AS CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VAN. TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS STATED THE CAUSE IS POOR DESIGN OF THE PULLEY SYSTEM. TWO OF THE PULLEYS ARE SMOOTH-SURFACED AND ONE SIDE OF THE SERPENTINE BELT IS SMOOTH. WHEN A LIQUID (RAIN/SNOW/LUBRICANT, ETC.) IS INTRODUCED TO THE PULLEY SYSTEM, THESE SMOOTH SURFACES ALLOW THE BELT TO EASILY SLIP OFF. DODGE OFFERS TO REPLACE THE TWO SMOOTH PULLEYS WITH GROOVED PULLEYS, AS WELL AS PROVIDE A SERPENTINE BELT WITH DUAL SIDED GROOVES FOR AROUND $400. THIS IS NOT A MATTER OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, BUT RATHER A POOR DESIGN THAT HAS CONTINUED FOR OVER A DECADE DESPITE EARLY COMPLAINTS. CONSUMERS HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS IN TOWING AND REPAIRS FOR THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY TO FIX THE MANUFACTURERS' SAFETY DEFECTS AND ADD TO THEIR PROFITS IN DOING SO. WAS IT AN INTENTIONAL DEFECT TO BOOST SERVICE DEPT PROFITS? THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY AND SHOULD WARRANT A RECALL TO REPLACE THE TWO PULLEYS AND SERPENTINE BELT. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 3, 2010
LOSS OF BRAKES DUE TO REAR BRAKE LINE RUSTING OUT NEAR ABS CONTROL AT THE STAINLESS STEEL LINE CONNECTIONS.. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 22, 2010
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE ON 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. REAR BRAKE LINE RUPTURED WERE SOLID LINE MEETS BRAIDED LINE UNDER DRIVER SIDE OF CAR AND NEAR ANTI LOCK BRAKE MODULE. LOSS OF BRAKING FORCED ME TO DRIVE VEHICLE ONTO SOMEONE'S LAWN TO AVOID A REAR END IMPACT OF A CAR MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A SINGLE LANE ROAD. EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. FAILURE WAS ABRUPT WITH NO PRIOR VISUAL EVIDENCE OF LEAKING ON MY DRIVEWAY OR IN THE PARKING SPOT OF MY WORKPLACE. RED BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER IT WAS TOO LATE. REAR BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED WITH SOLID LINES AT A COST OF $290.00. REPAIR WAS COMPLETED ON 06/21/10. *TR
STRUCTUREJune 18, 2010
MY 1999 CARAVAN HAS THE LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE SHOCK TOWER RUSTED OUT. THE IS A COMMON FLAW AND A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BY THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. THEY'VE HAD SO MANY VANS DO THIS, THEY CREATED A REPAIR PART KIT. IF THE SHOCK BREAKS THROUGH WHILE DRIVING, SEVERE INJURIES DUE TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WILL LIKELY OCCUR. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN SERVICED FOR RECALL 04V480000 (AIR BAGS). A MONTH AFTER BEING REPAIRED, THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED THE SAME FAILURE WHICH WAS THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL, WINDOWS, RADIO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HORN, LIGHTS, DOOR LOCKS AND RADIO DID NOT FUNCTION ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 178,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 4, 2010
EVERYTIME I AM GOING DOWNHILL OR STEEP ROADS, I HAVE NO CONTROL OF MY CARS DECELERATION EXCEPT BY USING MY BRAKES. I HAVE NO MANUAL OVERRIDE FOR DOWNSHIFTING OR ENGINE BRAKING. THIS CAUSES MY BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND FADE. MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOSTICK (MANUAL ELECTRONIC SHIFT), WHICH THE CONTROLS FOR ARE ON THE SHIFTER HANDLE ON THE COLUMN. THE WIRE INSIDE THE SHIFTER HANDLE LOSES ITS CONNECTION OR GETS CUT AT THE PIVOT POINT, MAKING IT NON-OPERATIONAL. I'VE CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER FOR THE PARTS NEEDED (AUTOSTICK SHIFTER LEVER) AND THEY SAID, THAT PART HAS BEEN ON BACKORDER NATIONWIDE. I'VE ALSO WENT ONLINE AND TALKED TO A FEW OWNERS OF THE SAME TYPE VEHICLE AND THEY HAD EXACTLY THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE. THERE IS NO WAY TO FIX THE CUT WIRE BECAUSE THE SHIFTER HANDLE IS A SEALED UNIT. *TR
STRUCTURENovember 3, 2009
WHILE REPAIRING A FAULTY STRUT IN THE FRONT END I DISCOVERED A RUSTED THROUGH TOWER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE HOLE IS ABOUT ONE-THIRD THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TOP OF THE TOWER. THE TOP IS ALSO PARTIALLY BENT UPWARDS FROM THE FORCE OF THE STRUT PUSHING UP. IF THIS BREAKS THROUGH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION WILL COLLAPSE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DODGE ISSUED TSB 23-044-02 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, THE DEALER I TALKED TO, HERB CHAMBERS IN DANVERS MASS., SAID THE RIGHT WAY TO FIX IT IS TO REMOVE THE MOTOR AND WELD IN A NEW TOWER. THIS IS VERY COSTLY, PROBABLY MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE VAN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT DODGE SHOULD RECALL AND PAY FOR! *TR
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 9, 2009
THE SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF SEVERAL TIMES IN THE RAIN , ON OUR 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. I HAD GONE THROUGH A PUDDLE AND AS I TURNED A CORNER I LOST POWER STEERING. I MADE IT ONTO THE SIDE GRASS AS I WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE TURN. I WAS ONLY A COUPLE FEET AWAY FROM HITTING A BRICK BUILDING. THIS WAS A VERY UNSETTLING EXPERIENCE. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN. *TR
STRUCTUREMay 13, 2009
WE BOUGHT OUR DODGE GRAND CARAVAN NEW IN 1999. TODAY (MAY 13,2009) I WENT TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE STRUT MOUNT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS RUSTING AWAY. ONE-QUARTER TO ONE-THIRD OF THE METAL SUPPORTING THE STRUT MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. IT WAS LARGE ENOUGH THAT YOU COULD HAVE STUCK YOUR HAND THROUGH IT. I THEN TOOK IT TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP THEY THEN CALLED THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP REGARDING ANY HISTORY OF THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGED A HISTORY OF THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM AND SAID A "KIT" WAS AVAILABLE TO FIX IT. THE BODY SHOP SAID IF THERE WAS A REPAIR KIT FOR THIS THEN THAT MEANS THAT THIS WAS BY NO MEANS AN ISOLATED PROBLEM. HE ALSO SAID HE WAS SHOCKED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OR INVESTIGATION INTO THIS BECAUSE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
SUSPENSIONMay 12, 2009
RUSTING STRUT TOWER 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. RUSTED THROUGH TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR
SUSPENSIONApril 20, 2009
DEAR STAFF MEMBERS: I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH 104,000 MILES ON IT. THE FRONT STRUT TOWERS ARE RUSTING BADLY AND I WAS TOLD BY A DODGE MECHANIC AT SHERMAN DODGE IN SKOKIE, ILLINOIS (WHERE I BOUGHT THE VAN) THAT THE STRUT WILL POP THROUGH THE HOOD ANYTIME AND WOULD CAUSE THE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO SEE DODGE PICK UP SOME, IF NOT ALL OF THE REPAIR COST. I ALSO INSPECT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED PRETTY SERIOUS RUSTING AT VARIOUS STRUCTURAL COMPONENT. DODGE NEED TO SHOW "AMERICAN" RESPONSIBILITY WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY ISSUES OF THEIR PRODUCTS. THANKS. *TR WL, CHICAGO, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 4, 2009
THE SERPENTINE BELT FELL OF DURING WET ROAD CONDITIONS. I DRIVE A 3.3L DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. I HAD NO IDEA HOW POPULAR THIS PROBLEM IS. CHRYSLER COULD FIX IT WITH A TENSIONER WITH A SIDEWALL OR A RIBBED TENSIONER. *TR
POWER TRAINJanuary 31, 2009
VEHICLE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND TRANSMISSION WAS IN PARK, WHEN IT SUDDENLY CHANGED TO REVERSE, KNOCKING DOWN AND RUNNING OVER THE DRIVER. *TR
1 death(s)
NHTSA #10257037STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 25, 2008
THREE TIMES IN SIX WEEKS, THE SERPENTINE BELT (WHICH POWERS THE POWER STEERING, ALTERNATOR AND WATER PUMP) HAS SLIPPED OFF THE PULLEYS. IN ONE OF THE THREE INSTANCES, THE DRIVE BELT WAS SHREDDED. AFTER A QUICK SEARCH OF THE INTERNET, LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS WERE FOUND. FORTUNATELY, IN OUR CASE, THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN INJURY TO DATE, HOWEVER A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT THE WRONG MOMENT COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. LIKEWISE, LOSS OF ACCESSORIES SUCH AS THE ALTERNATOR AND WATER PUMP COULD LEAVE SOMEONE STRANDED. ON THIS VEHICLE, THE BELT TENSIONER HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THE BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES IN LESS THAN 1,000 MILES. *TR
STRUCTUREDecember 17, 2008
MY 99 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HAS THE STRUT TOWERS RUSTING AWAY,CREAKING AND POPPING NOISES CONTINUE,NO REPAIR DONE YET,CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN THEY FAIL TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT'S DRIVEN DOWN THE ROAD. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 10, 2008
I HAVE A 99 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WHEN I FIRST GOT IT EVERY THING WAS WORKING FINE. I HAVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND NOW THE HORN DOESN'T WORK, THE BLINKERS ONLY WORK SOMETIMES, THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON WHICH MEANS IT ISN'T WORKING. THESE PROBLEMS ARE DANGEROUS IN ALOT OF WAYS AN AIRBAG FAILING CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. ALSO MY BLINKERS ONLY WORKING SOMETIMES HAVE CAUSED ME TO GET A TICKET AND THE HORN NOT WORKING MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT ALL THESE PROBLEMS ARE RELATED TO THE WIRING IN THE DASH. IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO HAVE THE WHOLE THING REWIRED SO I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO DO IT YET. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 7, 2008
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HEADLIGHTS TURN ON AT OFF RANDOMLY. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW THE FIX, OR THE CAUSE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 8, 2008
KEYSWITCH WILL NOT TURN... SOMETIMES IT DOES FINE, OTHER TIMES IT LOCKS UP. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. FIDDLING WITH IT, OR HITTING IT, WILL SOMETIMES CAUSE IT TO UNLOCK. *TR
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 31, 2008
1- NOISE SERPENTINE BELT. 2- SUDDEN TEMPORARY LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN. OCCURS EVERYTIME IT RAINS. RESULTING IN TEMPORARY EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS I AM UNABLE TO STEER EVEN THOUGH I AM A STRONG 350LBS. 3- HAVE CHANGED SERPENTINE BELT SEVERAL TIMES BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTUREJune 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 1999, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLAMPS WERE DIM. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY LAUGHED AT HER. THE FAILURE PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. SHE HAD THE BULBS REPLACED AND RECENTLY HAD THE HEADLAMPS POLISHED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IS THE CONTACT'S PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 280,000. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ THE TAILGATE WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES. THE SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE CRYSTALLIZED TO THE POINT IT CREATES SHADOWS ON THE ROAD. UPDATED 09/012/08. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJune 5, 2008
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH 70K MILES. OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO, THE TURN SIGNALS HAVE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED, USUALLY THE LEFT SIGNAL. SOMETIMES THE SIGNALS WON'T WORK WHEN FIRST APPLIED, BUT THEN SUDDENLY START WORKING AGAIN. I FINALLY TRACED THE PROBLEM TO THE "TURN SIGNAL/EMERGENCY FLASHER" MODULE, CHRYSLER PART # 4686190. THE MODULE ITSELF IS FINE, BUT THROUGH ROAD VIBRATION THE MODULE LOSES FULL CONTACT WITH ITS RECEPTACLE. BECAUSE THE MODULE IS PLUGGED INTO A FUSE BLOCK SIDEWAYS, THE PART IS FAIRLY LARGE, AND NOT BALANCED, THE DESIGN CONTRIBUTES TO THE MODULE BREAKING CONTACT WITH ITS RECEPTACLE. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER CHRYSLER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
SEAT BELTSMay 12, 2008
I WAS TRYING TO INSTALL MY CARSEAT WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE REAR THREE POINT SEATBELTS DON'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. YES, YOU CAN BUCKLE UP AND FEEL SECURE BUT WHEN I TESTED THEM I NOTICED THE DON'T LOCK IN PLACE IF JERKED ON OR WHEN PULLED ALL THE WAY OUT. THAT MAKES THEM USELESS TO ME BECAUSE YOU CAN'T USE THEM TO TIGHTEN DOWN A CARSEAT AND THEY WON'T KEEP YOU FROM GOING OUT THE WINDOW IN AN ACCIDENT. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE WOULD PUT INADEQUATE AND NON-FUNCTIONING SEATBELT IN A FAMILY VEHICLE, BUT I GUESS THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LET ROBOTS BUILD YOUR CARS. PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY RECALL INFO OR ADVICE. *TR
STRUCTUREMay 11, 2008
HAVE A 1999 DODGE CARAVAN AND THE STRUT TOWERS ARE RUSTING THROUGH. THEY ARE GETTING TO WHERE THE VAN IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND OUT DODGE KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BUT THEY DID NOTHING. THEY SHOULD RECALL AND FIX THEIR POOR WORK. IF THEY DON'T FIX THIS SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED! *TR
SUSPENSIONApril 16, 2008
MY CAR WAS JUST IN A MINOR FRONT END ACCIDENT DURING A SNOWSTORM. WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MINOR FRONT END REPAIRS NOW IS RESULTING IN A BIG ISSUE FOR MY FAMILY. MY VAN WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. I AM THE 2ND OWNER. THE MECHANIC, WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, FOUND A BROKEN DRIVERS SIDE SHOCK TOWER. THIS IS DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE SINCE IT IS CAUSED BY RUST AND IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES. HAD IT NOT BEEN COMMON, ALLSTATE WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THIS LOOPHOLE AND THE COST TO REPAIR THE SHOCK TOWER WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED. I AM FINDING, THROUGH RESEARCH, THAT THIS FLAW IN CHRYSLER VEHICLES IS VERY COMMON, YET HAS NEVER BEEN RECALLED BY CHRYSLER. ON THE WEB I SEE BLOG AFTER BLOG ABOUT THIS DEFECT YET CHRYSLER DOES NOT DEEM IT NECESSARY TO RECALL. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS REPAIR IS ROUGHLY $3000 EACH SIDE! THAT IS 3/4 WORTH THE VALUE OF MY CAR. I THOUGHT THIS VAN WOULD BE WITH MY FAMILY FOR A DECADE, BUT I ONLY HAD THE VAN FOR 3 YEARS! DUE TO THIS FLAW IN THE VEHICLE, IT WILL BE SOLD FOR PARTS. I CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIR COSTS. SINCE I AM A SINGLE MOM OF FOUR, JUST LAID OFF TWO WEEKS AGO, THIS "FLAW" OF CHRYSLER'S DODGE GC WILL COST ME MORE THAN JUST ITS REPLACEMENT VALUE. THIS IS WRONG. KNOW OF ANY CLASS ACTION SUITS AGAINST CHRYSLER FOR THE SHOCK TOWER FLAW? THEY HAVE ISSUED A TSB # 23-044-02 ON OCTOBER 14, 2002. SO THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND YET IT CONTINUES. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. SINCERELY, LAURA HOSKE *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY FAILS. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE FAILURE, BUT TWO YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED FOR THE FOURTH TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER WAS THE FAILURE.
POWER TRAINApril 4, 2008
MY 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ACCIDENTALLY KNOCKED THE SHIFTING LEVER OUT OF PARK WITH OUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE VAN WENT IN TO NEUTRAL AND CAME DOWN OUR DRIVE WAY AND HIT A SNOWBANK COMING CLOSE TO A FOOT FROM HITTING MY HOME. THE DOOR HIT MY HUSBAND'S TRUCK AND CRUSHED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ON THE VAN INTO THE FENDER. THE LIFT GATE ON THE BACK CAVED IN. LUCKILY MY DAUGHTER WAS ABLE TO GET OUT FROM BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE VAN BEFORE IT ROLLED. IT NEVER SHOULD HAVE SHIFTED WITH OUT THE BRAKE BEING PRESSED. *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10223417ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 9, 2008
SERPENTINE BELT FALLS OFF TENSIONER REPEATEDLY AND HAVE REPLACED SEVERAL TENSIONER PULLEYS AND SERPENTINE BELTS WITHOUT ANY REMEDY TO THE PROBLEM. *TR
SEAT BELTSMarch 4, 2008
SEAT BELTS IN MIDDLE ROW NO LONGER LATCH. TONGUE INSERTS BUT DOES NOT CATCH. RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT OFTEN FAILS TO FEED ENOUGH BELT OUT TO PERMIT BUCKLING. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 22, 2008
DRIVING HOME IN ICE STORM OUR 1999 DODGE CARAVAN LOST POWER STEERING, LIGHTS DIMMED, OVERHEATED. APPARENTLY THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE CARAVANS AND THE SERPENTINE BELT AND TENSIONER. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE SERPENTINE BELT DETACHES. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BELT EIGHT TIMES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON JANUARY 25, 2008. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE DEALER SHOULD PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PULLEY BRACKET, THE BOLTS, AND THE SERPENTINE BELT ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON JANUARY 27, 2008. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 160,669 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 605. UPDATED 02/14/08. *LJ UPDATED
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGSJanuary 20, 2008
THE SERPENTINE BELT ON OUR 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HAS SLIPPED OFF SEVERAL TIMES. VISIT CARSURVEY.ORG AND YOU'LL SEE THAT MANY OTHER DODGE OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM REGULARLY. SOME ARE GETTING STUCK IN THE FREEZING SNOW AS A RESULT. WE'VE HAD OTHER PROBLEMS, SUCH AS A BURNED OUT COMPUTER BOARD OWED TO A SHORT IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW WILL NOT FUNCTION. WE WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLE. FURTHERMORE, AS A JOURNALIST, IT'S INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT DODGE HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL THE GLITCHES IN THE CARAVAN AND ISSUED ADDITIONAL RECALLS. I'D HAVE MUCH MORE RESPECT FOR THE COMPANY IF THEY DID. WE'VE ONLY HAD ONE RECALL, AND THAT WAS FOR A CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
STRUCTUREJanuary 20, 2008
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE LEFT (DRIVERS SIDE) STRUT TOWER HAS RUSTED THROUGH. AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND A SERVICE BULLITEN WAS ISSUED: HTTP://IMG.VILLAGEPHOTOS.COM/P/2003-12/537508/CARAVANSTRUTTOWERTSB.JPG. IT SEEMS THAT THERE WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM AS I DON'T HAVE ANY RUST ANY OTHER PLACE. ALSO IT SEEMS THAT THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 8, 2008
I WAS DRIVING AND WHILE TURNING ONTO BUSY INTERSECTION MY 1999 INTREPID ES 2.7 STOPPED. I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED REWIRING BUT THEN SENT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ONLY TO HAVE THEM DISMANTLE MY ENGINE AND RETURN IT TO ME WITHOUT PUTTING IT BACK TOGETHER SWEARING THAT EVEN IF THEY PUT IT BACK TOGETHER IT WON'T START. SO NOW 3 MONTHS AFTER PAYING MY CAR OFF. IT NEEDS ANOTHER ENGINE. NO WARNING SIGNS, IT JUST STOPPED AND WENT COMPLETELY DEAD. IT SEEMS TO ME THE DEALERSHIP DESTROYED MY ENGINE. REMOVED ALL TIMING BELTS AND EVEN BENT THE PLATE OF THE ENGINE INSTEAD OF CAREFULLY REMOVING BOLTS. I HAVE 5 KIDS AND NO CAR. NOW AM FORCED TO PURCHASE AGAIN. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 8, 2007
INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS BECOME INOPERATIVE WITH NO WARNING. IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, WHILE DRIVING THE 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF AND ALL GAUGES WOULD QUIT WORKING. USUALLY, A SMACK ON THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD WOULD BRING IT BACK, HOWEVER, LATELY THIS DID NOT WORK. THE LATEST INCIDENT WAS ON A COLD, DARK, WET EVENING WITH MY WIFE DRIVING AND THE CHILDREN IN THE VAN. THIS PROBLEM RESULTS IN NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE SPEEDOMETER NOR THE GEAR SELECTION. I FEEL THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BY THE MANUFACTURER. IN PERFORMING AN INTERNET SEARCH ON THIS SUBJECT, IT APPEARS THERE MAY BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE SOLDERING OF SOME CONNECTORS FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THANK YOU. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 26, 2007
THE SERPENTINE BELT HAS COME OFF THREE TIMES TO DATE. ONCE IN 3 INCHES OF SNOW, ONCE ON A SUNNY DAY AND ONCE WHEN ON SLICK ROADS BUT NO PUDDLES. ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENTS TWICE WITH THREE CHILDREN IN THE CAR! THE BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED AS HAS THE TENSIONER AND THIS HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. *TR
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 25, 2007
WHEEL BEARINGS WEARING OUT, ABS BRAKE LIGHT STAYING ON, BRAKE PADS BEING REPLACED ALOT, WEARING OUT TIRES ON THE FRONT (NEW TIRES) IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS, BRAKE CALIPER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED REPEATEDLY, BALL JOINTS WEARING OUT, UNSAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF FAILURES, LOSS OF USE OF VEHICLE DUE TO THAT FACT. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURENovember 21, 2007
FRONT STRUT TOWERS OF 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ARE RUSTING THROUGH CAUSING POTENTIAL FAILURE OF FRONT SUSPENSION. CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUSPENSION/BODY - STRUT TOWER CORROSION. NUMBER: 23-044-02 GROUP: BODY DATE: OCT. 14, 2002 SUBJECT: NS STRUT TOWER CORROSION THEY ARE CONSIDERING IT A COSMETIC ISSUE. HOWEVER, IT SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. CHRYSLER HAS PRODUCED A REMEDY WITH A CAP KIT, AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. NO NOTIFICATION TO PRESENT OWNERS TO INSPECT THIS SAFETY ITEM HAS BEEN PRODUCED. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 11, 2007
FIRE STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND COMPLETELY BURNED MY CAR UP. *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10208627ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 3, 2007
99 DODGE DURANGO 4X4, THE TRUCK STALLS WITH NO WARNING. THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT GOES DOWN TO 0. IF THE TRUCK IS RESTARTED IT'S FINE, THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN, MAYBE A DAY LATER, MAYBE A MONTH LATER, MAYBE 6 MONTHS LATER. IT'S VERY INTERMITTENT. *TR
SUSPENSIONOctober 11, 2007
HELLO, MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT A ABOUT WHAT I CONSIDER A DESIGN AND MATERIALS DEFECT ON THE STRUT TOWER MOUNTING ON MY DODGE CARAVAN. THERE IS CONSIDERABLE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DEFECT ON YOUR WEBSITE AS WELL AS OTHERS AND I FEEL THAT A RECALL IS WAY PAST DUE ON THIS ISSUE. I DID CONTACT CHRYSLER AT THEIR REQUEST AND PROVIDED THE INFORMATION WHICH THEY REQUESTED. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS ITEM AND BECAUSE I WAS THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE THAT THERE WAS NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WHICH THEY WERE WILLING TO PROVIDE. I AM HOPING THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST ME WITH THIS PROBLEM IN GETTING A FAIR RESPONSE FROM CHRYSLER. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SHARE MY PAST CORRESPONDENCE WITH CHRYSLER WITH YOU ALONG WITH SOME PHOTOS. *JB
SUSPENSIONSeptember 28, 2007
LEFT FRONT STRUT HOUSING RUSTED AND NEED OF REPAIR. DODGE DEALER STATES MY PROBLEM. IS THERE A TSB ON THIS ISSUE? *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 24, 2007
IT SEEMS THAT EVERY TIME WE DRIVE THE DODGE DURANGO WE HAVE IT STALLS WITHOUT ANY WARNING. ONCE THE TRUCK STALLS, THE STEERING GOES OUT AND SO DO THE BRAKES. IF WE GET OUT AND WIGGLE THE PLUG THAT IS CLOSEST TO THE FIRE WALL "SOMETIMES" THE TRUCK WILL START. HOWEVER, WE HAVE SAT AND SAT WAITING FOR THE TRUCK TO COOL DOWN ENOUGH FOR IT TO START AGAIN. WE HAVE EVEN HAD TO BE TOWED A FEW TIMES BEFORE WE KNEW THAT WE COULD WIGGLE THE PLUG, WHICH IS VERY VERY HOT. TODAY, AFTER MISSING A JOB INTERVIEW BECAUSE THE TRUCK ONCE AGAIN STALLED, WE STARTED LOOKING UP ON GOOGLE TO SEE WHAT, IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE AND HAPPENED TO FIND A WONDERFUL WEB SITE"AUTOBEEF". AT THIS POINT, IT LOOKS LIKE WE MAY HAVE TO GET A NEW COMPUTER FOR THE TRUCK, WHICH RANGES $1000.......!!!!!! *TR
TIRESAugust 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE VEHICLE HAS KELLY SPRINGFIELD TIRES, SIZE P21570R15. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD THE TREAD SEPARATING AND STRIKING THE WHEEL WELL. HE PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD PARTIALLY SEPARATED. HE PLACED THE SPARE TIRE ON THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE ALSO SEPARATED IN THE SAME MANNER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
SEATSAugust 19, 2007
THA PASSENGER SEAT ADJUSTMENT BAR IS BROKEN AND THE SEAT WILL NOT STAY IN ONE POSITION... NO ONE CAN USE THE SEAT BECAUSE IT MOVES ALL THE TIME. *TR THE DRIVER SEAT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT IT DOES NOT MOVE, I JUST CAN NOT ADJUST THE SEAT AT ALL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 15, 2007
IN FEB 2007, A NEW MOPAR SERPENTINE BELT WAS INSTALLED ON MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (89,000 MILES) BY A LOCAL DODGE DEALER. AFTER ONE WEEK BELT STARTED A LOUD SQUEAL. AT THE SUGGESTION OF MECHANICS I TRIED BELT DRESSINGS, SPRAYS AND WIRE BRUSH, ALL WITH NO HELP TO THE PROBLEM. ONE MECHANIC SUGGESTED I REPLACE THE PLASTIC PULLEY ON MY PROPERLY WORKING TENSIONER WITH A METAL PULLEY. THIS I DID WITH NO HELP. ALL PULLEYS WERE CHECKED AND FOUND O.K. DEALER INSTALLED ANOTHER BELT IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR. SAME PROBLEM AFTER ONE WEEK. ENDED UP GOING TO LOCAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP (NOT DEALER) AND THEY INSTALLED "KIT", WHICH CORRECTED PROBLEM. "KIT' CONSISTED OF BELT WITH GROOVES ON BOTH SIDES AND IDLER PULLEY AND TENSIONER PULLEY WITH GROOVES. PROBLEM SOLVED. THE DODGE DEALER NEVER HEARD OF THIS "KIT"....COME ON DODGE BOYS, GET WITH IT!!!! *JB
STRUCTUREAugust 2, 2007
MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN STRUT TOWER IS RUSTED OUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND IS IDENTIFIED IN CHRYSLERS TSB 23-044-02. THIS DEFECT APPEARS TO BE COMMON ON ALL MODELS IN THOSE YEARS. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR DESPITE THE FACT IT IS A LATENT DEFECT. THE TOWER HAS BEEN RUSTING FOR MANY YEARS AND I NEVER NOTICED IT BEFORE. NOW I OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY AND I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. IF THE STRUT TOWER BREAKS I COULD LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH. *TR
SUSPENSIONJuly 18, 2007
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN TAKEN TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP IN MARCH 2007 FOR NORMAL SERVICING , OIL CHANGE/TIRE ROTATION, AND SHOP MANAGER INDICATED THAT THE FRONT STRUTS WERE WORN OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT DO THIS SINCE BOTH FRONT STRUT MOUNTS WERE BADLY RUSTED AND WOULD LIKELY BREAK UPON SERVICING. THE REPAIR SHOP WARNED ME TO IMMEDIATELY GET THE STRUT MOUNTS FIXED FOR SAFETY REASONS. I VISITED A LOCAL 5 STAR DODGE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM DOES OCCUR AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY/RECALL. COST TO REPAIR PROBLEM , NO NEW STRUTS WAS $1300. I CALLED A NUMBER OF BODY SHOPS AND FOUND A LOCAL SHOP WHICH HAS BEEN REPAIRING THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2000! THEY SAID THIS PROBLEM WAS COMMON FOR THESE VEHICLES FOR MODEL YEARS 1996-2000 IN THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY. THEY HAD DEVELOPED A SYSTEM TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM INCLUDING REMOVING THE OLD STRUT MOUNTS, MACHINING NEW STRUT MOUNTS FROM ALUMINUM BLOCKS, AND BOLTING/WELDING THEM IN PLACE. REPAIR WAS MADE , EXCLUDING NEW STRUTS FOR $600.*AK
POWER TRAINJuly 16, 2007
FIRST THE CAR WOULD DIE OUT AT ANY GIVEN TIME. WOULD BE DRIVING AROUND WITH CHILDREN AND WIFE ON FREEWAY OR BUSY STREET AND ALL POWER WOULD JUST GO OUT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OFF THE ODOMETER WOULD SAY NO BUS AND CHECKED ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. TOOK DODGE DURAGO TO LOCAL DEALER SHIP TO GET CHECKED OUT AND THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM WOULDN'T SHOW UP ON THERE COMPUTERS. ITS CONSEQUENCES COULD BE THAT A LADY OR ELDER PERSON COULD BE DRIVING A DODGE DURANGO AND THIS HAPPENS TO THEM WELL YOU LOSE ALL POWER OF THE VEHICLE AND POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. WHAT IF THEY CANT CONTROL THIS THEY COULD GET INTO A WRECK AND DIE OR HURT OTHER PEOPLE.WHEN THIS HAPPEND TO MY WIFE SHE WAS ON THE FREEWAY WITH MY 2 CHILDREN IN THE CAR.I HAVE READ MULTIPLE FORUMS WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT WITH THE 99 DODGE DURANGO AND DODGE ACTS LIKE NOTHING IS WRONG I GUESS ITS GOING TO TAKE A MAJOR LAWSUIT FOR THEM TO OPEN THERE EYES. (3)WELL I PURCHASED A REBUILT POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM)OR(ECM)AND FIXED THE PROBLEM RIGHT AWAY.YOU JUST GOT TO FIND A BUISNESS TO REBUILD IT FOR YOU AND THEN HAVE IT FLASHED.IT IS SOMETHING THAT IS VERY EASILY TO BE REPLACED AND COULD SAVE A BUNCH OF LIVES.THANK YOU
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAINJuly 5, 2007
THE FUEL LINE IS NOT SECURED TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE. IT CAME OUT OF ITS OPEN U SHAPED HANGER AND FELL AGAINST THE DRIVELINE. THE DRIVE LINE THEN WORE A HOLE IN THE GAS LINE SHUTTING DOWN THE VEHICLE AND SPEWING FUEL ALL OVER. STRANDING EVERYONE. LUCKILY IT DID NOT START A FIRE FROM THE MUFFLER. IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND TIED TO THE HANGER SO THAT IT WILL NOT COME OUT AGAIN.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 2, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE FAILED ON TWO OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN OCTOBER OF 2006 AND THE SECOND TIME WAS ON JUNE 27, 2007. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD BOTH TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 101,000.
SUSPENSIONJune 22, 2007
UPPER BALL JOINTS ON MY DURANGO THAT ONLY HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT HAVE TO BE CHANGED AND THE REAR IS GOING AND THAT HAS TO BE CHANGED. *TR
SUSPENSIONJune 19, 2007
TIRE HAS BEEN SQUEAKING LOUDLY FOR QUITE A WHILE...FOUND OUT THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. HAD TO HAVE THEM REPLACED.. SAW MULTIPLE THINGS ONLINE SAYING THEY WERE RECALLED FOR OTHER YEARS ,AND CLOSE TO BEING RECALLED FOR THIS MODEL, SO I AM INDICATING THAT THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS...I DRIVE 3 CHILDREN AROUND AND COULD BREAK DOWN WITH THEM. I BOUGHT THIS AS A RELIABLE FAMILY VEHICLE AND IT TURNED INTO A PIECE OF JUNK. *AK
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 11, 2007
I BOUGHT A USED 1999 DURANGO IN 2004 WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER REACHING 51,000 MILES THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT AND TOOK SEVERAL OTHER COMPONENTS WITH IT COSTING $900 IN REPAIRS. NOW AT 67,000 MILES, I NEED TO REPLACE TIRES AGAIN AND REPLACE BALL JOINTS FOR ANOTHER $800. NO CRASHES OR INJURIES, JUST FRUSTRATION AT A POORLY BUILT PRODUCT WHICH NO ONE SEEMS WILLING TO STAND BEHIND. *TR
STEERINGJune 10, 2007
THE SERPENTINE BELT ON THE PULLEY SYSTEM CAME OFF ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THEN ON 6-8-07 THE BELT NOT ONLY CAME OFF AGAIN, BUT THE P/S WHEEL {NOT SURE IF THAT'S THE CORRECT NAME FOR IT} OR PULLEY METAL BRACKET, BROKE COMPLETELY OFF. SO NOW I CAN'T EVEN REPLACE THE BELT THIS TIME, AS THEIR IS NOTHING THERE FOR THE BELT TO MELD/ADHERE TO. THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT OR PROBLEM, MANY CONSUMERS ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME TYPES OF PROBLEMS WITH THE BELTS COMING OFF. BEFORE I INVEST ANYMORE MONEY WITH BELTS AND KITS AND SUCH, I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS REGARDING THE "TENSIONER PULLEY SYSTEM." PLEASE EMAIL ME REGARDING THE ABOVE MENTIONED. THANKS, R.JONAK HARTOFUSA@YAHOO.COM
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10192842ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 7, 2007
1999 DODGE DURANGO SLT 5.9L V8 THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF WITHOUT NOTICE WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN YOU LET THE CAR SIT IT WILL EVENTUALLY START BACK UP AS IF THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS JUST MINE BUT AFTER INVESTIGATING ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALLOT OF PEOPLE. THE PCM HAS ALL READY BEEN REPLACED IN MY VEHICLE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THIS MODEL. THE DODGE COMPANY SHOULD BE MADE TO GO GOOD ON THIS. IT IS SAPPOSE TO BE A FAMILY VEHICLE HOWEVER I AM SCARED EVERY TIME I HAVE TO PUT MY CHILDREN IN IT.YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO STALL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 3, 2007
CONTINUAL SERPENTINE BELT ISSUES WITH DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 1999, IT HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES AND HAS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE SERPENTINE BELT AT LEAST 4 TIMES. ADDITIONALLY, THE BELT HAS COME OFF ON 2 OCCASIONS WHEN VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN THROUGH A PUDDLE. THIS SEEMS EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE. *TR
SUSPENSIONMay 16, 2007
FRONT END WAS HITTING HARD ON EVEN MILDLY ROUGH ROADS. UPON INSPECTION BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE CAUSED BY SEVERE RUSTING OF THE STRUT TOWER MOUNT ON BOTH SIDES. AT THE TIME OF FILING THIS COMPLAINT REPAIRS, COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF STRUT TOWERS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE DUE TO COST , APPROXIMATELY $2800. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY 3 DIFFERENT REPAIR FACILITIES THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH DODGE CARAVANS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEARS! BESIDES THE COSTLY REPAIRS, THIS ALSO PRESENTS A POTENTIALLY A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE!. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 55,000 MILES.*AK
SUSPENSIONApril 30, 2007
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN STRUT TOWERS RUSTED SIGNIFICANTLY AND MAY BREAK. PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. CHRYSLER SHOULD PAY FOR REPAIRS UNDER A RECALL PROGRAM. REFERENCE ODI CASES 10185700, 10183434, 10145830, 10132914, 10130797, 10117269, 10106788, 10101334, 10065499, 10048107, 10168557, 10079282. *AK
STEERING,SUSPENSIONApril 17, 2007
FRONT END PROBLEMS: TIE RODS AND BALL JOINTS FAILED. *AK
POWER TRAINMarch 21, 2007
1999 DODGE DURANGO SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM AT DEALERSHIP, REPLACED NON-DEFECTIVE PARTS, NOW ABOUT TO REPLACE THE PCM TO SEE IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT IN THIS CAR, I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY A SEMI AS WELL AS ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE IT STOPS IN MID-TRAFFIC AND CAUSES NEAR-MISSES. I HAVE SPENT QUITE A BIT OF TIME ONLINE AND SEE THAT NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AND DODGE HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECALL. I AM LOOKING INTO STARTING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST DODGE HERE OUT OF DENVER. MY LIFE IS TOO IMPORTANT, AND AS MANY COMPLAINTS AS THERE HAVE BEEN, THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF A LONG TIME AGO! THE CAR SEEMS TO STALL WHEN IT IS HOT OUT, I JUST REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR...DON'T BOTHER...IT DIDN'T WORK! LAST BREAK DOWN WAS YESTERDAY. CALLED DODGE AND THEY CAN'T HELP ME UNLESS THEY HAVE DODGE PEOPLE DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM...PROBLEM IS YOU CAN'T DUPLICATE IT IN THE SHOP!*AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENTMarch 5, 2007
1999 GRAND CARAVAN - SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHEN IT RAINS OR VEHICLE IS DRIVEN THROUGH WATER, EVEN MINOR AMOUNTS. CAUSES SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, ESPECIALLY IF IT OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING DURING A TURN. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 6 YEARS AND 125,000+ MILES WITHOUT INCIDENT. DURING THE LAST 25,000 MILES BELT HAS COME OFF UNPREDICTABLY 6-8 TIMES IN WET WEATHER. OCCURRENCES STARTED FOLLOWING REPLACEMENT OF FRONT TIRES AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. DEALERS AND SERVICE STATIONS HAVE BLAMED THE TENSIONEER, A PULLEY, THE BELT ITSELF, AND WATER. REPLACEMENT OF THESE PARTS DOES NOTHING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM WHICH OCCURS AGAIN WITH THE NEXT RAIN STORM. SOMETHING CHANGED AT 125,000 MILES THAT CAUSES THE BELT TO DISENGAGE THE PULLEYS AND /OR TENSIONER WHEN WATER IS SPRAYED UP BY THE TIRES IN WET WEATHER. I CHANGED TIRES TO A DIFFERENT TREAD DESIGN AND THIS HELPED FOR A TIME, BUT WITH WEAR THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *JB
STEERINGJanuary 23, 2007
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH 57000 AT PRESENT. WHEN WE HAD 47000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WE WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. UPON TAKING THE VAN TO THE DEALER WE WERE TOLD WE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION TO THE TUNE OF $1350.00 DOLLARS WITH OUT ASSISTANCE FROM CHRYSLER. AT PRESENT WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEM SUCH AS THE VAN WONDERS AND HARD TO STEER. IN ADDITION TO THIS PROBLEM ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE SERPENTINE BELT HAS COME OFF AND HAD TO BE REPLACE 5 TIMES AFTER OR DURING A RAIN STORM SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. IT APPEARS A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS, AND ALTHOUGH MY VAN IS A 1999 MODEL I SHOULD NOT BE EXPERIENCING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH ONLY 57000 MILES, AND CHRYSLER SHOULD CONDUCT A MASSIVE RECALL TO REPAIR AND CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS. *NM
VISIBILITYDecember 27, 2006
WIPERS NOT WORKING ON 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. SURFING THE WEB AND SAW MANY RELATED ISSUES TO THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THERE WERE ENOUGH REPORTS TO REQUEST A RECALL. I CONSIDER THIS SERIOUS ISSUE DUE TO ROAD CONDITION WHEN THE WIPERS ARE NEEDED AND THE VISION IMPACT ALSO. IT ALSO APPEARS THAT CHRYSLER/DODGE IS AWARE OF A PROBLEM. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN TO START THE VEHICLE. THE NATURE OF THE FAILURE WAS GRADUAL WORSENING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY CHANGED 3 YEARS AGO.
TIRESNovember 22, 2006
I PURCHASED 2 BRAND NEW FURTURA 2000 LTE FROM PEPBOYS DROVE THE CAR MAYBE 5 MILES. THEN SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. THE NEXT MORNING I HAD 2 FRONT FLAT- BOTH TIRES WERE LEAKING FROM THE SIDEWALL MEETS THE TREAT. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 9, 2006
THE SERPENTINE BELT ON MY 1999 DODGE CARAVAN KEEPS COMING OFF. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT RAINS. THE BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. THE IDLER PULLEY HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE BELT TENSIONER HAS BEEN REPLACED. AN ENGINE BRACKET FOR THE IDLER PULLEY HAS BEEN REPLACED. WHEN THE BELT COMES OFF , POWER STEERING IS LOST WHICH MAKES IT HARD TO CONTROL THE VAN. IF I WAS NOT A FAIRLY STRONG PERSON I WOULD HAVE HIT A SEMI-TRUCK AT THE LAST INCIDENT. MY WIFE COULD NOT HAVE CONTROLLED IT. THERE IS AN AFTER MARKET FIX FOR THE PROBLEM THROUGH GOODYEAR OR GATES. CHRYSLER DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR IT. BELOW IS THE LATEST INCIDENT. IT HAS HAPPENED FIVE TIMES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. *NM
AIR BAGSOctober 30, 2006
CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING RECALL. THE VEHICLES CLOCKSPRING FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE CONSUMER PAID CASH FOR THE REPAIR AND REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. *TS *NM
TIRESOctober 13, 2006
ON DEC 30, 2004 I PURCHASED 4 NEW COOPER TIRES LABELED SIGMA REGENT (SG00721655). ON JUNE 13, 2006 I REPLACED ONE OF THESE TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION (23,924 MILES). ON OCT 12, 2006 I REPLACED TWO MORE OF THE ORIGINAL FOUR TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION (28,405 MILES). THAT IS THREE OUT OF FOUR TIRES THAT DEVELOPED TREAD SEPARATION. FORTUNATELY, I NOTICED EACH EVENT BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. NONETHELESS, I THINK YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EXCESSIVE TREAD SEPARATION PROBLEMS WE'VE HAD WITH COOPER TIRES. P.S. YOUR FORM DID ALLOW FOR THE ACTUAL TIRE SIZE I PURCHASED. THE TIRES I PURCHASED ARE: 215/65SR15, 9M65. *NM
SUSPENSIONOctober 3, 2006
DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER IS CORRODING AND POPPING THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR ON TIRES, VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, AND COULD POSE A SIGNIFICANT DANGER IF IT WERE TO RUST COMPLETELY THROUGH. AS DESCRIBED BY AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC, THIS ISSUE IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. IF THIS ITEM WERE TO COMPLETELY FAIL SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH COULD RESULT. *JB
AIR BAGSSeptember 29, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL # 04V480000 REGARDING AIRBAGS. THE RECALL NOTICE WAS SENT, THEN THE HORN FAILED TO OPERATE 2 DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG, THE HORN, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD ALL FAILED. THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. FIRST, THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE REASON FOR DENIAL OF REIMBURSEMENT WAS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER THE SAME OWNERSHIP ANYMORE. THE SECOND TIME, THE GIVEN REASON FOR DENIAL WAS THAT THE RECALL NOTICE WAS SENT OUT IN 2004, BUT THE RECALL REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED IN 2006. THE THIRD AND FINAL TIME, THE REASON FOR DENIAL WAS THAT THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE REASON THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP AS OPPOSED TO A DEALER, WAS THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT NEVER ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 11/14/06. *JB
POWER TRAINSeptember 25, 2006
TRANSMISSION BROKE FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. METAL PENETRATED THE CASE, VEHICLE ONLY HAD 38,304 MILES ON IT. IT IS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE. DODGE WOULD NOT COVER IT SINCE THEY BELIEVE IT WAS WEAR AND TEAR. FOR ME THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS WAS AN ACT OF GOD THAT MY HUSBAND WAS NOT KILLED WHILE DRIVING 55 MILES PER HOUR ON THE EXPRESS WAY GOING TO A WEAPONS TRAINING SITE ON THE WISCONSIN/ILLINOIS BOARDER. WE HAD AAA MOTOR CLUB BUT THE NEXT DEALERSHIP WAS OVER 35 MILES AWAY AND THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST. OUR BILL FROM GURNEE DODGE, 7255 GRAND AVENUE (ROUTE 132), GURNEE, IL 60031 WAS $3499.27. AND OUR TOW WAS $125.00. WE NOT ONLY BABY THE CAR, CLEAN IT AND DO PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ON IT EVERY 6 MONTHS, IT SHOCKED THE HELL OUT OF ME TO KNOW MY HUSBAND WAS JUST DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR ON AN OFF RAMP W/ NOTHING BUT A GALLY DROP TO LOOK FORWARD TO. I WAS ANGRY TO SEE THAT DAIMLER CHRYSLER WOULD NOT HELP US WITH THIS KNOWING THAT IT HAS A 7 YEAR 70,000 MILES POWER TRAIN WARRANTY (BUMPER TO BUMPER). THIS WAS NOT MY HUSBAND'S FAULT AND HE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THANK GOD HE'S A COP AND CAN MANEUVER EVEN FROM THE TOUGHEST SITUATIONS. THE AVERAGE CONSUMER IS NOT MY HUSBAND, SO I WRITE YOU THIS NOTE TO MAKE COMPANIES LIKE DAIMLER CHRYSLER HONOR THEIR WARRANTY AND HELP THE CONSUMER WHEN A FAULTY TRANSMISSION BLOWS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE MECHANISM UP TO THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC AT GURNEE SAID MY HUSBAND WAS LUCKY IT HAD NOT PENETRATED THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. IT COULD HAVE KILLED HIM, CUT HIM IN HALF OR EVEN CAUSED MORE DAMAGE. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR HEARING MY VOICE. *NM
EQUIPMENTAugust 25, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A DING DING SOUND WAS HEARD EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE MADE A RIGHT TURN WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE WHERE THE SOUND CAME FROM BUT EXPRESSED THAT NOISE SOUNDED LIKE AN ALARM. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 22, 2006
THE REAR BRAKE LINES FAILED ON OUR 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THIS VEHICLE HAS ABS. FROM THE ABS UNIT TO THE REAR BRAKE DISTRIBUTION BLOCK, THE TWIN BRAKE LINES ARE A COMBINATION OF STEEL AND STEEL BRAIDED LINES. THE ENTIRE LINES ARE APPROXIMATELY 8 FEET LONG. OF THE 8 FEET LENGTH, THERE IS A SECTION OF FLEXIBLE STEEL BRAIDED LINE APPROXIMATELY 7 INCHES LONG. AT THE JUNCTION OF THE STEEL LINE AND THE BRAIDED STEEL LINE, THE LINE FAILED. THERE IS NOT EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE OR ABUSE. THE JUNCTION JUST FAILED. LUCKILY WE WERE JUST PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL JUST WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKE POWER WAS COMPLETELY LOST. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 22, 2006
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN,3.3 LITER ENGINE, STARTED OUT ABOUT ONCE A YEAR THE SERPENTINE BELT WOULD SLIP OFF AND HAVE TO BE REINSTALLED. THEN STARTED EVERY 6 MONTHS, USUALLY DURING WET WEATHER, CAME OFF WITH MY WIFE, SHE WOULD LOSE STEERING ALMOST CAUSING A WRECK. I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE WORK AND GO WHERE EVER SHE WAS AND PUT BELT BACK ON. FINALLY NOTICED THE TENSIONER PULLEY LEANING TO THE LEFT ALLOWING BELT TO SLIP OFF. REPLACED PULLEY THINKING PROBLEM SOLVED, BUT ONCE AGAIN BELT WOULD SLIP OFF DURING A RAIN AND WIPERS ON. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR MY WIFE AGAIN, NO STEERING. TRIED A BETTER QUALITY BELT, SAME THING, BELT WOULD SLIP OFF DURING RAIN. 2 WEEKS AGO IT SLIPPED OFF WITH MY WIFE ON MAJOR FREEWAY IN BIRMINGHAM, AL , I HAD TO GO ABOUT 50 MILES AND PUT BELT BACK ON WITH TRAFFIC SPEEDING BY AND ALL DURING A RAIN STORM OF COURSE. YESTERDAY I DROVE THE VAN TO MY JOB AND ON THE WAY HOME RAN INTO A RAIN STORM AND GUESS WHAT, IT CAME OFF AGAIN, LUCKILY ON THE STREET I LIVE ON. I'VE READ ABOUT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VAN. I'VE OWNED THE VAN SINCE THE BEGINNING, LOVED IT EXCEPT FOR THIS PROBLEM, EVEN BOUGHT A NEW 05 GRAND CARAVAN BECAUSE THEY ARE GOOD VANS. I JUST WISH DODGE WOULD ADMIT THE 99 AND SIMILAR YEARS HAD A RECALL ISSUE ON THIS SERPENTINE BELT. OR WHY CAN'T THEY TELL US, THE OWNERS HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? *JB
SUSPENSIONJuly 30, 2006
SHOCK TOWERS ARE JUST ABOUT RUSTED THROUGH ON 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. RUSTING STARTED 3-4 YEARS AGO. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 26, 2006
DESPITE REGULAR (3,000-MILE OR LESS) OIL CHANGES AT DEALER OR CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH 3.3 LITER ENGINE DEVELOPED SEVERE OIL SLUDGE PROBLEMS. FIRST INDICATION OF PROBLEM WAS A SOFT CLICKING ENGINE NOISE. CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS OIL SLUDGE, SHOWED US CAKED ENGINE COMPONENTS. REPLACED ROCKERS ARMS AND SOME VALVES AND BEARINGS AND FLUSHED ENGINE. REPAIRS NOT SUCCESSFUL, NOISE CONTINUED. RETURNED TO MECHANIC WHO KEPT THE VAN FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND DID SEVERAL MORE ENGINE FLUSHES AND OIL CHANGES. THIS DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM AND MECHANIC WARNED ME THAT DRIVING WOULD SOON LEAD TO MASSIVE ENGINE FAILURE. THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS AN EXPENSIVE OVERHAUL ($7,000-$8,000) OR A NEW/REBUILT ENGINE ($5,000-$6,000) THAT MIGHT STILL HAVE THESE PROBLEMS. AFTER INTERNET RESEARCH, I REALIZED THIS WAS CHRYSLER PROBLEM WITH ENGINE. NOW MY VAN IS AN EXPENSIVE YARD ORNAMENT--AT LEAST UNTIL I DRIVE IT ONE LAST TIME TO TRADE IT IN. I DO NOT CONSIDER IT SAFE TO DRIVE AS MASSIVE FAILURE COULD LEAD TO FIRE OR ACCIDENT. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 13, 2006
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO THAT HAS JUST DEVELOPED A PROBLEM. FOR SOME REASON THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE DRIVING. IT CAN BE ON A SIDE STREET DOWN A NARROW CANYON WHICH JUST HAPPENED TO MY WIFE (THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THE FACT SHE LOST POWER STEERING AND HAD VERY LITTLE CHOICE FOR PULLING OVER). IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY ANOTHER VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR REASONS I DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN. ONCE I PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND LET IT SIT FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES IT STARTS BACK UP AND I AM ON MY WAY. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DODGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY ARE QUITE PUZZLED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST 7-18-06. *JB
SEATSJuly 4, 2006
MY CAR WAS REAR ENDED BY A LARGE PICKUP ON THE FREEWAY. IMMEDIATELY ON IMPACT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK WENT INTO A RECLINED POSITION. THEREFORE, THE ONLY SAFETY DEVICE OPERATIONAL WAS THE LAP BELT AS THE SHOULDER BELT AND HEAD REST DEPEND ON THE SEAT BACK TO BE OF ANY USE AND THE AIRBAG ONLY DEPLOYS IN A FRONT END CRASH. THIS LED TO MY UPPER BODY BEING JERKED ALL OVER THE FRONT OF THE CAR. DODGE'S RESPONSE IS THAT THE SEAT BACK IS SUPPOSED TO DO THIS IN A REAR END CRASH. I FIND THIS RATHER INCREDIBLE AS THAT LEAVES ONLY THE LAP BELT FUNCTIONAL. *JB
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10161384POWER TRAINJune 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE PIN CAME OUT OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 9, 2006
I HAVE REPEATEDLY HAD THE SERPENTINE BELT COME OFF WHILE DRIVING IN MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THIS IS UNSAFE. I LOSE POWER STEERING, A/C OR DEFROSTER, THE VAN OVERHEATS UNLESS YOU PARK IT INSTANTLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES AND I HAVE REPLACED THE TENSION PULLEY AND IT STILL DIDN'T HELP. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 21, 2006
1) TRAVEL TO LOCAL OIL CHANGE GARAGE. 2) IN PARKING LOT THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE WITH DRASTIC LOSS OF BRAKING. 3) VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED HOME (COST $85.00). I REPLACED BOTH RUSTED (ONE RUPTURED) BRAKE LINES (WHICH RAN FROM THE ABS CONTROLLER TO THE REAR BRAKES) WITH AUTO PARTS STORE HARDWARE ($41.00 LINES & FITTINGS, & $5.00 FLUID) AFTER BEING INFORMED THAT RUSTING LINES ARE NOT THE MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSIBILITY AND THAT MANUFACTURER REPLACEMENT LINES ARE NOT STOCKED AFTER 2 OR 3 YEARS. (THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME AS I WOULD EXPECT THAT BRAKE LINE FAILURES WOULD NOT OCCUR IN THE FIRST FEW YEARS OF SERVICE.) I HAVE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE LINES RUNNING TO THE MASTER CYLINDER SHOW SIMILAR DETERIORATION WHICH WILL SOON REQUIRE THEIR REPLACEMENT AS WELL. THE LINES ARE CORRODING IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF THE STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED HOSE SECTIONS WHICH APPEAR TO BE OF METAL DIFFERING FROM WHAT THE BRAKE LINE ITSELF IS MADE FROM. GIVEN THAT THE FAILURE IS OCCURRING IN AN AREA WHICH APPEARS TO HAVE DISSIMILAR METALS (AN OBVIOUS FAILURE POINT IN AREAS USING SALT ON THE ROADS DURING WINTER - SEE ARTICLES COVERING "GALVANIC CORROSION") THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE MADE EFFORT TO KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING AND SHOULD OFFER SOME SORT OF REPAIR / RECALL ARRANGEMENT. FORTUNATELY FOR ME, THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT, NOT AT SEVENTY MILES PER HOUR ON AN INTERSTATE OR IN RUSH OUR TRAFFIC, BUT I'M SURE THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE RIDING AROUND WITH THIS TICKING TIME BOMB ON BOARD. COULD YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20-40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLS. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE RESTARTS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO TWO DEALERSHIPS, BUT THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWS NO CODES.
POWER TRAINFebruary 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE SLID OFF OF THE ROAD INTO A SNOW BANK AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED A PIN IN THE TRANSMISSION CAME OUT, CAUSING THE WHEELS TO LOCK UP. THE PIN IN THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 03/15/06. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 23, 2006
STARTER SOLENOID FAILED, STUCK IN "ON" POSITION. WOULD NOT SHUT OFF WHEN ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. CLOUDS OF ACRID SMOKE POURED OUT FROM UNDER VEHICLE. I REMOVED BATTERY CABLE AND TOWED CAR TO MECHANIC. DEALER REPLACED STARTER. 67,000 MILES SIMILAR TO COMPLAINT #10138490. *NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 22, 2006
ON MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AWD 3.8 LITER 4 SPEED AUTOMATIC THE TRANSMISSION WENT INTO LIMP MODE,SPEEDOMETER,ODOMETER QUIT WORKING AND THE GAS GAUGE IS WACKY. HAD THE CODES READ AND THEY CAME BACK AS SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTION AND TCM NOT COMMUNICATING WITH PCM. I CHANGE THE SPEED SENSORS AND THE TCM AND PAID A DEALER TO DO A "QUICK LEARN PROCEDURE"AND DEALER TELLS ME THAT THE PROCEDURE WON'T WORK BECAUSE ONE OF THE COMPONENTS WON'T COMMUNICATE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURED WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH A CANYON IN UTAH ON HIGHWAY 6 KNOWN AS "ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS HIGHWAYS IN UTAH"WHILE MY 4 CHILDREN AND WIFE WERE IN THE VEHICLE.IT HAS STILL NOT BEEN FIXED AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY THE DEALER AND I HAVE NO WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO FIX MYSELF IF SOMEONE AT CHRYSLER WOULD AT LEAST TELL ME WHAT TO FIX! THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THE SPEEDO GOING OUT AND THE TRANNY NOT SHIFTING!!! THIS HAPPENED AT NORMAL DRIVING SPEEDS WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON UNTIL AFTER IT WENT INTO LIMP MODE. *NM
AIR BAGSFebruary 14, 2006
1999 CARAVAN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED. *TS THE AIR BAGS SHOULD ONLY HAVE DEPLOYED DURING A FRONTAL COLLISION, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER WROTE THE CONSUMER EXPLAINING, THAT BASED ON THEIR INSPECTION, IT WAS REVEALED THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. *JB
Crash reported
NHTSA #10151897SUSPENSIONJanuary 24, 2006
I FAILED THE VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION ON 23 JANUARY 2005 BECAUSE OF MALFUNCTIONED SUSPENSION. THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS HAVE TO BE REPLACED ON 1999 DODGE DURANGO. THE INSPECTION FACILITY TOLD ME THAT 7 OUT OF 10 OLDER DODGES HAVE THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM, IT IS A RASH OF THEM FAILING AND THAT THEY ARE SHOULD BE ON RECALL. MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE IS OVER 130,000. I CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT MERCHANTS WHO DO REPAIR WORK, BOTH HAVE INDICATED THEY BELIEVE THESE TO BE ON RECALL BECAUSE OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED MY DODGE DEALER WHO SAID THEY ARE NOT ON RECALL. I CONTACTED THE DODGE COMPANY AND THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT ON RECALL, BUT ALL THE MERCHANTS FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND CONSIDERING THE FAILURE RATE THEY SEE. HOW DO WE GO ABOUT GETTING THIS INVESTIGATED AND POSSIBLY HAVING THIS FAILURE ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST? THANK YOU.*AK
SUSPENSIONJanuary 3, 2006
UPPER BALL JOINT REPORTED VERY LOOSE BY MECHANIC. MUST BE REPLACED ASAP. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME BALL JOINT NEED REPLACING. FIRST TIME AT 62,000 MILES NOW AGAIN AT 92,000 MILES. DCC PROVIDED ASSISTANCE THE FIRST TIME REFUSED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE THE SECOND TIME. *JB
POWER TRAINDecember 14, 2005
DODGE GRAND CARAVAN DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 2, 2005
WE OWN A 1999 DODGE INTREPID WITH 69,225 MILES ON IT TO DATE. ON NOVEMBER 30TH, 2005 MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING AT ALL, THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED OUT (INCLUDING THE BRAKES). HE HAD TO SWERVE MANY TIMES TO AVOID HITTING OTHER VEHICLES AND NEARLY RUNNING HIMSELF RIGHT OFF THE ROAD. WE HAD THIS CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP WHICH THEY IN TURN TELL US THE ENGINE IS FULL OF SLUDGE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (A COST OF $6,900). WE WERE FORCED TO SELL THIS MINT CONDITION CAR FOR SCRAP PARTS WITH LITTLE MONEY TO SHOW FOR IT. CHRYSLER HAS KNOWN OF THIS ENGINE PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME NOW AND THEY REFUSE TO OFFER ANY HELP FOR US OWNERS. OUTRAGEOUS AND UNBELIEVABLE!!!! WE WILL NEVER, EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER DODGE/CHRYSLER VEHICLE AGAIN!!! *NM
STEERINGNovember 15, 2005
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, AT 48,000 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE RACK & PINION REPLACED IN THE VEHICLE AT THE COST OF $1300.00 DOLLARS. CHRYSLER WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCT. I HAVE HEARD OF ANOTHER CASE IN POINT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THIS IN SUCH A SHORT AMOUNT OF MILES SINCE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN BY MY WIFE TO AND FROM WORK ONLY ON STREET SURFACE. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE CHECKED TO SEE HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND REQUIRE CHRYSLER TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. *JB
AIR BAGSNovember 14, 2005
MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WARNING LIGHT CAME FOR THE AIRBAG. I ALSO LOST THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE HORN. THIS ALL HAPPENED ON 11/4/05. I STARTED UP THE CAR AND THEN ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER BECAUSE THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY FRIENDS DODGE. THE DEALER STATED THIS HAPPENS A LOT ON THIS MODEL AND THE REPAIR IS AROUND 150 DOLLARS. I WAS WONDERING IF YOU HAD A RECALL OR RECEIVED ANY OTHER COMPLAINT ON THIS MATTER. THANK YOU IN ADVANCED. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 9, 2005
I PURCHASED THIS 1999 DODGE INTREPID USED FROM A DEALERSHIP IN THE SUMMER OF 2003. I JUST RECENTLY GRADUATED COLLEGE AND THIS WAS THE FIRST CAR THAT I HAVE EVER FINANCED. I WAS EXTREMELY EXCITED AND PROUD TO BE THE OWNER OF A NEWER VEHICLE. WHEN WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IT HAD LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON IT. WE ALSO BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE. THIS SUMMER WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH OUR CHILDREN IT SUDDENLY SHOOK AND SHUTTERED AND THEN QUIT RUNNING ALMOST CAUSING THEM TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT ON A BUSY AND DANGEROUS EXPRESSWAY. WE HAD THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT BY SEVERAL MECHANICS AND THE VERDICT WAS THE SAME THAT WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT A COST OF MORE THAN 5,000.00. THIS ABOUT MADE ME SICK AS WE STILL OWNED OVER 4500 ON THE CAR TO THE BANK. I HAD NOT CHOICE BUT TO PAY THE REPAIRED BILL AND HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. I WAS FORCED TO RE-MORTGAGE MY HOUSE TO PAY THIS EXPENSE. AT THE TIME OF THE BREAKDOWN THE VEHICLE HAD JUST LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. THE MECHANIC EXPLAINED TO ME THE PROBLEM FROM THE ENGINE WAS CAUSED BY SLUDGE. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD JUST RECEIVED A MECHANIC BULLETIN THAT THESE CARS NEED TO HAVE THERE OIL CHANGED EVERY 1000 MILES. THIS INFORMATION ABOUT MADE ME SICK. I WAS RELIGIOUS IN CHANGING THE OIL AND MAINTAIN THIS VEHICLE IT WAS MY PRIZED POSITION. I WOULD REQUEST THAT YOU PLEASE OPEN A CASE FILE AND LOOK INTO HELPING COMPENSATE ME FOR THIS HUGE EXPENSE THAT APPEARS TO A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE. *NM
SUSPENSIONNovember 9, 2005
PURCHASED 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN NEW. I HAVE OBSERVED SEVERE RUSTING ON THE FRONT DRIVER STRUT TOWER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY A FEW YEARS OLD AND NOW IT IS RUSTING THROUGH. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS ON 1996-2000 MODELS AND HAS CHRYSLER TSB #23-0044-02 OPEN AGAINST IT. APPARENTLY MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM, AND CHRYSLER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER REPAIR. IS THIS NOT A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE? *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 2, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT'S WIFE DROVE IN THE RAIN AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 27, 2005
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JOLTED, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR CAME TO A HALT. THERE WAS NEVER ANY WARNING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. ONCE TOWED, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED A NEW ONE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED ON A REGULAR BASIS. THIS HAPPENED IN FLORIDA, SO THE CAR NEEDED TO BE TOWED BACK TO OUR HOME IN SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE TUNE OF $1000.00. WE THEN HAD THE MECHANIC THAT WORKS ON THE CAR SEARCH FOR A SALVAGED ENGINE. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK, HE WAS ABLE TO LOCATE ONE AND PUT THAT IN THE CAR. THAT COST WAS ALMOST $3000.00. WE THEN STARTED EXPERIENCING ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS...THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T WORK, THE ALTERNATOR WENT, THE BATTERY CONTINUED TO BE DRAINED. AFTER ALL THIS WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED, WE ARE OUT ALMOST $5500.00. THIS HAS INVOLVED A LOT OF TIME AND INCONVENIENCE TO OUR FAMILY SINCE THIS CAR IS THE PRIMARY TRANSPORTATION FOR OUR SON AT COLLEGE. HE HAS HAD TO TAKE ONE OF OUR CARS TO SCHOOL WHILE WE HAVE SPENT 3 MONTHS TRYING TO CORRECT ALL OF THESE ITEMS DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE. IN TALKING WITH THE CHRYSLER HEADQUARTERS, THEY HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE ENGINE FAILURE SITUATION AND APPARENT "SLUG" IN THE LINES, HOWEVER, THEY HAVE NOT HEARD IT ENOUGH TO WARRANT A RECALL OR RE-IMBURSE THOSE OF US THAT HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS TO CORRECT THEIR PROBLEM. OUR BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THIS CAR HAS ALL THESE NEW PARTS AND SHOULD LAST OUR SON THROUGH THE NEXT 4 YEARS OF COLLEGE, HOWEVER, WHAT'S NOT TO SAY THIS COULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN WITH THE SALVAGED ENGINE? WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY AND ALL ASSISTANCE.*JB
SUSPENSIONOctober 23, 2005
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH 96,000 MILES IS BADLY RUSTED AT THE TOP OF THE FRONT STRUT WELLS. EXCESSIVE WATER IS COLLECTING ON TOP OF THE STRUT WELLS AND EATING AWAY AT THE STEEL. I REMOVED THE LOOSE CHUNKS OF RUSTED STEEL AND FOUND HOLES OVER BOTH WHEELS. FIRST NOTICE THE RUST ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRUTS POPPING THROUGH THE HOOD. I AM CURIOUS TO KNOW IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *NM
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGSOctober 6, 2005
DT: CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO JACK ELLIS DODGE IN GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA FOR RECALL REPAIR OF THE CLOCK SPRING, D17. CONSUMER HAD BEEN HAVING PROBLEM WITH PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW NOT ROLLING DOWN OR UP SOMETIMES. CONSUMER HAD THIS PROBLEM 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO RECALL REPAIR. CONSUMER ASKED DEALER IF THIS MAY BE RELATED TO RECALL REPAIR, AND DEALER CHECKED IT AND SAID HE WAS NOT SURE IF IT WAS RELATED. MANUFACTURER SAID IT COULD BE A PART OF THE CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM. CONSUMER SAYS THAT WHEN AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON POWER WINDOW WORKED, BUT WHEN IT WAS OFF WINDOW WILL NOT WORK. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT MOTOR FOR WINDOW WAS ON ITS WAY OUT, AND REPAIR WOULD COST $500. CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO CLOCK SPRING. CONSUMER MARKED DOOR PANEL TO SEE IF DEALER WOULD TAKE PANEL OFF TO CHECK MOTOR, AND SAID THAT DOOR PANEL WAS NOT REMOVED TO CHECK MOTOR.*AK *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 4, 2005
I WENT OUT TO START MY CAR (1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE) AND IT INITIALLY WOULDN'T START. THERE WAS JUST A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE STARTER BUT IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. I TRIED IT A COUPLE MORE TIMES AND IT FINALLY STARTED. BUT THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL RATTLING NOISE. I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY OFF AND THE ENGINE STOPPED BUT SOME PART ON THE CAR KEPT RUNNING. I HAD MY FIANCE LOOK AT IT - HE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON EITHER. IT DROVE OK AROUND THE BLOCK BUT IT SOUNDED HORRIBLE. HE COULDN'T GET IT TO TURN OFF COMPLETELY EITHER. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. MY FIANCE COULD SEE IT WAS IN THE AREA OF THE STARTER. INITIALLY, IF THE CAR WAS LEFT IDLING, THE SMOKE LESSENED BUT IF THE IGNITION WAS SHUT OFF THE SMOKE GOT WORSE. SO WE LEFT IT IDLING WHILE WE LOOKED FOR POSSIBLE WAYS TO SHUT IT OFF COMPLETELY. AFTER A FEW MORE MINUTES, THE SMOKE BEGAN AGAIN AND THERE WERE FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD AROUND THE STARTER. I CALLED 911 TO GET THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HERE WHILE MY FIANCE USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AFTER WE WERE ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH THE EXTINGUISHER AND THEY HELPED US DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE IN A SAFE MANNER SO THAT EVERYTHING SHUT OFF. THE FIREMAN SUGGESTED WE CHECK FOR POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH OTHER VANS LIKE OURS AND TO FILE A COMPLAINT REGARDING OUR EXPERIENCE. THEY TOOK DOWN MY INFORMATION AND FILED A REPORT FOR THEIR RESPONSE TO THE FIRE. WE REPLACED THE STARTER AND CHECKED ALL THE CONNECTIONS FOR FIRE DAMAGE. THE OLD STARTER WAS TAKEN BY THE AUTO PARTS STORE SO IT IS NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE. THE MECHANIC AT THE STORE SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE SOLENOID ON THE STARTER WAS STUCK IN THE "ON" MODE AND THAT WAS WHAT CAUSED THE ODD NOISE AND SUBSEQUENT FIRE. SINCE THEN, EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE RUNNING JUST FINE. *JB
Fire reported
NHTSA #10138490SUSPENSIONSeptember 18, 2005
I GOT A INSPECTION DONE. MECHANIC NOTICED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE EXTREMELY BAD. HE CALLED MANUFACTURE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE BALL JOINTS. I GOT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED AND A YEAR LATER I'M HAVING PROBLEMS W/ THE BALL JOINTS AGAIN. I'M ALSO EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS W/ THE WINDOW MOTOR. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 14, 2005
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN METAL BRAKE LINE BURST AND THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED A REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR COSTS.*MR WHEN PARKED CONSUMER'S WIFE PUT FOOTON THE BRAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. SHE WAS LEFT WITHOUT BRAKES. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY AND /OR HEAVY TRAFFIC IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CHRYSLER EALERSHIP, AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT BRAKE LINE BURST. CONSUMER'S REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT WAS DENIED BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 13, 2005
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. I FOUND THAT I HAVE SEVERELY RUSTED BRAKE LINES. (I JUST HAPPENED TO LOOK MY SELF) THEY LOOK LIKE THEY WILL BURST ANY MINUTE. I HAVE DETAILED PICTURES. SEEMS WRONG TO ME THAT A CAR MANUFACTURER WOULD BE SO CHEAP AS TO USE BRAKE LINES THAT RUST. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 24, 2005
99 DODGE DURANGO ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD UP. 67K MILES - LOW OIL PRESSURE CHECKED 6 MOS AGO - DEALER FOUND LEAK ONLY - THEN ENGINE BLEW THIS WEEK - DEALER SHOULD HAVE ADVISED THIS WAS A RECURRING PROBEM WITH THE DODGE ENGINES AND MAYBE WE COULD HAVE HAD THE SLUDGE BUILD UP REMOVED BEFORE THE ENGINE BLEW. NOW IT WILL COST $5,000 TO REPLACE ENGINE. IS THERE A CLASS ACTION SUIT WE CAN JOIN? THIS IS DECEITFUL, DISHONEST, AND A TRAVISITY ON CHRYSLER'S BEHALF - UNLESS OF COURSE THEY WILL HELP WITH THE REPAIR COST OF THE NEW ENGINE! PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 23, 2005
RIGHT PARK LAMP AND LIGHTED INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE. SHORT LOCATED IN WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH NEAR FIREWALL ON THE INTERIOR SIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALER UNABLE TO LOCATE SHORT WITHOUT DISMANTLING VEHICLE. DELEARSHIP BYBASS SHORT BY JUMPING AREA WHERE SHORT WAS FOUND USING A NEW WIRE.
SUSPENSIONAugust 8, 2005
THE FRONT UPPER DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT MOUNT IS BULGING UP, OUT OF SHAPE, MAKING THE VEHICLE 1/2 INCH OUT OF LEVEL AND HAS ALLOWED WATER TO UNDERCUT THE MOUNT. THIS IS IN AN AREA THAT IS UNDER THE HOOD AND NOT ACCESSIBLE TO WATER. OUR MECHANIC SAID THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE STRUT WHICH SUPPORTS THE CORNER OF THE CAR COULD RUPTURE THE MOUNT AND GO THROUGH THE HOOD RESULTING IS LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DANGER TO OUR LIVES. THE MOUNT IS PART OF VEHICLE BODY AND SUPPORTS THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S MISTAKE IS THAT THEY BADLY ENGINEERED THIS COMPONENT OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM . THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS NO PROBLEM CHRYSLER SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM WITH THE STRUCTURE OF THEIR VEHICLE (1999 GRAND CARAVAN) AT THEIR EXPENSE. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT HE HAS SEEN OTHER GRAND CARAVANS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT CHRYSLER FIXED THEM AT CHRYSLER'S EXPENSE. *NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJune 28, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING ON I-95 CONSUMER NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS GOING FAST, SHE TOOK FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE DIDN'T SLOW DOWN, SHE THEN TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR TO TRY AND SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN THIS ONLY MADE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE FASTER. CONSUMER THEN GOT INTO THE BREAK DOWN LANE AND PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED TO 65 MPH. CONSUMER FINALLY TURNED THE IGNITION OFF TO STOP THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CALLED CONCORD STATE POLICE TO ASSIST. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED, AND THE REPAIR MAN STATED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS FRAYED AND GOT STUCK IN THE HOUSING, AND COULDN'T COME OUT OF HOUSING. THE CONSUMER ACTUALLY STILL HAS THE CABLE.*AK THROTTLE CABLE REPLACED. *TT
SUSPENSIONJune 1, 2005
STRUT TOWER CORROSION CHRYSLER TSB23-044-02
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHERMay 31, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. HE STATES THAT FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS ALL THE GAUGES WILL GO OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING. ALSO, WHILE THIS PROBLEM WAS HAPPENING ABS BRAKES FAILED. DEALER SAID THAT THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. THEY COULD REPROGRAM OR REBUILD IT. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT TABULATE MILES. HE HAS KNOWN 1994'S TO DO THE SAME THING . THEY REPLACED THE BCM, AND A COUPLE OF YEARS LATER IT WENT OUT AGAIN. IF CONSUMER TAKES Y FIST AND HITS THE DASH THE LIGHTS WILL COME BACK ON. THIS WORKED FOR A WHILE BUT SINCE THE PROBLEM WAS HAPPENING MORE OFTEN THIS DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM ANYMORE. HE CHECKED THE NHTSA WEBSITE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND HAS SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED BUT UNDER DIFFERENT COMPONENTS. THE CAR WAS ACTUALLY FALSIFYING MILEAGE BECAUSE IT WILL NOT TABULATE THE MILES CORRECTLY. HE HAD THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE 1994 DODGE OWNER.*AK
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAINMay 20, 2005
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HAS EXCESSIVE RUST EATING AWAY AT THE INNER STRUT PLATE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.*MR THE DEALER'S TECHNICIAN WAS REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE RUST ON STRUT PLATE. *BF *NM
POWER TRAINApril 25, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO LOW GEARS. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT VEHICLE WILL BE REAR ENDED IF PROBLEM CONTINUED. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGApril 24, 2005
HEADLIGHT LENSES HAVE BECOME CLOUDED AND MAKE IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT ON UNLIGHTED ROADS. *JB
SUSPENSIONApril 22, 2005
THE UPPER STRUT TOWER HAD RUSTED OUT. THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, HOWEVER THEY WILL DO NOTHING TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER IN GETTING THE REPAIRS COMPLETED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PLEASE PROVIDE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 17, 2005
TIMING BELT AND CHAIN WENT OUT AT 60,000 MILES WITH NO WARNING. WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR 3 HOURS WAITING FOR A TOW. WHEN IT WENT OUT IT DAMAGED OTHER PARTS OF THE VECHICLE AS WELL. PUT A HOLE IN THE OIL RESEVOIR AS WELL.*AK
AIR BAGSApril 8, 2005
VEHICLE WAS ON THE ROAD ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND HIT THE GUARD RAIL ON THE FRONT LEFT DUE TO FLAT TIRE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #10117635ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 8, 2005
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WOULD DROP TO 0 & CHECK GAUGES LIGHT WOULD COME ON. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO 3 DIFFERENT GARAGES. THEY SAID TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT GETS WORSE THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM KEPT HAPPENING & I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK (AS I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY) THEY SAID THAT I NEED TO REPLACE MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THEY DID THAT & THE TRUCK CONTINUED WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN 6000 MILES LATER & THEY ARE SAYING THAT THERE IS SLUDGE IN MY OIL & IT IS A LACK OF MAINTENANCE. I SHOWED THEM MY MAINTENANCE RECORDS PROVING THAT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. THEY ARE STILL DENYING MY CLAIM & I AM NOW STUCK WITH A TRUCK PAYMENT ON A TRUCK THAT NEEDS AN ENGINE!! *AK
SUSPENSIONMarch 30, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE FELL OFF. DRIVER PULLED OVER, AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 2, 2005
I BOUGHT A 1999 DODGE INTREPID WITH A 2.7L ENGINE. IN DECEMBER 2004, THE OIL LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING WHENEVER I STOPPED, AND THE ENGINE SEEMED TO BE BURNING OIL. WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 10, JUST OUTSIDE TUCSON, AZ, MY CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED AND LOST ALMOST ALL MOMENTUM. LUCKILY, IT WAS A SATURDAY MORNING AND TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT. I GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND, AT NO MORE THAN 35 MPH, MANAGED TO MAKE IT TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP NEARBY. I WAS TOLD THE TECHNICIAN WAS NOT WORKING, BUT SOMEONE DID LOOK AT THE ENGINE AND TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE. HE SAID IT WAS JUST LOW ON OIL. HE ADDED SOME, AND TOLD ME I COULD MAKE IT THE REST OF THE WAY HOME (AN HOUR ON THE INTERSTATE/HIGHWAY). I DID MAKE IT HOME, BUT THE CAR NEVER STARTED AGAIN. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP NEAR MY HOUSE, AND WAS TOLD REPAIR COST WOULD BE AROUND $6500. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE ENGINE WAS FLAWED - THE OIL LINES ARE TOO SMALL TO SUFFICIENTLY LUBRICATE THE ENGINE, AND THE ENGINE BURNS SO HOT THE OIL IT DOES GET JUST SLEDGES IT UP. HE ALSO ADMITTED SEEING THE SAME PROBLEM IN SEVERAL INTREPID WITH THE SAME ENGINE, DESPITE REGULARITY OF OIL CHANGES. *AK
AIR BAGSFebruary 16, 2005
'RECALL CAMPAIGN' ISSUED FOR CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY ON GRAND CARAVAN 1999. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR HIS VAN BUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S NAME ON THE NOTICE. *JB
POWER TRAINFebruary 14, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 11, 2005
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC SHOP FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE CONSUMER ENGINE EXHAUST CROSSOVER PIPE CRACKED. *TC *JB
STEERING,SUSPENSIONFebruary 10, 2005
HAD TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL AS RIGHT SIDE INNER TIE ROD. *AK
SUSPENSIONJanuary 21, 2005
CORROSION ON THE TOP OF THE STRUT TOWERS (BOTH SIDES) ON THE 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR *TT *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 17, 2005
MY 99 DODGE INTREPID BEGAN MAKING NOISES. LOUD KNOCKING NOISES ONE DAY. I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. IT WAS THEN I WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED A TIMING SENSOR. THAT JOB COST ME $380 DOLLARS. AFTER 15 MINUTES OF RUNNING, THE ENGINE TOTALLY SEIZED UP. PRIOR TO THIS, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF LOOKING AT THE ENGINE ON THE INSIDE AND WAS TOTALLY DISGUSTED WITH WHAT I SAW. I WAS WARNED THAT THE ENGINE MAY SEIZE UP AND THAT I MOST LIKELY NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. MY CAR HAD ABOUT 74,5 MILES ON IT. IT WAS A GOOD PERFORMING CAR. I AM IN A TERRIBLE FINANCIAL BIND NOW TRYING TO RAISE THE $3200 TO REPLACE MY ENGINE. I DID NOT KNOW THAT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE 2.7 WAS SO AWFUL AND NOT LONG LASTING. THERE DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST DODGE/CHRYSLER. MY PLAN IS TO GET THE CAR FIXED AND TRADE IT IN WITHIN 3 MONTHS. I WON'T EVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE OR CHRYSLER VEHICLE AGAIN AS LONG AS I LIVE. *JB
STRUCTUREJanuary 12, 2005
THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR ELECTRICAL ACTUATOR UNIT BLEW OUT. CONSUMER DISCOVERED YOU CANNOT OVER RIDE THE DOOR IN ANY WAY TO GAIN ACCESS TO THAT SECTION OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
SUSPENSIONJanuary 11, 2005
THE UPPER BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND THE LOWER BALL JOINTS TWICE. THE CONSUMER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE BALL JOINT RECALL 04V596000.*AK
STEERINGJanuary 11, 2005
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. A BOLT THAT IS IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING BAR CAME OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WE STOPPED AT A GAS STATION DRIVING SOUTH ON 95. WHEN WE STARTED DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN, I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT IN ITS NORMAL POSITION WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH NORMALLY HAS THE REMOTE CONTROLS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER (CONTROLS ARE TO BE AT 3:00 ON THE RIGHT AND 9:00 ON THE LEFT), HAD SHIFTED TO ABOUT ALMOST 6:00 FOR THE RIGHT AND 12:00 FOR THE LEFT. I COULD STILL CONTROL THE VAN, SO I PULLED OFF ON THE NEXT EXIT. THE GARAGE MECHANIC CHECKED AND REALIZED THE BOLT UNDERNEATH HAD COME OFF. HE FOUND ANOTHER BOLT THE SAME SIZE AND PUT IT BACK IN. I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION IN FLORIDA THE NEXT DAY AND TOOK THE VAN TO A NTB STORE. THEY CHECKED OUT THE NEW BOLT AND THE ALIGNMENT OF THE VAN AND SAID EVERYTHING LOOKED OKAY. *AK
SUSPENSIONJanuary 10, 2005
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. I HAD BEEN HAVING DRIVING/STEERING PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT WHEELS. THEY SEEMED TO BE "SLIPPING". TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED RECALL FOR DURANGOS FOR 2000-2003,I TOOK MY DURANGO TO THE SHOP TO BE INSPECTED. THEY TOLD ME THE BALL JOINTS FOR THE FRONT WHEELS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AS THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS. THIS SEEMS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM AS WITH THE 2000-2003 MODEL YEARS. I CONTACTED CHYRSLER ABOUT THIS, BUT THEY TOLD ME MY CAR WAS TOO OLD AND WAS NOT IN THE RECALL. I TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM WAS THE SAME, YET THEY CHOSE NOT TO CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY ISSUES OF THIS MODEL. ALTHOUGH I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A WRECK, I FEEL THAT THIS MAY BE HAPPENING TO 1999 DURANGOS AND THIS MODEL YEAR SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OR AT LEAST CHECKED INTO. IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME TO KEEP THE OLD PARTS. MY TRUST WAS IN CHRYSLER, BUT CONSIDERING THE LACK OF CONCERN ON THEIR PART, I DON'T BELIEVE THEY ARE TRUSTWORTHY. *AK
POWER TRAINJanuary 7, 2005
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, VIN # [XXX] WITH 47,300 MILES. HERE LATELY IT WILL SHIFT ROUGH SOMETIMES AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A SERVICE BULLITTEN CONCERNING THIS SITUATION OR IF IT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED AND WHAT I SHOULD ADVISE THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO CHECK. I AM NOT SURE THEY SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION AT 25,000 MILES. AS A SERVICE AND TRAINING MANAGER FOR YORK I KNOW THE VALUE OF CORRECT SERVICE. THANKS. *AK UPDATED 07/24/2012 *JS
SUSPENSIONJanuary 1, 2005
1999 DODGE DURANGO. HAD TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS WHEN MECHANIC TOLD US THE WHEELS WOULD FALL OFF. BILL WAS OVER $800. RECENTLY DODGE RECALLED DURANGO SUVS STARTING IN 2000. THE PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY DID NOT START IN 2000 AND MY 1999 SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND THEY SHOULD STAND UP AND EXTEND TO ALL MODELS. NO CLEAR REASON NOT TO EXCEPT TO SAVE MONEY. I WANT TO GET AN ANSWER. (SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA # 04V596000)*JB
STEERING,SUSPENSIONDecember 21, 2004
A ROUTINE TRIP TO HAVE NEW TIRES PUT ON MY 1999 DURANGO LEAD TO MAJOR REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THEY COULD NOT DO THE ALIGNMENT DUE TO BAD UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. WHEN TAKING IT IN FOR FURTHER INSPECTION ANDSERVICE, THEY HAD TO REPLACE "SLOPPY" UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL AS ADJUST THE LOOSE STEERING GEAR. (THE STEERING HAS ALWAYS BEEN LOSE BUT THEY'VE NEVER DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL NOW). THE ITEMIZED WORK SHEET DOES NOT INDICATE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED, YET STATED THEY WERE. AND BAD UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WAS NOT THE FULL EXTENT OF WHAT WAS WRONG. WE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE TIE RODS AND SWAY BUSHINGS. ON A VEHICLE THAT IS 5 YEARS OLD, HAD 55K MILES AND DRIVEN CONSERVATIVELY, THESE MAJOR REPAIRS SHOULD NOT BE NEEDED. THANKFULLY THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS.*AK
SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENTDecember 20, 2004
L999 DODGE DURANGO UPPER AND OR LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURES ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS OVER A FOUR YEAR PERIOD. UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS USED AS ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER INSTALLED AND REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE KNOWN TO BE DEFICIENT ACCORDING TO NHTSA, AND ACCIDENTS AS WELL AS EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT COSTS HAVE OCCURED. I AM NOW IN MY FOURTH REPLACEMENT CYCLE, WITH UPPER BALL JOINTS HAVING BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND THE LOWERS NOW IN THEIR SECOND TIME. NHTSA HAS FAILED TO INCLUDE L998 AND L999 MODEL YEARS, ALLOWING DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO SLIP THE NOOSE REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAME DEFECTIVE PARTS USED IN 2000-2004 MY VEHICLES. NHTSA SHOULD REQUIRE DODGE TO INCLUDE L998, L999 MODEL YEARS IN ITS RECALL INVESTIGATION. DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE REJECTED MY TWO SEPARATE APPEALS FOR REPLACEMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT, ONE IN 2003 AND THE OTHER IN 2004 PARTS FAILURE DATES WERE 12/27/01, 12/27/03, APRIL '04 AND ON 12/L8/04.*AK
Crash reportedFire reported
NHTSA #10104144SUSPENSIONDecember 14, 2004
I HAVE A 1999 DURANGO. IT SEEMED TO BE DRIVING DIFFERENT. MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE FRONT TIRES WERE WORN IN THE INSIDE EDGE. HE TOOK IT TO A GARAGE. HE FOUND OUT THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. HE WAS TOLD HE SHOULDN'T DRIVE IT OFF THE LOT. THEY WERE THAT BAD. IT COST OVER $500 TO HAVE IT FIXED. I HAVE THREE CHILDREN. WHAT IF MY TIRES HAD FALLEN OFF? THE 1999 DURANGO'S SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK
SUSPENSIONDecember 13, 2004
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO WITH FRONT SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME I HAVE SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT BALL JOINTS, HUBS ETC... I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL FROM DODGE ON THE YEAR 2000 THRU 2003 FOR THIS PROBLEM. I THE MODEL YEAR 1999 COVERED? THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS THE SAME.
SUSPENSIONDecember 13, 2004
I HAD MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN IN FOR REGULAR SERVICING AND THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS RUST PROBLEM WITH THE LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER. THE PERSON FROM THE SHOP WHO CALLED ME SUGGESTED THAT I TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP TO BE EVALUATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I DISCOVERED LATER THAT THE ACTUAL MECHANIC LOOKING AT THE PROBLEM WROTE: "RECOMMEND: GET NEW VEHICLE SOON!"THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT A 1999 WOULD BE SO BADLY RUSTED AND QUOTED ME AN ESTIMATE OF $1300 TO REPLACE THE STRUT TOWER AND TAKE CARE OF THE RUST THAT HAD BEGUN TO EAT AT THE OTHER SIDE. NCE THEY HAD IT IN THE SHOP AND DISASSEMBLED, THEY CALLED TO SAY IT WOULD TAKE AN ADDITIONAL WEEK OF SERVICE SINCE THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP HAD ORDERED THE WRONG PART. THEY SAID THAT, BECAUSE THE DAMAGE WAS SO SEVERE, THEY WERE NOT COMFORTABLE REASSEMBLING THE VEHICLE FOR ME TO USE WHILE THEY WAITED FOR DELIVERY OF THE PART. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN AND WIDESPREAD. (COMPLAINT NUMBER 10090457 ALSO DOCUMENTS THIS ISSUE.) I AM SURPRISED THAT SOMEONE HAS NOT BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED AS A RESULT OF THIS. MY VAN IS ONLY A 1999 AND THE STRUT TOWER WAS RUSTED NEARLY HALF WAY THROUGH. I HAD MY VAN IN FOR SERVICE MANY TIMES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR AND NO ONE HAD NOTICED THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE UNDOUBTEDLY INNUMBERABLE FAMILIES DRIVING AROUND IN A SERIOUSLY UNSAFE VEHICLE SIMPLY BECAUSE A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED. IF THIS IS NOT A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, IT DON'T KNOW WHAT IS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 12, 2004
POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE SHORTED TO GROUND MELTING THE INSULATION ON THE CABLE AND NEARLY ALL INTERCONNECTED HARNESS WIRES. TOTAL ESTIMATE TO REPAIR AND REPLACED DAMAGED WIRES, STARTER, SENSORS, CONNECTORS, ETC: $3,000+. INVESTIGATION STILL ONGOING.. FAILURE RESULTED FROM DESIGN PLACEMENT OF POSITIVE CABLE IN PROXIMITY OF STRUT TOWER BOLT. BATTERY LOCATION FOR 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN IS IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF STRUT ASSEMBLY. THIS CABLE DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY INSULATION SLEEVE (E.G., CONVOLUTED TUBING OR LOOM) AND IS THEREFORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WEAR AND ABRASION FROM VIBRATIONS DURING DRIVING.*JB
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAINDecember 11, 2004
ANNUAL MA STATE INSPECTION REVEALED RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT AND BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE SO ALL WERE REPLACED ON 12/3/04 ALONG WITH LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING...ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THIS INCLUDE REPLACEMENT OF SERPENTINE BELT 11/17/03...REPLACEMENT OF COOLANT TEMP SENSOR, THERMOSTAT AND THERMOSTAT GASKET, AND BELT TENSIONER 2/23/04...REPLACEMENT OF RIGHT FRONT HUB BEARING 5/04...REPLACEMENT OF FRONT ROTORS, LEFT FRONT CV AXLE, LEFT INNER TIE ROD, REAR SHOCKS, OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR, AND NEW TIRE DUE TO GOUGING OF INNER TIRE WALL BY FRONT END PARTS 8/17/04. CONSUMER HAS PAID FOR ALL REPAIRS DONE BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. CONSUMER WANTS PROBLEMS DOCUMENTED GIVEN RECENT MEDIA REPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER WANTS TO SEE RECALL ISSUED FOR SEVERAL OF THESE SAFETY FAILURES AND WANTS REIMBURSEMENT FROM MANUFACTURER FOR EXPENSES INCURRED. *JB
SUSPENSIONDecember 11, 2004
CAR USED FOR HIGHWAY USE MOSTLY, CAR SHAKES AT SPEED OF 50 MPH, WOULD VEER TO RIGHT, HAD INSIDE TIRE WEAR, DRIVING WITH KIDS IN CAR STARTED MAKING A REALLY BAD THUD NOISE LIKE A FLAT TIRE, WE PULLED OVER, UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE, IT GOT SO HOT THE SHOCKS STARTED LEAKING. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT $2,000, THE TIRES ARE STILL WEARING ON THE INSIDE, AND THE CAR SHAKES, AND THE CAR IS MAKING A SQUEAKY NOISE WHEN I HIT BUMPS. TOO MANY PROBLEMS!!!!! *JB
SUSPENSIONDecember 11, 2004
I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT THE 1999 DODGE DURANGO ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE BALL JOINT RECALL. I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 1999 DURANGO. *JB
SUSPENSIONDecember 10, 2004
MY CAR WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. WHEN I TOOK IT INTO DODGE FOR A CHECK- THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO BEING LOOSE AND DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING MY CAR. I PAID A TOTAL OF $653.00 ON MARCH 5,2004. BECAUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED, I HAD TO PAY FOR THE PROBLEM MYSELF. I FELT I WAS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE CAUGHT THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMETHING AWFUL HAPPENED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAINDecember 10, 2004
CAR REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES ON BRAKES, TRANSFER CASE AND MOSTLY TRANSMISSION. KEEP FIXING SEAL LEAKS BUT REFUSE TO SEARCH FOR SOURCE OF PROBLEM. NUMEROUS TRANSMISSION LEAKS, TRANSFER CASE LEAKS AND BRAKES SQUEAL EVEN AFTER REPAIR. BEEN IN SHOP 10 TIMES FOR REASONS ABOVE. SUPPOSEDLY DEALER STATES REPAIRED CORRECTLY EACH TIME. MY CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND STILL CONFLICTING WITH DEALER ABOUT IT. ALSO CONTACTED CHRYSLER WITH NO RESOLUTION.*AK
SUSPENSIONDecember 10, 2004
I JUST FIND OUT THAT THERE A DODGE RECALL AND I THINK I AM ONE OF THOSE RECALLS, LET EXPLAIN I HAD HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO, I BUOGHT USED AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS I START AHVING A CRACKING FEELING ON STEERING WHEEL TOOK IT TO SHOP AND THEY FOUND THAT THE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACE (MEANING RIGHT AND LEFT LOWER ARM) THEY CALLED MY WARRANTY FOR APPROVAL AND THEY APROVED, BUT THEN ON THE SHOP THEY SAID THAT THOSE PARTS WHERE ON BACK ORDER AND I NEEDED TO WAIT FOR THE PARTS. AFTER A MONTH THEY CALL ME TO COME BACK AND DO THE JOB, SO I CALLED FOR APPOINTMENT THEY GIVE A DATE I CAME BUT WHEN I GOT THERE THEY SAID THEY WERE TO BUSY AND THEY COULD NOT GET IT DONE THAT DAY, THEY DID THIS TWICE AND I DO NOT LIVE AROUND THE CORNER I LIVE LIKE 15 MILES AWAY, SO I GOT MAD AND MOVE TO A CLOSER SHOP AND THEY TEST DRIVE THE SUV AND FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM, AND ALSO THEY SAID THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE SOME BUSHING SO THEY CALL THE WARRANTY AND DENIED THE JOB. APPROVING PREVIUOSLY AS I MENTION BEFORE, BUT THEY DENIED BECAUSE THERE WERE MORE THINGS TO BE DONE. SO THEY SENT AN INSPECTOR AND CHECK THE SUV APPROVING ONLY ONE LOWER ARM, AND THE REST WAS UNDER TOLERANCE. AFTER THAT I STILL FEEL THAT CRACKING FEELING AND WHEN I AM DRIVING THERE A LITTLE PLAY ON THE STEERING WHEEL, I WILL BE GOD HONEST I AM SCARED DRIVING THIS SUV AND NOW MORE WITH THIS RECALL I HAVE A WIFE AND A 3 YR OLD AND MY WIFE IS THE ONE DRIVING MORE OFTEN THIS CAR, I WORRY FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY I TRY TO HAVE SOME BODY REVIEW THIS PROBLEM TO SEE IF I COULD SUE OR SOMETHING BUT I COULD NOT GET HELP PLEASE ADVISE. I WILL APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH. P.S. IF NEED MORE INFO PLEASE DONT HESATEIT TO CALL ME 408-202-3001. *AK
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 9, 2004
THE PLANETARY SET FROM THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS DISCOVERED BROKEN BY THE DEALER AFTER THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. *AK HEADLIGHTS WERE TO DIM ON THE VEHICLE. *TC
AIR BAGSDecember 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH CONSUMER STRUCK A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK *TC
Crash reported
NHTSA #10099952ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 6, 2004
D/C REFUSED TO PAY FOR MY LABOR ON A CLOCKSPRING REPAIR. *AK
STEERINGDecember 3, 2004
WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING GEARS. VEHICLE WAS THEN PULLED OVER ALONGSIDE THE ROAD. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESART THE ENGINE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE STEERING SENSOR.*AK
AIR BAGSDecember 1, 2004
NHTSA RECALL 04V480000 CONCERNING AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. HOWEVER, MECHANIC CHARGED $74.75 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CLOCK SPRING. *AK THE CONSUMER WANTED TO BE REIMBURST FOR THE AMOUT OF SERVICE . *TC
AIR BAGSNovember 30, 2004
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR CLOCK SPRING. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE RADIO CONTROLS WERE FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE CLOCK SPRING WAS NOT IN STOCK. *BF THE HORN WAS PROBLEMATIC AS WELL. RECALL#04V480000. *SC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 25, 2004
WE NOTICED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE TAKEN TO FIRESTONE. PROBLEM DUE TO BAD LEAK DETECTION PUMP. LDP ON ORDER BUT VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE. VEHICLE IS DRIVEN THREE DAYS. THE DAY LDP ARRIVES SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER QUITS. COMPUTER BURNED OUT. ORDERED REBUILT COMPUTER, SINCE NO NEW COMPUTERS AVAILABLE, FROM DODGE. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN 14 DAYS WAITING FOR COMPUTER. FIRESTONE INSTALLS COMPUTER. THREE DAYS LATER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. FIRESTONE SAYS PROBLEM DUE TO BAD LDP. OBTAIN NEW LDP FROM DODGE BUT INSTALLED BY FIRESTONE. TWO DAYS LATER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. FIRESTONE RESETS COMPUTER BUT CODES KEEPS DISPLAYING. FIRESTONE SAYS PROBLEM BEYOND THEIR EXPERTISE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DODGE. DODGE INSPECTS VEHICLE SAYS COMPUTER BURNED OUT. DODGE HAS VEHICLE FOR 10 DAYS WAITING REPLACEMENT COMPUTER UNDER WARRANTY. DODGE REPLACES COMPUTER AND CHECKS WIRING HARNESS FOR LOOSE CONNECTIONS. TWO DAYS LATER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. DODGE SAYS COMPUTER BURNED OUT. DODGE REPLACES AND THIRD COMPUTER WHICH BURNS OUT. DODGE SUSPECTS BAD LDP, BUT RULES OUT WHEN INFORMED LDP WAS REPLACED LESS THAN ONE MONTH. DODGE REPLACES AND BURNS OUT FOURTH COMPUTER. 26 DAYS AND FIVE COMPUTERS LATER, DODGE SAYS VEHICLE HAS SERIOUS PROBLEM. DODGE CONSULTS WITH CHRYSLER TECHNICAL WHO RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS. WE DECLINE BECAUSE NOT A SURE FIX AND HAVE DODGE PUT THE VEHICLE BACK TOGETHER. DODGE DISCONNECTED WIRE BETWEEN LDP AND COMPUTER TO PREVENT COMPUTER FROM BURNING UP. UPON TAKING VEHICLE HOME RADIATOR LEAK DISCOVERED WHICH WE REPLACE. WIRING HARNESS INSPECTED BY INDEPENDENT AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL EXPERT WHO SAID VEHICLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WAS TOO MUCH TROUBLE TO TRACE.*AK
AIR BAGSNovember 25, 2004
WE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY FROM THE MANUFACTURER. WE CONTACTED THE CLOSEST SERVICE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE DEALER INFORMED US BECAUSE WE HAVE OVER 70,000 MILES ON OUR VEHICLE THEY WOULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL UNLESS THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. WHAT WE DON'T UNDERSTAND IS WHY THE NOTICE SAYS THAT IF THE VEHICLE HAS 70,000 OR LESS MILES TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED EVEN IF APPEARS THE CLOCKSPRING IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. BUT IF THE VEHICLE HAS MORE THAN 70,000 MILES TO WAIT UNTIL THE CLOCKSPRING FAILS. SINCE THE CLOCKSPRING IS A KNOWN DEFECT. WHO WILL BE LIABLE IF THE CLOCKSPRING FAILS ON OUR VEHICLE AND WE DON'T GET IT REPLACED IN TIME BEFORE THERE IS AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG IS NOT DEPLOYED RESULTING IN INCREASED INJURY TO THE DRIVER IN A FRONTAL CRASH? *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 19, 2004
WHEN BRAKING CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKE PADS. CONSUMER WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS AFTER REPAIRS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
AIR BAGSNovember 17, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 15, 2004
1. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECK. 2. MANIFOLD BOLTS RUSTED AND BROKEN, WHICH COULD CAUSE SUDDEN LOSS OF COOLANT WITH SUDDEN BREAKDOWN WHILE DRIVING. 3. OVERHAUL COOLANT SYSTEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING MUFFLER/INTAKE MANIFOLD EXPLODED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE, AND IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THE MUFFLER AND OTHER PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 9, 2004
WHEN SERPENTINE BELT GETS WET ITWILL COME OFF OF THE PULLEY. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED THREE TIMES AND CONSUME RLODT CONTROL. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS AS RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL *TC
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 3, 2004
WHEN TURNING A CORNER AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON AND OFF. THEN, HORN WENT OUT, AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. RECALL 02V293000 WAS ISSUED FOR 1996 AND 1998, BUT NONE FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK *SC
AIR BAGSNovember 3, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK *SC
Crash reported
NHTSA #10099338SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 25, 2004
HAD A COMPLETE CHECK DONE ON VAN BEFORE LEAVING FOR A LONG VACATION TRIP. AT THIS CHECK IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FRONT BRAKE PADS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. WE DID SO THINKING THIS WAS NORMAL MAINTENANCE. LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LATER WE NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AND WITHIN ONE DAY AFTER TRYING TO MAKE A STOP AT A TURNING LANE AFTER GOING APPROXIMATELY 25MPH THE BRAKE WENT TO THE FLOOR. TOOK TO GARAGE AND FRONT BRAKES HAD GONE TO THE ROTORS. WE HAVE BEEN HAVING THEM CHECKED EVERY FOUR WEEKS DUE TO THE HORRIBLE SQUEAKING NOISE WE CONTINUE TO HEAR. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 14, 2004
A WHITE FOGGY SUBSTANCE WOULD ACCUMULATE INSIDE THE FRONT HEADLIGHT LENS. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ROAD. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 13, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAILED TO COME ON. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT A ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE WAS INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO BE PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
SUSPENSIONOctober 11, 2004
AFTER 2.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, I NOTICED RUST FORMING ON THE STRUT TOWERS. IT WASN'T BAD ENOUGH TO WORRY ABOUT,BUT I KEPT AN EYE ON IT. OVER THE NEXT YEARS IT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE ON BOTH SIDES TO A POINT THAT WE WERE NOT GOING TO KEEP THE CAR MUCH LONGER AT ONLY 70K. I GOT AN OIL CHANGE BEFORE A TRIP SOUTH (7/04)AND THE MECHANIC SAID THIS SHOULD BE THE LAST TRIP FOR THIS CAR. THIS WAS LATER CONFIRMED BY THE DODGE DEALERSHIP AND 2 BODY SHOPS. IF THE STRUTS HAD FAILED AND POPPED THROUGH THE TOWERS, THE DEALER TOLD US THE CAR WOULD "DROP" AND WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STEER OR STOP. WE HAVE THE CAR IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND ARE FORCED TO INCUR A $2000 REPAIR OR TRADE THE CAR TO A DEALER SINCE WE CANNOT SELL IT TO SOMEONE. *NM
AIR BAGSSeptember 26, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR ANY PROBLEMS. THE NEXT DAY THE HORN FAILED TO PERFORM. THE DAY AFTER THAT, A LITTLE PIECE OF PLASTIC CAME OUT WITH SOME NUMBERS THAT WERE RELATED TO THE AIR BAGS/CLOCK SPRING. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE CLOCK SPRING. *AK *TC
AIR BAGSSeptember 21, 2004
CLOCKSPRING FAILURE AT 99,400 MILES. IT'S BEEN RECALLED 1996 - 1998 AND 2001 - 2002 AND 1999 DODGE DURANGO'S HAVE ALL BEEN RECALLED. WESTPORT DODGE REFUSED TO FIX UNDER RECALL OR WARRANTY. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE HORN AND AIR BAG DON'T WORK. CRUSE IS OUT BUT NOT A SAFETY HAZARD. DODGE SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX AS ALMOST ALL VEHICLES I SEARCHED HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IT'S THE RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT (IT WAS PUT TOGATHER WRONG, CAUSING THE FAILURE).*AK
STRUCTURESeptember 20, 2004
AS THE OWNER OF TWO CAREFULLY MAINTAINED 1999 CHRYSLER EXTENDED-WHEEL BASE MINIVANS, I WAS SURPRISED TO NOTE THE SUDDEN APPEARENCE OF STRUT TOWER CORROSION ON BOTH VEHICLES, PRIMARILY ON THE LEFT TOWERS. IN CONSULTING BOTH THE INTERNET AND MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER, I WAS EVEN MORE SURPRISED TO SEE THAT DAIMLER-CHRYSLER'S POSITION ON THIS ISSUE IS TO OFFER ABSOLUTELY NO HELP IN THE FORM OF FREE OR REDUCED-COST REPAIRS TO CORRECT THIS RESULT OF POOR ENGINEERING AND QUALITY CONTROL, WHICH IF UNDIAGNOSED AND/OR UNCORRECTED MAY CAUSE VEHICLES OF RELATIVELY YOUNG AGE AND MILEAGE TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITH POTENTIALLY DISASTEROUS RESULTS. AS THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUE, AND DAIMLER CHRYSLER HAS SPECIFICALLY CHOSEN NOT TO HONOR ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT A SAFETY ISSUE AFFECTING RELATIVELY NEW VEHICLES OF ITS MANUFACTURE, I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT A RECALL ORDER BE ISSUED BY YOUR AGENCY, BEFORE INJURIES OR FATALITIES OCCUR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEW OF THIS INFORMATION!*AK
AIR BAGSSeptember 16, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THIS CAUSED THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSSeptember 14, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT PANEL, AIR BAG SENSORS AND ASSOCIATED PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD MODULES. *MR THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE PCM, THE SENSOR FAILED, THE ENGINE STALLED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON ALONG WITH THE MALFUNCTIONING INDICATOR LIGHT, THE SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT HAD GONE OUT, THE DASH LIGHTS HAD GONE OUT, AND THE ODOMETER MALFUNCTIONED. THE CIRCUIT BOARD HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE AND THE AIR BAG AND AIR BAG LIGHT RETURNED. THE CLOCK SPRING AND AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC *JB
VISIBILITYSeptember 13, 2004
MOTOR FOR THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW DOOR WAS DEFECTIVE. DEALER DONE A THOROUGH PROCESS TO ISOLATE THE PROBLEM, AND WILL REPLACE THE MOTOR. MANUFACTURER DID NOT COOPERATE.*AK
AIR BAGSSeptember 9, 2004
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED (REMAINS ON). BOTH CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN ARE INOPERATIVE. RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THAT THIS IS AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM RELATED TO THE 96-98 RECALL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. SUGGEST THAT PROBLEM IS NOT LIMITED TO THOSE YEARS. VEHICLE MILEAGE 133000.*AK
AIR BAGSSeptember 9, 2004
AIRBAG INDICATOR ON DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED. DIAGNOSED AS CLOCK SPRING. FOUND THAT PROBLEM EXISTS IN 1996-2000 GRAND CARAVANS, BUT THAT RECALL HAS ONLY BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR 1996-1998 VEHICLES. *AK
AIR BAGSSeptember 3, 2004
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLEAIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
AIR BAGSAugust 29, 2004
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON OUR 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. ALSO THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE NOT WORKING. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE CLOCK SPRING. IT WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $232. SINCE THEN I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THE CARAVAN MODEL FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS AND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CLOCK SPRING ON THE '96, '97, AND '98 MODEL YEARS. IS THIS RECALL GOING TO EXTEND TO THE '99 MODEL YEAR? *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 29, 2004
HEADLIGHTS HAVE BECOME CLOUDY AND LIGHT TRANSMISSION HAS DIMINISHED GREATLY. LIGHT IS VERY DIM DUE TO THE CLOUDINESS. IF THIS CONTINUES WILL BE UNABLE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF DODGE SERVICE MANAGER WHO SAID THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO ABOUT IT. *JB
AIR BAGSAugust 21, 2004
AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. USUALLY TURNS OFF AFTER STARTING ENGINE, BUT TURNS ON AND OFF PERIODICALLY. HORN STILL WORKS AT THIS TIME AND CRUISE CONTROL STILL WORKS...FOR HOW LONG? *JB
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 4, 2004
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY 1999 GRAND CARAVAN, THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE HORN WILL NOT BLOW, AND THE CRUISE WON'T WORK. I GOT IN CONTACT WITH CHRYSLER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY DON'T KNOW OF A RECALL. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE A CAR WITH NO HORN, AND WHAT IF THE AIRBAG COMES OUT AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *AK
AIR BAGSJuly 30, 2004
THE CLOCK SPRING INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON AND THE HORN BECAME INOPERATIVE. *AK THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ALSO INOPERATIVE AND THERE WAS A CHANCE THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT HAVE FUNCTIONED DURING A CRASH. *NM
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 27, 2004
AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON. AS A RESULT, THE HORN FAILED. *AK
STRUCTUREJuly 26, 2004
CAR WAS REPORTED TO (CHRYSLER) TO HAVE RUST AT WELD SEAMS IN VARIOUS PLACES, BUT ONLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VAN. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE END OR ONLY ONE WEEK OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE CHRYSLER SERVICE REP. WOULD NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. IT IS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT FROM IMPROPER PAINT / WELD PREP AND COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT (SHOCK TOWER RUST). THE SHOCK TOWER RUST IS ADMITTED IN A FACTORY SERVICE BULLETIN, BUT IS NOT A CURRENT RECALL (AS PER FORD'S RECENT RECALL) THAT COULD CAUSE THE STRUT TO PUNCH THROUGH THE SHOCK TOWER AND LODGE INTO THE ENGINE BAY, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT / VEHICLE FIRE. ADDITIONAL AREAS OF RUST EXIST AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR SLIDER AT THE ROCKER AND AROUND THE REAR WHEEL LIP. VAN IS GARAGE KEPT AND WASHED REGULARLY, NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND DOES NOT OPERATE IN A CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT. ABSOLUTE POOR WORKMANSHIP HAS LED TO THIS DEFECT.*AK
AIR BAGSJuly 19, 2004
CONSUMER STATED THAT AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, AND TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE MECHANIC FOUND THAT CLOCK SPRING WAS DEFECTIVE. LOOKED AT THE INTERNET, AND WAS TOLD THAT PART WAS ON ODI INVESTIGATION. *AK
AIR BAGSJuly 14, 2004
FIRST AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF HORN & CRUISE CONTROL. OUR DEALERSHIP MENTIONED THE CLOCKSPRING AND THE AIR BAG MODULE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THANKS TO THE SUMARRIES ON THIS SITE, WE WILL NOT BE APPROVING THE MODULE REPLACMENT (AN ADDITIONAL COST OF ABOUT 650). LAST EIGHT VIN: XB527782. *AK
POWER TRAINJuly 13, 2004
AT APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES AXLE PIN COME LOOSE AND BREAKS THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION CASE. NEED NEW TRANSMISSION. HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION BUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS. I THINK IT SHOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY NO MATTER WHAT THE MILES BECAUSE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THEY DO NOT SELL THE VEHICLE AS A 80,000 MILE THEN REPLACE VEHICLE AND IF IT IS COMMON, I THINK THEY SHOULD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND REPAY EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD TO GET THERE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. *LA
AIR BAGSJuly 12, 2004
MY AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND I WAS TOLD BY A DEALER THAT MY AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY AND MY CAR WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION UNLESS I GOT IT FIXED. WHICH I DID AND IT COST $250.00. MY CAR IS A 1999 GRAND CARAVAN. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS, BUT ONLY UP TO YEAR 1998. WHEN I WROTE TO DODGE THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, AND MY EMAILS WOULD NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED. *LA
AIR BAGSJuly 6, 2004
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON, HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK ON MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. HIGHLY LIKELY, THE PROBLEM IS THE CLOCK SPRING. THERE IS AN EXISTING RECALL FOR 1996 - 1998 GRAND CARAVANS WITH THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS. DODGE WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM UNTIL THERE IS A RECALL. THEY HAVE SAID THAT IT IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR THE 1999 - 2000 MODEL YEAR, BUT APPARENTLY THAT HAS BEEN THE CASE AT THE NHTSA SINCE 2001. MY LAST 8 DIGITS OF MY VIN ARE XR412677. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSJuly 6, 2004
WELL A FEW MONTHS AGO WE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH OUR 1999 GRAND CARAVAN. THE MILEAGE, GAS GAUGE, ODOMETER, SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS IN THE VAN WITH IT RUNNING IN PARK . IT TURNED OUT BY A CERTIFIED TECH TO BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT BECAUSE IT WAS A WIRE WAS RUBBING ON A MANUFACTURER'S WELD LOCATED IN THE OVERHEAD COMPARTMENT AREA. SO WE PAID FOR IT TO BE FIXED $500 AND NO PROBLEM SINCE. SO CURRENTLY WE HAD OUR AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON ALONG WITH NO HORN OR CRUISE CONTROL. SO I CONTACTED DODGE LIKE SOME OF THESE SITES I READ SAID TO DO BECAUSE SOME OTHER PEOPLE HAD THEIRS WORKED ON FOR FREE AND I GOT A EMAIL WHICH STATES THEY WILL NOT WORK ON EITHER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE ONE AND NOT EVEN FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT. I AM CURRENTLY NOT DRIVING THE VAN BECAUSE I WAITED FOR MY RESPONSE FROM DODGE. OUR VAN ONLY HAS AROUND 67,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE THE EMAIL FROM DODGE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SHOWING HOW THEY RESPOND. *JB
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 30, 2004
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, HORN DOESN'T WORK, CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN SOME RECALLS ON IT BUT NOT ON MY MODEL...DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A CONSISTANT PROBLEM ON THE CARAVANS INCLUDING MY MODEL.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJune 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHT LENSES WERE CLOUDY. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 11, 2004
NO EVENTS LEAD TO THE FAILURE, JUST AN IMMEDIATE FAILURE OF MY HORN, CRUISE CONTROL AND AIR BAG SIMULTANEOUSLY. I HAD THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED.*AK
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING/IDLING THE HORN/CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO WORK. AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
AIR BAGSJune 4, 2004
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND HORN STOPPED WORKING. WAS TOLD IT WAS A CLOCK SPRING AND NEEDED REPLACED SO BOTH WOULD WORK PROPERLY. ALSO NOTICED DODGE HAD A RECALL ON THIS ITEM FOR YEARS 96-98. WELL THE PROBLEM STILL EXSISTS ON THE 1999.*AK
POWER TRAINMay 27, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH THERE WAS A SUDDEN GRINDING NOISE. A TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FALLING APART AND THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULDN'T BE DRIVEN. THE CONSUMER SPOKE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO INDICATED THAT THESE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE A HIGH FAILURE RATE, BUT THEY DIDN'T INDICATED WHAT IS CAUSING THE FAILURE. *NM
AIR BAGSMay 24, 2004
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH IN THE SAME DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. THIS WOULD CONSTITUTE THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION HITTING AT 30MPH. *AK FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DUING THE EVENT OF A CRASH. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AT THIS POINT.
Crash reported
NHTSA #10073059ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 11, 2004
THE RED LIGHT AIR BAG IS ON,ALSO THE HORN DO NOT WORK,AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK.
AIR BAGSMay 10, 2004
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND IT HAS RECENTLY HAD THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY, IN ADDITION THE CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN DO NOT WORK. THIS IS CLEARLY THE CLOCKSPRING ISSUE AS IDENTIFIED BY THE NHTSA RECENT RECALL ON THE 1996-1998 GR CARAVANS. I WILL BE HAVING TO PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $250. I WOULD LIKE THIS INVESTIGATED AS IT SEEMS AWFULLY COINCIDENTAL TO THE 1996-1998 PROBLEM. *LA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESMay 5, 2004
PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR OPENS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK
AIR BAGSApril 21, 2004
THE CLOCKSPRING WENT OUT ON MY WIFES 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE,THE HORN TO STOP WORKING,AND THE CRUISE CONTROL TO FAIL.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 19, 2004
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 3.8 ENGINE CAMSHAFT BROKE WITH 54,000 MILES ON IT.HAD OIL CHANGE EVERY 3 TO 5000 MILES.NOW I NEED A NEW ENGINE AND DODGE WONT HELP AND I THINK THEY SHOULD SINCE I SPENT 28,000 ON THIS VAN.*AK
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 16, 2004
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. THERE IS NO HORN OR CRUISE CONTROL EITHER. DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR, SAYING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER ANY AIR BAGS OR SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM. *AK
AIR BAGSApril 11, 2004
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON, HORN AND CRUISE CONTOL DOES NOT WORK. THE DEALER IS SAYING THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BY THE CLOCKSPRING RECALL. IT SHOULD BE, AS THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *JB
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 6, 2004
CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. HORN DOES NOT WORK AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF. *LA
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 31, 2004
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, HORN DOES NOT WORK AND CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK ON MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 23, 2004
HEADLIGHTS PRODUCED A CLOUDY FILM, AS A RESULT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE DIMMER THAN NORMAL. *AK *JB
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 23, 2004
CLOCK SPRING MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON, AND HORN BECOME INOPERATIVE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 15, 2004
VEHICLE SHIMMIED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. DEALER RESURFACED THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS. FOUR MONTHS LATER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. EVERY 14,000 MILES THE DEALER WAS REPLACING THE ROTORS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 9, 2004
LEFT FRONT BRAKES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. IT SOUNDED LIKE METAL RUBBING AGAINST METAL. *AK
POWER TRAINMarch 3, 2004
I HAVE A POORLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION, 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. IT WAS REBUILT ONCE, NOW IT NEEDS TO BE TOTALLY REBUILT AGAIN THIS TIME 1600.00 DOLLARS.MAYBE YOU ALL CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM . SEARCHING THE INTERNET MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH FAULLTY CHYSLER TRANSMISSIONS. THANKS. *AK
POWER TRAINMarch 2, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE "JERKED", THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON, SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO AND THE VEHICLE WON'T SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR. MILEAGE = 55000. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSMarch 1, 2004
MY "CLOCKSPRING" WIRING HARNESS THAT CONTROLS POWER TO THE DRIVER-SDIE AIRBAG, HORN, AND CRUISE CONTROL HAS FAILED ON MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CAVAN (~45,000 MILES) VIN [XXX]. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A CLEARLY DEFECTIVE PART THAT IS INVOLVED IN OTHER RECALLS, YET CHRYSLER WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART FOR FREE.*AK *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGSFebruary 24, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A POT HOLE AND BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE ALSO BROKE. *NLM *SC
2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10048720ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 18, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE AND PULL OVER. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC PLACED THE VEHICLE ON DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. THEN, MECHANIC REPLACED INPUT AND OUTPUT SENSORS. *AK
SEATSFebruary 14, 2004
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC AND STRUCK FROM BEHIND. BOTH FRONT SEAT BACKS BROKE REARWARD INTO A FULLY RECLINED POSITION. THE DRIVERS SEAT STRUCK A 4 YEAR OLD CHILD WHO WAS SEATED IN THE SECOND ROW AND RESTRAINED WITH THE LAP-SHOULDER BELT. THE CHILD SUFFERED HEAD INJURIES.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10058166AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 13, 2004
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, WITH A FAILED CLOCKSPRING. I FOUND RECALLS FOR THIS , BUT MY DEALER SAYS THAT MY VIN. # ISNT COVERED. I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW OTHER MODELS ARE COVERED AND MINE IS NOT.*AK
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 12, 2004
WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. WHEN AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON NEITHER HORN NOR OR CRUISE CONTROL WORK. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE CLOCK SPRING IS THE PROBLEM, BUT IS NOT ABSOLUTELY SURE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 9, 2004
ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, THE HORN STOPPED WORKING, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE IS A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WE HAD THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED JUST THIS MONTH FOR A BILL OF $266.00. THE 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS RECALLED FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. IT LOOKS LIKE THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RECTIFIED IN THE 1999 MODELS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 7, 2004
SURPENTINE BELT KEEPS COMING OFF RANDOMLY CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION OF NOT BEING ABLE TO STEER THE CAR. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED MANY TIMES AND SAYS THERE IS NO KNOWN FIX. BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IN NOT SAFE I CAN NO LONGER HAVE MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. I LOOK AT THE WEB SITE FOR OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS MINIVAN AND I SEE MANY OTHE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME UN-SAFE PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL.*AK
AIR BAGSFebruary 4, 2004
THE STEERING WHEEL IN MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE STARTED MAKING POPPING NOISES WHENEVER I TURNED THE WHEEL. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO A CHRYSLER SERVICE CENTER SINCE I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRENTY ON IT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CLOCKSPRING HAD GONE BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IT COST ME $250 TO GET THIS FIXED. I'VE HEARD THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION ON THIS BEING POSSIBLY A RECALL ITEM. AT THE VERY LEAST, SOMETHING LIKE THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE KEPT THE RECEIPT OF THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED IF I CAN GET SOME FEEDBACK/REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELSFebruary 4, 2004
I HAVE A 1999 GRAND CARAVAN, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES AT ALL. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. WHY HAVEN'T I BEEN NOTIFIED OF ANY OF THESE CONCERNS. I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS JUST QUITTING. DOME LIGHTS FADING IN AN OUT. NOW THAT MY WARRENTY IS UP, THEY SAY I'LL NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE BACK GATE WON'T UNLOCK WITH A KEY, THE WINDOWS LEAK, THE SLIDING DOORS DON'T SEAL, THEY RATTLE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. MY RPM DIAL SHOOTS UP AND DOWN, NOT ONLY THAT, MY PAINT HAS STARTED PEELING OVER THE BACK LEFT WHEEL. THEY SAY IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM. JUST STARTED BUBBLING AND RUSTING. I'VE HAD TO HAVE A GAS LINE UNDERNEATH FIXED DUE TO KNOCKING IT WASN'T FIXED PROPERLY. I HAVE A LEMON IS WHAT I HAVE AND NOW THAT I HAVE NO WARRENTY THEY JUST KEEP PUTTING THEIR HANDS OUT. I HAVE PUT THREE SETS OF BRAKES IN LESS THAN 4 YEARS AND NOW THEY SAY I NEED ROTORS. I LIVE 3 MILES FROM WORK. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!NOW MY BLOWER IS GOING OUT OF MY HEATER, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE TWO HUB CAPS, $150 EACH FOR THE FRAGILE PLASTIC.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 3, 2004
THE ON MY 1999 DODGE CARAVAN WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
SEAT BELTSJanuary 31, 2004
THE SEAT BELTS IN MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN KEEP SEIZING. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO BUCKLE THE BELTS AND THEN ONCE THEY ARE BUCKLED IT IS EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO UNBUCKLE THE BELTS. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJanuary 27, 2004
FUEL LEAK ON IMS [INDEPENDENT MOBILITY SYSTEMS, INC] DODGE RAMPVAN. FUEL LINE WAS MODIFIED [EXTENDED] AS PART OF CONVERSION. WRONG TYPE OF HOSE WAS USED. PER DEALER/MECHANIC IMS USED REGULAR CARBURETOR HOSE INSTEAD OF FUEL INJECTION HIGH PRESSURE HOSE. THIS RESULTED IN CRACKS IN LINE AND GAS LEAKAGE. POTENTIAL FOR FIRE, CATASTROPHIC LOSS EXISTED. *JB
AIR BAGSJanuary 23, 2004
THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN WERE NOT WORKING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CLOCK SPRING AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE OF $300 DOLLARS. *NM THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR(S). *SC *JB
POWER TRAINJanuary 15, 2004
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED IN MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT WITH LESS THAN 66,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT USING THE "LIMP HOME" MODE! I CONTACTED DAIMLERCHRYSLER AND ASKED THEM TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND THEY DECLINED. I WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN I BOUGHT IT FOUR YEARS AGO BUT WAS TOLD THAT IT HAD BEEN RESOLVED!
STEERING,POWER TRAINJanuary 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. TOWED VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, TECHNICIAN INDICATED THE NEED FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION, ALSO TIE ROD AND STEERING WHEEL PROBLEMS. *AK
SEAT BELTSJanuary 9, 2004
I WOULD LIKE TO COMPLAIN THAT DAIMLER CHRYSLER IS STILL INSTALLING SEATBELTS (GEN3) IN THEIR VEHICLES AND HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON PREVIOUS YEAR MODELS TO REPLACE THE FAULTY SEATBELTS. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PASSENGERS AS WELL AS DRIVERS OF THESE VEHICLES. I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO GET FREE REPLACEMENT OF MY BUCKLES OF MY MINIVAN AND SEE THAT THIS SORT OF NONSENSE REGARDING THE SAFETY OF PASSENGERS IN VEHICLES IS STOPPED NOW, BEFORE OTHERS ARE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED AS A RESULT. THIS SORT OF INFORMATION REGARDING FAULTY BUCKLES IS EXTREMELY DISTURBING AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.*AK
AIR BAGSDecember 23, 2003
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN STARTED TO HAVE INTERMITTANT 'AIRBAG' LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN TURNS. WITHIN A DAY, THE LIGHT STAYED ON STEADY AND THE HORN AND SPEED CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UP THROUGH THE 1998 MODELS AND THEN THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED WITH A NEWER MODEL. IT SEEMS THAT THE 'NEW' CLOCKSPRING IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND I BELIEVE THAT THE 1999 AND LATER MODEL MINIVANS NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PREVIOUS RECALL.
POWER TRAINDecember 19, 2003
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP IN LOW RANGE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. MECHANIC FOUND THAT TRANMISSION WAS SHOT AFTER 80,000 MILES.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 15, 2003
THE SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER HAS A BROKEN SPRING THERE FORE NOT PUTTING TENSION ON THE SERPENTINE BELT CAUSING WATER PUMP AND ALTINATOR AND LATER BATTERY PROBLEMS.IVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS AND IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TO WHICH BELTS ARE FALLING OFF ETC.....THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE AND WE WERE TOLD THAT ALL WAS WELL.IVE HEARD THE BELT SLIPPING FOR A WHILE NOW USUALLY AT START OF VEHICLE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROPLEM WITH MANY MORE 99 GRAND CARAVANS AT OR AROUND 40-50,000 MILES.THIS SHOULD BE A WARRENTY FIX BUT IS NOT!*AK
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 13, 2003
WE PURCHASED A USED 1999 GRAND CARAVAN. THROUGH RESEARCH WE FOUND THE CLOCKSPRING WAS THE PROBLEM. CRYSLER REFUSES TO FIX IT BECAUSE THEY SAID A DIFFERENT PART WAS USED AFTER THE LAST RECALL. THEY SAID SAVE OUR RECEIPT AND IF THERE ACTUALLY A RECALL WE WOULD BE REIMBURSED 100%.*AK
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 8, 2003
CLOCK ASSEMBLY FAULTY ON 1999 GRAND CARAVAN. THIS VEHICLE IS USED AS A COMPANY VAN. FIRST AIIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN STOPPED WORKING. TWICE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS THE HORN DID NOT WORK. HAD CLOCK ASSEMBLY REPLACED AT A COST OF $304.53. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM AND A RECALL SHOULD BE IN PLACE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS,SEATSDecember 8, 2003
WE BOUGHT OUR DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ON MARCH 11TH 2000, WITHIN THE FOLLOWING MONTH WE TOOK THE VAN BACK TO THE LEITH DEALER SHIP THAT WE BOUGHT IT FROM TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A VERY LOUD POPPING NOISE THAT WAS COMMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WELL AND WE WERE TOLD AND I QUOITE " THAT IS A NOISE THAT IS VERY COMMON TO DODGE VEHICLES" AND BASICLLY TOLD WE WOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. IT GOT WORSE SO WE TOOK IT BACK AGAIN TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DEFFIANTLY WORSE AND WOULD YOU PLEASE LOOK AT IT, AGAIN WE WERE TOLD THE SAME THING. ALL IN ALL WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 3 OR 4 DIFFERENT TIMES AND EVERYTIME THE ANSWER WAS THE SAME. IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR (2003) WE TOOK OUR VAN IN TO A LOCAL FIRESTONE TO HAVE NEW TIRES BUT ON THE VAN AND I ASKED ONCE AGAIN IF THEY WOULD CHECK AND SEE IF THEY COULD FIND THE SOURCE TO THE NOISE, AND THEY DID. FOR 3 YEARS WE DROVE AROUND WITH THE WHEEL HUB COMMING OFF, IT TURNED OUT THE THE WHEEL HUB ASEMBLEY WAS LOOSE AND COMING OFF YOU COULD PULL THE WHEEL IN ALL DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS WITH IT TIGHTLY BOLTED TO THE VAN ITSELF, THE GAS STRUTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE SWAY BAR LINK KIT HAD TO REPLACED ON IT ALSO. ALL IN ALL THE TOTAL BILL ENDED UP AS $800.09 TO GET THE VAN FIXED. WE HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE CALIPERS REPLACED TWICE ON THE VAN AND WE HAVE BEEN TOLD ONCE AGAIN THAT THIS IS ALSO COMMON TO DODGE VEHICLES. WE WOULD LOVE TO BE REIMBERSED FOR THIS BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP SOLD US THIS VEHICLE IN THIS SHAPE AND KNEW IT AND THEN LIED ABOUT IT NOT ONCE BUT SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE DEALERSHIP IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS.*AK
AIR BAGSNovember 20, 2003
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH THE "AIR BAG" LIGHT ON. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED THE "CLOCK SPRING" REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE WITH DODGE IN 1998 AND 1999. I WILL SEND FEEDBACK TO YOU WHEN I GET THIS FIXED. I ALSO WILL KEEP THE PART THAT IS REPLACED. MANY THANKS JOHN BOUSMAN. *LA
POWER TRAINNovember 17, 2003
WHILE DRIVING GEAR CAN BE EASILY MOVED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL. VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING.*AK
POWER TRAINNovember 10, 2003
1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, BLOWN TRANSMISSION, 41000 MILES. DEALER SAYS TRANSAXEL ASSEMBLY PIN BROKE? UNKNOWN WHY? FACTORY WON'T STANDBY PRODUCT ITS OUTSIDE THE 3YR, 36000 MILES. FACTORY CLAIMS THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. IT APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE.*AK
SUSPENSIONNovember 2, 2003
DODGE DURANGO, UPPER BALL JOINT WORE OUT JUST AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. *LA
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENTOctober 25, 2003
I OWN A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, SPORT EDITION. YESTERDAY WHILE MY WIFE WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN ON THE STREET, THE STEERING FROZE AND THE BRAKES FAILED. SHE WENT STRAIGHT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CROSS STREET AND THE VAN WENT DEAD. UPON STARTING THE VAN AGAIN, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME UP. THE SPEEDOMETER WAS UNRESPONSIVE AND SOMEHOW WE BROUGHT THE VAN HOME. THIS IS PROBABLY THE SPEED SENSOR THAT HAS GONE BAD AGAIN. THREE MONTHS AGO WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE VAN ON THE FREEWAY, THE VAN WENT UNRESPONSIVE AND I HAD TO PULLOVER. UPON STARTING THE VAN, IT SHOWED THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND WOULD NOT CATCH UP HIGHWAY SPEED. I HAD TO DRIVE AT 35 MPH SPEED ON FREEWAY AT VERY HIGH ENGINE REVOLUTIONS AND COME HOME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SERIOUS THING OF THE PROBLEM IN THIS VAN IS THAT THE PROBLEM OCCURS SUDDENLY WHILE THE VAN IS IN MOTION. YESTERDAY AND THREE MONTHS AGO IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FATAL ACCIDENT. *LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 23, 2003
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO WORK AND CAUSED A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER. *AK THE CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE PROBLEM. *SCC *JB
SEAT BELTSOctober 21, 2003
MY SEAT BELTS KEEP COMING UNLATCHED. I HAVE GENERATION 3 SEAT BELTS. MY DAUGHTER'S CAR SEAT HAS COME UNDONE OVER 5 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS OF OWNERSHIP OF THIS CAR. MY TWO CLIENTS, WHO ARE SEMI-OVER WEIGHT, WHEN THEY SHIFT THEIR BODIES AROUND, THEIR BELTS COME UNDONE. IT IS BECOMING AN ISSUE WITH MY CLIENTS AND I FEAR THAT ONE DAY I MAY NOT NOTICE THEY ARE UNDONE. THE LAST TIME A SEAT BELT CAME UNDONE WAS YESTERDAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. BUT IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. *LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 14, 2003
RE: 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HAD INTERMITTENT AND THEN CONSTANT AIR BAG LIGHT FOLLOWED SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY SIMULTANEOUS LOSS OF CRUISE CONTROL & HORN. *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 1, 2003
WHEN DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE SERPENTINE BELT DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING AND ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS CONTROLLED BY THE BELT.*AK. THE CONSUMER STATED A NEW BELT AND TENSIONER WAS INSTALLED AT 26,215 MILES AND LESS THAN 10,000 MILES LATER THE BELT FELL OFF AGAIN. *JB
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSSeptember 17, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. AS A RESULT THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
SUSPENSIONSeptember 12, 2003
THE LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER, WHERE THE SUSPENSION WAS BOLTED TO THE VEHICLE, RUSTED OUT. THE STRUT CAN FALL OFF THE VEHICLE AT ANYTIME WITHOUT WARNING. *AK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED, THE CONSUMER NOTICED MINOR RUST ON THE STRUT TOWER RIGHT HAND SIDE ONLY. THE CONSUMER SAID THAT THERE WERE OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *SCC *JB
AIR BAGSSeptember 2, 2003
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH THE CLOCK SPRING AS STATED IN RECALL 02 V 2930 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, MODEL, AND YEAR WERE NOT INCLUDED. *JB *NLM
POWER TRAINSeptember 2, 2003
UNIVERSAL BELT HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF AND HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS I HAVE HAD THIS AUTO. IT HAS FALLEN OFF THE PULLY AND HAD TO BE PUT BACK ON TWO OTHER ADDITINAL TIMES. *AK
SEATSAugust 28, 2003
ON AUGUST 22 OUR 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS REAR-ENDED. IN THE COLLISION, THE SEAT BACK ON 3 OF THE 4 BUCKET SEATS WAS BROKEN. BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE, THE HEADREST OFFERED NO PROTECTION AGAINST WHIPLASH.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10036786AIR BAGSAugust 22, 2003
THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRBAG, HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTIONS BEING INOPERATIVE. (THE RELATED RECALL# 02V293000) THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. AK THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS INTERMITTENT AND WHEN THE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN WOULD NOT WORK. *SCC *JB
SUSPENSIONJuly 30, 2003
PREMATURE WEAR IN THE DRIVERS SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT. ON JULY 14TH OF THIS YEAR I TOOK MY DURANGO IN TO HAVE THE ROTERS TURNED. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY UPPER BALL JOINT SHOWED UNUSUAL WEAR AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD HIM REPLACE THE BALL JOINT.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 20, 2003
WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE "LUNGED FORWARD" AND LOST SPEED AND SPEEDOMETER WENT TO "0MPH". VEH WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1ST OR 2D GEAR. WE ARE MILITARY STATIONED IN GERMANY AND THIS IS OUR OWN VEH. VEH TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP THAT HONORS U.S. WARRANTY AND WE WERE TOLD THAT 27 OTHER VANS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AT THIS TIME AND WERE ALSO WAITING FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. IT TOOK 6 WEEKS FOR A TRANSMISSION TO BECOME AVAILABLE...OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM IF THAT MANY OTHER VEHICLES HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND TOOK THAT LONG TO GET A TRANMISSION. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJuly 9, 2003
THE FUEL LINE IS LEAKING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM TWICE ON 6/5/2003 & 6/11/2003, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
AIR BAGSJuly 9, 2003
THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME, THE HORN WILL NOT SOUND, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ON MY 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. DIAMLER-CHRYSLER HAD A RECALL ON THEIR 1996,1997,AND 1998 DODGE CARAVANS. WE OWNED A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN WHICH WE BOUGHT FROM THE DEALER AND HAD IT REGISTERED. WE HAD TO HAVE THAT CLOCKSPRING REPLACED APPARENTLY BEFORE THE RECALL AND WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THAT RECALL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 6, 2003
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE NEON 2 DOOR HATCHBACK , THAT I PURCHASED NEW AND HAVE PROBLEMS WITH OIL LEAKING. I HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT THE OIL HAS NOW LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE AND I NOW NEED A NEW OR REBUILT ENGINE.*AK
STEERING,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITYJune 29, 2003
ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN, WIRING HARNESS REPLACED, AND PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL.*MR THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH EMC DS2000 ADAPTIVE STEERING AND EMC EGB. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S FAILURE ALARMS CONSTANTLY SOUNDED. ON ONE OCCASION THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. ON BOTH OCCASIONS THE DEALER REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS. THE DRIVER CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE GEAR TRAIN OF THE ENCODERS WERE DAMAGED. BOTH ENCODER GEARS AS WELL AS THE ENCODER ASSEMBLY WERE REPLACED. *NM
Crash reportedFire reported
NHTSA #10081532ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 25, 2003
THE FAN BELT AND TENSIONER HAVE FAILED TWICE, AND AFTER DOING RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE. I EVEN FOUND A WEB SITE OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, SOME MORE THAN SIX TIMES ON THE SAME VAN. *NLM
POWER TRAINJune 11, 2003
I OWN A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED WITH LESS THAN 66,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. FROM MY RESEARCH, DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR OVER 15 YEARS BUT HAVE REFUSED TO REMEDY THE SITUATION WHILE CONTINUING TO INSTALL THE SAME TRANSMISSIONS IN ALL DODGE, CHRYSLER AND PLYMOUTH VANS. IN 1992, CHRYSLER RENAMED THE A604 ULTRADRIVE AS THE 41TE TRANSMISSION TO ESCAPE BAD PUBLICITY! WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT LETTING THIS CONTINUE? DO WE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS KILLED? *AK
POWER TRAINMay 29, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND MAKING A LOUD STREAKING NOISE. DEALER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK
SEAT BELTSMay 21, 2003
I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH CHRYSLER'S STANCE ON THE GEN3 SEAT BELT. EVEN IF THEY DON'T RECALL IT, THEY SHOULD GIVE ME THE OPTION TO PAY FOR THE FIX ON MY OWN. I URGE THE NHTSA TO FORCE A MOVE BY CHRYSLER. I GUESS IT WILL TAKE ONE OF THEIR OWN CHILDREN TO DIE. *JB
VISIBILITYMay 14, 2003
WIPERS NOT WORKING ON 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. SURFING THE WEB AND SAW MANY RELATED ISSUES TO THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THERE WERE ENOUGH REPORTS TO REQUEST A RECALL. I CONSIDER THIS SERIOUS ISSUE DUE TO ROAD CONDITION WHEN THE WIPERS ARE NEEDED AND THE VISION IMPACT ALSO. IT ALSO APPEARS THAT CHRYSLER/DODGE IS AWARE OF A PROBLEM. *NLM
SUSPENSIONMay 12, 2003
THERE WAS RUST ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TOWER WHICH HELD THE SPRING ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE TOWER CAN BE WELDED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *JB
POWER TRAINMay 6, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND FOUND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID RUNNING OUT. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE DIFFERENTIAL PIN HAD WORN LOOSE, AND FOUR HOLES WERE IN THE HOUSING. (MODEL/SPORT). *MR *SCC *NLM
STEERINGMay 5, 2003
NHTSA #02-V-293-000. ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. CONSUMER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUES ON SIMILAR MAKES AND MODELS. HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDE DUE THE VIN#. *MM *SCC
SEAT BELTSMay 1, 2003
ON 4/30/03 I PURCHASED A 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH THE VEHICLE AND CAME HOME WITH A BIG SMILE ON MY FACE. I TURNED ON THE NEWS ONLY TO SEE A STORY ABOUT THE GEN3 SEAT BELTS. THESE ARE OBVIOUSLY FLAWED. I TRUST THE NHTSA TO DO THE PROPER REVIEWING AND SEE THE HAZARD THAT THESE BELTS PRESENT. DO THE RIGHT THING AND PUSH FOR A RECALL. MY FAMILY'S LIVES DEPEND ON YOU. YOU HAVE A LOUDER VOICE THAN I WILL EVER HAVE.
SEAT BELTSApril 30, 2003
I WISH TO LOG A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE DAIMLER-CHRYSLER CORPORATION'S DECISION TO NOT VOLUNTARILY REPLACE THE GEN 3 SEAT BELTS IN MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. I HAVE THREE SMALL CHILDREN AND MY WIFE AND I ARE IN THIS VEHICLE DAILY. I CHOSE THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE COMFORT AND VERSATILITY IT OFFERED. HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE SOONER, I HEARD ABOUT THIS ON THE NEWS TONIGHT, I WOULD NOT HAVE CHOSEN TO BUY THIS VEHICLE. I NOW AM FACED WITH EITHER SELLING THIS WONDERFUL, ALBEIT DEADLY, VEHICLE OR PAYING THROUGH THE NOSE TO HAVE MY DEALER REPLACE THEM WITH GEN 4 MODELS AT FULL-BOAT PRICE! *JB
SEAT BELTSApril 28, 2003
FOX 25 DID A SEGMENT ON THE GENERATION 3 SEAT BELTS, I OWN A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THAT HAS THESE TYPES OF SEAT BELTS IN IT. I HAVE A 5 WEEK OLD DAUGHTER AND I HAD PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT THAT TOTALED MY MITSUBISHI GALANT. PART OF THE REASON I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IS BECAUSE I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT IT WAS A VERY SAFE VEHICLE TO HAVE AND AT THIS POINT N TIME I DON'T FEEL IT IS SAFE FOR MY BABY. THE THOUGHT OF BEING INVOLVED IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT IS SCARY ENOUGH LET ALONE THE THOUGHT OF BEING IN ONE AND KNOWING THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SAFETY BELT I RELY ON TO KEEP HER CAR SEAT IN PLACE COULD COME UNDONE UPON IMPACT. THE POINT OF TELLING YOU ALL THIS IS SO YOU MIGHT PASS IT ON TO CHRYSLER CORP AND STRONGLY URGE THEM TO RECALL THE SAFETY BELTS, REPLACING OUR EXISTING ONES WITH THE SAFEST ONES AVAILABLE. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HOPE THAT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLApril 16, 2003
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR OWN ITS OWN, WHICH INCREASED SPEED, THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUT THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *JB
SEATSApril 15, 2003
DRIVERS SEAT-BACK RECLINING LEVER BROKE AWAY FROM THE SEAT FRAME CAUSING SEAT TO REMAIN IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION.*JB
POWER TRAINApril 1, 2003
THE DIFFERENTIAL PIN CAME THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. *JB
SUSPENSIONMarch 24, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. NLM.
SEAT BELTSMarch 14, 2003
THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. *JB
POWER TRAINMarch 11, 2003
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING. *JB THE CONSUMER FELT AND HEARD A LOUD BANG UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD, TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS FLOWING OUT. THE MECHANIC FOUND A PIN THAT HAD FLOWN THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION AND RIPPED APART. *SCC
STEERINGMarch 7, 2003
POWER STEERING FAILED, CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION AND INJURIES. *AK *JB
Crash reported2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10009437EQUIPMENT,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITYFebruary 25, 2003
I HAD AHNAFIELD CORP. INSTALL ON MY 1999 DODGE MINI VAN ZERO EFFORT STEERING, A PAC UNIT ( POWER ASSIST HAND CONTROL) ALONG WITH THIS THERE WERE REMOTE SWITCHES INSTALLED FOR THE LIGHTS, WIPERS/WASHERS & HORN. SINCE DRIVING IT AWAY FROM THEIR BUSINESS ON 10-16-02 THE BRAKES HAVE CONSTANTLY GRABBED AND THE STEERING WILL CATCH AS YOU APPLY THE BRAKES. THIS HAPPENS WHEN COMING TO A STOP LIGHT AND TRYING TO SLOW DOWN WHILE TURNING THE CORNER, OR IN A PARKING LOT WHEN TRYIN TO PARKL THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN GOING DOWN HILL AND A CHILD WOULD RUN OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WOULD LOCK UP, (I COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING AND TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO MISS THE CHILD.)THEY SAY THIS IS A NORMAL PHENOMENON. I SAY IT IS A DANGEROUS THING AND SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED, I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN STOPPING THIS PRODUCT FROM BEING PUT ON THE MARKET. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT BUT, ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD. I HAVE HAD THE VAN SETTING RUNNING AT AN IDLE SPEED WITHOUT BEING IN GEAR LOCK UP THE STEERING AND THE BRAKES. I COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL NOR COULD ANYONE ELSE.*JB
EQUIPMENT,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITYFebruary 25, 2003
I HAD THE AHNAFIELD CORP. 3219 W. WASHINGTON ST., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46222 (317-636-8061) MODIFIY MY 1999 DODGE MINI VAN WITH ZERO EFFORT STEERING & A PAC UNIT (POWER ASSIST HAND CONTROL). ALONG WITH THIS THERE WERE REMOTE SWITCHES INSTALLED FOR THE LIGHTS.WASHER, WIPER, & HORN. SINCE DRIVING IT AWAY FROM THEIR BUSINESS 10-16-02 THE BRAKES HAVE CONSTANTLY GRABBED AND THE STEERING WILL CATCH AS YOU APPLY THE BRAKES. THIS HAPPENS WHEN COMING TO A STOP LIGHT AND TRYING TO SLOW DOWN TURNING THE CORNER, OR IN A PARKING LOT WHEN TRYING TO PARK. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN GOING DOWN HILL AND A CHILD WOULD RUN OUT IN FRONT OF ME THAT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WOULD LOCK UP, (YOU COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE SWERVING TO MISS THE CHILD WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES). THEY SAY THIS IS A NORMAL PHENOMENON. I SAY IT IS A DANGEROUS THING & SHOULD NOT BE ALOUD, AND AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN STOPPING THIS PRODUCT FROM BEING PUT ON THE MARKET. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT BUT, ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD. I HAVE HAD THE VAN SETTING RUNNING AT AN IDLE SPEED WITHOUT BEING IN GEAR LOCK UP THE STEERING AND THE BRAKES. I HAD A BIG MAN WITH ME (OVER SIX FEET TALL) HE GOT OUT AND LOOKED & THE WHEELS WERE STRAIGHT (NOT TURNED ALL THE WAY EITHER WAY). HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER.*JB
AIR BAGSFebruary 20, 2003
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG, THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE ISSUE, # 02 V 293 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. *JB *SCC
AIR BAGSFebruary 5, 2003
NHTSA#02-V-293-000: CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, DEALER REPAIRED. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE VIN#. PH
AIR BAGSFebruary 4, 2003
THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PH
INTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 3, 2003
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM. *AK
AIR BAGSJanuary 23, 2003
THE CONSUMER STATED, THAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CONTINUED TO STAY ON, HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. TS SCC
AIR BAGSJanuary 22, 2003
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER REPLACED CLOCK SPRING COD. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE SAME AS NHTSA RECALL 02V293000 FOR 1997 & 1998 CHRYSLER/DODGE VEHICLES.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 20, 2003
CONTINUOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS/FAILURES DUE TO PITTING & CORRODING OF THE FRONT DISC ROTORS. REAR BRAKE DRUMS NOT ADJUSTING PROPERLY (HAVE NEVER ADJUSTED). ROTORS REPLACED BY DEALER AND NOW REQUIRE REPLACEMENT AGAIN. ENTIRE REAR WHEEL BRAKING SYSTEM REPLACED, STILL NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. VEHICLE HAS NEVER STOPPED CORRECTLY IN FOUR YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
AIR BAGSJanuary 15, 2003
CONSUMER IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL #02V293000 AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING. TS
AIR BAGSJanuary 14, 2003
CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION THE AIR BAG INDICATION LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND VEHICLE HORN WOULD NOT SOUND OFF. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTICED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
SEAT BELTSJanuary 13, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THE CLIP ON THE SEAT BELT WHICH LOCKS THE SEAT BELT, ISN'T FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE CAR SEAT IN PARTICULAR, THE CONSUMER USES AN ADDITIONAL CLIP TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT. SCC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 6, 2003
MY 1999 DODGE CARAVAN "AIR BAG" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT MY CLOCKSPRING NEEDED REPLACEMENT, BUT THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BY THE CURRENT RECALL. I FIND THE EXPLANATION THAT MY PROBLEM IS "COINCIDENTAL" TO THE RECALL OF THE 1996-1998 VEHICLES SOMEWHAT DUBIOUS. IF THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE CLOCKSPRING WAS INSTALLED OFF CENTER ON THE EARLIER VEHICLES CAUSING A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE, IS IT NOT LIKELY THAT MY PROBLEM WAS SIMILARLY CAUSED, WARRANTING A REPAIR AT CHRYSLER'S EXPENSE?
AIR BAGSJanuary 3, 2003
NHTSA#15350-02-V-293-000: AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING: CLOCKS SPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. THIS RECALL APPLIED FOR THE 98. CONSUMER STATES HAS THE SAME PROBLEM ON HIS VEHICLE WITH AIR BAGS. CRUISE CONTROL STEERING WHEEL THIS VEHICLE IS YEAR 1999. TS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICDecember 27, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE BRAKING HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING, NOTIFIED THE DEALER REPAIRED AND REPLACED ROTORS 5000 MILES LATER PROBLEM RECURRED. TS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTDecember 19, 2002
TO: WHOM IT MAY CONCERNS: I AM WRITING TO YOU AS A DISSATISFIED DODGE CARAVAN OWNER. I PURCHASED MY VAN BRAND NEW ON MARCH 1999. I HAVE HAD CONSISTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR, SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED IT: A) ON JANUARY 24, 2000 WE REPLACED THE , SENSOR, TRANSAX LE, TURBIN INPUT IN THE TRANSMISSION. B) FEBRUARY 17, 2000 WE REPLACED THE BATTERY. C) FEBRUARY 20, 2001. WE REPLACED THE EVAPORETOR, SUCTION LINE, LIQUID LINE AND THE COIL IN THE AIR CONDITION UNIT. D) REPLACED THE WINDOW LIFT MOTOR. E) JANUARY 8,2002 REPLACED SOP BELT TENSIONER COIL . F) JANUARY 4,2002 REPLACE THE BATTERY. G) MARCH 2, 2002 REPLACED WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP. H) JUNE 2, 2002 REPLACED FUEL SEAL. I) NOVEMBER 13, 2002 REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE VALVE OF THE A/C NOW THEY ARE ASKING US TO REPLACE THE EVAPORETOR AND THE COMPRESSOR WHICH WAS REPLACED BY MAROONE DODGE ON FEBRUARY 2001!!! ALL REPAIRS WERE DONE AT AUTHORIZE DODGE DEALER: MAROONE DODGE LOCATED: 21151 N.W 2ND AVE MIAMI, FL 33169 TEL: 305-653-6343. WE FEEL THAT FOR 44,000 MILES CAR WE SHOULD NOT EXPERIENCED SO MUCH PROBLEM ESPECIALLY WITH THE A/C WHICH WAS FIXED IN 2001. WE HOPE YOU WILL CORRECT THE WRONG AND REPAIRED THE CAR WITH NO COST TO US.SINCERELY DAVID AND HONEY BOUGANIM 239 ATLANTIC ISLE SUNNY ISLES, FL 33160 TEL: 305-945-5354
AIR BAGSDecember 18, 2002
SOMETIME WITHIN THE PAST TWO WEEKS, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIT UP. THE MECHANIC WHO USUALLY WORKS ON OUR VAN (NOT AT THE DEALERSHIP) INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS A "TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN" CONCERNING THE "CLOCK SPRING." I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE AIR BAG CHECKED, & SHOWED THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THE SERVICE BULLETIN. THE CLOCK SPRING WAS, IN FACT, DEFECTIVE. WE OWN A 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN.
AIR BAGSDecember 3, 2002
I HAD A COLLISION WITH A DEER AT 40 MPH AND THE CAR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THIS INCIDENT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO DODGE FOR INVESTIGATION. DT
Crash reported
NHTSA #770361VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLDecember 2, 2002
WHEN ACCELERATING OR LETTING OFF ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERES SOME JERKING IN VEHICLE. TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED TRANSMISSION NEEDS REBUILDING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 19, 2002
HORN NOT WORKING, AIR BAG AND CRUISE CONTROL MAY FAIL BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT. DT
SUSPENSIONNovember 13, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONTROL ARM SNAP CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER AND THE TURN SIGNAL NOT TO WORK. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 11, 2002
AIR BAG LIGHT ON AT ALL TIMES. HORN AND CRUISE CONTROLS ON THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY DO NOT WORK.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 8, 2002
CONSUMER SATES WHEN BACKING UP OR DOWN THE HILLS VEHICLE WOULD STOP. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 8, 2002
CONSUMER NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOME SOFT AND GOES TO TO THE FLOOR WHEN APPLIED ON A INCLINED POSITION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 8, 2002
SENSOR FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY AND JUMP. MY WIFE AND 2 KIDS IN VAN. DT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 7, 2002
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WHICH OPERATES ALL DASH BOARD WHICH IT CAUSED THE ODOMETER, SPEEDDOMETER, GAS GAGE, AIR ACCOINDITION TO GO DOWN CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE MAIN ELECTRICAL COMPUTER ON THE VEHICLE WAS DEFECTED. TS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 28, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE BACKING DOWN AN INCLINE , THE BRAKES GRADUALLY GOES OUT. THE PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. HAD BRAKES BLEAD 4 TIMES, PROBLEM STILL ACCURS. TS
SEAT BELTSOctober 21, 2002
CONSUMER STATES HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BACK SEAT BELTS. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. TS
STEERINGOctober 21, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT HER CHILD WAS ABLE TO TAKE CAR OUT OF GEAR WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE. TS
POWER TRAINOctober 11, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE UP HILLS VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND SOMETIMES CUTS OFF. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. MR
SEAT BELTSSeptember 26, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER HAVING VEHICLE IN SHOP FOR OVER HALF AN HOUR WAS TOLD THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE RECALL REPAIRS. *MR
SEAT BELTSSeptember 24, 2002
THE DRIVER'S SIDE, REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT RECEPTICLE, BROKE DURING USE. THE RECEPTICLE WOULD NOT LOCK THE BUCKLE INTO PLACE. THE SEAT BELT HAD PREVIOUSLY WORKED. NLM
EQUIPMENTSeptember 18, 2002
CUSTOMER SERVICE WOULD NOT ADDRESS OUR FAMILIES CONCERNS, SUGGESTED IF I COMPLAINED FURTHER THEY WOULD PRESS HARRASMENT CHARGES. NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED. *AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 10, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING POWER STEERING WENT OUT. ALSO, VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 30, 2002
BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO A CRACKED MASTER CYLINDER. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *JB
SEAT BELTSAugust 22, 2002
THE REAR SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE REAR SEAT BELTS DID NOT CATCH WHEN PULLED OUT QUICKLY. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS CAUGHT NORMALLY WHEN JERKED HARD. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A WRITTEN REPLY. *SCC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 20, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ALL DASH INDICATOR LIGHTS WENT OUT, DEALER REPLACED A SENSOR. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN IN JUNE OF 2002, SENSOR WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 20, 2002
VEHICLE STALLED AT 20 MPH. CONSUMER NOTICED A BELT HANGING FROM UNDERCARRIAGE OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS AT DEALERSHIP AT THIS TIME.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 16, 2002
WE HAVE LEASED THE VEHICLE SINCE MAY OF 1999. WE HAVE REPLACED THE INPUT SPEED SENSOR TWICE NOW. THE FIRST TIME, THE PARTS AND LABOR WERE FREE UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. THIS TIME, BOTH THE INPUT AND THE OUTPUT SPEED SENSORS WENT. AFTER RESEARCHING ON YOUR WEBSITE, I FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON OTHER 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVANS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE PART OR SO MANY PEOPLE WOULDN'T BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, I DON'T BELIEVE A PART SHOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED TWICE IN 2 1/2 YEARS TIME. THE SECOND REPAIR I HAD DONE ON 8/13/02 FOR BOTH SENSORS. MY MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS 41,615. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ATTENTION INTO THIS MATTER. THANK YOU..*AK
VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 7, 2002
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/ HORN, AND CRUISE CONTROL ARE INOPERATIVE. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 4, 2002
WE WERE ON THE WAY TO OUR VACATION DESTINATION ON 7/30/02 AND PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY FOR GAS. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON AS SOON AS WE PULLED INTO THE GAS STATION. ONCE WE WERE ON THE ROAD AGAIN, THE VAN WOULD NOT COME OUT OF SECOND GEAR. WE WERE THEN FORCED TO STOP IN A PARKING LOT AND GOT DIRECTIONS TO THE CLOSEST FULL SERVICE REPAIR SHOP. (THIS ALL TOOK PLACE AT 8:15PM IN BARSTOW, CA) THE MECHANIC RAN DIAGNOSTICS ON THE VAN AND THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE SENSOR BUT WOULD HAVE TO RUN MORE TESTS THE FOLLOWING MORNING. WE WERE, AT THAT POINT FORCED TO STAY IN BARSTOW FOR THE NIGHT. WE CALLED THE MECHANIC IN THE MORNING AND GOT THE UNBELIEVABLE NEWS. AFTER RUNNING MORE DIAGNOSTICS HE FOUND TWO ADDITIONAL ERRORS IN THE TRANSMISSION RELATED TO A PRESSURE PROBLEM AND INFORMED US OUR TRANSMISSION WAS THE PROBLEM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO ORDER A FACTORY REBUILT TRANSMISSION AND WE WERE CHARGED A MERE $2,750.00 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. IN THE MEAN TIME WE HAD TO RENT 2 CARS TO GET TO OUR DESTINATION (NO VEHICLES WERE AVAILABLE TO FIT 6 PEOPLE). WE HAD TO STAY AN ADDITIONAL NIGHT IN A HOTEL, AS OUR VAN WOULD NOT BE READY UNTIL FRIDAY NIGHT. OUR VAN HAS LESS THAN 43,000 MILES ON IT AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE RELIABLE THAN WHAT IT WAS. WE NOW HAVE THE FACTORY REBUILT TRANSMISSION, PROBABLY FROM SOMEONE ELSE VAN AND THEREFORE CANNOT BE TRUSTED. WE DO NOT FEEL THE REBUILT TRANSMISSION IS RELIABLE AND NOW WILL NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. IT IS UNSAFE!! WE FEEL FORTUNATE THAT WE HAD EXITED THE FREEWAY AT APPARENTLY THE RIGHT TIME, WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD THE VAN SHIFTED IN TO SECOND GEAR AT 70MPH. THE STORY WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH DIFFERENT.*AK
SEATSJuly 29, 2002
DRIVER'S SEATBACK LEVER BROKE AWAY FROM THE SEAT FRAME, CAUSING THE SEAT TO STICK IN UP-RIGHT POSITION. *AK CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SEAT IF EVER IN AN ACCIDENT. *SCC
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 27, 2002
WHILE IN TRAFFIC TRAVELING APROX.35MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY DROPPED TO LOWEST GEAR,RPMS SHOT UP,SPEEDOMETER FAILED,SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.TO SHOP IMMEDIATELY WHERE MECHANIC SAID HE HAS SEEN MANY DODGE CARVAN TRANSMISSION FAILURES AND TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER.I AM THE 2ND OWNER AND DON'T KNOW IF THE ORIGINAL OWNER HAD THIS PROBLEM AND PERHAPS THATS WHY HE TRADED IT WITH ONLY ABOUT 40K MILES ON IT?DEALER SAYS PROBABLY A SENSOR,CAN'T FIX TODAY - COME BACK MONDAY.
POWER TRAINJune 16, 2002
TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. *AK
STEERINGJune 12, 2002
WHILE TURNING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNK AND THE STEERING WENT COMPLETELY AROUND. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE TIRES. INJURIES OR FATALITIES COULD HAVE OCCURED. THE DEALER HAD REPLACED THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT. IT HAD BEEN STRIPPED OUT FROM THE LACK OF FULL/APPROPRIATE CONNECTION. THE MATERIAL ENGINEER STATED THAT THE PART APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN ENGAGED ONLY 1/3 OF THE WAY, INSTEAD OF THE WHOLE WAY. *SCC
STRUCTUREJune 5, 2002
SUNVISOR TILTED AND STUCK TO STEERING WHEEL. WAS UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #8011157ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 23, 2002
THE ENGINE GAVE NO SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF AN IMPENDING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED BY MY MECHANIC 1200 MILES EARLIER AND THE TENSIONER REPLACED. THE MAIN BEARING FAILED SENDING METAL FRAGMENTS THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE. THE SIDE-EFFECTS OF THE BEARING BLOWING APART DESTROYED THE ENGINE AND NECESSITATED THAT A NEW ENGINE BE INSTALLED. THIS WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $3500 AND TAKE ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND HAS ONLY 55K MILES ON IT. DODGE SHOULD BE ASHAMED THAT A FAILURE LIKE THIS WOULD OCCUR IN SUCH A LATE MODEL VEHICLE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 17, 2002
CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING COMING FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE. TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THE LEFT ROTOR NEEDED REPLACING. CONSUMER FEELS THIS WAS UNSAFE BECAUSE THE BRAKE COULD HAVE FAILED. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 16, 2002
THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC STATED THAT FRONT LEFT ROTORS NEEDED REPLACING. THERE WAS NO WARNING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAINApril 5, 2002
DRIVER HAD TURNED VEHICLE ON, BUT LEFT IT IN PARK, SHIFT LEVER WAS BUMPED SLIGHTLY AND JUMPED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. HAD CONTACTED BOTH MANUFACTURERS, WAS INFORMED THAT PROBLEM WAS NORMAL FOR THAT VEHICLE.*AK CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED WITHOUT THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM. *SLC
SEAT BELTS,CHILD SEATApril 4, 2002
WHILE PLACING A PURSE ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE INADVERTANTLY RELEASED. ALSO, WHILE A PASEENGER IN THE CENTER BENCH SEAT WAS BUCKLING THEIR SEATBELT, THE SEATBELT ON THE CHILD'S BOOSTER SEAT NEXT TO IT RELEASED.
POWER TRAINMarch 19, 2002
MOLDED TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES LEAKING AT LEFT FRONT. HAD TO REPAIR AT LOCAL GARAGE DUE TO EXCESSIVE LEAKAGE AND LONG MILEAGE TO DEALER. WAS INFORMED OF LARGE BACK ORDER ON MOLDED LINES, SO BULK LINES WERE USED. MECHANIC HAS SEEN SAME PROBLEM ON DODGE MINVANS ON OTHER OCCURRENCES.*AK
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAINMarch 8, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE, AND THEN VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING WHILE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK DEALER FOUND BROKEN PIN POSSIBLY WITH THE TRANSMISSION.*TT
SEAT BELTSFebruary 27, 2002
CONSUMER RECIEVED RECALL NOTICE 01V-119, HOWEVER THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIRS. NLM *SLC
POWER TRAINFebruary 12, 2002
STOPPED AT INTERSECTION CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE FORWARD OR REVERSE. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP. DEALER SERVICE MANAGER KNEW PROBLEM BEFORE I HAD CAR TOWED TO HIS SHOP. DIFFERENTIAL PIN HADCOME THROUGH THE CASECAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE AND CASE IS BROKEN. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED BEFORE VAN WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP. THATS HARD TO BELIEVE. TRANSMISSION EXPERT KNOWS THAT ENGINES ARE TOO POWERFUL FOR TRANSMISSION AND SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMS THAT PIN DISENGAGES BECAUSE IT SPINS FASTER THAN IT SHOULD AND COME FREE OR BREAKS. CHRYSLER IMMEDIATELY ADMITTED TO BE AT FAULT BUT ONLY COVERED HALF OF THE COST TO REPLACE WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION WITH THE SAME FAULTY PIN. NOT ACCEPTABLE. *AK
POWER TRAINFebruary 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THE CV JOINTS COMPLETELY CAME APART WITHOUT WARNING. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 12, 2002
WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE PULSATES AND THE BRAKES MAKE NOISE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS AND THE BRAKES. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 12, 2002
THE SENSOR OUTPUT WAS INOPERATIVE CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TRAVEL OVER 30 MPH. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 12, 2002
THE HORN WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE DEALER HAS REPLACED IT TWICE. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 12, 2002
THE TENSIONER AND SERPENTINE BELT FAILED CAUSING ENGINE NOISE DURING INITIAL STARTUP. NLM
STRUCTUREFebruary 12, 2002
THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THE CONSUMER IS DRIVING IN AN INCLINE OR DECLINE POSITION, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE SLIDING DOOR HAS BAD CONTACT, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 12, 2002
THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHILE STOPPED, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. NLM
EQUIPMENTFebruary 12, 2002
THE A/C SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE. NLM
POWER TRAINJanuary 29, 2002
VEHICLE WAS PARKED/ ENGINE RUNNING/ EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT APPLIED, CONSUMER WAS OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE WHEN HER 3 YEAR OLD SHIFTED LEVER FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE. NO INJURIES.*AK *SLC
Crash reported
NHTSA #8003031ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 17, 2002
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, CLAIM 30-V502-154. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6901001ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 17, 2002
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED, WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, THE DEALER INSTALLED AN ENGINE BATTERY HEATER, IT WAS PLUGGED IN AT THE TIME OF THE LOSS, THIS WAS POSSIBLY THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, VEHICLE IS DESTROYED FROM THE FIREWALL FORWARD, CLAIM 13-7233-513. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6901002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 17, 2002
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 59-V431-848. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6901003ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 17, 2002
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, CLAIM 30-V502-154. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6901001ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 17, 2002
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED, WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, THE DEALER INSTALLED AN ENGINE BATTERY HEATER, IT WAS PLUGGED IN AT THE TIME OF THE LOSS, THIS WAS POSSIBLY THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, VEHICLE IS DESTROYED FROM THE FIREWALL FORWARD, CLAIM 13-7233-513. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6901002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 17, 2002
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 59-V431-848. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6901003AIR BAGSJanuary 2, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING AT30-35 MPH ON GRAVEL ROADS DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
POWER TRAINDecember 19, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED MY VAN SOUNDING LIKE IT WASN'T SHIFTING OUT OF 1ST OR 2ND GEAR. I MADE A LEFT TURN AS REQUIRED TO MAKE AN EXIT OFF THE HIGHWAY ENSURINING ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS SAFELY AT A DISTANCE. AS I MADE THE TURN, MY TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND THE CAR DIDN'T GO ANYWHERE FOR A MOMENT, AND THEN FINALLY SLIPPED BACK IN GEAR. I ALMOST WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING CAR WHO PROBABLY DIDN'T SLOW DOWN ASSUMING I'D FINISH MY EXIT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 12, 2001
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE, CLAIM 30-V502-154. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6900669ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 12, 2001
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE, CLAIM 30-V502-154. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6900669ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 30, 2001
CAMSHAFT BROKEN IN HALF ON EXPRESSWAY WHILE DOING 70MPH. SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND STARTED SKIPPING AND MAKING NOISE. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A SAFE STOP, BUT NO WARNING OR INDICATOR LIGHT WERE DISPLAYED. DEALER WAS ABLE TO REPLACE CAMSHAFT, BUT DIDN'T EXPLAIN WHAT CAUSED IT TO BREAK.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 22, 2001
THERE IS A CONTINOUS DRAGGING OF FRONT BRAKES AND WEARING OUT BRAKE PADS, NO ONE AT DEALER CAN SEEM TO CORRECT PROBLEM. ROTORS HAVE BE REPLACED AT ;EAST 2 TIMES, CALIPERS REPLACED 4 TIMES AND PADS REPLACED 9 TIMES. ALL OF THIS HAS BEEN DONE IN A 7-8 MTH PERIOD OF TIME. AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL ON GOING WITH NO CORRECTION TO THE PROBLEM. BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR CAUSING AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. HAVE ALMOST REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO ALMOST FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKES.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 17, 2001
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE VIBRATES, DEALER REPLACED FRONT ROTORS DUE TO RUST AND HOLES FROM STREET SALT. AT THIS TIME, FRONT ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, SAME PROBLEM.*AK *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAINOctober 17, 2001
SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE WE HAVE HAD AN ONGOING NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLES OF THE VAN. WE HAVE REPORTED THIS AT EVERY SERVICE AND THE VEHICLE HAS HAD ONE OF THE REAR AXLES REPLACED. DEALER STATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE MINI-VANS AND THAT REDUCED MILAGE ON REAR BRAKES IS COMMON. WE HAD LESS THAN 30K MILES ON A SET OF REAR DISC BRAKES AND PAD FAILURE RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO ONE ROTOR. WE HAVE OWNED MANY DIFFERENT VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER HAD SUCH POOR PERFORMANCE OF REAR BRAKES.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 13, 2001
THE TENSIONER PULLEY MUST HAVE A BAD SPRING OR SEAL AND AS IT SEPARATES THE PULLEY GOES A FEW DEGREES OUT OF ALIGNMENT WITH OTHER PULLEY MEMBERS WHICH CAUSES BELT TO EITHER RIDE UP ON THE RIDGE OF THE ALTENATOR PULLEY AND SHRED OR COMPLETELY FALL OFF ALL TOGETHER. NATURALLY ALL POWER IS LOST AS WELL AS ENGINE PUMPS...BEST CASE YOU ARE ABLE TO PULL OFF ON THE SHOULDER OTHERWISE THERE COULD BE IMPENDING DANGER. 44K MILES AND THIS PART IS FAILING AND FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND QUITE REGULARLY WITH THIS MAKE & MODEL. PROBLEM NEEDS ADDRESSED. THANK YOU.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGSAugust 28, 2001
CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED IN JULY 2000, AT THIS TIME, AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON .*AK DEALER REPLACED CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY AGAIN ON 14-AUG-2001 WITH 80533 MILES. SERPENTINE BELT AND TENSIONER REPLACED, IT WAS CAUSING NOISE. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 16, 2001
BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, BUT VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. DEALER REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER UNDER WARRANTY. BRAKES WORKING PROPERLY AFTER REPLACEMENT OF PART.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 14, 2001
FRONT PADS AND ROTORS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. FRONT LEFT INNER PAD COMPLETELY GONE CAUSING METAL TO METAL CONTACT. BOTH ROTORS SEVERELY DAMAGED. BRAKES ARE UNDER DESIGNED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAINAugust 6, 2001
GEAR SHIFT CAN BE MOVED OUT OF PARK AND SHIFTED INTO ANY GEARS WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKES OR WITHOUT HAVING KEY IN IGNITION, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL AND HIT NEIGHBORS PARKED VEHICLE. *AK ESTIMATED PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS $3,000.*YD
Crash reported
NHTSA #893467STEERINGAugust 6, 2001
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A RUBBING AND KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COMPONENTS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED STEERING HOSES, THE STEERING COLUMN, THE INTERMEDIATE COUPLER SHAFT, AND 3 RACK AND PINIONS IN TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THEY'VE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND HAD THEIR STAR TECHNICIAN SUPERVISE THE LAST REPAIR, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. ON 12/3/1999 THE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE WITH THE CUSTOMER TO DIAGNOSE NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN. ON 12/17/99, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. ON 12/23/99 A NOISE IN THE STEERING WAS FIXED WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING LINES. ON 2/3/00, VEHICLE WAS CHECKED FOR RUBBING NOISE IN STEERING. THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ON 1/18/01, RACK AND PINION WAS ORDERED TO FIX RUBBING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN. ON 3/29/01 CUSTOMER RETURNED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT NOISY STEERING. ON 4/23/01, DEALER REPLACED INTERMEDIATE STEERING COUPLER SHAFT. ON 5/3/01 THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED TO REPAIR A NOISY STEERING RACK. ON 7/27/01, VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER FOR NOISY STEERING AND REPAIRS SUPERVISED BY STAR TECHNICIAN. RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACE AND VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO CUSTOMER ON 8/3/01. SOME NOISE APPEARS INTERMITTENTLY STILL AND REPAIR DOES NOT SEEM COMPLETE.
STEERINGAugust 6, 2001
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A RUBBING AND KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COMPONENTS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED STEERING HOSES, THE STEERING COLUMN, THE INTERMEDIATE COUPLER SHAFT, AND 3 RACK AND PINIONS IN TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THEY'VE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND HAD THEIR STAR TECHNICIAN SUPERVISE THE LAST REPAIR, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. ON 12/3/1999 THE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE WITH THE CUSTOMER TO DIAGNOSE NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN. ON 12/17/99, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. ON 12/23/99 A NOISE IN THE STEERING WAS FIXED WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING LINES. ON 2/3/00, VEHICLE WAS CHECKED FOR RUBBING NOISE IN STEERING. THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ON 1/18/01, RACK AND PINION WAS ORDERED TO FIX RUBBING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN. ON 3/29/01 CUSTOMER RETURNED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT NOISY STEERING. ON 4/23/01, DEALER REPLACED INTERMEDIATE STEERING COUPLER SHAFT. ON 5/3/01 THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED TO REPAIR A NOISY STEERING RACK. ON 7/27/01, VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER FOR NOISY STEERING AND REPAIRS SUPERVISED BY STAR TECHNICIAN. RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACE AND VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO CUSTOMER ON 8/3/01. SOME NOISE APPEARS INTERMITTENTLY STILL AND REPAIR DOES NOT SEEM COMPLETE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 1, 2001
MY IGNITION LOCK IN MY VAN HAS FAILED TWO TIMES. THE FIRST TIME IN FEB. 2000. IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN, IT FAILED AGAIN A FEW DAYS AGO. THE VAN WOULD NOT START BECAUSE THE KEY COULD NOT BE TURNED. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN NORTH DAKOTA WINTERS WHERE WIND CHILLS CAN APPROACH 80-100 BELOW ZERO. ALSO, IF IT FAILED IN A HIGH CRIME AREA IT COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IF YOUNG CHILDREN ARE IN THE VAN, AND, OF COURSE, PEOPLE WITH FAMILIES BUY THE VEHICLES. THE PERSON WHO TOWED THE VAN TOLD MY WIFE THAT HE HAD SEEN THE SAME PROBLEM WITH DODGE VANS BEFORE.*AK
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 30, 2001
SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED, AND TRANSMISSION NOT ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS, WAS TOLD TO DRIVE TO SHOP FOR REPAIRS. VERY LOW MILES FOR A TRANSMISSION TO START FAILING. *AK
POWER TRAINJuly 26, 2001
VEHICLE CAN BE PUT INTO GEAR WITHOUT ENGINE RUNNING AND NO SAFETY FEATURE LIKE BRAKE DEPRESSION BEFORE CARE CAN BE PUT INTO GEAR A SMALL CHILD CAN EASILY DO THIS AS MY 2 1/2 YO DID MUCH TO MY SURPRISE. *AK
SUSPENSIONJuly 23, 2001
EXCESSIVE WEAR ON TIRES AND SHAKING OF FRONT END WHEN CAR REACHES SPEEDS OF 50 MPH AND AT SPEEDS OF 70-75 MPH, EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT WITH NEW TIRES,ROTATED AND BALANCED. FRONT END ALIMENT SERVICED AT THE SAME TIME. WITH ALL THESE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS THE VEHICLES STILL SHAKES AND REQUIRES NEW TIRES AFTER 10,000 MILES WEAR. MORE NOTICABLE OF THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE. REPORTED TO SERVICE CENTER SINCE PURCHASED IN OCT 1999*AK (TIRESIZE: 65R15)
AIR BAGSJuly 16, 2001
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE IN FRONT SUDDENLY STOPPED AND CONSUMER REAR ENDED THE OTHER VEHICLE. FRONT HOOD WENT UNDER THE OTHER CAR, AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #892855VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRESJuly 10, 2001
CRIUSE CONTROL DOES NOT MAINTIAN SPEED ON UPHILL ROADS - DEALERSHIP REPLACED - PROBLEM CORRECTED, TIRES WEAR OUT AT 25000+ MILES. AREA IS OUTSIDE EDGE ON BOTHS SIDES OF TIRES BALD. FRONT END CHECK OUT OK, REPLACED TIRES WITH REAR TIRES, BUT STILL EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM. *AK (TIRESIZE: 215/60-17)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 22, 2001
WHEN TAKING A TURN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE NEXT DAY AS I WAS TRAVELING ON A FEEDER ROAD AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR A RED LIGHT I HEARD A GRINGING COMMING FROM FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE TIRE. I IMMEDIATELY GOT ON THE PHONE WITH THE DEALER AND NOTIFED THEM. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP APPROXIMATELY 7 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT HAS HAD BOTH FRONT CALIPERS REPLACED 4 TIMES. BRAKE PADS REPLACED ABOUT EVERY 3000 MILES AND 2 MASTER CYLINDERS INSTALLED SINCE JAN. 2001. BRAKE PADS ARE BEING CRYSTILIZED AND CAN BE CRUMBLED IN HAND LIKE CHARCOAL. HAVE HAD ROATORS REPLACED AND TURNED SEVERAL TIMES. ALSO KEEP LOSING BRAKE FLUID.*AK
VISIBILITYJune 11, 2001
I THINK THAT THE WINDSHIELSTHAT DODGE IS USEING ARE OF A POOR STANDARD. I WANTED TO MAKE THIS COMPLAINT TO SEE IF OTHER CUSTOMER WERE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT FEEL SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY NEAR 18000 DALLORS FOR A CAR AND ITS WINDSHEILD NOT BE ABLE TO STAND UP TO A SMALL IMPACT. PAT AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE PIN DOT NICK IN THE WINDOW CAUSE THE CRACK. I EXPLAIN TO HIM THAT IT MOST BE POORLY MADE FOR IT TO CRACK THAT MUCH IN ONLY 450 MILE OF DRIVING. THE NICK IN THE WINDOW WAS VERY SMALL AND HAD TO BE POINTED OUT TO ME . I DID NOT SEE IT UNTELL HE POINTED IT OUT.I CANT SEE HAVING TO PAY $472.00 TO GET THE WINDOW FIX. I THINK THAT THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE TO FIX OR BE WILLING TO HELP. I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW OF OTHER COMPLAITS OF THIS TYPE.*AK
POWER TRAINJune 4, 2001
A DRIFT PIN IN FRONT AXLE WILL COME LOOSE AND SLIDE OUT, KNOCKING A HOLE IN TRANSMISSION CASE, WHICH CAN CAUSE FLUID TO LEAK, AND POSSIBLY FRONT WHEELS TO LOCK UP. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION WITH SAME MANUFACTURER'S DEFECTIVE DESIGN. *AK
STEERINGMay 30, 2001
THERE IS A POPPING OR CLUNKING NOISE THAT COMES FROM WITHIN STEERING COLUMN WHILE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION OR STOPPING. NOISE OCCURS ON A RANDOM BASIS AND DEALERSHIP CANNOT NOT DETERMINE CAUSE OF NOISE. THERE IS A TSB, BULLETIN NUMBER: 190999 FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK
POWER TRAINMay 14, 2001
THE TRANSFER PIN IN THE TRANSMISSION BROKE CAUSING TOTAL FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. IT WOULD NOT EVEN STAY IN PARK. AT FIRST WE THOUGHT WE HAD HIT SOMETHING BECAUSE OF THE JOLT THAT THIS CAUSED. AFTER THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S INVESTIGATION IT DISCOVERED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS FROM THE PIN. I CONTACTED DAIMLER/ CHRYSLER AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP. THEY SEEMED WILLING TO HELP WITH THE REPAIRS THROUGH A LOCAL DEALER. WHEN I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAD ALREADY HAD IT FIXED THROUGH A LOCAL SHOP THEY WERE COMPLETELY UNWILLING TO EVEN DISCUSS THE MATTER. A MECHANIC THAT WE KNOW ONLY WORKS ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS. HE WAS NOT SHOCKED THAT THIS HAPPENED. HE HAS SEEN IT MANY TIMES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 9, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAINMay 8, 2001
VEHICLE NOT EQUIPPED WITH SHIFT INTERLOCK DEVICE WHEREBY ALLOWING OUR CHILDREN THE POTENTIAL TO SHIFT VEHICLE OUT OF PARK AND CREATING A RUNAWAY CONDITION. OUR TWO YEAR OLD SON HAS WATCHED US ENOUGHT THAT HE KNOWS HOW TO PUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND PULL THE GEAR SELECTOR ARM DOWN. CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILIES AND OTHERS SAFETY.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 7, 2001
BRAKES WERE PULSATING WHEN APPLIED, PEDAL FELT HARD, REDUCED BRAKING DISTANCE. MECHANIC FOUND FRONT ROTORS WERE RUSTING FROM INSIDE OUT. *AK *JB
AIR BAGSMay 3, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING AT 10 MPH AND TURNING INTO PARKING LOT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEMay 2, 2001
AFTER INSPECTION OF VEHICLE, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, FUEL WAS LEAKING AT THE RUBBER O-RINGS AND THE FUEL INJECTION RAIL, AS CITED IN RECALL 00V2688, CONSUMER IS UPSET THAT CHRYSLER SAYS THERE IS NOT A RECALL, BUT YET NHTSA STATES THAT THERE IS. *JG
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEMay 2, 2001
AFTER INSPECTION OF VEHICLE, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, FUEL WAS LEAKING AT THE RUBBER O-RINGS AND THE FUEL INJECTION RAIL, AS CITED IN RECALL 00V2688, CONSUMER IS UPSET THAT CHRYSLER SAYS THERE IS NOT A RECALL, BUT YET NHTSA STATES THAT THERE IS. *JG
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 17, 2001
MASTER CYLINDER IS LEAKING . CONTACTED DEALER.*AK
STEERING,AIR BAGSApril 6, 2001
EA01007-CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR A SOUND IN STEERING COLUMN. DEALER HAS REPLACED STEERING COLUMN TWICE, AND CLOCK SPRING TWICE BUT DEFECT STILL OCCURS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 4, 2001
BATTERY BLEW UP, RENDERING VEHICLE INOPERABLE. DEALER WAS INSPECTING VEHICLE.*AK
POWER TRAINMarch 31, 2001
WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE DRIVING 55MP, HEARD CLUNKING, GRINDING, FELT JERKING. PULLED OVER TO FIND TRANSMISSION FLUID POURING OUT. FOUND LARGE PIECES OF TRANSMISSION ON HIGHWAY. THANKFUL WE WEREN'T GOING FASTER OR ON A FREEWAY. CAR CONTINUED TO ROLL EASILY WHILE IN PARK. HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO PARK VEHICLE. HAD DAIMLER EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH THEM NOW. BEEN 1 WEEK NOW, STILL BEING REPAIRED. WARRANTY ONLY GAVE A TOO SMALL REPLACEMENT VEHICLE FOR 5 DAYS(WE NEEDED ALL THE VAN'S 7 SEATS TO TRANSPORT OUR FAMILY). IT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE A TOTAL OF 11 OR MORE DAYS TO REPAIR. WE HAVE ALSO HAD TROUBLE WITH THE KEY IN THIS VAN. WE WILL PROBABLY NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE VEHICLE, AS WE HAVE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH OUR LAST VAN TOO. WE THOUGHT THAT WAS BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY WRECKED, BEFORE WE BOUGHT IT. WE WOULD BE GLAD TO DISCUSS THIS WITH ANYONE. THANK YOU.*AK
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITYMarch 26, 2001
IN LIGHT SNOW PLASTIC GEAR THAT CONTROLS WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM HAS STRIPPED OFF, CAUSING IT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. 2. ALSO THERE IS NO SAFETY LOCK FOR GEAR SHIFT THAT PREVENTS VEHICLE FROM ROLLING IN CASE SOMEONE MOVES GEAR SHIFT WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKES.*AK *SLC
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 24, 2001
THE HORN IS CURRENTLY NOT WORKING AND AFTER READING A NEWS RELEASE I AM CONCERNED THAT MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG MAY NOT BE WORKING. I INTEND TO CONTACT A DODGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE THE HORN REPAIRED AND THE AIR BAG INSPECTED BUT WANTED TO REPORT OUR CONCERN AS THE NEWS RELEASE INDICATED THAT AN INVESTIGATION IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 19, 2001
CONSUMER WAS PARKED WITH MOTOR RUNNING, PUT FOOT ON BRAKE , VEHICLE IN GEAR AND ENGINE REVVED AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED, AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE/ BUILDING, AND A COUPLE OF TREES. FINALLY, GOT TO STOP AT AN EMBANKMENT. VEHICLE TOTALLED. *AK
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #883355SEAT BELTSMarch 15, 2001
3 POINT SEAT BELT (3RD ROW SEAT - RIGHT SIDE) IS UNUSABLE. IT IS LOCKED INTO THE RETRACTED POSITION AND CANNOT BE PULLED OUT TO USE. *AK
POWER TRAINMarch 10, 2001
TRANSMISSION REBUILT ONCE, BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. VEHICLE STUTTERS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. AFTER DEALER INVESTIGATES COMPLAINS THE VANRUNS SMOOTHLY FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS; THEN PROBLEM STARTS AGAIN. DEALER SAYS THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WHEN THEY RUN DIAGNOSTICS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 7, 2001
WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM MAILBOX AND BELT TENSIONER SHEARED OFF. *AK THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHEN THE TENSIONER PULLEY SHEARED OFF. *YH
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 6, 2001
THE HEAD LIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH ILLUMINATION, THE CONSUMER HAS UPGRADED 3 BULDS TO THE BRIGHTEST LIGHTS POSSIBLE BUT THE STILL HAVE VERY LITTLE ILLUMINATION, THE CONSUMER REFUSED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT DUE TO POOR VISIBILITY. NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEMarch 5, 2001
THE CONSUMER NOTICED A FAINT ODOR OF GASOLINE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM BECAUSE FUEL WAS LEAKING AT THE RUBBER O-RINGS AND THE FUEL INJECTION RAIL, THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT WHEN HE CONTACTED NHTSA HE WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL BUT IT HAD NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED YET 00V-268. NLM
POWER TRAINMarch 4, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 1, 2001
THE VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE, SEVERAL REPAIRS HOWEVER THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO LEAK. *MJS
POWER TRAINMarch 1, 2001
THE VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANS AXLE ASSEMBLY, SEVERAL REPAIRS HOWEVER THE TRANS AXLE ASSEMBLY CONTINUES TO LEAK. *MJS
SEATSFebruary 28, 2001
WAS DRIVING & WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE BEHIND WHEEL WELL. UPON IMPACT, REAR BACK BUCKET SEAT BECAME DISLODGED FROM SEAT TRACT. CHILD SEAT WITH CHILD IN IT WAS RECLING BACKWARDS. MANUFACTURER INDICATED PROBLEM WAS RIVER'S FAULT. *AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #881808FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFebruary 28, 2001
A LEAK WAS DISCOVERED IN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY AT THE POINT WHERE THE FUEL FILLING TUBE CONNECTS TO THE FUEL TANK. UPON NOTICING THE LEAK, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ABOUT 3 MONTHS PRIOR. THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK ASSMBLY AS WELL AS A SEAL. I FEEL THAT THIS FAILURE IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS IN OTHERWISE EXCELLENT CONDITION AND THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE OF ANY KIND TO THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED SUCH A FAILURE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY/FIRE HAZARD AND WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT THE LEAK WAS DISCOVERED BEFORE ANY FIRE OR INJURIES OCCURRED. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT TO REPAIR THIS TYPE OF DEFECT. I HAVE CONTACTED DAIMLER CHRYLSER CORPORATION AND THEY CURRENTLY HAVE NO RECALL INFORMATION ON MY VEHICLE. HOWEVER, I DID FIND A RECALL ON THE 1996 DODGE CARAVAN WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM. THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS 98V18500. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE IN THIS INVESTIGATION.*AK
POWER TRAINFebruary 22, 2001
2 YEAR OLD CHILD WAS ABLE TO SHIFT VEHICLE OUT OF GEAR WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKES . CONSUMER STATED ALL CHRYSLER VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE A SAFETY FEATURE TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING. VEHICLE ROLLED OVER A HILL INTO WOODS/ HITTING TREES, AND GOING INTO A DITCH. CAUSED $6000 DAMAGE. CHILD HAD A LARGE BUMP ON HEAD. *AK *SLC
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #881119POWER TRAINFebruary 22, 2001
TRANSMISSION IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHILE CONSUMER WAS PULLING OUT OF DRIVE WAY, AND PUTTING TRANSMISSION IN GEAR IT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. CONSUMER HAD TO PLAY WITH IT BEFORE IT CAUGHT A GEAR. CONTACTED DEALER,AND DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION THREE TIMES, AND PROBLEM WAS STILL OCCURRING. *AK *SLC
SEATSFebruary 5, 2001
CONSUMER'S HUSBAND WAS REAR ENDED, AND BACK SEAT POPPED OUT OF TRACK. NO INJURIES. *AK
SEATSFebruary 5, 2001
WHILE DRIVING BACK SEAT POPPED OUT OF TRACK. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 5, 2001
CONSUMER HAD PARKED VEHICLE AND NOTICED FIRE 6 HOURS LATER, WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, AN ENGINE BATTERY HEATER WAS INSTALLED, IT WAS PLUGGED IN AT THE TIME OF LOSS, POSSIBLY SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED THE FIRE, CLAIM 13-7233-513. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6900670ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 5, 2001
CONSUMER HAD PARKED VEHICLE AND NOTICED FIRE 6 HOURS LATER, WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, AN ENGINE BATTERY HEATER WAS INSTALLED, IT WAS PLUGGED IN AT THE TIME OF LOSS, POSSIBLY SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED THE FIRE, CLAIM 13-7233-513. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6900670STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 24, 2001
A WORN BUSHING/BEARING IN THE TENSIONER PULLEY ALLOWED THE DRIVE BELT TO SLIP OFF WHILE CORNERING. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST NEARLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE THEN QUICKLY OVERHEATED LEAVING MY WIFE AND CHILDREN STRANDED ON A COUNTY ROAD IN A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. THE ACTUAL TEMP WAS +5 F WITH A WIND CHILL OF -30 F. THEY WERE THANKFULLY RESCUED WITHIN ABOUT 20 MINUTES THANKS TO HER CELLPHONE. I UNDERSTAND CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED A TSB FOR BELTS THAT SLIP OFF WHEN DRIVING THROUGH SNOW OR WATER DUE TO PULLEY FAILURE. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. THANK YOU. ROGER STITES. *AK
SUSPENSIONJanuary 24, 2001
THE STEERING ALIGNMENT WAS INCONSISTANT, SOME TIMES PULLING TO ONE SIDE, SOMETIMES NOT. AN ALIGNMENT SHOP REPLACED THE BADLY CORRODED BALL JOINT. THE BALL JOINT WAS SEALED, MEANING IT WAS NOT GREASABLE BY ROUTINE SERVICE. IF THE PART WOULD HAVE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, THE CONSEQUENCES ARE UNKNOWN, BUT COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY.
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 23, 2001
EXCESSIVE WEAR AND TEAR ON THE PADS AT 13,000 MILES. THE SERVICE DEPT FAILED TO INSPECT WHEELS AND BRAKES. THEN AT 28,000 MILES A TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED. ADDITIONALLY, A STRUT IS DEFECTIVE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 23, 2001
MY BRAKES HAVE BEEN SQUEAKING AND GRINDING SINCE ABOUT A MONTH AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW. I HAVE HAD THE VAN INTO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT AND ONLY ONCE, AFTER MY BRAKE WARRANTY EXPIRED DID THEY FEEL THE NEED TO INFORM ME THAT THE FRONT BRAKES WERE SHOT AND THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE BACK BRAKES WAS DEFECTIVE DUE TO A LEAK. IT HAS NOW BEEN ABUT TWO MONTHS SINCE THE NEW BRAKES WERE PUT ON AND WE HAD THE VAN IN AGAIN FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS TIME THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THERE WAS A LARGE BUILDUP OF METALLIC RESIDUE WHICH WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AGAIN AT NO CHARGE BUT NOEW, A WEEK TO THE DAY LATER, MY BRAKES ARE STARTING TO SQUEAK AGAIN. MY WARRANTY ON THIS VAN IN GENERAL IS ALMOST UP. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS PROBLEM AS WELL AS THE OTHER MINOR ONES I HAVE WITH THE VAN ARE CORRECTED ONCE AND FOR ALL.*AK
TIRESJanuary 2, 2001
TIRE TREAD SEPARATION. *AK (TIRESIZE: P215/65R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/65R15 )
POWER TRAINDecember 19, 2000
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 60-65MPH ON FREEWAY AND SWITCHING LANES WHEN TRANSMISSION SLIPPED , RPM'S WENT OVER 3000, TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
VISIBILITYDecember 18, 2000
WHILE TRAVELING WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS RUNNING, PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED WORKING, CAUSING DRIVER'S SIDE TO RUN ALONE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
POWER TRAINDecember 18, 2000
DESIGN DEFECT AS PER CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP: VERTICAL PIN BREAKS OFF WHICH CAUSES A SLIPPAGE FOR THE MAIN ROTATING MECHANISM CAUSING IT TO PUNCTURE THE TRANSMISSION. *AK
TIRESDecember 9, 2000
ORIGINAL SET OF TIRES WORN OUT 20,824 2ND SET AT 44,800 POSSIBLE MANUFACTURE DEFECT **WHEEL SIZE CANNOT BE CHANGED NO OTHER TIRE MANUFACTURED TO FIT**PUBLIC NEEDS WARNED-CONSUMER NEEDS ADVICE. *AK (TIRESIZE: P225-60-17)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225-60-17 )
TIRESDecember 9, 2000
ORIGINAL SET OF TIRES WORN OUT 20,824 2ND SET AT 44,800 POSSIBLE MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *AK (TIRESIZE: P225-60-17)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225-60-17 )
TIRESDecember 9, 2000
ORIGINAL SET OF TIRES WORN OUT 20,824 2ND SET AT 44,800 POSSIBLE MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225-60-17 )
TIRESDecember 9, 2000
ORIGINAL SET OF TIRES WORN OUT 20,824 2ND SET AT 44,800 POSSIBLE MANUFACTURE DEFECT **WHEEL SIZE CANNOT BE CHANGED NO OTHER TIRE MANUFACTURED TO FIT**PUBLIC NEEDS WARNED-CONSUMER NEEDS ADVICE. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225-60-17 )
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 1, 2000
PROBLEM STARTED GRADUALLY. IGNITION JAMMED AND KEY WOULDN'T TURN, BUT WITH CONSTANTLY JIMMYING BACK AND FORTH WOULD EVENTUALLY TURN. PROBLEM PERSISTED UNTIL KEY WOULD NO LONGER TURN IN IGNITION. VAN HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY STATED THEY REPLACED THE CYCLINDER LOCK AND LUBED THE INSIDE. THE IGNITION STARTED GRADUALLY CATCHING AGAIN UNTIL IT LOCKED UP. VAN WAS TOWED AGAIN TO THE DEALER. DEALER STATED ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT PART FAILED, SO THEY ORDERED ANOTHER ONE AND INSTALLED IT. LAST WEEK THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN. IGNITION JAMMED BUT STARTED AFTER I JIMMYED THE KEY BACK AND FORTH. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER YET ABOUT THE THIR INCIDENT. ALSO, MY NEIGHBOR HAS A 1999 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER MINIVAN, AND HAS HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM, TWICE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 27, 2000
VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LEAK OIL. DEALER HAS REPLACED OIL PAN ENGINE AND OIL FILTER. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 21, 2000
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45MPH ON HIGHWAY WHEN POWER STEERING/COOLANT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF.*AK SERPENTINE HAS FALLEN OFF TWICE. *SLC
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 19, 2000
I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN IN RAIN STORMS. TWICE NOW THE SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF WHEN WATER IN THE ROAD SPRAYED ONTO THE BELT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER STEERING, ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, AND ALL OTHER COMPONENTS POWERED BY THE BELT STOP FUNCTIONING. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT CAN HAPPEN AT HIGH SPEEDS. SERVICE BULLETIN 07-02-99, "SERPENTINE BELT SLIPS OFF IDLER PULLEY" INSTALLS A BRACKET TO PREVENT THIS. MY CONCERN IS THAT NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT THIS SERVICE BULLETIN UNTIL THE BELT COMES OFF. THERE IS UNDUE RISK TO OWNERS OF THESE VANS. THIS NEEDS TO BE A VEHICLE RECALL NOT A SERVICE BULLETIN. I HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER VIA THE INTERNET (REFERENCE NUMBER: 7904321) AND WRITTEN TO JAMES HOLDEN'S OFFICE, CHRYSLER PRESIDENT . I WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT NHTSA AS THE INFORMATION WAS PROPRIETARY. I HAVE FRIENDS WITH THE SAME VAN THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM IN RAIN STORMS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO BE KILLED BEFORE CHRYSLER TAKES A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO SOLVING THIS ON ALL VEHICLES EFFECTED? A VEHICLE RECALL IS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT INJURIES. I AM VERY DISSAPPOINTED IN CHRYSLER FOR ALLOWING ME AND MY FAMILY TO BE EXPOSED TO THIS DESIGN FLAW FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS. JUST TODAY A FRIEND HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER CHRYSLER MINI VAN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 24, 2000
CONSUMER HAD CAME HOME AND PARKED VEHICLE IN GARAGE, A FEW HOURS HAD PASSED WHEN AN EXPLOSION WAS HEARD, CONSUMER SAW THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, THE HOUSE ALSO CAUGHT ON FIRE, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #873666TIRESOctober 22, 2000
I TOOK VAN INTO SAID DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE REAR TIRES HAD UNEVEN WEAR SPOTS AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE VAN AND ASKED ME TO CONTACT THE TIRE MANUFACTUROR WITH A 800 NUMBER. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL GOODYEAR FACILITY IN ROYAL OAK, MI. I WAS TOLD BY THE MANAGER OF THE STORE THERE THAT HE SEES AT LEAST 4 OR 5 DODGE/CHRYSLER MINIVANS A WEEK WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO STEM FROM NOT ROTATING THE TIRES. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN ROTATING TIRES AND NEVER HAVE IN THE PAST. ON A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE, SUCH AS MY GRAND CARAVAN, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR TIRES IF YOU NEVER ROTATE THE TIRES. I HAD A 1985 HONDA PRELUDE WITH FRONT WHEEL DRIVE THAT I NEVER ROTATED THE TIRES AND GOT 80,000 MILES OUT OF THE REAR TIRES. I HAD TO CHANGE THE TIRES AT THAT POINT BECAUSE OF DRY ROT, NOT WEAR. GOODYEAR TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIRES SINCE I DID NOT ROTATE THE TIRES. HERE I AM, MY WIFE AND CHILD RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE ALL THE TIME, WITH TIRES THAT ARE NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING SAFE. THE VAN VIBRATES AT ALL SPEEDS AND THE NOISE ON THE HIGHWAY FROM THE TIRES IS REAL BAD, ESPECIALLY IN THE BACK SEATS. BOTH GOODYEAR AND THE DEALERSHIP AGREED THAT I HAVE BAD TIRES, YET NOONE WANTS TO TAKE THE BLAME FOR THIS AND I AM REALLY FRUSTRATED. (DOT NUMBER: 089 TIRESIZE: 205/75/R14)
TIRESOctober 22, 2000
I TOOK VAN INTO SAID DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE REAR TIRES HAD UNEVEN WEAR SPOTS AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE VAN AND ASKED ME TO CONTACT THE TIRE MANUFACTUROR WITH A 800 NUMBER. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL GOODYEAR FACILITY IN ROYAL OAK, MI. I WAS TOLD BY THE MANAGER OF THE STORE THERE THAT HE SEES AT LEAST 4 OR 5 DODGE/CHRYSLER MINIVANS A WEEK WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO STEM FROM NOT ROTATING THE TIRES. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN ROTATING TIRES AND NEVER HAVE IN THE PAST. ON A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE, SUCH AS MY GRAND CARAVAN, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR TIRES IF YOU NEVER ROTATE THE TIRES. I HAD A 1985 HONDA PRELUDE WITH FRONT WHEEL DRIVE THAT I NEVER ROTATED THE TIRES AND GOT 80,000 MILES OUT OF THE REAR TIRES. I HAD TO CHANGE THE TIRES AT THAT POINT BECAUSE OF DRY ROT, NOT WEAR. GOODYEAR TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIRES SINCE I DID NOT ROTATE THE TIRES. HERE I AM, MY WIFE AND CHILD RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE ALL THE TIME, WITH TIRES THAT ARE NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING SAFE. THE VAN VIBRATES AT ALL SPEEDS AND THE NOISE ON THE HIGHWAY FROM THE TIRES IS REAL BAD, ESPECIALLY IN THE BACK SEATS. BOTH GOODYEAR AND THE DEALERSHIP AGREED THAT I HAVE BAD TIRES, YET NOONE WANTS TO TAKE THE BLAME FOR THIS AND I AM REALLY FRUSTRATED.( DOT NUMBER: 089 TIRE SIZE: 205/75/R14 )
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 12, 2000
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FAILED. NLM
POWER TRAINOctober 12, 2000
TRANSMISSION FAILED. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 12, 2000
MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 12, 2000
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FAILED. NLM
POWER TRAINOctober 12, 2000
TRANSMISSION FAILED. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 12, 2000
MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. NLM
POWER TRAINSeptember 22, 2000
COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE ON HIGHWAY. WOULD NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR AFTER COMING TO A STOP. HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK. DAY BEFORE JUMPED IN AND OUT OF GEAR WHILE COMING TO A STOP AND NEARLY CAUSED COLLISION WITH VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MINE.
TIRESSeptember 20, 2000
REGULAR INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE (ROTATION) HAS BEEN DONE AS RECOMMENDED BY MANUFACTURER. ON THE HIGHWAY, LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT (IN SEVEN SPOTS) NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE BLEW IN SEVEN SPOTS FROM THE INSIDE-OUT. THE TREADS IN EACH HOLE BLEW OUTWARD. I SURELY WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED IF THIS HAPPENED TO ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES. I DO NOT CARRY HEAVY LOADS AND I CHECK MY TIRE PRESSURE EVERY OTHER TIME I FILL UP MY GAS TANK. THIS IS A VERY POPULAR VEHICLE FOR WOMEN WITH CHILDREN. THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATING. MY TIRE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN MID-JULY AND I AM WORRIED THAT ONE OF THE OTHER TIRES WILL DO THE SAME THING.( DOT NUMBER: )
POWER TRAINSeptember 19, 2000
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT GO INTO SECOND GEAR. DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION SENSOR, AND PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. *AK
AIR BAGSSeptember 15, 2000
SMALL METAL OBJECT (ROAD DEBRIS) HIT THE UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE CAUSING AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING. VISION WAS BLOCKED AND VEHICLE ALMOST WENT OFF THE ROAD. DEALER SAID THAT IMPACT UNDER CAR IS ENOUGH REASON FOR THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. *MR *SCC *DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS---731569
POWER TRAIN,TIRESSeptember 9, 2000
TIRE PROBLEM STARTED UPON RECEIVING NEW VEHICLE AND I FIRST REPORTED AT MILEAGE1,898 AND FOUND THERE WAS A TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLITEN FOR THE LOW SPEED TIRE WOBBLE (NUMBER 22-02-99 DATED 04-16-1999) AND HAD THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE TIRES AT MILEAGE 21,522. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM OVER DRIVE TO SECOND GEAR WHILE CRUSING AT 55 MPH AND HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED BECAUSE THE TRAN WAS STUCK IN SECOND GEAR. THE INPUT SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED BUT HAS NOT CORRECTED THE IRRATIC SHIFTING THAT I HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK AND COMPLAINED ABOUT.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 215/65R16 )
POWER TRAIN,TIRESSeptember 9, 2000
TIRE PROBLEM STARTED UPON RECEIVING NEW VEHICLE AND I FIRST REPORTED AT MILEAGE1,898 AND FOUND THERE WAS A TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLITEN FOR THE LOW SPEED TIRE WOBBLE (NUMBER 22-02-99 DATED 04-16-1999) AND HAD THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE TIRES AT MILEAGE 21,522. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM OVER DRIVE TO SECOND GEAR WHILE CRUSING AT 55 MPH AND HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED BECAUSE THE TRAN WAS STUCK IN SECOND GEAR. THE INPUT SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED BUT HAS NOT CORRECTED THE IRRATIC SHIFTING THAT I HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK AND COMPLAINED ABOUT.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 215/65R16 )
AIR BAGSSeptember 4, 2000
REPORTING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAIL COLLISION OF A IMPACT OF 35-45 MPH DURING BRAKING, AND BOTH AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOYED.DEALER/MFR'S NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 31, 2000
VEHICLE WILL NOT START KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION TO START. DEALER WILL BE CONTACTED. 8AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 30, 2000
THE CONNECTING CLIP POPPED LOOSE. REMOVED ALL BRAKING EXCEPT EMERGENCY. IT WAS A CLOSE CALL
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENTAugust 27, 2000
WE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSON SINCE SEPTEMBER 1999. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE COMPUTER SHOWS IN SPEC. THE SPEED SENSOR WENT AND THE VAN COULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. REPLACED AND FAILED AGAIN TAKING OUT THE SPEEDOMETER. TOLD IT WAS JUST A LOSE WIRE THIS TIME. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT ALL 1998-99 VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME REV OF SENSOR AND CHRYSLER WILL NOT REPLACE THEM UNTIL THE FAIL. AT THE SAME TIME THE AIRCONDITIONER FAILED -TOLD THAT THE CONDENSER FAILED DUE TO LEAVES ROTTING THE SYSTEM. A VACUUM HOSE FAILED AND ANOTHER ONE CAME LOSE. NOW THE TRANS SHUDDERS WHEN SHIFTING. TOLD THAT THE TRAN IS BUILT LIKE THIS AND MOST PEOPLE DON'T NOTICE IT. CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WON'T FIX IT. DEALER SUGGESTED THAT I NOT KEEP THIS VEHICLE PAST WARRANTY AS IT WILL CONTINUE TO FAIL AND BECOME COSTLY TO ME. THEY ALSO TOLD ME MY EXPECTATIONS WERE TOO HIGH AND I SHOULD HAVE PURCHASED A FOREIGN VEHICLE IF I WANTED RELIABILITY. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER. THEIR CUST SERVICE SAID THAT THEY ARE ONLY CONCERNED WITH FIXING THE VEHICLE AND NOT BUILDING CUSTOMER RELATIONS. I WAS TOLD THAT MANAGERS WILL NOT SPEAK TO CUSTOMERS. MY WIFE WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
EQUIPMENTJuly 26, 2000
EVERYTIME MY WIFE AND MY SON (7YRS OLD) RIDE ON THIS VEHICLE WHEN A/C IS ON, THEY COMPLAINT DISCOMFORT, NAUSEA, HEADACHES, DIZZINESS, AND SON VOMITED. THIS INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO POWAY DODGE STARTED ON AUGUST 1999. BUT, WE WE ADVISED THAT BECAUSE ITS NEW AND THE ODOR WILL VANISH SOMEHOW. ON OCTOBER 26, 1999, THE ODOR BECAME STRONGER AND DECIDE TO TAKE IT TO DEALER AND WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE MILDEW BUILD UP INSIDE THE CONDENSATION BOX, THE DEALER MECHANIC JUST APPLIED A LYSOL SPRAY TO COUNTER THE ODOR. ON 11/30/99, MY WIFE AND SON GOT SICK AND BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER'S ATTENTION, AGAIN THEY APPLIED LYSOL SPRAY TO COUNTER THE ODOR. ON 12/16/99 AND 12/20/99, WAS RETURNED TO POWAY DODGE DUE TO CAUSING HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS TO SOME PASSENGERS. ON 3/27/00, MY SON GOT SICK AND VOMITED INSIDE THE VAN, WE BROUGHT THIS INCIDENT TO DEALER'S ATTENTION AGAIN AND THEY APPLIED THE SAME SOLUTION. ON 7/23/00, WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD WHILE AC IS ON, MY WIFE AND SON COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ODOR AND MY SON INSIST TO OPEN THE WINDOWS, FEW SECONDS LATER, HE FUKE. AGAIN, WE REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO POWAY DODGE AND WE WERE TOLD TO APPLY LYSOL SPRAY. THIS INCIDENT HAS BEEN OCCURRING AGAIN AND AGAIN. MAY I PLEASE REQUEST TO INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM. I WILL MAKE MYSELF AND THE VEHICLE AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME FOR INSPECTION TO FIX THIS UNSAFE AND UNHEALTH ISSUES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 10, 2000
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED DOWN HILL PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE.*AK
STEERINGJuly 5, 2000
WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT THE STEERING BROKE, STEERING WHEEL THEN WAS ABLE TO SPIN FREELY WITH NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
SUSPENSIONJune 13, 2000
VEHICLE WILL PULL TOO SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE, AND HAS DEEMED IT AS UNFIXABLE, AND A NORMALCHARACTERISTIC OF VEHICLE.*AK
SUSPENSIONJune 8, 2000
THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES DUE TO POSSIBLE SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, DEALERSHIP CHANGED TIRES, HOWEVER CONSUMER FEELS THE REPAIR IS NOT SUFFICIENT. *MJS
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 31, 2000
SPEED CONTROL MODULE FAILED, TRANSMISSION STUCK IN 2ND GEAR, DEALER REPLACED, BRAKES GRIDDED WHEN STOPPING, TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS UNABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM,
POWER TRAINMay 27, 2000
MY FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 5/21/99; DEALER SERVICE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. SECOND INCIDENT WAS 6/1/99, THIS TIME THE DEALER SERVICE SAID THEY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. AGAIN, I REPORTED TO DEALER SERVICE THE SAME PROBLEM ON 9/9/99; DEALER SERVICE SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. AGAIN, I REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM TO DEALER SERVICE ON 1/18/2000; AGAIN, THEY SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. THE DAY I TOOK THE VAN TO DEALER TO POSSIBLY TRADE FOR A NEW CAR, THE SALESMAN DROVE THE VAN AND IMMEDIATELY SAID IT HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, AND WITHIN AN HOUR THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T EVEN SHIFT GEARS. THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED; HOWEVER, CHRYSLER SAID THEY WOULD COVER THE REPAIR SINCE I HAD HAD THE VAN IN SO MANY TIMES BEFORE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS WAS 5/20/00. THEY KEPT THE VAN ALL WEEK, AND FINALLY SAID IT WAS REPAIRED. I PICKED UP THE VAN ON 5/27/00, AND BEFORE I GOT 5 (FIVE) MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP, AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT 65 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN, AND IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. THE SPEEDODEMETER WENT TO ZERO AND IT KICKED BACK DOWN INTO FIRST GEAR AND WOULDN'T SHIFT BACK. WHEN THIS HAPPENED ALL FOUR OF MY CHILDREN AND MY HUSBAND WERE IN THE VAN, AND ONE OF MY CHILDREN'S HEAD WAS SLUNG FORWARD AND THEN BACK. SHE HAS BEEN COMPLAINING WITH A HEADACHE EVER SINCE. I TOOK THE VAN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, (IN 1ST GEAR), AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD TRY AGAIN. MY CHILD IS HURT, AND MY VEHICLE IS A LEMON! WHAT CAN I DO?*AK
POWER TRAINMay 27, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #723264POWER TRAINMay 27, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #723264POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLApril 12, 2000
WHILE MAKING A STOP VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION CASE BLEW OUT. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
POWER TRAINApril 5, 2000
IN THE DRIVEWAY WAS ABLE TO MOVE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE BRAKES. CONTACTED DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY CHANGED THE DESIGN IN THE 99 MODELS. *AK
PARKING BRAKEApril 4, 2000
PARKING BRAKE FAILED. YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 4, 2000
HEATER IS INOPERATIVE BECAUSE THE HEATER CIRCUIT BOARD MALFUNCTIONED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 4, 2000
EGR VALVE FAILED. YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 4, 2000
POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSES HEAVY SPARK NOISE IN RADIO WHEN VEHICLE TURNES. YH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLApril 4, 2000
SPEED CONTROL FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES. YH
STEERINGApril 4, 2000
STEERING WHEEL WANDERS AND IS STIFF. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 4, 2000
ENGINE HESITATES. YH
SEATSApril 3, 2000
VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED, AND DRIVERS SEATBACK COLLAPSED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO FALL INTO THE BACK . DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER IS NOT IN FAVOR WITH INSURANCE'S DECISION TO REPLACE SEAT INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE SEATS. *TT
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #859565POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 20, 2000
WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS IN OVERDRIVE, THERE IS A WHISTLE SOUND WHEN THE TROTTLE IS PRESSED. RELEASING THE TROTTLE STOPS THE WHISTLE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ON AS WELL AS WITH OUT, CAN BE REPRODUCED VERY EASILY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. AT HIGHER SPEEDS IT IS LOUDER, I.E. IT IS LOUDER ON THE HIGHWAY THAN ON SURFACE STREETS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 20, 2000
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE, CLAIM 59-V431-848. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6900671ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 20, 2000
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE, CLAIM 59-V431-848. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #6900671TIRESMarch 14, 2000
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH REAR PASSENGER'S TIRE LOST ALL AIR PRESSURE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 14, 2000
MASTER CYLINDER HAS FAILED RESULTING IN GREATLY REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT FOR WELL OVER A WEEK. THIS WAIT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE MAY BE A SHORTAGE OF THESE PARTS POSSIBLY DUE TO A UNUSUALLY HIGH FAILURE RATE OF THIS PART. THIS CAR DOES NOT HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECENT CHANGE IN THE SUPPLIER OF THIS PART TO CHRYSLER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 14, 2000
MASTER CYLINDER HAS FAILED RESULTING IN GREATLY REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT FOR WELL OVER A WEEK. THIS WAIT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE MAY BE A SHORTAGE OF THESE PARTS POSSIBLY DUE TO A UNUSUALLY HIGH FAILURE RATE OF THIS PART. THIS CAR DOES NOT HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECENT CHANGE IN THE SUPPLIER OF THIS PART TO CHRYSLER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 14, 2000
MASTER CYLINDER HAS FAILED RESULTING IN GREATLY REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT FOR WELL OVER A WEEK. THIS WAIT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE MAY BE A SHORTAGE OF THESE PARTS POSSIBLY DUE TO A UNUSUALLY HIGH FAILURE RATE OF THIS PART. THIS CAR DOES NOT HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECENT CHANGE IN THE SUPPLIER OF THIS PART TO CHRYSLER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAINMarch 11, 2000
APPROXIMATEL;Y AN HOUR AFTER MVA (DAMAGE TO FRONT DRIVERS SIDE), I LEFT TO ACCIDENT SCENE. TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT, SO PULLED OVER AT FIRST AVALIABLE AREA. THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. INSURANCE ESTIMATES IN EXCESS OF $6000 OF STRUCTURAL DAMAGE FORM ACCIDENT IN ADDITION TO FIRE. VEHICLE IS TOTAL LOSS. I DON'T BELIEVE THE CRUMBLE ZONES PROPERLY PROTECTED TO FRAME. I DON'T THINK THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE. INVESTIGATION OF NHTSA WEB SITE PRODUCED NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA99013 WHICH PROMPTED CONTACT. *AK
Crash reportedFire reported
NHTSA #719984SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 28, 2000
THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE QUICKLY BECAUSE A BAD MASTER CYLINDER CAUSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO FAIL. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 28, 2000
THE ABS HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILED AND VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STOPPED QUICKLY. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 3, 2000
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT STAYS ON. HAS HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. DEALER STATED WILL HAVE AUTOMOBILE REPAIRED IN ONE WEEK. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHERFebruary 3, 2000
THE ON-THE COLUMN GEAR SHIFT LEVER MAY BE PLACED IN PARK AND NOT LOCK IN THE RECESSED PARK POSITION SO THAT THE LEVER AND TRANSMISSION MAY DROPPED INTO REVERSE SPONTANEOUSLY OR WITH VERY LITTLE PRESSURE. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER PUT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR BY PUSH IT WITH A TOOTH PICK. HE HAS A SIGNED AFFIDAVIT. THERE ARE IN ESSENCE 2 PARK POSITIONS THAT THE LEVER WILL REGISTER "PARK" ON THE LED INDICATOR ON THE DASH. ONE OF THEM IS THE "TRUE" PARK WHERE THE SHIFT LEVER ACTUALLY SITS BACK AND MUST BE PULLED TOWARD THE DRIVER BEFORE BEING ALLOWED TO BE POSITIONED DOWN INTO ANY GEAR. THE OTHER POSITION ALLOWS THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER TO REGISTER "PARK" ON THE LED AND THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK WHILE SITTING THERE BUT ANY VIBRATION COULD CAUSE IT TO SPONTANEOUSLY ENGAGE INTO REVERSE. IN THIS VERSION OF "PARK" THE SHIFT LEVER IS NOT POSITIONED BACK INTO THE LOCKED RECESS. THE FACT THAT THE DODGE GRAND CARAVAN IS WANTONLY BEING MANUFACTURED WITHOUT AN INTERLOCK MECHANISM, WHICH REQUIRES THE BRAKE TO BE DEPRESSED PRIOR TO SHIFTING, HAS EXACERBATED THE PROBLEM. HAD IT (AN INTERLOCK MECHANISM) HAVE BEEN ON THE VEHICLE MY WIFE WOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN HER ANKLE CRUSHED, BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL FOR THREE DAYS, BE FACING FURTHER SURGERY AND SKIN GRAFTING AS WELL AS PERMANENT DISFIGUREMENT. THERE IS AR TWO DEFECTS HERE. A DESIGN DEFECT BY NOT HAVING AN INTERLOCK MECHANISM INSTALLED AS WELL AS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THAT THE COLUMN REGISTERS 2 PARKING POSITIONS WHEN ONLY ONE SHOULD EXIST SAFELY. *AK
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #718291POWER TRAINDecember 7, 1999
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SUSPENSIONNovember 10, 1999
LEFT FRONT STRUT WAS WEAK, ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO SAG, VERY POOR STABILITY AND VERY POOR HANDLING. LEFT FRONT STRUT WAS REPLACED AND VEHICLE REALIGNED, AFTER BRING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON FIVE OCCASSIONS. I HAD TO PUSH TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, AND CONDITION IS NOW CORRECTED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERNovember 4, 1999
NO SUMMARY
AIR BAGSNovember 2, 1999
DURING RECALL REPAIR DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER OF ADDITIONAL WIRING REPAIRS NECESSARY FOR THE REAR WIPER THAT WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (99V-113). MJS
AIR BAGSNovember 2, 1999
DURING RECALL REPAIR DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER OF ADDITIONAL WIRING REPAIRS NECESSARY FOR THE REAR WIPER THAT WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (99V-113). MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, AIROctober 5, 1999
UPON SLOWING DOWN TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN ABS PUMP STARTED RUNNING AND BRAKE PEDEL WENT TO FLOOR CAR FAILED TO STOP AT STOP SIGN AND PROCEEDED INTO THE INTERSECTION ABS LIGHT CAME ON
POWER TRAINSeptember 28, 1999
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE WILL JUST JUMP OUT OF GEAR ON ITS ON AND GO INTO THE NEUTRAL GEAR. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 16, 1999
WHILE APPLYING BRAKES NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE WHICH RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPING DISTANCE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 13, 1999
BRAKES FAILED DURING PANIC STOPPING, PEDAL TO THE FLOOR THEN PEDAL BOUNCED BACK RESULTING IN BROKEN BONE IN DRIVER'S FOOT, FAILURE RESULTING IN VEHICLE COLLISION. MJS
2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #548480SEATSSeptember 9, 1999
DRIVER WAS REARENDED WITH A 40 MPH IMPACT WHEN DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING SEAT TO FALL BACK WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 23, 1999
ABS BRAKES FAILED CAUSED COLLISION, PEDAL WENT BACK AND BRAKE DRIVER'S FOOT. YH
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #547472FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJuly 6, 1999
WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. INSPECTOR SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. *AK *ML
Fire reported
NHTSA #841722SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 6, 1999
OUR 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS MODIFIED FOR MY WIFE WHO IS DISABLED AND CONFINED TO A WHEELCHAIR. THE MINI VAN WAS CONVERTED BY VANTAGE MOBILITY INTERNATIONAL (VMI) IN PHOENIX AZ. DURING THE MODIFIACATION, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS RE-ROUTED AND DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, CAUSED THE MUFFLER TO MOVE AND SEVER THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE FLUID LINE AS WELL AS THE ABS ELECTRICAL CONTROLLER LINE. THE MOVEMENT OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM ALSO PUNCTURED A HOLE IN THE REAR OF THE MUFFLER THAT WOULD HAVE ALSO PRESENTED A CARBON MONOXIDE SITUATION. IF I HAD NOT HAD MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER LOOK AT MY VAN ON THIS PARTICULAR DAY, MY FAMILY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS COMPANY PROVIDES THESE VEHICLES NATIONWIDE AND THIS SITUATION COULD CONTINUE TO PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD TO OTHER OWNERS AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. THANK YOU. *AK
SEAT BELTSJuly 6, 1999
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED DURING COLLISION CAUSING PASSENGER TO BE TROWN ONTO THE FLOOR HITTING HIS/HER HEAD ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WORKED PROPERLY, BUT DRIVER EXPERIENCED UPPER THIGH / GROIN AREA PAINS AND BRUISED FROM SEAT BELT. AFTER COLLISION A LARGE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE SPILLED OUT WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN POSSIBLE FIRE / EXPLOSION. *YC
2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #546508SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 11, 1999
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROX. 45 MPH WHEN SHE SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC, PULLED INTO THE GARAGE THERE WAS SMOKE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE IN THE TIRE AREAS, VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, WAS TEST DRIVEN AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SINCE JUNE 1ST PROBLEM COMES AND GOES, SECOND TIME DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED THAT THE BOOSTER BRAKE WAS OUT, AT THIS TIME THEY ARE WAITING FOR PARTS.
POWER TRAINJune 8, 1999
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE ON A SLIGHT INCLINE IT DID NOT ENGAGE. THE DEALER REPALACED THE TRANSMISSION. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTUREMarch 17, 1999
DEALER CLAIMS GASKET WAS NOT INSTALLED IN FUEL LINE. GASKET IS NOT AVAILABLE SEPARATELY, SO ENTIRE TANK ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED. DEALER OPTED TO SQUIRT SEALER INTO LINE FOR REPAIR. DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDING DOOR RATTLES BADLY. DEALER ADJUSTED STRIKER, DOOR GOT WORSE. TECHNICIAN CLAIMS RATTLE IS NORMAL.
PARKING BRAKE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTUREMarch 17, 1999
EMERGENCY BRAKE DID NOT RELEASE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AFTER USE. WHEEL SKIDDED ABOUT 3 FEET WHEN DRIVER DECIDED TO BACK-UP TO ATTEMPT RELEASE. WHEEL RELEASED WITH A LOUD BANG. OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT LIST CAPACITIES FOR OIL, COOLANT ETC... CALLED CHRYSLER, THEY CLAIM CAPACITIES ARE ON BACK COVER OF MANUAL. CHRYSLER VERIFIED MANUAL REAR COVER IS BLANK. CHRYSLER TO COPY 1998 MANUAL BACK AND SEND TO CUSTOMER. CHRYSLER CLAIMS 1998 CAPACITIES ARE UNCHANGED FOR 1999.
POWER TRAINJanuary 29, 1999
TRANSMISSION GOT STUCK BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE, THEN JUMPED BACK INTO REVERSE, BACKED UP AND HIT A TREE. IT IS VERY EASY TO PUT THE SHIFTER IN A POSITION THAT LOOKS LIKE PARK BUT IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED. *AK *ML
Crash reported
NHTSA #834287SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 20, 1999
ABS LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKS OUT. PROBLEM OCCURRED TWO TIMES. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 12, 1999
WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, BRAKES WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. *AK