Page 2 of 15 · complaints 51–100 of 714

1997 Dodge Caravan complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 1997 record →

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Apr 5, 200695,000 milesMD

HEADLIGHTS ON 1997 DODGE CARAVAN HAVE BECOME CLOUDED AND ARE NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed Apr 4, 2006104,000 milesME

PURCHASED DODGE CARAVAN NEW. AT 40,000 MILES, WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEGAN RANDOM WIPING ACTION UNRELATED TO TIME OR WEATHER CONDITIONS. THEY WOULD TURN ON, WIPE FOUR OR FIVE TIMES AND TURN OFF. AT 104,000 MILES, WITHOUT WARNING, WIPERS REFUSED TO RESPOND TO SWITCH EXCEPT FOR "WASH AND WIPE" CYCLE. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE INSPECTED AS WIPERS COULD NOT BE TURNED ON FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER. THREE TRIPS TO THE DEALER RESULTED IN A "BODY CONTROL MODULE" BEING REPLACED FOR A COST OF $741.00 IN ORDER TO MAKE THEM WORK. IF THEY HAD STOPPED DURING A BLIZZARD, IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. (PLEASE NOTE, DATES ARE FROM MEMORY AND COULD BE SLIGHTLY OFF). *NM

Suspension › Front
Filed Mar 28, 2006110,000 milesIL

DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER IN BOTH OF MY CHRYSLER MINIVANS 97 CARAVAN & 96 TC ARE RUSTING EXCESSIVELY. MY 97 CARAVAN LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BREAK THROUGH SOON. MY MECHANIC CLAIMS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY CHRYSLER MINIVAN'S. THE REPAIRS COST MORE THAN THE VAN IS WORTH. *JB

Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut
Filed Mar 22, 200699,700 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING A STATE INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP NOTICED CORROSION ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT DEALER, WHICH DETERMINED THE STRUT TOWER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER IS AWAITING THE REPLACEMENT PART.

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Feb 28, 2006177,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 15 MINUTES THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC TO DETERMINE WHERE THE FIRE STARTED OR THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE.

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Dec 13, 2005121,118 milesCA

CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING 1997 CARAVAN CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY. *TS THE VEHICLE'S HORN FAILED DUE TO A FAULTY CLOCKSPRING. THE CONSUMER DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE'S CLOCKSPRING HAD BEEN RECALLED, RECALL NUMBER 02V293000 . THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 2, 2005151,000 milesMA

TRANSMISSION FAILED, VERMONT, 2003. REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION @ 114,152 MILES - WILSON DODGE, VT - AT 134,826 MILES, TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING - HAD NOTICED CLUNKING OCCASIONALLY IN REVERSE. COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER -IRA DODGE, MEDFORD MA RE: CLUNKING: WAS INFORMED THAT THE LEAKING OR TEAR DOWN FOR CLUNKING NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY - TO BE MY EXPENSE - SOUND NOT EASILY REPEATABLE - DEALER STATED $150 DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE. ARGUED WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER SAYING THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS UNDER WARRANTY - HE WAS NOT SYMPATHETIC. CONVINCED HIM TO HAVE HIS MECHANIC TEST DRIVE THE VAN AFTER FIXING THE LEAK (WHICH HE INDEED DID - MILEAGE OUT WAS 134828) AUGUST 2005 - MILEAGE 148781 - LOUD BANG WHILE BACKING UP IN THE HOTEL PARKING GARAGE. CALLED MOPAR CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 800-992-1997 - DATE 8/20/05 - TOLD THAT WARRANTY WAS GOOD IN CANADA BY REP; GIVEN THE NAME OF THE MONTREAL DEALERSHIP - DROVE TO DEALERSHIP 8/21/05 (WITHOUT INCIDENT); INFORMED WARRANTY NOT GOOD IN CANADA. SERVICE MANAGER DROVE THE CAR. UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM. DROVE HOME (WORCESTER, MA.) NO PROBLEMS. DROVE TO THE DODGE DEALER IN WORCESTER 8/23/05; TRANSMISSION PERSON WAS ON VACATION. TOLD THAT A DIAG WOULD BE $150, TEARDOWN MY EXPENSE. PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR AGAIN. 10/27 - ENTIRE TRANSMISSION LOCKED - MIDDLE OF BUSY PROSPECT STREET IN CAMBRIDGE. VAN WOULD NOT MOVE. TAKEN TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP, 900 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. IRA DODGE SAID COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT DISCOUNTING THE LABOR. THEY ASKED ME TO CONTACT MOPAR

Seat Belts › Integrated Child Seat
Filed Oct 29, 200578,000 milesUT

BUILT IN CAR SEAT STOPPED LATCHING WITH NO WARNING. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Sep 28, 2005NY

SERPENTINE BELT KEEPS COMING OFF AFTER HITTING A PUDDLE OR BODY OF WATER. THIS PROBLEM STARTED, AFTER HAVING WORK DONE TO MY 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. A AUTOMOTIVE SHOP REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SERPENTINE BELT DUE TO BEING DAMAGE (BROKEN). THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURN TO AUTOMOTIVE SHOP FIVE TIME, SINCE THE ORIGINAL SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACE, EACH INCIDENT MY DODGE CARAVAN HIT A PUDDLE OF WATER, JUST THE CORRECT WAY IN WHICH CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO COME OFF AFTER THE SERPENTINE BELT COME OFF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE BATTERY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THEN THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP IN WHICH THE CAR IS OUT OF CONTROL. DAIMLER CHRYSLER CORPORATION AND THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT KNOWS THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SERPENTINE BELT CONFIGURATION, BUT CHOSEN NOT TO DUE THE RIGHT THING. *JB

Exterior Lighting › HeadlightsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 21, 200547,000 milesCA

1) DEFECT RESULT OF NORMAL USE, NO EXCEPTIONAL SITUATION JUST NORMAL EVERY DAY USE.RELATED TO TWO VEHICLES ONE 1996 CARAVAN, ANOTHER 1997 CARAVAN. 2) EXESIVE HAZE BUILDOFF ON HEADLIGHTS(PLASTIC LENS) I CAN CONTRIBUTE A LOSS OF PROPER DISTANCE ILUMINATION, FOR WITCH SEVERAL ATEMPTS OF DIFERENT METHODS WHERE TRIED TO CORRECT PROBLEM, RESULTING IN PEDESTRIAN STRUCT ACCIDENT ON DARK NIGHT,MY DRIVING RECORD HAD BEEN TICKET, ACCIDENT CLEAR FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS. 3) SEVERAL POLISHING METHODS WHERE ATTEMPTED WITH DIFFERENT ADVERTISED PRODUCTS RESULTING IN SLIGHT TEMPORARY IMPROVEMENTS ALWAYS RESULTING IN LESSER TIME RECURRANCE OF PROBLEM, CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE ALL 4 WITH NEW PARTS DUE TO EXCESIVE COST $135.00 EACH, ANLY REPLACED ONE AFTER ACCIDENT AND YES HAVE PARTS IF NEED TO BE SUBMITTED. POINT IN CASE, MY WORK IS AND HAS BEEN FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS RELATED TO PLASTICS, SPECIFICALLY INJECTION MOLDING, FOR WITCH I KNOW FIRST HAND THE CONSECUENCES FOR A POORLY DESIGN CHEMICAL CONTENT PLASTIC IN THIS CASE POLICARBONATES WITH INCORRECT UV ADITIVE CONTENT, WITCH IS THE CAUSE FOR NOT ONLY MY PARTICULAR BRAND OF VEHICLE,YEAR OR MODEL, THIS PROBLEM IS WITH ALL PLASTIC HEADLIGHT,SURE TGHEY SAVE WEIGTH, SURE ITS EASIER TO MANUFACTURE TO THE WEIRDEST SHAPES, SO MUCH SO THA KNOW A DAYS THE SEEM TO BE PART OF EITHER THE HOOD OR THE FENDERS, SO NOW THEIR BEING EXPOSED TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT FROM THE TOP CAUSING EVEN PREMATURER CONDITIONS, (THIS IS NOT A SCRATCHING RELATED ISSUE HERE THIS IS SUNL

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 23, 2005CO

DT: JUST BACK FROM A ROAD TRIP THE VEHICLE STARTED ACTING UP, IT WOULD KEEP SPEEDING LIKE IT WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS ON, HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND PHYSICALLY PUSH THE THROTTLE DOWN ,IT'S LIKE IT GETS STUCK. IT WOULD DO THAT AFTER TURNING ON THE CRUISE CONTROL, AND EVEN AFTER TURNING IT OFF, IT STILL WOULD RUN AWAY. IT WOULD ONLY DO THIS DURING TIME PERIODS OF USING THE CRUISE CONTROL. DURING THAT PARTICULAR TRIP. THIS WOULD HAPPEN REGARDLESS IF THE CRUISE WAS OFF OR ON. HAD TO BRAKE VERY HARD IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN TO PULL OFF. *AK CUSTOMER STATED THE THROTTLE STICKS WITH CRUISE WHEN ON AND AFTER IT HAS BEEN ON DOES NOT HAPPEN UNLESS CRUISE HAS BEEN ON SEEMS LIKE IT WANTS TO DRIVE AWAY. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED A VACUUM HOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 09/14/07. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Aug 19, 200570,000 milesFL

DT: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. INSTRUMENT PANEL DID NOT WORK. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS DIGITAL. BUTTONS FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND REAR DEFROSTER FLASHED CONSTANTLY. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO GARAGE, AND THEY RECOMMENDED DODGE DEALER. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON THEIR OWN. VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE TO BE ON RUNNING FOR WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO COME ON. THEY CAME ON ABOUT EVERY TWO WEEKS. ALSO, TRAVELING INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON. CONSUMER STOPPED LIGHTS FROM COMING ON BY PUTTING TAPE ON DOOR. CONSUMER BELIEVED THESE WERE DIFFERENT ISSUES. HE REPLACED FAN CONTROL MODULE LAST YEAR, AND THAT DID NOT HELP.*AK CONSUMER ADDED THAT POUNDING ON THE DASHBOARD MADE THE DASH LIGHT ILLUMINATE. *TT

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 12, 2005PA

1997 DODGE CARAVAN TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES.*MR WHEN THE TRANSMISSION PAN WAS REMOVED, THE MECHANIC FOUND METAL CONTAMINATION AND BROKEN PARTS. *JB

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Aug 5, 2005MN

DT: AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON/THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH DIDN'T WORK, AND THE HORN MALFUNCTIONED. NOTICED THESE FAILURES ON JUNE 1, 2005. HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. HAD CHECKED THE FUSES, THEY WERE STILL GOOD. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 5, 200547,500 milesIL

TRANSMISSION IS BEING REBUILT AGAIN THIS IS MY THIRD TRANSMISSION.THE ORIGINAL WAS REPLACED AT 16,500 MILES WITH A REMANUFACTURED FROM CHRYSLER TRANSMISSION,WHICH AN INDEPENDANT SHOP PURCHASED FROM DARROW DODGE AND HAS INSTALLED IT,AND NOW ONLY AFTER 31,000 MILES FIRST GEAR WENT OUT ON IT AND IT IS BEING REBUILT NOW.THERE IS A DEFINITE PROBLEM WITH THEIR TRANSMISSIONS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 28, 2005100,000 milesIL

DT: AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN DOESN'T WORK. *AK CONSUMER STATES HAVING A RECALL NOTICE FOR THESE PROBLEMS BUT DELEARSHIP REFUSES TO FIX BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT A 1998 OR NEWER. THE CONSUMER'S STEERING WHEEL IS GETTING WORST. CONSUMER'S VIN #'S ARE NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, CONSUMER ALSO OWNS A 2000 DODGE VAN. CONSUMER WANTS TO BE KEPT UP TO DATE ON THE PROGRESS OF THE CLAIM. *NM

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jun 15, 2005150,500 milesUT

I HAVE A MINI- CARAVAN 1997 AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON OR BLINKS INTERMITTANTLY HORN DOESN'T WORK OR ONLY WORKS SOMTIMES (THATS FUN) CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Jun 11, 200560,000 milesNY

THE HEADLIGHTS DON'T TURN ON ALL TIMES UNLESS THE SWITCH IS WIGGLED AND SOME TIMES IS GOES OUT AFTER THEY COME ON

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 3, 2005MI

DT: TRANSMISSION: CONTACT STATES VEHICLE HAD 28,000 MILES WHEN TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT, AND AGAIN AT 50,000 THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, THE TRANSMISSION WAS AGAIN REBUILT. AT ABOUT 70,000 THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN. TRANSMISSION SERVICE MECHANIC STATED THAT THESE VANS NEEDED TO BE EQUIPPED WITH ANOTHER COOLING SYSTEM. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AND ANOTHER COOLING SYSTEM INSTALLED.*AK ENGINE: CONTACT STATES THE OIL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FULL OF OIL. THREE DIFFERENT MECHANIC SHOPS SAID THERE IS NOT ENOUGH OIL PRESSURE TO KEEP OIL ON THE BEARINGS.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 21, 200559,800 milesAE

1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SUFFERED TRANSMISSION FAILURE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR IN JAN 2005 THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, IT WAS DETERMINED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS CHANCE THAT REPLACING THE FLUID AND FILTER MIGHT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM REMAINED AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE ONLY RECOURSE WAS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WHICH WOULD BE FOR THE SECOND TIME. *JB

Suspension
Filed Mar 30, 2005NY

1997 DODGE CARAVAN TWO FRONT STRUT TOWERS ARE IN A DEFECTIVE STATE.*MR *JB

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 20, 2005MI

I OWN A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, I HAVE TWO CHILDREN THE SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED SEVERAL TIMES. TWICE MY 8 YEARS OLD DAUGHTER LEANED TO THE SIDE AND HER ELBO HIT THE RELEASE BUTTON IT UNLATHED, MY OTHER DAUGHTER IS 5 FEW TIMES WE NOTICED HER BOOSTER SEAT IS UNLACHED FOR NO REASON. NEED HELP TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM . *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Mar 15, 200582,000 milesAL

RECALL 00V268999 CONCERNING FUEL LEAKAGE. GASOLINE ODOR/FUME WAS GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE WHEN IDLING OR AT A STOP POSITION. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS RECALL. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Jan 10, 2005PA

SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WHENEVER THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER -IE, RAIN , SNOW, SLUSH, MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. MY SPECIFIC CONCERN IS THAT - THIS DEFECT- MAY CAUSE AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON SOME SUPER HIGHWAY BECAUSE STEERING BECOMES ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. I THINK THE POTENTIAL FOR MANY DEATHS IS THERE IF THIS PROBLEM - WHICH APPEARS QUITE FREQUENTLY ON CHRYSLER PRODUCT MINIVANS IS NOT CORRECTED. IT IS MY OPIUNION THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON ALL THE MINIVANS WHICH HAVE SIMILAR CONFIGURATIONS AS THE 1997 3.3 SERIES ENGINES. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed Jan 6, 200540,000 milesFL

THE HEADLIGHTS WERE MADE OF PLASTIC AND HAVE OXIDIZED TO THE POINT THAT THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ON. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FILM WAS SO BAD THAT HE COULD NOT SEE THE BULB INSIDE THE COVER. *TC

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Dec 28, 2004AZ

RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FOR THE CLOCKSPRING ON MY MINIVAN (YR714091 NOTIFICATION CODE D17) ISSUES WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYING LIGHT AND HORN WILL NOT WORK. ACCORDING TO DODGE, THE REASON THIS IS HAPPENING IS BECAUSE OF THE CLOCKSPRING IN THE MINIVAN. WENT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AT DODGE AND THE SERVICE MAN AT DODGE SAID MY MINIVAN DOES NOT APPLY TO THE RECALL. TOLD HIM WHY MY PROBLEMS ARE THAT DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL LETTER. HE SAID IT'S NOT PART OF THE RECALL. *JB

Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut
Filed Dec 13, 200495,000 milesMN

THIS IS RELATED TO COMPLAINT 10090457. MY 1997 DODGE CARAVAN HAS EXCESSIVE RUST AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVER-SIDE STRUT CAP. LARGE CHIPS OF RUSTED METAL CAN EASILY BE REMOVED WITH A SCREW DRIVER.*AK I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RISK IN CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN LATE 1996, AND HAVE KEPT IT IN MINNESOTA SINCE. THE REST OF THE BODY HAS EVIDENCE OF EARLY RUST THAT, IN A COUPLE YEARS, WILL BE UGLY, BUT LOOKS OK NOW AND IS TYPICAL FOR AN 8-YR OLD CAR IN MINNESOTA. CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN, WHICH DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM AS COSMETIC, BUT THEY HAVE ALSO PROVIDED A REPAIR KIT. THE KIT USES EPOXY TO GLUE ON A REPLACEMENT CAP, SO THAT SUGGESTS THE PROBLEM REALLY IS COSMETIC. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE IT FIXED BECAUSE THE BODY-SHOP MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE KIT IS OUT OF STOCK. IS IT SAFE?

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 22, 2004120,000 milesNJ

COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. MY VEHICLE WAS MET WITH AN ACCIDENT ON ROUTE 516, OLD BRIDGE, NJ. MY VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY A SCHOOL BUS AND PUSHED INTO A LAMP POLE. MY VEHICLE IS TOTALED AS PER STATE FARM INSURANCE. BOTH AIR BAG FAILED TO WORK. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS COLLAPSED BACKWARD INSTEAD OF PROTECTING OUR NECK AND BODY. THE VEHICLE IS WITH STATE FARM INSURANCE. *JB. ALSO, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS COLLAPSED BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN TWO INJURIES. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Nov 18, 2004100,000 milesAZ

CONSUMER WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN RECALL 04V480000 CONCERNING AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.*AK

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 16, 2004CA

THE CONSUMER STATED HER HUSBAND WAS COMING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE SIDE. SHE STATED THAT HE RECEIVED SOME MINOR INJURIES AND HIS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB *SC

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection SystemCrashFire1 killed
Filed Nov 15, 2004PA

FOIA REQUEST INFO RE CHRYSLER MINIVAN RECALLS INITIATED 1/25/02, ENGINE AND FUEL LINE MALFUNCTIONS THAT RESULTED IN FIRES . *BF INFORMATION REQUEST FROM CONSUMERS ATTORNEY. ATTORNEY IS PURSUING A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM FOR THE CONSUMER. CONSUMER BURNED TO DEATH IN A VEHICLE WRECK IN 1997. CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03E053000. THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER, AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS OR ANY OTHER PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION. *TC *JB

Air Bags › Side/WindowCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 5, 2004IN

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 40 MPH. ONLY THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES TO BREAST AND STOMACH. RECALL 04V480000 AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING WAS ISSUED. BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO MODEL YEAR. *AK

Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut
Filed Nov 2, 200414,000 milesMN

STRUT TOWERS RUSTED THRU GREAT LOOKING VAN ON OUT SIDE I HAVE SEEN MORE OF THESE .THE LOCAL WELDIG SHOP DOES THESE JOBS VREY OFTEN FOR 1200 BUCKS!*AK

Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 2004NY

WHILE DRIVING, THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE DRIVER PRESSED DOWN ON THE HORN, BUT IT FAILED TO WORK. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Oct 15, 2004MI

THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE THE DEALER. *NM THE A/C WAS INOPERATIVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE SES LIGHT. RECALL# 04V480000. *SC *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Oct 14, 2004186,000 miles00

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE FROM 5-50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO TO THE FLOOR AND CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER. WITHIN A WEEK LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 14, 2004CA

CONSUMER WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE THAT SHE HAD ONE YEAR AGO, BUT HAD IT REPAIRED VIA RECALL NOTICE. VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO START IN THE MORNING. CONSUMER COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR IT, AND DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR IT AGAIN. IT WAS REPAIRED ONE YEAR AGO. *AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 7, 2004MN

WHILE DRIVING, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TREADS SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. FIRESTONE AFFINITY P205/60R15 #DOTW2VFAIT229/W2VFAIT169. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 9, 2004IN

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE. HAD THE VEHICLE TO TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Jul 29, 200492,000 milesNY

THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I LATER REALIZED THAT THE HORN DOESN'T WORK. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. AT A NYS INSPECTION VISIT. THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION.*AK I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I NEEDED TO USE THE HORN, AND WAS UNABLE TO. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jul 20, 2004117,000 milesFL

THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON BY THEMSELVES, AND RUN ERRATICALLY, AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF AT THE CORRECT POSITION. WHEN IT'S RAINING, WIPERS CANNOT BE CONTROLLED. THE DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT SIMILAR MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *LA

Tires
Filed Jul 1, 2004GA

LEFT MACON ON I-75 SOUTH, NEARING PERRY GA IN CENTER LANE, CARS ALL AROUND, FRONT, REAR, LEFT AND RIGHT. SPEED WAS SOME WHERE BETWEEN 65 OR 70. FRONT RIGHT TIRE BLEW. I THANK GOD I HAD ENOUGH SKILL TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. I MANAGED TO SLOW AND OTHER VEHICLES ALLOWED ME TO STEER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. AFTER PUTTING ON MY SPARE I RETRACTED AND LOCATED PARTS OF THE TIRE AND STILL HAVE WHAT'S LEFT. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE A MANUFACTURES NAME. THERE ARE SOME NUMBERS THAT CAN BE USED TO IDENTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THERE IS STILL A LOT OF TREAD LEFT AND THE TIRE WAS IN APPARENT GOOD SHAPE. I HAVE DRIVEN MORE THAN A MILLION MILES IN THE LAST 45 YEARS. THIS IS MY SECOND BLOWOUT. THIS WAS A BAD TIRE THAT WAS PURCHASED AT BLOOMFIELD TIRE COMPANY IN MACON, GA. THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERAL VEHICLES TO CRASH AND COULD HAVE KILLED. PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS TO POSSIBLY SAVE SOME LIVES. *JB

Child Seat › Retractor
Filed Jun 18, 200474,000 miles00

THE INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WILL NOT ALLOW THE BELTS TO BE USED. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAD TWO SUCH SEATS IN THE VEHICLE, WHERE SEAT BELTS COULD NOT BE USED. MANUFACTURER CLAIMED THAT THE BELTS COULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNLESS THE ENTIRE SEAT WAS REPLACED. *AK

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly
Filed Jun 7, 2004130,000 milesTN

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN TURNING CORNERS CENTER SEAT LIFTED UP ON THE RIGHT SIDE. CONSUMER REMOVED THE SEATS, AND REPLACED THEM ACCORDING TO HER IN THE PROPER WAY.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 1, 2004113,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO SECOND GEAR. DEALER STATED TRANSMISSION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 14, 200490,000 milesGA

I BOUGHT THIS VAN NEW IN 1997 JUST AFTER BUYING THE VAN THERE WAS TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE I FEEL IT IS THE LIFTERS BUT DEALERSHIP SAYS NO IT WAS THE FUEL PURGE VALVE. THE NOISE COUNTINUES TO GET WORSE AND I AM SURE THE NOISE IS THE LIFTERS WHEN I CHANGE THE OIL TO 10W-30 THE NOISE GOES AWAY. THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED AT APPROX 50K MILES. THE VAN HAS RECENTLY BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR THE TRANSMISSION TWO OR THREE TIME SINCE NOVEMBER 2003 APROX. 90,000 MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS HANGING UP IN SECOND GEAR WHEN DODGE RETUNED TO ME THE TRANSMISSION SHUTTERED WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE IS NOW IN THE SHOP FOR THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN IT IS LEAKING FROM THE OUTPUT SHAFT SEALS AND WHILE IN PARK WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE VAN JERKS FOWARD LIKE THE TRASMISSION IS STILL ENGAGED. THIS ALL HAPPENS WHILE IN PARK. SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK IF THE ACCELORATOR IS PRESSED THE VEHICLE JUMPS / JERKS FOWARD THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS MY WIFE AND I HAVE THREE CHILDREN THAT SOMETIMES WALK IN FRONT OF THE VAN TO GET IN WHEN WE GO OFF AS A FAMILY. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON JUST HOURS BEFORE I RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICE AND IT IS THE EGR VALVE FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE CKECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION OFF AS THAT BUT I AM ALSO A MECHANIC THE EGR VALVE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSIONACTING AS IF IT IS ENGAGE ALTHOUGH IT IS ACUALLY IN PARK.THIS IS NOT GOOD PRACTICE TO LIE ABO

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Apr 28, 200482,552 milesOK

HEADLIGHTS FROSTY OR OPAQUE, TOO DIM TO SEE WITH SAFELY

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Apr 28, 2004MA

HI MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I PURCHASED A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN FOR $3,600 AND TRADED IN MY CAR WHICH WAS WORTH $400 AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THE DEALER MAN SAID. I BROUGHT BACK THE CARAVAN THE NEXT DAY TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THEY WERE GOING TO FIX SOME MINOR PROBLEMS, INCLUDING THE HORN THAT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING AT ALL . THEY SPENT THE WHOLE DAY WITH THE VAN AND DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO IT, THEN THEY SAID TO BRING IT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD ME THAT THE HORN WAS GOING TO GET ORDERED AND THAT IT WAS GOING TO TAKE A WHILE BECAUSE THE PART THAT THEY NEEDED COULDN'T BE SENT VIA MAIL BECAUSE IT WAS CONSIDERED TO BE EXPLOSIVE SO WHEN I DECIDED TO ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK SINCE IT HAD A 30 DAY WARRANTY THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE GOING TO FIX IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I WENT TO PICK UP MY VAN AND WHEN I SAW IT THEY PUT IT A DIFFERENT HORN AND TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD PASS INSPECTION AND THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART THAT THE VAN NEEDED IF I WAS WILLING TO PAY HALF ON IT. IN CONCLUSION TO THIS THE PIECE THAT THEY NEED IS THE CLOCK SPRING WHICH COST ABOUT $ 400 TO $ 900 AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE THE VAN WITH THE HORN THAT THEY PUT IN INSTEAD OF PUTTING A NEW CLOCK SPRING. THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THAT ONCE THE CLOCK SPRINGS BREAKS DOWN THE AIRBAG , CRUISE CONTROL. AND THE RADIO WOULDN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT I THINK THAT THEY SHOULD'VE TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE SELLING THAT VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER I WILL APPRECIATE IF Y

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Apr 26, 200484,000 milesMI

I HAVE HAD NUMBEROUS BRAKE PROBLEMS FOR THE PAST YEAR. MY BRAKE PEDAL KEEPS GOING DOWN TO THE FLOOR. I HAVE HAD THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED 3 TIMES, THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDER REPLACED 3 TIMES, I HAVE NEEDED A NEW FRONT ROTOR AND PADS BECAUSE ONLY ONE OF MY BRAKES IS ACTUALLY WORKING. I HAVE ALSO HAD MY BRAKE POWER BOSSTER REPLACED AND TO STILL HAVE THE SAME RESULT, MY PEDAL GOES DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND I HOPE THAT I STOP IN TIME. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THE PROBLEM, THEY CLAIM THERE IS NO LEAKING FLUID AND THEY JUST DON'T KNOW WHERE I AM LOSING MY PRESSURE AT. THIS HAS COST ALOT OF TIME , MONEY, AND MOST OF ALL AGGREVATION. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN. PLEASE LET ME KNOW OF ANY RECALLS OR WHAT TO DO.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 29, 200494,000 milesFL

A BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD EITHER FROM THE TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE NOISE OCCURED WHILE DRIVING OR IDLING. DEALERSHIP WASN'T PROVIDING ANY ASSISTANCE. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE NOISE COULD NOT BE CORRECTED.*AK

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 1997 Dodge Caravan → · Every Caravan year → · How the figures are calculated →