1999 Dodge Grand Caravan

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 432 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 5 times.

Avoid One of the Dodge Grand Caravan years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Dodge Grand Caravan years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
87,435 milesMedian miles at failure

179 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

75 of the 432 complaints (17%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission43
101
Air Bags · airbags42
200
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags23
502
Electrical System18
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys · engine17
000
Suspension14
000
Suspension › Front12
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine9
160
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module · airbags9
000
Steering8
100

1999 Dodge Grand Caravan airbags problems

17% of all complaints

75 of the 432 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • shows an airbag warning light48% · 36
  • sets off warning lights on the dash24% · 18
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash7% · 5
  • set off an airbag for no reason4% · 3

Share of the 75 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
75,730 mi
median of 41 reports
Peak year of filing
2004
36 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
7 · 0 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the airbags
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 23, 2018 at 120,000 miles
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 27, 2016 at 189,879 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1999: 20 complaints, 1 about the airbags'992000: 41 complaints, 2 about the airbags2001: 53 complaints, 5 about the airbags'012002: 47 complaints, 4 about the airbags2003: 53 complaints, 16 about the airbags'032004: 83 complaints, 36 about the airbags2005: 28 complaints, 4 about the airbags'052006: 23 complaints, 3 about the airbags2007: 18 complaints, 0 about the airbags'072008: 18 complaints, 1 about the airbags2009: 7 complaints, 0 about the airbags'092010: 10 complaints, 0 about the airbags2011: 8 complaints, 0 about the airbags'112012: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags2013: 5 complaints, 0 about the airbags'132014: 6 complaints, 1 about the airbags2015: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags'152016: 3 complaints, 1 about the airbags2017: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags'172018: 1 complaints, 1 about the airbags2019: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'192020: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbagsRecall 99V116000 (headlights)Recall 00V268000 (fuel system)Recall 04V480000 (airbags)Recall 06E091000 (fuel system)Recall 07E104000 (visibility)NHTSA investigation EA04013NHTSA investigation EA01007NHTSA investigation RQ00008NHTSA investigation EA99013
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1999 Grand Caravan peaked in 2004, with 83 filed that year. Owners had filed 57 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 04V480000 in October 2004; 18 more have come in since. In 2020 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear07E104000
Filed Dec 11, 20071,657 vehiclesSafelite Fulfillment, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Remedy. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump06E091000
Filed Nov 2, 200624,358 vehiclesAirtex Products

Defect. CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULES, P/NOS. E7089M, E7094M, E7113M, AND E7129M, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.

Risk. FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-867-3759.

Air Bags04V480000
Filed Oct 6, 2004955,344 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY BECOME DISABLED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE HUB OF THE STEERING WHEEL.

Risk. THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL COVERED VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. FOR THOSE VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 70,000 MILES, DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL OFFER AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY UNDER WHICH IT WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING AT NO CHARGE IF IT FAILS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System00V268000
Filed Sep 13, 20001,163,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights99V116000
Filed May 6, 19991,635 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT FOR FLEET SALES ONLY. THE HEADLAMP MODULE DOES NOT IDENTIFY THE PARK LAMP AS "DRL" AS REQUIREMENT OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.

Remedy. ALL FLEET OWNERS/OPERATORS WILL BE MAILED NON-REMOVABLE DECALS WITH THE REQUIRED "DRL" LETTERS.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 6 name the 1999 Grand Caravan.

DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING FAILUREEngineering analysis EA04013Closed
Opened Jun 4, 2004Closed May 25, 2005Led to recall 04V480000airbags

The driver air bag clockspring can develop an open-circuit condition resulting in nonfunctional driver-side frontal air bag, horn, cruise control (if equipped), and/or steering wheel radio control (if equipped).in its october 5, 2004 letter to NHTSA, daimlerchrysler stated that it will conduct a safety recall and replace the clockspring assembly on all my 1998.5-2000 daimlerchrysler minivans, built between march 1998 and august 2000, with 70,000 miles or less.it will also provide a lifetime warranty for this component on my 1998.5-2000 minivans, regardless of mileage.the details of the …

DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING FAILURERecall query RQ04001Closed
Opened Jan 28, 2004Closed Jun 4, 2004airbags

Complaints report air bag warning light illuminates, and this may be accompanied with a non-functioning horn and/or cruise control (if equipped).this is indicative of an open-circuit clockspring failure (results in non-functioning driver's air bag), similar to the failure condition that was the subject of daimlerchrysler's recall of model year 1996-1998.5 minivans (recall no. 02v-293).this recall query has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea04-013).

AIR BAG CLOCKSPRINGEngineering analysis EA01007Closed
Opened Feb 21, 2001Closed Nov 22, 2002Led to recall 02V293000electrical system

There is no summary currently available

DC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAKRecall query RQ00008Closed
Opened Mar 9, 2000Closed Mar 18, 2002Led to recall 00V268000throttle and acceleration

There is no summary currently available

POST COLLISION FUEL SYSTEMEngineering analysis EA99013Closed
Opened Jun 11, 1999Closed Aug 10, 2001fuel system
POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITYPreliminary evaluation PE99010Closed
Opened Feb 3, 1999Closed Jun 11, 1999fuel system

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

12 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1999 Grand Caravan. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 4body and frame 3electrical system 2engine 2seats 1

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 18, 202039,000 milesOR

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 Bags
Filed Oct 23, 2018120,000 milesWI

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 System
Filed Sep 21, 2017170,000 milesGA

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
Filed Jul 21, 2017193,000 milesOR

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.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Feb 7, 2017210,000 milesGA

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.

Engine
Filed Dec 25, 2016255,000 milesAZ

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

EngineFire
Filed Nov 2, 2016275,000 milesNC

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.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 27, 2016189,879 milesAL

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.

Suspension
Filed Dec 3, 2015205,008 milesIL

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
Filed Nov 16, 2015178,000 milesMD

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.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Jul 6, 2015CA

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 System
Filed Jul 1, 2014120,000 milesVA

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 System
Filed Jun 21, 2014185,000 milesNC

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
Filed May 29, 2014FL

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
Filed May 28, 2014ND

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 System
Filed Apr 20, 2014CT

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, Gasoline
Filed Jan 22, 2014204,400 milesKY

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

SteeringCrash
Filed Aug 16, 2013152,000 milesWV

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

Suspension
Filed Jul 30, 2013120,000 milesIN

DRIVER SIDE FRONT STRUT MOUNT DANGEROUSLY RUSTED, COULD CAUSE FATEL ACCIDENT. *TR

Trailer HitchesCrash1 injured7 killed
Filed Jun 4, 2013VA

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.

Suspension
Filed Apr 8, 201384,000 milesNY

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

Suspension
Filed Jan 18, 2013MA

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 Brakes
Filed Jun 20, 2012137,017 milesNY

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, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 27, 201198,000 milesFL

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, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 7, 2011131,000 milesNJ

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, Gasoline
Filed Aug 3, 201187,435 milesMA

!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 Other
Filed Apr 25, 2011133,655 milesMO

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, HydraulicCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 28, 2011117,000 milesMI

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.

Steering
Filed Mar 25, 2011170,000 milesMD

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

Tires
Filed Feb 3, 2011129,499 milesNC

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 Cooling
Filed Jan 11, 2011109,000 milesTN

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

Suspension › Front
Filed Oct 10, 2010115,000 milesOH

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

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 26, 2010130,000 milesWI

THE LEFT FRONT SPRING TOWER RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE BODY TO DROP ON THE WHEEL. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 25, 2010125,000 milesMS

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/Linkages
Filed Aug 10, 2010101,000 milesSC

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
Filed Jul 8, 2010108,000 milesAZ

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 SERV

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 3, 2010104,000 milesWI

LOSS OF BRAKES DUE TO REAR BRAKE LINE RUSTING OUT NEAR ABS CONTROL AT THE STAINLESS STEEL LINE CONNECTIONS.. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 22, 2010102,500 milesNY

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

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 18, 201090,000 milesIN

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 System
Filed May 4, 2010160,000 milesMS

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 Control
Filed Feb 4, 201090,000 milesNV

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

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 3, 2009190,786 milesMA

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

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 9, 2009MD

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

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 13, 2009204,000 milesMI

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

Suspension › Front
Filed May 12, 200970,000 milesOH

RUSTING STRUT TOWER 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. RUSTED THROUGH TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 20, 2009100,000 milesIL

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 Cooling
Filed Mar 4, 2009109,000 milesVA

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 Train › Automatic Transmission1 killed
Filed Jan 31, 2009182,507 milesNC

VEHICLE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND TRANSMISSION WAS IN PARK, WHEN IT SUDDENLY CHANGED TO REVERSE, KNOCKING DOWN AND RUNNING OVER THE DRIVER. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 25, 200880,000 milesNC

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

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 17, 200899,000 milesIL

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

Complaints 1-50 of 432, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202020100Routine
2019245430Above average
2018271401Fatalities reported
2017414330Above average
20161,002670Above average
2015281420Above average
20143595130Above average
2013472440Above average
20125846140Above average
20115304171Fatalities reported
20108706130Above average
2009544760Above average
20081,2938172Fatalities reported
2007182370Routine
2006284430Above average
2005995670Above average
2004116310Routine
2003219350Above average
20022906142Fatalities reported
2001298510Above average
20004428131Fatalities reported
1999 — this page4325138Fatalities reported
19985596201Fatalities reported
19975836391Fatalities reported
19961,15711427Fatalities reported
1995108310Routine
1994199650Routine
1993289900Above average
1992255841Fatalities reported
1991129860Routine
199055320Routine

Compare every Grand Caravan year →

1999 Dodge Grand Caravan: questions buyers ask

Is the 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Grand Caravan years to avoid: an unusual share of its 432 complaints describe fires, crashes or deaths for a car of its age. The most common complaint is about the airbags (17%).

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan?

The airbags: 75 of the 432 complaints (17%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (48%), sets off warning lights on the dash (24%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (7%). The typical report comes at 75,730 miles.

How many recalls does the 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Dec 11, 2007. The largest, 00V268000, covered 1,163,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 87,435 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 75,730 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Yes, 6 times. The latest, EA04013 ("DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING FAILURE"), was opened Jun 4, 2004 and closed May 25, 2005.

Are there service bulletins for the 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan?

The manufacturer filed 12 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (3), the electrical system (2) and the engine (2). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

8 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 11, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.