Page 3 of 5 · complaints 101–150 of 219

2003 Dodge Grand 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 2003 record →

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Filed Dec 11, 200645,000 milesCA

POWER CABLE FOR RADIATOR FAN WAS RUBBING AGAINST AC TUBING. CABLE WORE THROUGH CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT, FAILURE OF RADIATOR COOLING FAN RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF ENGINE. WIRE CABLE BUNDLE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND REROUTED TO PREVENT FUTURE VIBRATION EROSION OF CABLE BUNDLE.*JB

Electrical System
Filed Dec 6, 200666,000 milesIL

THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER OFF ON MY 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH 68,000 MILES. THIS ORIGINALLY HAPPENED ON VACATION WITH MY FAMILY OF 5 IN THE CAR ON A HIGHWAY IN TENNESSEE. WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OFF I REACHED FORWARD TO TOUCH THE SWITCH AND THEY CAME BACK ON. 3 WEEKS WENT BY WITHOUT ANOTHER INCIDENT. NOW ALMOST DAILY THE LIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND COME BACK ON WHEN I TOUCH THE SWITCH. THIS HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. *NM

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Nov 26, 2006PA

MY PASSENGER AND DRIVER POWER WINDOWS STOP WORKING, SOMETIMES FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. IN ADDITION, THE IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN FROM IT'S LOCKED POSITION (STEERING WHEEL IS "NOT" LOCKED) *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Nov 9, 2006NH

BALL JOINTS HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES. SHOULD BE A RECALL AS THE FAILURE OF THE JOINTS PREVENTS A VEHICLE FROM PASSING INSPECTION AS IT IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE. *NM

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars
Filed Nov 8, 200625,000 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS CRACKING ON THE ROOF WHERE THE FRONT DOORS MET THE ROOF AND BODY. THE FRONT DOORS WERE OFF ALIGNMENT AND IT LOOKED AS THOUGH THE ROOF WAS PULLING UP. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 6, 200696,240 milesUT

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED WITHOUT WARNING. THE RPMS ROSE TO 4500, AND DROPPED BACK DOWN TO 2000. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Oct 27, 2006WI

BOUGHT VAN USED ABOUT A YR AGO - IS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN- ISSUES SINCE PURCHASE NOT SATIFYINGLY DEALT WITH ARE ( BETWEEN END DEC 05 TO MID NOV 06- NOTICED BRAKES NOISES SINCE BOUGHT IT - SEVERAL CALLS AND A CHECK THEY SAID THERE WAS DUST MAKING THE NOISE - LESS THAN 9 MO LATER NEEDED TO REPLACE THE PADS AND ROTARS - THEY MADE EXCUSES THEY WEAR OUT - HAD THEY INFORMED ME THEY WERE WEARING OUT WHEN THEY FOUND DUST ID HAVE HAD THEM IN LONG BEFORE NEEDING ROTARS FIXED - SINCE NEW BRAKES AND ROTARS IN OCTOBER HEAR SAME NOISE AND THEY DISMISS IT. ALSO - HAVE TROUBLE WITH LIGHTS AND HEAT AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS DIMMING AND SEEMING TO DIE OUT WHEN DECELERATING A LOT SINCE I BOUGHT IT - HAD IT IN AD CALLED SEVERAL TIMES - THEY SAY THEY CANT SEE ANYTHING WRONG ADN THAT DODGE WAS MADE TO DO THAT ? . NOT HAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE AND FEEL I AM OUT NEAR 20,000 - ALSO ABS LIGHT CAME ON SHORTLY AFTER BRAKES REPAIRED THIS MONTH- COVERED ITEM BUT LESS THAN DEDUCTIBLE SO STUCK WITH NEAR 85 DOLLAR BILL - THEY SAID AGAIN THIS JUST HAPPENS - SEEMS THAT IS STANDARD ANSWER TO TROUBLE IT JUST HAPPENS - I DONT FEEL THE BRAKES JUST HAPPENED AND I AM SURE THE LIGHT TROUBLE COULD BE A HAZARD IF IT STALLED COMPLETELY ON A BUSY ROAD. DODGE SHOULD LOOK CLOSER AT THIER VEHICLES. AM ALSO GONNA CHECK OUT VEHICLE FOR THE OTHER TROUBLE STATED HERE IN REGARDS TO SEATBELTS AND CRACKS - HAVE CHILDREN AND THAT IS MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE - IF IT HAPPENS AND ANYONE IS HURT YOU CAN BET ILL BE RUNNING TO A LAWYER - SAM

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Oct 22, 2006OH

POWER STEERING WAS MAKING A WHINING NOISE ABOUT A YEAR AFTER WE GOT IT, I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. AFTER 4 VISITS BACK TO THE DEALER THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING RACK 6 MONTHS LATER THE NOISE IS BACK. I KNOW OF 3 OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME MINI VAN AND THEY ALL HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads
Filed Oct 17, 200643,043 milesMO

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE BRAKE ROTORS FAILED AND THE PADS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED BOTH SETS OF PADS AND ROTORS ON THE FRONT WHEELS. UPDTATED 11/03/06. 8JB

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Oct 13, 200664,375 milesIN

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS POPPING NOISE AND A PRONOUNCED VIBRATION WITHIN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS WERE WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALTHOUGH THE BUSHINGS WERE NOT REPLACED, WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES AT ANY SPEED, THE POPPING NOISE PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED IT WAS BOTH TIE ROD END BALL JOINTS THAT WERE WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Oct 12, 200655,000 miles00

ALL POWER ACCESSORIES INCLUDING PW, PL, LIGHTER, RADIO, AND ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS, SHUT-OFF AND USUALLY AFTER A MINUTE TURN BACK ON AND THE VEHICLE JERKS INTO GEAR AT LOW SPEEDS AND SLAMS INTO GEAR AT HIGH SPEEDS, TAKING THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE FROM 100K TO 60K IN A MILLISECOND. *NM

Steering
Filed Oct 5, 200650,000 milesCA

I HAVE A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THAT WAS PURCHASED IN DECEMBER OF 2004. I NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS MAKING A HUMMING NOISE. TURNING, AND IDLING. I ALSO NOTICED THAT IT WAS SPORADIC AND WOULD GO ON FOR DAYS AND THEN ONE DAY WOULD NOT MAKE A SOUND. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW. I CHECKED IT MANY TIMES AND IT WAS FINE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED AND THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON FOR POWER STEERING TO BE FLUSHED. I AM SERIOUSLY CONCERNED THAT SOMETHING TERRIBLE IS GOING TO HAPPEN WITH THIS ISSUE. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE DEALER SAID THAT IT IS NOT ANYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I DON'T FEEL GOOD ABOUT THIS AT ALL!!! WE ARE ABOUT AT 54,000 MILES AND THIS STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO OR SO. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Aug 14, 200649,000 milesMA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED FOUR TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE BLACK BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE 25 MPH, THERE WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL WHEN PLACED IN PARK. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 10, 2006IL

OWN A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT . CAR WAS TOWED TO DODGE DEALER ON FRIDAY JULY 20,2006 , DUE TO ROUGH ENGINE IDLING. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A PCM , WOULD TAKE UNTIL THE FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY TO HAVE TO PART SHIPPED IN ( I LIVE IN THE CHICAGO AREA ). ON THURSDAY DODGE CALLED TO SAY THAT THE ROCKER ARM IN THE # 5 PISTON NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THIS WOULD TAKE ADDITIONAL TIME. THE ROCKER ARM WAS REPLACED AND AGAIN DODGE CALLED TO ADVISE ME THAT NOW THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND THEY WOULD NEED TO TRACE TO LOCATE THE SHORT. CAR WAS FINALLY RETURNED TO ME ON AUGUST 9,2006 . MY WIFE USED IT TO GO TO THE STORE , SHE CALLED ME AND SAID THE CAR HAD DIED WHILE STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT .THIS WAS JUST 4 HOURS AFTER PICKING THE CAR UP FROM THE DEALER. CAR WAS AGAIN TOWED TO DODGE DEALER. TOTAL TIME DODGE HAS HAD MY CAR IS NOW 21 DAYS AND COUNTING . I'VE HAD TO RENT 3 DIFFERENT CARS DURING THIS TIME ALL ON MY OWN EXPENSE . *JB

Wheels
Filed Aug 3, 200694,000 milesWI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRES LEAKED AIR AND NEEDED TO BE FILLED EVERY DAY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE VALVE STEM, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE ALLOY WHEELS WERE PITTING WHICH CAUSED THE AIR TO LEAK.

Child Seat
Filed Jul 31, 200650,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A TURN TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT UNLATCHED FROM THE BASE AND FLIPPED OVER. NOW THE SEAT MUST BE PUSHED IN MULTIPLE TIMES TO ENSURE IT IS LATCHED TO THE BASE. THIS IS A COSCO 22-630 MRC MANUFACTURED JULY 26, 2005.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jul 26, 200634,900 milesFL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE ONLY WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 17, 200630,000 milesMI

MY 2003 NEW DODGE CARAVAN HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED X3, AIR CONDITIONER REPLACED X1 THEN REPAIRED AGAIN X 2, REPLACED STARTER, WHEEL BEARING, TIE ROD & CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS. THESE MAJOR PROBLEMS STARTED WHEN THE CAR HAD ONLY 30, 000 MILES AND IS ONLY AT 60, 000 MILES. THE DEALER NOR CHRYSLER CORPORATION WILL REPLACE OR REFUND THIS CAR STATED IT DOES NOT FALL UNDER LEMON LAW. MULTIPLE TIME LOST FROM TAKING IN THIS CAR TO BE FIXED ALONG WITH EXTRA MONEY SPENT TO GET RENTALS WHILE THIS CAR WAS IN THE SHOP. *JB

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jul 7, 200661,980 milesNJ

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE DEALER WAS CALLED ON 07/07/06 AND AGREED TO REPAIR THE WINDOW FOR A CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CALLED ON 07/07/06 WHO OFFERED NO RESOLUTION.

Seat Belts › FrontCrash4 injured
Filed Jun 26, 2006GA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATBEALTS BECAME UNBUCKLED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BOTH A FRONTAL AND REAR IMPACT; THE CRASH INVOLVED 3 OTHER VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS 2ND IN THE ROW OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING 70 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE INCIDENT WAS THE FIRST TIME THE CONSUMER ENCOUNTERED THE SEATBELT BECOMING UNBUCKLED WITHOUT DEPRESSSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE BUCKLE WAS FREE OF DIRT AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS. THE CONTACT'S FEET WENT THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN LEFT TOE, CRUSHED LEFT FOOT, CUTS ON THE RIGHT FOOT AND LEG. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AIRBAG BURNS ON BOTH ARMS AND CHEST, AS WELL AS A KNOT ON THE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED, AND PICTURES WERE TAKEN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DIRECTED THE CONTACT TO THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 9, 200674,000 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY PLACED IN DRIVE, THERE WAS A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE IN THE AREA OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE SAME CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY DOWNSHIFTED AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS INTERNAL PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER NO FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light
Filed Apr 25, 200618,000 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTERWARDS, WHEN THE ROADS DRIED OFF THE LIGHT WENT OFF. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED AND STATED THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS WET. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IF THE LIGHT ILLUMINATES THE ABS IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls1 injured
Filed Apr 17, 200654,430 milesFL

PURCHASED NEW 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 1-14-2003. ON 12-8-2003 AND 24638 MILES DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW REGULATOR AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. POWER WINDOW FAILED AGAIN AROUND 4-1-2006 AND 54400 MILES, WHICH IS ABOUT 30000 MILES LATER. WIFE BEING HANDICAPPED PERSON NEEDS THE WINDOW TO WORK AND EXPERIENCE MASSIVE BRUISING ON LEFT ARM DUE WHEN GOING THROUGH DRIVE THROUGH AT BANK AND POST OFFICE DUE TO TROUBLE REACHING AROUND DOOR TO DROP OFF AND DEPOSIT BOXES. THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE RHUEMATOID ARTHRITIS AFFECTS HER HANDS, WRISTS AND ARMS. SHE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BREAK OPEN A WINDOW IN AN EMERGENCY. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Mar 13, 200637,161 milesMD

HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER 2 1/2 YEAR OLD VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 49,00 MILES HEADLIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS SEEMED TO FLICKER. OCCASIONALLY INTERIOR LIGHTS DO THE SAME. DEALER SUGGESTS REPLACING SEVERAL MODULES AT SIGNIFICANT COST. I SEE FROM NHTSA WEB SITE THAT A RECALL IS/WAS TO BE ISSUED FOR 2000-2002. BASED ON NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS IN SYSTEMS SEEMS IT SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO 2003. *NM

Seats › Front Assembly › ReclinerCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 7, 200645,500 milesNC

MY WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN, IN A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WERE HIT IN THE REAR WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE DRIVER SEAT BROKE, AND COLLAPSED TO THE FULL RECLINE POSITION DURING THE WRECK. THIS HAS CAUSED MY WIFE TO HAVE BACK, NECK, HEAD, AND A LEFT KNEE INJURY. I TOLD DODGE ABOUT THIS SEAT, SO THEY SENT AN INVESTIGATOR OUT, THEN WROTE ME BACK SAYING THE SEAT WAS NOT BROKE BUT BENT, AND THAT I HAD NO CLAIM. WHEN I WENT TO PICK THE CAR UP FROM THE BODY SHOP, THE OWNER SHOWED ME THE SEAT, PULLED THE COVER DOWN TO SEE THAT THE METAL TUBE WAS SPLIT IN TWO. I TOOK THE SEAT TO THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOO AGREED THE SEAT BROKE. NOW, I HAVE THE SEAT AND PICTURES. THE ONLY WAY TO ACTUALLY SEE THE SEAT BACK IS BROKEN, IS TO PULL THE CLOTH MATERIAL AWAY TO SEE IT. THE BODY SHOP OWNER SAID THE DODGE INVESTIGATOR NEVER LOOKED INSIDE THE SEAT. ALTHOUGH, I COULD TELL IT WAS BROKEN WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE ACCIDENT, BY THE WAY THE SEAT BACK WAS KIND OF TWISTED, AND TWEAKED OVER TO ONE SIDE. THERE HAVE BEEN LAWSUITS IN THE PAST ON CHRYSLER/DODGE BECAUSE THESE SEAT HAVE KILLED BABIES IN A BABY CARRIER BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT BECAUSE OF THESE SEAT RECLINING BACK, AND YET DODGE IS IN DENIAL. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 24, 200633,503 milesOH

THE BRAKE FAULT LIGHT INT HE CONSUEMR'S 2003 GRAND CARAVAN ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER HAD TEH FRONT BRAKES REPLACED BUT THAT DID NOTRESOLVE THE BROBLEM. THE LIGHT CONTINUES TO ILLUMINATE. *TS *NM***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 17, 200676,000 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A COW. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS PRIOR BRAKING AND THE IMPACT WAS ON THE GRILL. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP.

Steering
Filed Feb 7, 200662,000 milesCT

I HAVE A 2003 GRAND CARAVAN THAT I PURCHASED NEW. THERE WAS SPORADIC SHUDDERS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM WHEN NEW AND AT LOW(PARKING LOT) SPEEDS. NOW AT APPROX 62000 MILES I HAVE TO REPLACE THE STEERING RACK AND POWER STEERING PUMP TO THE TUNE OF APPROX $1100 (NOT COMPLETED AT THIS TIME) THERE IS NO WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THIS FAILURE. THIS FAILURE AT THIS LOW MILEAGE CANNOT BE NORMAL WARE AND TEAR. THANK YOU. *NM

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Pinion Shaft
Filed Dec 21, 2005GA

VERY LOUD NOISE WHEN STEERING MY VEHICLE, WHEN BACKING UP. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Dec 15, 200538,000 milesNY

MORE AND MORE OFTEN HEADLIGHTS FLICKER OR GO OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING. IT IS VERY UNNERVING AND UNSAFE SINCE SOMETIMES I DON'T REALIZE THEY ARE OFF EVEN THOUGH THE SWITCH IS IN THE ON POSITION. SOMETIME THEY COME BACK ON, OTHER TIMES I HAVE TO TURN THE SWITCH OFF AND ON QUICKLY. NOBODY CAN TRACE THE PROBLEM SO FAR. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Dec 6, 2005OH

MY HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHILE DRIVING - HAPPENS QUITE OFTEN EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. DEALERSHIP CAN NOT FIND PROBLEM. REPLACED ALTERNATOR BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PURCHASED IN JANUARY, 2004. PURCHASE & INCIDENT DATES ARE APPROXIMATE. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Nov 9, 2005IN

2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHILE I AM DRIVING. *JB

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump
Filed Oct 31, 2005DE

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING PUMP STARTED SHUTTERING AND MAKING A WEIRD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS FIXED. THEY REPLACED A HOSE, AND ADDED AN ADDITIONAL COOLER. HE STATED THERE WAS A TECHNOCAL SERVIC EBULLETIN (TSB) FOR THIS. IT WOULD NOT COMPLETELY CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HE HAS A RELATIVE WHO WORKS FOR CHRYSLER, AND HE STATES THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR THE 2003-2005 MODELS. *AK

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Oct 18, 200529,236 milesTX

DT: PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE AT LOW SPEED WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND EXPERIENCED UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION. THE CAR JUMPED THE CONCRETE BARRIER AND HIT 2 POLES THAT WERE IN THE PARKING STALLS IN FRONT OF IT AND ONE ON THE RIGHT. TOWED TO A DODGE DEALER, AND IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED CHRYSLER, WHO SENT OUT AN INSPECTOR. CONSUMER ALONG WITH THE INSURANCE AGENCY AWAITED THE INSPECTOR'S REPORT WHICH INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE EXCEPT THE REPAIRS FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. NO POLICE REPORT TAKEN DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ONLY DAMAGE OCCURRED WAS ON THE VEHICLE.*AK *NM

Seat Belts › Front › RetractorCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 5, 200532,000 milesWA

DT: 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN - THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK DURING AN ACCIDENT. THIS WAS A REAR IMPACT CRASH. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, AND TRAFFIC HAS JUST STARTED TO MOVE, AND VEHICLE IN FRONT STARTED A CHAIN REACTION OF STOPPING. THE VEHICLE IN THE REAR DID NOT STOP, HITTING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE AT 45 MPH. UPON IMPACT, CONSUMER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THE OTHER CAR WENT UNDER THE REAR OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. CONSUMER'S WIFE HIT HER FACE ON THE DASHBOARD, AND CONSUMER HIT THE SIDE OF HIS FACE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. SINCE THE ACCIDENT NO ONE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO SEE WHY THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK DURING THE IMPACT. CONSUMER HAD THE VAN FOR FIVE WEEKS. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND THERE TWO PERSONS WERE INJURED. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Sep 14, 200541,000 milesMD

DT: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE AND THE CONSUMER HAD FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD. THE CONSUMER STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 AND IT VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A DEALERSHIP. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THERE WAS ONLY DAMAGE TO THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. *AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Aug 24, 200525,000 miles00

DT: THE CONTACE OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. THE THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES ON THE TIRES. THE SERVICE DEALER STATES THAT ONE OF THE TIRES HAS LESS THAN TREAD, THE OTHER THREE HAVE APPROXIMATELY TREAD. THE TIRES ARE UNSAFE IN THE SNOW AND RAIN. VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE WHILE IN REVERSE OR WHEN SLOWLING. HE HAS NOTICED THE SOUNDS BECAUSE OF THE VIBRATION. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THE CONSUMER MAY HAVE TOWED SOMETHING TO CAUSE THE TIRES TO WEAR, BUT THE CONTACT SAID THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY USED UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE CONTACT FELT IT MAY BE FROM THE FRONT END BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED RACK AND PINION STEERING WASA REPLACED. THE DEALER WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THE TIRES, BUT WILL NOT REPLACE THE TIRES. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 23, 200512,046 milesPA

PREMATURE FRONT BRAKE WEAR,FIRST SET OF BRAKES FAILED AT 12,046 MILES. THE LOW BRAKE SQUEELERS NEVER MADE NOISE AND THE BRAKES WORE METAL TO METAL INTO THE ROTORS. I REPLACED BOTH BRAKES AND ROTORS MY SELF AS THEY FAILED ON A FRIDAY NIGHT JUST BEFORE A 150 MILE DRIVE.I NOW HAVE 33,450 MILES AND THIS IS THE THIRD SET OF BRAKES AND ROTORS.I AM AN ASE CERTIFIED TECH. THIS TIME I INVESTIGATED THE SYSTEM AND FOUND THAT THE SQUEELER TABS HAD BROKEN OFF FROM OVERHEATING.FURTHER THE LOWERCALIPER BOLTS ON BOTH SIDES SHOWED SIGNS OF HEAT DISCOLORATION. IN LOOKING FOR THE CAUSE I BELIEVE IT IS CAUSED BY LACK OF AIR FLOW TO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE CALIPER AND BRAKES. LOOKING AT THE AIR FLOW SYSTEM TO THE BRAKES THE AIR IS TUNNELED VIA CUTS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT SKIRT AND TRAVELS BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND THE INNER PLASTIC WHEEL WELL.THERE IS AN ANGLED PROTRUSION IN THE INNER WHEEL WELL THAT DIVERTS THE AIR TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE WHEEL. IT APPEARS THE THIS PROTRUSION IS TO FAR BACK AND THE AIR IS NOT FLOWING OVER THE BRAKES AND CALIPER. AS A NOTE THE REAR BRAKES WERE ADJUSTED AND THE SELF ADJUSTERS ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.PLESE CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. I HAVE SEARCHED TSB'S,IATN (SPONSORING MENBER),RECALLS AND COMPLAINTS. IN TALKING TO CHRYSLER TECH'S THEY SAID THIS IS COMMON AND THE BRAKES AVERAGE 10 TO 12 THOUSAND MILES.THE PROBLEM CAN BE DUPLICATED EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS INSTALLED AND TRAVELING DOWN AN EXTENDED STEEP ROAD WITH BRAKING. THE BRAKES EMIT AN OBVIOU

Seat Belts › Integrated Child Seat1 injured
Filed Aug 18, 200558,000 miles00

DT: THERE IS AN INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MADE INTO THE VEHICLE. IF THE SEAT IS NOT CLICKED IN PROPERLY IT WILL ALLOW THE ENTIRE SEAT TO TILT FORWARD. CONSUMER'S CHILD WAS INJURED WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING AT 15 KM. HOSPITAL REPORTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOME TYPE OF RESTRAINT TO KEEP THE SEAT FROM MOVING FORWARD OR IF THERE COULD BE SOME TYPE OF WARNING SYSTEM ON THE DASH FOR EXAMPLE A CHECK CHILD SEAT LIGHT. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THEY WERE INDUSTRY STANDARDS. THE CONSUMER WAS LOCATED IN ONTARIO, CANDA. THE CHILD SEAT IS A DODGE.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump
Filed Jul 22, 200527,000 milesOK

DT: CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE DECEMBER 2003 AND HAD TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED IN FEBRUARY 2004, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE SERVICE DEALER IN MARCH 2005, AND SHE HAD THE PUMP REPLACED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE IS DOING THE SAME THING, AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE SAME SERVICE DEALER. THE VEHICLE MADE NOISES WHEN TURNING THE CORNER OR WHEN PARKING. IT WOULD HUM ANYTIME THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED.*AK *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 18, 2005PA

AT 9,000 MILES, TOOK VAN TO DEALER COMPLAINING OF THE TRANSMISSION SLAMMING INTO GEAR. DEALER PERFORMED A "QUICK LEARN" ON THE TRANS. AND IT WAS FINE. AT ABOUT 27,000, PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE FRONT PUMP. AT 30000, SAME PROBLEM AGAIN, REPLACED TRANSMISSION PUMP A SECOND TIME AND ALSO REPLACED SEALS AND GASKETS. BACK IN DEALER NOW FOR SAME PROBLEM BUT DELAER IS CLAIMING THAT CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

Steering
Filed Jul 7, 200512,100 milesPA

DT: BEGINNING LAST YEAR OWNER WAS HAVING REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END, TWO OR THREE PEOPLE LOOKED AT IT AND COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. THEN ANOTHER DEALERSHIP FOUND THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS THE BUSHINGS HAD NOT BEEN GREASED, AND ALL FRONT END SUSPENSION BOLTS WERE LOOSE. NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AS FAR AS OWNER KNOWS. AS OWNER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS, THERE HAS BEEN A CRACKING NOISE AND A SNAPPING NOISE THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THERE ARE NO OTHER PROBLEMS, PROBLEM WITH FRONT END SEEMS TO BE FIXED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED 15 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. THESE REPAIRS HAVE HAD TO DO WITH STEERING AND SUSPENSION NOISE. THERE HAVE BEEN BUSHINGS REPLACED, STEERING FLUID REPLACED, AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 15,000 MILES.*AK

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jun 1, 200512,000 milesOH

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD TURNS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. IT IS NOT CLEAR WHETHER THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE AIRBAG, A SENSOR, OR THE WARNING LIGHT ITSELF. VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 11/2002 AND HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR HAD THE AIRBAG REPLACED OR WORKED ON.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 23, 200555,419 milesNY

THE VEHICLE BEGAN BUCKING, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT MOVE TO 2ND OR 3RD GEAR, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS MOVING UP TO 60-80 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN THE SPEED WAS ONLY ABOUT 30 MPH. THE ENGINE WAS REVVING VERY HIGH AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING VERY FAST. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Mar 23, 200542,650 milesNC

SINCE PURCHASING THE VAN USED HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN DRIVING, USUALLY INCLUDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTS. THEY HAVE NEVER ACTUALLY FAILED, BUT THIS DOES NOT INSPIRE CONFIDENCE WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. I UNDERSTAND A NHTSA RECALL IS POSSIBLE FOR 2001-2002 MODELS, BUT I HOPE THIS WILL BE EXTENDED AT LEAST TO 2003 MODELS AS WELL, SINCE THE SYMPTOMS ARE EERILY SIMILAR.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 23, 2005PA

CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE SHE CONTINUALLY HAD FRONT END PROBLEMS. DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS TOO MUCH AIR IN THE TIRES. CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL ODOR. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS REGARDING FUEL. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER THREE TIMES BEFORE THEY COULD TELL HER WHAT WAS WRONG. THEY FOUND THAT BRAKES, AND ROTORS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads
Filed Feb 23, 200532,711 milesIA

I PURCHASED 2002 GRND CARAVAN IN FEBRUARY 2003 FROM DODGE DEALER HAD 20K. THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE SHOT BY DEC 2003 W/32K. I TOOK TO DEALER I PURCHSED IT FROM THEY SAID IT WAS MY PROBLEM AND OFFERED TO REPAIR AT MY COST. I REPLACED W/ NEW BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS AND OCT 2004 W/ 48K THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE SHOT AGAIN. I REPLCED FOR A 2ND TIME. OLD ROTORS & PADS WERE THROWN AWAY.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 14, 2005IA

5-28-04 , 7-28-04, 2-9-05 TRANSMISSION WORK DONE ON THE VAN AND IT STILL IS NOT CORRECTED IT GOES IN AGAIN TOMORROW FOR MORE WORK. A COMPLAINT #13178787 WAS FILED WITH CHRYSLER THE VAN SHIFTS POORLY AND IT GETS STUCK IN GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING TO REACH HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM STOPLIGHTS THE VAN HESITATES AND I HAVE ALOMOST BEEN REAR ENDED SEVERAL TIMES I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE WAY MY PROBLEM IS BEING HANDLED BY THE DEARLER I ALOS FEEL I AM NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY BECAUSE I AM A FEMALE MH.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Feb 11, 200522,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF AND SOMETIME FAILED COMPLETELY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE OVER SIX TIMES, HOWEVER STATES THEY CANNOT FIX THE ISSUE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Tires
Filed Jan 24, 200526,000 milesCO

DRIVING ON A MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS AROUND 10 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT (360 DEGREE RIP IN SIDEWALL). THERE WAS ABOUT 25,000 MILES ON THE TIRE AND THE TREAD WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. I MEASURED THE REMAINING TIRE PRESSURES AT ABOUT 36 PSI. FORTUNATELY, THE ROAD AT THAT POINT WAS STRAIGHT AND THERE WAS NO SNOW ON THE ROAD. WE WERE ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. THE ONLY CORRECTION THAT HAS BEEN DONE, IS THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES WERE ALL REPLACED WITH GOODYEAR TIRES (EVEN THOUGH ALL THE TREADS WERE STILL IN GOOD CONDITION). NOTE: THE ENTRY FORM DIDN'T ALLOW ME TO SPECIFY EXACTLY WHAT SIZE MY TIRES WERE. THEY WERE 215/65R16! *NM

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.

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