REAR SEAT ANCHORAGES
FaultScore report
1990 Dodge Caravan problems
Owners have filed 341 complaints about the 1990 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA between 1995 and 2009. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
The numbers
341
Complaints
16
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
11
Injuries reported
1 complaint reports a death.
140,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
0%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
How 1990 compares with every other Dodge Caravan
Click any bar to open that year's report.
What breaks on a 1990 Dodge Caravan
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
2 crashes, 1 fires
Median failure at 140,000 miles
Exactly what failed
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
NHTSA investigations into the 1990 Dodge Caravan
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
LIFTGATE LATCHES
LIFTGATE LATCHES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE FAILED IN LOW AND MODERATE SPEED IMPACTS RESULTING IN OCCUPANT EJECTIONS, INJURIES, AND FATALITIES.THERE ARE TWO FAILURE MODES ASSOCIATED WITH LATCH FAILURE: FORK BOLT-DETENT LEVER BYPASS, AND INERTIAL UNLATCHING.NHTSA ANALYSES OF CHRYSLER AND PEER MINIVANS TOOK THE FORM OF STATIC AND DYNAMIC CRASH TESTING, ENGINEERING EVALUATIONS, COMPLAINT AND FIELD ANALYSES, AND REAL WORLD DATA ANALYSES.A TECHNICAL REPORT DISCUSSING THESE ANALYSES CAN BE FOUND IN THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TECHNICAL REPORT IN THE PUBLIC VIEWING FILE.CHRYSLER HAS ADVISED NHTSA THAT...
R/HTCHBCK HYDR.CYLIN.FAILS
REAR WIPER SWITCH/FIRES
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE
Recalls on the 1990 Dodge Caravan
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Seats And Restraints
CONTINUED FLEXING OF THE INBOARD FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY STRAPS CAN RESULT IN EVENTUAL STRAP FAILURE NEAR THE ANCHOR LOCATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE INCREASED RISK OF FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT INJURY DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: STRAPS WILL BE INSPECTED AND REINFORCED OR REPLACED WITH A STRENGTHENED VERSION AS REQUIRED.
Emissions
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1105 - evaporative emissions. Defective evaporative canister.
Lights And Instruments
NOTE: VEHICLES LOCATED IN ONTARIO, QUEBEC, NEW BRUNSWICK, NOVA SCOTIA, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND AND NEWFOUNDLAND. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING DUE TO CORROSION FAILURE OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE. CORRECTION: DRL MODULE WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE HAVING ADDITIONAL POTTING MATERIAL THAT COVERS ALL PREVIOUSLY EXPOSED COMPONENTS.
Brakes
THE BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED TO ITS BRACKET WITH LONGER THAN SPECIFIED FASTENERS RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLAMPING LOADS. AN INSECURE PROPORTIONING VALVE COULD CREATE THE POSSIBILITY OF REAR WHEEL LOCK-UP ON BRAKE APPLICATION. CORRECTION: BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO BRACKET SCREWS WILL BE REPLACED WITH PROPER LENGTH FASTENERS.
Engine
ON VEHICLES WITH 2.2 LITRE OR 2.5 LITRE EFI(NON-TURBO) ENGINE, THE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY LEAK OIL CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: VALVE COVER GASKET WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED COVER AND RTV SEALANT APPLIED IN PLACE OF THE GASKET.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
ON TWO OCCASIONS CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT A PINCHED WIRE MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE SHORT THAT RESULTED IN A FIRE. CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY MANUFACTURER AT NO COST TO CONSUMER. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #844422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
CONSUMER WAS IN A REAR AND FRONT END ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER'S RESTRAINT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY, CONSUMER HIT HEAD ON THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #830981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WIRING HARNESS SHORTED OUT CAUSING A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #539396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
CONSUMER STATES THAT HER SEAT BELT DID NOT SECURE HER IN AN ACCIDENT, CAUSING HER TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND ALSO THE DASH.
NHTSA complaint #802063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND SEAT BELT DIDN'T RETRACT. *AK CONSUMER PRIOR TO ACCIDENT HAD RECALL REPAIRS 91V053 REGARDING SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #802820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
BLIND SPOT ON DRIVER'S LEFT REARVIEW MIRROR, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #487555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO STOP INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING THE FAILURES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE PUMP AT THE COST OF OVER $400. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 90V145000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE), BUT WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR BEING VERBALLY ABUSIVE TO THE REPRESENTATIVE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,124.
NHTSA complaint #10257567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I STARTED NOTICING A SLIGHT GRINDING NOISE 1 WEEK BEFORE THE FAILURE. IT ONLY HAPPENED WHEN IT WAS COLD AND ONLY WHEN TURNING LEFT. I THOUGHT IT COULD BE A BAD U-JOINT. ON THE MORNING OF 2-16-07 8:15 AM I WAS TURNING LEFT AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT. IT CHEWED UP ONE OF THE BEARINGS (WHICH A MECHANIC LATER TOLD ME WAS NOTORIOUS FOR GOING OUT) AND DROPPED THEM ALL OVER THE ROAD. I WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WITH NO WAY TO GO ANYWHERE, BLOCKING TRAFFIC. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I WAS ALSO UNABLE TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHICH HAD AN INCLINE TO IT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE DRIVETRAIN AND PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK HAD NO EFFECT. I HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE INTO SOMEONE'S DRIVEWAY AND LEAVE IT THERE WITH A ROCK IN FRONT OF THE WHEEL. I DID HAVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON BUT I WAS NOT GOING TO TOTALLY TRUST IT TO KEEP THE VAN STATIONARY. THIS IS THE SECOND TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BEEN PUT INTO THE VAN. IT IS A 1990 WITH ONLY 87000 ORIGINAL MILES. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND ONLY PUT 2000-3000 MILES A YEAR ON THIS VAN. THE SECOND TRANSMISSION HAS LESS THAN 25000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10183038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM PULLED OVER AND STOPPED SAW WHAT LOOKED LIKE STEAM COMING FROM THE MOTOR. IT WAS DAYLIGHT OUT DID NOT NOTICE THAT HEADLIGHTS DIDN'T WORK JUST THE RUNNING LIGHTS TILL A FEW HOURS LATER. AFTER HAVING HEATER ON HEADLIGHTS WILL COME ON BUT SMELL WHAT SEEMS LIKE WIRES BURNING AND THE SPEAKER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MAKES A CACKLING NOISE. OTHERWISE YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE HIGHBEAM SWITCH TO HAVE HEADLIGHTS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10086757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM PULLED OVER AND STOPPED SAW WHAT LOOKED LIKE STEAM COMING FROM THE MOTOR. IT WAS DAYLIGHT OUT DID NOT NOTICE THAT HEADLIGHTS DIDN'T WORK JUST THE RUNNING LIGHTS TILL A FEW HOURS LATER. AFTER HAVING HEATER ON HEADLIGHTS WILL COME ON BUT SMELL WHAT SEEMS LIKE WIRES BURNING AND THE SPEAKER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MAKES A CACKLING NOISE. OTHERWISE YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE HIGHBEAM SWITCH TO HAVE HEADLIGHTS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10086757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD SMELL LIKE GAS.
NHTSA complaint #10031378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BELTS WERE NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED FOR A PERSON 5'4". THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10020031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I OWN A 1990 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH THE MOTOR. ONE MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK THE ACCELERATOR STUCK OPEN. I PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE AND REMOVED THE AIR CLEANER COVER AND MAP SENSOR TO SEE WHAT WHY THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK OPEN. I FOUND A SQUARE PIECE OF PLASTIC THAT LOOKS LIKE A LITTLE TABLE WITH A HOLE IN THE TOP. I WANTED TO FIND OUT HOW IT GOT THERE SO I TOOK THE AIR CLEANER OUT AND FOUND THAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO HOLD THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION FILTER IN THE BOTTOM OF THE CANISTER. THE BAD THING ABOUT THIS IS THAT I WAS ON ICY ROADS AND THE ONLY WAY I COULD CONTROL THE VEHICLE WAS TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND COAST INTO A DRIVEWAY. I ALSO REMEMBERED THIS HAPPENING TO THE 1991 PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER THAT I USED TO OWN. THESE VEHICLES WERE PURCHASED USED AND THEREFORE, I SUSPECT THAT AT ONE TIME SOMEONE HAS RAN THESE WITHOUT A FILTER IN PLACE. THE BIG QUESTION IS, OF ALL THESE VANS ON THE ROAD, HOW MANY HAVE BEEN RUN WITHOUT A FILTER. I HAD OWNED EACH OF THESE AT LEAST SIX MONTHS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I FEEL THAT ANYTHING IN THE AIRFLOW PATH ON A VEHICLE SHOULD BE SECURED SO THERE IS NO WAY IT CAN BE DRAWN INTO THE ENGINE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10010150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. AT 48,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER, GLENN E. THOMAS DODGE IN SIGNAL HILL. THEREAFTER, EVERY 15,000 TO 25,000 MILES OR SO, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED, PROBABLY 5 TIMES NOW; THE COMPUTER FOR THE TRANS HAS FAILED TWICE, THE MOTOR COMPUTER FAILED 2 TIMES, THE POWER WINDOWS BROKE OFF THEIR TRACKS, THE SLIDING DOOR JAMMED SHUT AND WOULDN'T ALIGN. NOW THE PAINT JOB ON MY WHITE 1990 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (WITH WOOD TRIM) IS PEELING OFF, MOSTLY ON THE ROOF (WHERE IT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE, DOWN TO THE PRIMER, RUSTING THROUGH TO THE ROOF METAL) AND ON THE HOOD AND FRONT QUARTER PANELS. THE PAINT WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED TO THE PRIMER UNDERCOAT OR THE PRIMER WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED SO AS TO ADHERE TO THE TOP COLOR COAT. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER CARAVAN'S OF THE SAME MODEL WITH THEIR PAINT COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PEELED OFF AS I HAVE DRIVEN AROUND. IT IS A VERY OBVIOUS DEFECT OF THE PAINT--THERE ARE NO OTHER VEHICLES OUT THERE WITH THIS KIND OF PAINT FLAKING AND PEELING PROBLEM TO THIS EXTENT. THE PLASTIC COATING ON THE WOOD TRIM IS ALL FLAKING AND PEELING OFF AS WELL. IT MAKES THE CAR LOOK "SHAGGY!" WHAT A MESS. THIS CAR REALLY NEEDS A PAINT JOB TO BE PAID FOR BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE PAID OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR TRANSMISSIONS TO BE REPLACED. I AM ON A THREE-YEAR WARRANTY WITH DODGE FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND ON MY THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILURE UNDER THAT WARRANTY! THE OVERDRIVE UNIT IS FULLY DEFECTIVE AND THE COMPANY WILL NOT UNDERTAKE TO FIX IT. THE CAR WILL FAIL AND THE TRANS WILL JUST SPIN WITHOUT ENGAGING ANY FORWARD GEAR OR IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD OR OVERDRIVE. THE SPEED SENSOR UNIT IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND FREQUENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHAT A MESS OF A TRANSMISSION! I HAVE IT REGULARLY SERVICED AND I DON'T DRIVE IT HARD OR ABUSE THE TRANS. HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10005828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. AT 48,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER, GLENN E. THOMAS DODGE IN SIGNAL HILL. THEREAFTER, EVERY 15,000 TO 25,000 MILES OR SO, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED, PROBABLY 5 TIMES NOW; THE COMPUTER FOR THE TRANS HAS FAILED TWICE, THE MOTOR COMPUTER FAILED 2 TIMES, THE POWER WINDOWS BROKE OFF THEIR TRACKS, THE SLIDING DOOR JAMMED SHUT AND WOULDN'T ALIGN. NOW THE PAINT JOB ON MY WHITE 1990 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (WITH WOOD TRIM) IS PEELING OFF, MOSTLY ON THE ROOF (WHERE IT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE, DOWN TO THE PRIMER, RUSTING THROUGH TO THE ROOF METAL) AND ON THE HOOD AND FRONT QUARTER PANELS. THE PAINT WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED TO THE PRIMER UNDERCOAT OR THE PRIMER WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED SO AS TO ADHERE TO THE TOP COLOR COAT. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER CARAVAN'S OF THE SAME MODEL WITH THEIR PAINT COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PEELED OFF AS I HAVE DRIVEN AROUND. IT IS A VERY OBVIOUS DEFECT OF THE PAINT--THERE ARE NO OTHER VEHICLES OUT THERE WITH THIS KIND OF PAINT FLAKING AND PEELING PROBLEM TO THIS EXTENT. THE PLASTIC COATING ON THE WOOD TRIM IS ALL FLAKING AND PEELING OFF AS WELL. IT MAKES THE CAR LOOK "SHAGGY!" WHAT A MESS. THIS CAR REALLY NEEDS A PAINT JOB TO BE PAID FOR BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE PAID OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR TRANSMISSIONS TO BE REPLACED. I AM ON A THREE-YEAR WARRANTY WITH DODGE FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND ON MY THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILURE UNDER THAT WARRANTY! THE OVERDRIVE UNIT IS FULLY DEFECTIVE AND THE COMPANY WILL NOT UNDERTAKE TO FIX IT. THE CAR WILL FAIL AND THE TRANS WILL JUST SPIN WITHOUT ENGAGING ANY FORWARD GEAR OR IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD OR OVERDRIVE. THE SPEED SENSOR UNIT IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND FREQUENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHAT A MESS OF A TRANSMISSION! I HAVE IT REGULARLY SERVICED AND I DON'T DRIVE IT HARD OR ABUSE THE TRANS. HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10005828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. AT 48,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER, GLENN E. THOMAS DODGE IN SIGNAL HILL. THEREAFTER, EVERY 15,000 TO 25,000 MILES OR SO, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED, PROBABLY 5 TIMES NOW; THE COMPUTER FOR THE TRANS HAS FAILED TWICE, THE MOTOR COMPUTER FAILED 2 TIMES, THE POWER WINDOWS BROKE OFF THEIR TRACKS, THE SLIDING DOOR JAMMED SHUT AND WOULDN'T ALIGN. NOW THE PAINT JOB ON MY WHITE 1990 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (WITH WOOD TRIM) IS PEELING OFF, MOSTLY ON THE ROOF (WHERE IT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE, DOWN TO THE PRIMER, RUSTING THROUGH TO THE ROOF METAL) AND ON THE HOOD AND FRONT QUARTER PANELS. THE PAINT WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED TO THE PRIMER UNDERCOAT OR THE PRIMER WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED SO AS TO ADHERE TO THE TOP COLOR COAT. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER CARAVAN'S OF THE SAME MODEL WITH THEIR PAINT COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PEELED OFF AS I HAVE DRIVEN AROUND. IT IS A VERY OBVIOUS DEFECT OF THE PAINT--THERE ARE NO OTHER VEHICLES OUT THERE WITH THIS KIND OF PAINT FLAKING AND PEELING PROBLEM TO THIS EXTENT. THE PLASTIC COATING ON THE WOOD TRIM IS ALL FLAKING AND PEELING OFF AS WELL. IT MAKES THE CAR LOOK "SHAGGY!" WHAT A MESS. THIS CAR REALLY NEEDS A PAINT JOB TO BE PAID FOR BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE PAID OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR TRANSMISSIONS TO BE REPLACED. I AM ON A THREE-YEAR WARRANTY WITH DODGE FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND ON MY THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILURE UNDER THAT WARRANTY! THE OVERDRIVE UNIT IS FULLY DEFECTIVE AND THE COMPANY WILL NOT UNDERTAKE TO FIX IT. THE CAR WILL FAIL AND THE TRANS WILL JUST SPIN WITHOUT ENGAGING ANY FORWARD GEAR OR IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD OR OVERDRIVE. THE SPEED SENSOR UNIT IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND FREQUENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHAT A MESS OF A TRANSMISSION! I HAVE IT REGULARLY SERVICED AND I DON'T DRIVE IT HARD OR ABUSE THE TRANS. HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10005828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. AT 48,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER, GLENN E. THOMAS DODGE IN SIGNAL HILL. THEREAFTER, EVERY 15,000 TO 25,000 MILES OR SO, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED, PROBABLY 5 TIMES NOW; THE COMPUTER FOR THE TRANS HAS FAILED TWICE, THE MOTOR COMPUTER FAILED 2 TIMES, THE POWER WINDOWS BROKE OFF THEIR TRACKS, THE SLIDING DOOR JAMMED SHUT AND WOULDN'T ALIGN. NOW THE PAINT JOB ON MY WHITE 1990 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (WITH WOOD TRIM) IS PEELING OFF, MOSTLY ON THE ROOF (WHERE IT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE, DOWN TO THE PRIMER, RUSTING THROUGH TO THE ROOF METAL) AND ON THE HOOD AND FRONT QUARTER PANELS. THE PAINT WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED TO THE PRIMER UNDERCOAT OR THE PRIMER WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED SO AS TO ADHERE TO THE TOP COLOR COAT. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER CARAVAN'S OF THE SAME MODEL WITH THEIR PAINT COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PEELED OFF AS I HAVE DRIVEN AROUND. IT IS A VERY OBVIOUS DEFECT OF THE PAINT--THERE ARE NO OTHER VEHICLES OUT THERE WITH THIS KIND OF PAINT FLAKING AND PEELING PROBLEM TO THIS EXTENT. THE PLASTIC COATING ON THE WOOD TRIM IS ALL FLAKING AND PEELING OFF AS WELL. IT MAKES THE CAR LOOK "SHAGGY!" WHAT A MESS. THIS CAR REALLY NEEDS A PAINT JOB TO BE PAID FOR BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE PAID OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR TRANSMISSIONS TO BE REPLACED. I AM ON A THREE-YEAR WARRANTY WITH DODGE FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND ON MY THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILURE UNDER THAT WARRANTY! THE OVERDRIVE UNIT IS FULLY DEFECTIVE AND THE COMPANY WILL NOT UNDERTAKE TO FIX IT. THE CAR WILL FAIL AND THE TRANS WILL JUST SPIN WITHOUT ENGAGING ANY FORWARD GEAR OR IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD OR OVERDRIVE. THE SPEED SENSOR UNIT IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND FREQUENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHAT A MESS OF A TRANSMISSION! I HAVE IT REGULARLY SERVICED AND I DON'T DRIVE IT HARD OR ABUSE THE TRANS. HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10005828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
PAINT ON 1990 DODGE CARAVAN IS PEELING OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10000775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL RAIL LEAKING WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED VEHICLE WAS NOT COVER UNDER THAT RECALL. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #8023835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #568098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL RAIL IS LEAKING OIL ONTO MOTOR, AND COULD CAUSE AND FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8013870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO ANOTHER GEAR/ STARTED JERKING, AND LOCKED IN PARK. PLEASE ADD VIN.
NHTSA complaint #8007468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:SIDEWALL
THE METAL TIRE BELTS CAME THRU THE SIDEWALLS, LETTING THE AIR OUT. TOOK BACK TO GOODYEAR DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS UNDERINFLATED. NOT SO! HAD 3 TIRES ALL FAIL LIKE THIS. DEALER SAID THEY WOULD SELL ME THE REPLACEMENT TIRE, BUT THEY DON'T MAKE THIS TIRE ANYMORE. WONDER WHY? ONE TIRE EVEN LOST A SECTION OF THE TREAD, ALA FIRESTONE TIRES.*AK (DOT NUMBER: MKKA33HR18 TIRESIZE: 195/75/R14)
NHTSA complaint #750196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:SIDEWALL
THE METAL TIRE BELTS CAME THRU THE SIDEWALLS, LETTING THE AIR OUT. TOOK BACK TO GOODYEAR DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS UNDERINFLATED. NOT SO! HAD 3 TIRES ALL FAIL LIKE THIS. DEALER SAID THEY WOULD SELL ME THE REPLACEMENT TIRE, BUT THEY DON'T MAKE THIS TIRE ANYMORE. WONDER WHY? ONE TIRE EVEN LOST A SECTION OF THE TREAD, ALA FIRESTONE TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #750196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
FRONT END LOCKED UP AFTER SNAP RING BROKE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #888013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT END LOCKED UP AFTER SNAP RING IN VHICLE BROKE. CONTACCTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #887819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I KNOW OF 3 OTHER FAMILY'S THAT HAVE THE SAME YR., MAKE & MODEL OF VAN WITH THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #743772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THIS SEEMS TO BE A REAL PROBLEM AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE . I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE TRANSMISSIONS CONSIDERING THAT THEY KNOW THE ARE BAD . PEOPLE SHOULDNOT HAVE TO GO TO COURT FOR DODGE TO PAY UP.THERE SHOULD BE A NATIONAL RECALL AS THERE ARE SEVERAL REPORTS ON FILE .THE TRANSMISSIONS LOCK-UP WITHOUT WARNING AND CAN BE A MAJOR CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. THEN WHAT WILL BE DONE?
NHTSA complaint #743310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL. DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE O-RINGS FAILED AT THE FUEL RAIL CONNECTIONS ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE. THIS PROBLEM WAS FOUND ON OTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLES. REFERENCE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V184000.
NHTSA complaint #742121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
STEERING LOCK UP AND PULLED ALL THE TO LEFT AND COULDN'T TURN IT AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #738354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AND CONSUMER INSERTED KEY INSIDE OF VEHICLE, AND KEY STARTED VEHICLE FIRST TIME. NEXT TIME IGNITION SWITCH HAD PLAY. SHE CONTACTED DEALERSHIP BECAUSE KEY COULDN'T COME OUT OF IGNITION SWITCH.*AKI
NHTSA complaint #876674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.