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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
13.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
515.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1546.9%
150,000+ miles
1134.4%
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.
Jan 1995peak 72Mar 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 1992 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.
DP97001Opened 12 Mar 1997Closed 2 Apr 1997VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON 1989 AND LATER CHRYSLER MODELS WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPIRIT/ACCLAIM: DYNASTY/NEW YORKER/LANDAU; LANCE/LEBARON; SHADOW/SUNDANCE; CARAVAN/VOYAGER.HOWEVER, BASED ON ODI'S COMPLAINT RECORDS, ONLY CERTAIN MINIVANS WILL BE INVESTIGATED
EA96027Opened 31 Oct 1996Closed 16 May 1997STRUCTURE
ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE
THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEAR RESULTING IN SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.
PE96035Opened 6 May 1996Closed 31 Oct 1996STRUCTURE
ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE
THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFT GATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEER RESULTING IN THE SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.
PE96008Opened 25 Jan 1996Closed 28 Jun 1996SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION
EA95029Opened 26 Sep 1995Closed 13 Nov 1996STEERING
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
AFTER AN EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS, CHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED THE DEFECT AS A FATIGUE FAILURE, ORIGINATION IN THE HEAT AFFECTED REGION OF THE PROJECTION WELDS OF THE STEERING WHEEL HUB TO STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE ATTACHMENT.THE HUB IS THE PORTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY THAT CONNECTS IT TO THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND IS ATTACHED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY BY 4 WELDS.IF CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE HEAT AFFECTED REGION OF THE WELDS AND PROPAGATE THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE TO EACH OF THE WELDS, THE STEERING WHEEL CAN SEPARATE FROM THE HUB.THIS IS A SLOW PR...
Recalls on the 1992 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.
United States — NHTSA
99V189000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LEFT HAND WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT DRIVE ARM WAS NOT MECHANICALLY STAKED TO THE PIVOT SHAFT.
Risk: THIS COULD ALLOW THE DRIVE ARM TO DISENGAGE FROM THE SHAFT LEADING TO A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
97V149000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. THE CENTER REAR SEAT, RIGHT OUTBOARD SIDE, SAFETY BELT ANCHOR HOOK CAN BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE BODY ANCHOR POSITION.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
97V148000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. COVERS ON THE SOLID STALK MOUNTED SEAT BELT BUCKLES CAN BECOME DISLODGED CAUSING THE RELEASE BUTTON TO STICK INSIDE THE COVER. THE BUCKLE WOULD THEN BE ONLY PARTIALLY LATCHED.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE STRUT TO THE BODY AND THE REAR LIFTGATE CAN ACCUMULATE FATIGUE DAMAGE IF THREE FACTORS COMBINE. IF THE BOLT IS LOOSE, THE GAS STRUT IS OVER-PRESSURIZED, AND THE FREQUENCY OF OPENING AND CLOSING CYCLES IS HIGHER THAN FOR THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER, THE BOLT CAN FAIL.
Risk: PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR IF THE BOLTS BREAK ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL SUDDENLY.
96V229000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
Risk: IF THE STEERING WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN, LOSS OF CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
96V099000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ABS FUNCTION COULD BE LOST AND REDUCED POWER ASSIST WOULD BE EXPERIENCED DURING VEHICLE BRAKING INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
95I001006
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITH REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.
Risk: IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
95I001002
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITHOUT REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.
Risk: IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1999145163,025 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, the left hand windshield wiper pivot drive arm was not mechanically staked to the pivot shaft. This may allow the drive arm to disengage from the shaft and lead to a loss of wiper function. Correction: The left windshield wiper pivot assembly will be replaced with one that incorporates an improved mechanical connection of the drive link to the pivot shaft.
Recall 1997162153,541 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
The first row rear seat outboard side seat belt anchor hook can become unattached from the body anchor position. Also, the covers on solid stalk mounted seat belt buckles may become dislodged. Should a cover become dislodged, the release button may stick inside the cover creating the potential for the buckle to become partially latched. In the event of a vehicle crash, either of these conditions could result in the occupant not being properly restrained. Correction: Anchor hook retaining clip will be replace with a revised profile clip and cover plate. Dealers will also install a cover retaining clip to the stalk mounted buckle cover to prevent dislocation of the buckle cover.
Recall 1997104246,405 units in Canada
Structure
A combination of no bolt torque, high pressure in the strut and a severe duty cycle can create the potential for the liftgate strut attaching bolts to separate. This could result in injury to persons standing under the liftgate at the time of failure. Correction: Liftgate struts will be inspected for loose fasteners. If fasteners are loose, the strut (and integral bolts) will be replaced. If the bolt shows evidence of torque, the bolt will be removed, large washers will be installed and bolt will be torqued to specification.
Recall 199619877,024 units in Canada
Steering
The steering wheel armature stamping may crack and separate from the centre hub of the steering column. This could adversely affect steering control and result in a possible crash without prior warning. Correction: Steering wheels exhibiting cracks will be replaced. All other involved vehicles will have a anti-separation plate installed to prevent separation of the steering wheel from the steering column.
Recall 199606324,055 units in Canada
Brakes
Note: Vehicles equipped with Bendix-10 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Vehicles with ABS brakes may experience premature actuator piston seal wear in the ABS hydraulic control unit and/or actuator pump motor deterioration. If this occurs, the ABS function may be lost and reduced power assist may be experienced during vehicle braking. Correction: Vehicles with ABS malfunction will be repaired as necessary. Warranty on all ABS components will be extended to 10 years or 160,000 km (except for the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump-motor assembly which will have lifetime coverage).
Recall 19920182,829 units in Canada
Steering
A steering column coupling bolt may fracture due to hydrogen embrittlement, causing loss of clamping load on the steering column shaft coupling with resultant loss of steering control. Correction: Zinc plated steering column coupling bolts will be replaced with a phosphate coated bolt.
Recall 199115211 units in Canada
Brakes
The brake pad to pedal arm strength may not be adequate due to mis-location of welds. Should the brake pedal separate, loss of vehicle braking integrity may occur. Correction: Brake pedal assembly will be replaced with a properly manufactured one.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Danbury, CTCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE STARTING VEHICLE IGNITION WAS LOCKED IN PLACE. CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING VEHICLE ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, IT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10094015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danbury, CTCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
WHILE STARTING VEHICLE IGNITION WAS LOCKED IN PLACE. CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING VEHICLE ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, IT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10094015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valparaiso, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SWERVED TO KEEP FROM HITTING AN ANIMAL. INSTEAD, IT HIT A TREE AT 45 MPH. CONSUMER'S HEAD CRASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD, BREAKING THE WINDSHIELD. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. IT TOOK TWO WEEKS FOR MANUFACTURER TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10083595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHEN STOPPING AT A LIGHT AND WITH NO INDICATION OF PROBLEM EXISTING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10044417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oriskany, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*JB
NHTSA complaint #10009692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Massapequa Park, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED. AS THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN, BOTH ABS BRAKE LIGHTS HAD COME ON, THEN THE CONSUMER LOST THE POWER ASSIST AND BRAKE PEDAL, EVENTUALLY HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10004703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 149,000 milesHellertown, PA
ENGINE
BRAKES STOPPED WORKING IN MIDDLE OF DRIVING ALMOST CAUSE A CAR ACCIDENT. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM AND THEY DID A RECALL ON THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. WOULD JUST LIKE TO BRING IT IN TO GET IT FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10958298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesHellertown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES STOPPED WORKING IN MIDDLE OF DRIVING ALMOST CAUSE A CAR ACCIDENT. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM AND THEY DID A RECALL ON THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. WOULD JUST LIKE TO BRING IT IN TO GET IT FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10958298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN SUBJECT TO RECALL 685 NHTSA # 96V099000. THE ANTILOCK BENDIX 10 ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED ONCE . IT NOW NEEDS REPLACING AGAIN . ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND PUMP RUNS EXCESSIVELY. ALL INHERENT TO THE PROBLEMS ADDRESSED ABOVE . THE DEALER IS CLAIMING TO NO NOTHING ABOUT THE LIFETIME WARRENTY ON THIS SYSTEM INDICATED IN THE RECALL DOCUMENTATION ON THIS SITE . I NEED SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO RECONTACT CHRYSLER WITH TO FORCE THE TO DO THE REQUIRED REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10810591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesFederal WAY, WA
STEERING
REPEATED PULLEY AND THEN BELT FAILURE CAUSING STEERING AND BREAKING TROUBLE. REPAIRS DO NOT LAST. LOCAL DEALERS DON'T HAVE LASER ALIGNMENT TOOL TO CHECK ALIGNMENT. THE INTERNET IS FILLED WITH BELTS FLYING OFF BECAUSE OF RAIN OR SLUSH IN THIS VEHICLE, MY PULLEYS JUST DISINTEGRATE WITH OUT THE WATER. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF AFTERMARKET SOLUTIONS BUT THEY SEEM HIT OR MISS. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN BY GRAND MOTHER WITH THE GRAND CHILDREN ABOARD FAR ENOUGH AWAY FOR A $150.00 TOW BILL. ITS LUCKY SO FARE ITS BEEN ON CITY STREETS AND AT LOW ENOUGH SPEEDS THAT A PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OVER CAN BE FOUND. THE PULLEYS THAT SEEM TO FAIL ARE THE IDLER AND THE TENSIONER PULLEYS. THIS 3.3 ENGINE IS WELL MAINTAINED WITH 145,000 MILES. THOUGH IT SEEMS THAT MILLAGE DOES NOT MATTER WHEN IT COMES TO PULLEY ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10785360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesFederal WAY, WA
ENGINE
REPEATED PULLEY AND THEN BELT FAILURE CAUSING STEERING AND BREAKING TROUBLE. REPAIRS DO NOT LAST. LOCAL DEALERS DON'T HAVE LASER ALIGNMENT TOOL TO CHECK ALIGNMENT. THE INTERNET IS FILLED WITH BELTS FLYING OFF BECAUSE OF RAIN OR SLUSH IN THIS VEHICLE, MY PULLEYS JUST DISINTEGRATE WITH OUT THE WATER. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF AFTERMARKET SOLUTIONS BUT THEY SEEM HIT OR MISS. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN BY GRAND MOTHER WITH THE GRAND CHILDREN ABOARD FAR ENOUGH AWAY FOR A $150.00 TOW BILL. ITS LUCKY SO FARE ITS BEEN ON CITY STREETS AND AT LOW ENOUGH SPEEDS THAT A PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OVER CAN BE FOUND. THE PULLEYS THAT SEEM TO FAIL ARE THE IDLER AND THE TENSIONER PULLEYS. THIS 3.3 ENGINE IS WELL MAINTAINED WITH 145,000 MILES. THOUGH IT SEEMS THAT MILLAGE DOES NOT MATTER WHEN IT COMES TO PULLEY ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10785360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesFederal WAY, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
REPEATED PULLEY AND THEN BELT FAILURE CAUSING STEERING AND BREAKING TROUBLE. REPAIRS DO NOT LAST. LOCAL DEALERS DON'T HAVE LASER ALIGNMENT TOOL TO CHECK ALIGNMENT. THE INTERNET IS FILLED WITH BELTS FLYING OFF BECAUSE OF RAIN OR SLUSH IN THIS VEHICLE, MY PULLEYS JUST DISINTEGRATE WITH OUT THE WATER. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF AFTERMARKET SOLUTIONS BUT THEY SEEM HIT OR MISS. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN BY GRAND MOTHER WITH THE GRAND CHILDREN ABOARD FAR ENOUGH AWAY FOR A $150.00 TOW BILL. ITS LUCKY SO FARE ITS BEEN ON CITY STREETS AND AT LOW ENOUGH SPEEDS THAT A PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OVER CAN BE FOUND. THE PULLEYS THAT SEEM TO FAIL ARE THE IDLER AND THE TENSIONER PULLEYS. THIS 3.3 ENGINE IS WELL MAINTAINED WITH 145,000 MILES. THOUGH IT SEEMS THAT MILLAGE DOES NOT MATTER WHEN IT COMES TO PULLEY ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10785360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 279,000 milesDRY Fork, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM PUMP AND MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 279,000.
NHTSA complaint #10534105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesCornelius, OR
SERVICE BRAKES
SECOND TIME, NO BRAKES NO TRAVEL OF PEDAL. SEEMS LIKE DIFFERENT BRAKES WOULD BE IN ORDER.
NHTSA complaint #10503134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesChicago, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO APPLY HEAVY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL DURING THE FAILURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V099000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #10444929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 271,000 milesCottage Grove, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
HELLO, I HAVE A ABS RECALL DONE AND IT WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY AND CAUSED MY VAN TO ALMOST GO OF THE ROAD, THE DEALER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND SAID TAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE, I NEED HELP WITH THIS. E-MAIL COPIES ATTACHED: [XXX], MY NAME IS [XXX], I LIVE IN COTTAGE GROVE AND HAD OUR DODGE CARAVAN'S ABS BRAKES REPAIRED AT YOUR DEALERSHIP AND WE HAVE A MAJOR ISSUE CONCERNING THE REPETITIVE AND INCOMPETENT REPAIRS DONE AT YOUR FACILITY. CHRYSLER'S SAFETY DEFECT REPORT # (96V-099), NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V099000 TO BE SPECIFIC. A PDF FILE OF THIS IS ATTACHED FOR YOUR VIEWING, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS LETTER AND THEN THE CAMPAIGN PDF COMPLETELY, THE ODI RESUME DATED 6-24-1996 PAGE 39 SUMS IT UP QUICKLY. THIS WILL HELP YOU AND YOUR SERVICE MANAGERS ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND THE SERIOUSNESS AND YOUR FAILURE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS CORRECTLY. AN INCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE TAKEN THE LIVES OR CAUSE INJURY TO ALL MY CHILDREN, MAYBE ANOTHER VEHICLE AND PASSENGERS OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENED ON 4-1-2011, THIS IS NOT A JOKE! MY TWO DAUGHTER'S, MY SON AND ANOTHER PERSON RIDING IN THE VAN AND THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY LOST BRAKING ON A WINDING ROAD AND ALMOST CRASHED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS BRAKE FAILURE WAS UNEXPECTED AFTER YOUR REPAIRS! THE REPAIRS WERE NOT PERFORMED CORRECTLY FOR ABS RECALL 0685, THE PROPER TESTING FIXTURE'S WERE NOT INSTALLED DURING ANY OF THE OPERATIONS YOU PROVIDED, DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR RECOMMENDATIONS WERE GROSSLY INCORRECT, TECHNICIANS AND SERVICE WRITERS STORY'S ON ALL R.O.'S ARE INADEQUATE AND INCORRECT. I CAN PROVE ALL OF THIS IN A COURT OF LAW, AND AM READY TO DO SO IF NEEDED. IF THE PROPER TESTING AND INSPECTION PROCEDURE WERE PERFORMED IT WOULD HAVE REVILED THE DEFECTIVE ACTUATOR PISTON (BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER) WHICH CAUSES DEBRIS IN THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND COMPROMISES SENSITIVE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT CONTROL THE BENDIX ANTILOCK 10 BRAKING SYSTEM, THIS PART (BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C
NHTSA complaint #10394448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesEverett, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT IS UPSET BECAUSE HE HAS HAD HIS BRAKES REPAIRED TWICE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. THE CONTACT JUST FOUND OUT THERE WAS AN RECALL ON HIS YEAR/MAKE AND MODEL. HE INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE WITH THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY COVER THE EXPENSES IF THE CONTACT VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 40MPH AND THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. THE CONTACT PUT ON HIS EMERGENCY BRAKES AND PULLED OVER. HE LATER DROVE IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 159733.
NHTSA complaint #10320957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesCanton, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 55 MPH, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND FOUND IT TO BE EXTREMELY STIFF. THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE AND HE EVENTUALLY WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL REPEATEDLY WITH GREAT FORCE. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE ABS FAILURES (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V099000), THE DEALER WOULD NOT MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED. THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE EFFECTIVE UNLESS THE CONTACT PAID TO HAVE THE BRAKE LINE REPLACED AT THE ESTIMATED COST OF $700. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 199,000.
NHTSA complaint #10252014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 197,250 milesOmaha, NE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. THE ABS WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY, WHICH EXTENDED THE STOPPING DISTANCE. THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE WORN ABS PUMP AND PISTON. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THERE WAS A PRIOR RECALL DEFECT REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY HAS NOT CORRECTED THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,250 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 215,000. UPDATED 11/19/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED EVEN THOUGH HE WAS NOT CHARGED, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE BRAKE. UPDATED 11/19/08.
NHTSA complaint #10246206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,251 milesRichmond, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
1992 DODGE CARAVAN CUSTOMER STATES THAT NO LETTER REGARDING RECALL ON BRAKES WAS SENT. CUSTOMER ALSO PAID TO HAVE CAR FIXED AND IT TOOK 3 DEALERSHIPS TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED RIGHT**CC
NHTSA complaint #10185825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesST Petersburg, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT KNEW THERE WAS A RECALL, AND THE BRAKES WERE NOT OPERATING NORMALLY. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS UNTIL THE CONTACT PAID A FEE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC PUMP AND PISTON ASSEMBLY AND A BLEEDING THE BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED DAIMLER CHRYSLER AND THEY STATED THE CONTACT SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. AFTER PERFORMING THE REPAIRS THE MECHANIC STATED THEY DIDN'T HONOR THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THE HYDRAULIC UNIT FAILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 142,000. THE MECHANIC AND SERVICE ADVISER REQUESTED THE CONTACT LEAVE THE PROPERTY AFTER HE ADVISED THEM THAT THE REPAIR WASN'T COMPLETE AND CONFIRMED WITH THEM THE INITIALS LISTED ON THE PARTS TO BE REPLACED WERE STILL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACTS INVOICE STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10183488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesMaple Grove, MN
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE COUPLING BOLT FRACTURED ON THE STEERING WHEEL. A NHTSA RECALL, #92V015000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING STEERING: WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10172965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesDavison, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LEAKED BRAKE FLUID, REQUIRING EXTREME FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL #96V099000 WHICH PERTAINS TO THE ANTILOCK SERVICE BRAKES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ABS PUMP AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY, WHICH TEMPORARILY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES FAILED AGAIN WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS DUE TO A LACK OF PARTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR 2 MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, WHO WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 10/31/2006 - THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED FOR O-RING LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #10170918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millington, TN
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BRIDGESTONE DUELER APT LT195-75-14 BELT SEPARATED AND RIPPED OFF THE TIRE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER AND SHATTERING THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10153854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCamas, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR THE ABS SEVERAL TIMES AND IT NEVER HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REPAIRED. THE ABS BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE QUICKLY ENOUGH. WHEN THE PUMP WORKED IT PUMPED FLUID OUT ONTO THE GROUND. THE DEALER WORKED ON VEHICLE 1-2 MONTHS AGO. THEY REPLACED A PRESSURE PUMP, BUT WERE WAITING ON THE REST OF THE PARTS TO FIX THE CAR. . THE MANUFACTURER TOLD THE CONTACT IT WOULD BE ANOTHER 2-4 MONTHS BEFORE THE PARTS CAME IN. THE CONSUMER CITED RECALL 96V099000 ON THE BRAKES A LONG TIME AGO. HE TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS, AND THEY TOLD HIM THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10133952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesFour Oaks, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: CONSUMER BOUGHT USED DODGE CARAVAN WITH 108, 000 MILES. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE HAS 112, 000 MILES. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, AND DEALER FOUND THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT/ABS PUMP MOTOR WERE FAULTY. BOTH COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED UNDER RECALL 685, ON MAY 5, 2002, VEHICLE HAD 88, 199 MILES ON IT. THEY REPLACED FAILED COMPONENTS WITH REBUILT EQUIPMENT. HOWEVE, VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, AND THE PEDAL WAS STIFF. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA BRAKES WENT OUT. ON ABOUT JULY 7, 2005. FRIEND AT DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT THE CONTROL UNIT FOR ABS WAS ABOUT $2000. CONSUMER HAS NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO FIX VEHICLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE COST. CONSUMER HAS BEEN TOLD THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WA SLEAKING AND CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10129589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,777 milesBoca Raton, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
1992 DODGE CARAVAN WITH BENDIX 10 ABS, RECENTLY PURCHASED FROM PRIVATE PARTY. 11/16/04 TOOK VEHICLE TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF MAROONE DODGE; ABS WARNING LIGHT ON, FLUID BEING EJECTED FROM BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. *JBWAS ADVISED THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED ON PROBLEM BUT NOT PERFORMED. LEFT VEHICLE FOR RECALL SERVICE. 11/30/04 I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS READY AND WENT TO THE DEALER. I WAS TOLD I HAD TO PAY THE BILL OF $1,108.67 BEFORE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, WHICH I DID. I HAVE THE PARTS REPLACED. AS I DROVE THE VEHICLE AWAY, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I DROVE THE VEHICLE 122 MILES RUNNING SOME ERRANDS AND HOME. AS I NEARED HOME THE BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY AND THE BRAKE FLUID WAS EJECTED FROM THE RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT MOVED SINCE. 12/10/04 WROTE A DETAILED COMPLAINT, ADDRESSED TO DAIMLER/CHRYSLER WITH A COPY TO MAROONE. 1/7/05 RECEIVED RESPONSE FROM D/C, DATED 1/3/05, STATING PROBLEM MUST BE RESOLVED WITH DEALER. HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY RESPONSE FROM DEALER, MAROONE. 1/31/05 CONTACTED THE CREDIT CARD COMPANY THAT HANDLED THE TRANSACTION AND PLACED THE TRANSACTION IN DISPUTE. 2/1/05 FILED COMPLAINTS WITH PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL, AND STATE OF FLORIDA. SUBSEQUENTLY LEARNED THAT THIS DEFECT APPARENTLY CANNOT BE REPAIRED; THAT NHTSA HAS INVESTIGATED THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10108479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sherrill, NY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON IN THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER IS INFORMED BY THE OWNER'S MANUAL THAT THE AIR BAG MAY NOT FUNCTION IN AN ACCIDENT. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY OWNER.
NHTSA complaint #10109265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danbury, CTCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE STARTING VEHICLE IGNITION WAS LOCKED IN PLACE. CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING VEHICLE ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, IT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10094015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danbury, CTCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
WHILE STARTING VEHICLE IGNITION WAS LOCKED IN PLACE. CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING VEHICLE ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, IT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10094015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,490 milesWashington, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE, AND VEHICLE KEPT GOING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. DEALER REPLACED THE ACCUMULATOR VALVE. BUT, BRAKES WERE STILL DEFECTIVE. MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CONTROL VALVE, AND CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS.*AK RECALL ON SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES AND SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK # 91V170000 & 96V099000.
NHTSA complaint #10089495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.