FaultScore report
Owners have filed 857 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan with NHTSA between 1997 and 2020. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 28 worst.
FaultScore 60/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Dodge Grand Caravan.
How this is worked out857
Complaints
40
Crashes reported
68
Fires reported
30
Injuries reported
1 complaint reports a death.
104,616 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
4%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Median failure at 100,000 miles
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.
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.
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.
AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING
DC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAK
POST COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM
POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY
INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUP
THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.
INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUP
ODI CONTINUES TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LATCHING/RETRACTOR MECHANISM PROBLEMS.CHRYSLER'S ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEM INDICATES THAT OWNERS OF THE VEHICLES ARE NOT ADHERING TO THE CLEANING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SEAT.THE SEAT APPEARS TO MALFUNCTION IF CRUMBS OF FOOD OR BEVERAGE RESIDUE ACCUMULATES ON THE LATCHING TONGUE IN THEWELL LOCATED BETWEEN THE CHILD'S LEGS.ODI HAS 19 COMPLAINTS OF RETRACT LOCKUP.SEVEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS REPORT CUTTING THE STRAPS TO REMOVE THE CHILD.TWO OF THE SEVEN CONSUMERS ALLEGE THE CHILD WAS CHOKING.CHRYSLER REPORTS 60 OWNER/FIELD REPORTS WHICH INDICATED 19 HARNESS...
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
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.
CHILD SEAT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED CHILD SEATS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS RESTRAINT ON THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT CAN BECOME DIFFICULT TO EXTRACT WHEN THE SAFETY BELT LATCH PLATE BECOMES CONTAMINATED.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.
TIRES:BEAD
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH P215/65R15 GOODYEAR CONQUEST TIRES MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEEL. THE TIRES CAN EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN AIR PRESSURE LOSS WITHOUT WARNING.
Risk: SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
THE MASTER CYLINDER REAR SEAL, BETWEEN THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND THE VACUUM RESERVOIR, MAY NOT SEAL ADEQUATELY ALLOWING HYDRAULIC FLUID TO BE DRAWN INTO THE POWER ASSIST VACUUM RESERVOIR.
Risk: AS THE HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR DECREASES, THE LEVEL SENSOR WILL DETECT THE LOSS OF FLUID AND ILLUMINATE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE WARNING LAMP. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED CAN RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES.
SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRAL CHILD SEATS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON THE INTEGRAL CHILD SEAT, THE SHOULDER BELTS RESTRAINING THE CHILD RETRACT AND LOCK IN PLACE AFTER THE BELT BUCKLE IS CONNECTED TO THE LATCH PLATE. THE LATCH PLATE MOVEMENT LOCKS THE BELTS TO MAKE SURE THE CHILD IS RESTRAINED IN THE CASE OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Risk: THE LATCH PLATE LOCATED IN THE SEAT CUSHION AREA MUST BE FREE TO MOVE BACK AGAINST ITS STOP AFTER THE BUCKLE IS REMOVED TO ALLOW THE SHOULDER BELTS TO BE PULLED OUT. ALWAYS BE SURE THE AREA AROUND THE LATCH PLATE IS FREE OF FOOD OR OTHER ITEMS THAT MIGHT PREVENT THE LATCH PLATE FROM MOVING BACK.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the clockspring assembly may have been backwound during the vehicle assembly process. This could illuminate the air bag warning lamp and may eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit. Correction: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on vehicles with less then 115 000 kms. Owners of vehicles with over 115 000 kms will be offered extended lifetime warranty on the clockspring.
Fuel System
On certain vehicles equipped with the 3.3L or 3.8L engine the Nitrile "O-ring" seals used in the fuel rail may degrade over time and extended exposure to elevated temperatures. This could result in fuel leakage, and, in the presence of an ignition source, an underhood fire could occur. Correction: External seals will be installed at both of the fuel rail crossover tube joints. If the crossover tube joints are leaking or red rust exists in the area, the fuel rail assembly must be replaced.
Seats And Restraints
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT. THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELT LATCH MECHANISM MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED CAUSING THE SEAT BELT RELEASE MECHANISM TO STICK AND PREVENT THE RETRACTOR FROM RELEASING. THIS MAY RESULT IN DIFFICULTY REMOVING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT. CORRECTION: CHILD SEAT LATCH PLATE MECHANISM WILL BE INSPECTED AND CLEANED. AN EXTENDER WILL BE ADDED TO THE EMERGENCY RELEASE ANCHOR FOR THE CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELTS SO THAT THE RELEASE CLIPS ARE MORE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE OPERATOR. NEW INSTRUCTION LABEL AND OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE OPERATOR.
Suspension
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P215/65R15 GOODYEAR CONQUEST TIRES MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEELS. THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE TIRE BEADS ON THESE VEHICLES WERE CUT DURING MOUNTING TO THE WHEEL. THIS WOULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR THE TIRES TO EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR WITHOUT WARNING. CORRECTION: TIRES WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES.
Brakes
NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES RECALL 96-174 (CHRYSLER RECALL-707) THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ON THESE VEHICLES MAY ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK PAST THE REAR PISTON GUIDE INTO THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER. THIS COULD RESULT IN A PARTIAL BRAKE LOSS AND EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES. CORRECTION: MASTER CYLINDER PRIMARY PISTON WILL BE REPLACED.
Brakes
NOTE: THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 97-107 (CHRYSLER-714). THE MASTER CYLINDER REAR SEAL BETWEEN THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND THE VACUUM RESERVOIR, MAY NOT SEAL ADEQUATELY. THIS CAN ALLOW HYDRAULIC FLUID TO BE DRAWN INTO THE POWER ASSIST VACUUM RESERVOIR. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID WILL RESULT IN ILLUMINATION OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE WARNING LAMP. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED MAY RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. CORRECTION: AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND MASTER CYLINDER WILL BE REPLACED IF REQUIRED.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY VAN WAS PARKED OUT SIDE LUCKYS ON MITALDA NEAR W MAUDE AVENUE IN SUNNYVALE CA 94086 I WAS USING THE WATER REFILLING STATION AND STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE WHEN I TURNED AROUND I IMIDEATLLY NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT WAS ON FIRE. NOT HAVING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I TOOK THE BOTTLE OF WATER I HAD IN MY HANDS AND STARTED TO THROW WATER ON IT UNTIL THE FLAMES WENT OUT. WHAT IN THE HELL WOULD MAKE THAT HAPPEN? IS MY VAN UP FOR RECALL? I JUST PURCHASED THE VAN JUST A WEEK AGO. IT HAS BEEN A NIGHT MARE FOR ME NOT TO MENTION EXTREMELY COSTLY REPLACING EVERYTHING'S THAT'S BEEN GOING OUT. THE A/C CLUSTER THE DASH CLUSTER THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR. THE REAR VENT MOTOR. COUNTLESS BULBS AND FUSES.
NHTSA complaint #11340809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY VAN WAS PARKED OUT SIDE LUCKYS ON MITALDA NEAR W MAUDE AVENUE IN SUNNYVALE CA 94086 I WAS USING THE WATER REFILLING STATION AND STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE WHEN I TURNED AROUND I IMIDEATLLY NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT WAS ON FIRE. NOT HAVING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I TOOK THE BOTTLE OF WATER I HAD IN MY HANDS AND STARTED TO THROW WATER ON IT UNTIL THE FLAMES WENT OUT. WHAT IN THE HELL WOULD MAKE THAT HAPPEN? IS MY VAN UP FOR RECALL? I JUST PURCHASED THE VAN JUST A WEEK AGO. IT HAS BEEN A NIGHT MARE FOR ME NOT TO MENTION EXTREMELY COSTLY REPLACING EVERYTHING'S THAT'S BEEN GOING OUT. THE A/C CLUSTER THE DASH CLUSTER THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR. THE REAR VENT MOTOR. COUNTLESS BULBS AND FUSES.
NHTSA complaint #11340809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
MY VAN WAS PARKED OUT SIDE LUCKYS ON MITALDA NEAR W MAUDE AVENUE IN SUNNYVALE CA 94086 I WAS USING THE WATER REFILLING STATION AND STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE WHEN I TURNED AROUND I IMIDEATLLY NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT WAS ON FIRE. NOT HAVING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I TOOK THE BOTTLE OF WATER I HAD IN MY HANDS AND STARTED TO THROW WATER ON IT UNTIL THE FLAMES WENT OUT. WHAT IN THE HELL WOULD MAKE THAT HAPPEN? IS MY VAN UP FOR RECALL? I JUST PURCHASED THE VAN JUST A WEEK AGO. IT HAS BEEN A NIGHT MARE FOR ME NOT TO MENTION EXTREMELY COSTLY REPLACING EVERYTHING'S THAT'S BEEN GOING OUT. THE A/C CLUSTER THE DASH CLUSTER THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR. THE REAR VENT MOTOR. COUNTLESS BULBS AND FUSES.
NHTSA complaint #11340809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING ON SLIPPERY ROAD SURFACES. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ABILITY TO REGAIN VEHICLE CONTROL WAS COMPROMISED BY LACK OF STEERING ASSIST CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE.THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS A SCHOOL BUS WAS NEAR MY VEHICLE WHEN THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND A RECALL SHOULD BE MANDATED.
NHTSA complaint #10935387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING ON SLIPPERY ROAD SURFACES. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ABILITY TO REGAIN VEHICLE CONTROL WAS COMPROMISED BY LACK OF STEERING ASSIST CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE.THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS A SCHOOL BUS WAS NEAR MY VEHICLE WHEN THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND A RECALL SHOULD BE MANDATED.
NHTSA complaint #10935387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, ALL OF THE BRAKE FLUID DRAINED FROM THE BRAKE LINES AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10643688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY VAN WAS PARKED OUT SIDE LUCKYS ON MITALDA NEAR W MAUDE AVENUE IN SUNNYVALE CA 94086 I WAS USING THE WATER REFILLING STATION AND STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE WHEN I TURNED AROUND I IMIDEATLLY NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT WAS ON FIRE. NOT HAVING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I TOOK THE BOTTLE OF WATER I HAD IN MY HANDS AND STARTED TO THROW WATER ON IT UNTIL THE FLAMES WENT OUT. WHAT IN THE HELL WOULD MAKE THAT HAPPEN? IS MY VAN UP FOR RECALL? I JUST PURCHASED THE VAN JUST A WEEK AGO. IT HAS BEEN A NIGHT MARE FOR ME NOT TO MENTION EXTREMELY COSTLY REPLACING EVERYTHING'S THAT'S BEEN GOING OUT. THE A/C CLUSTER THE DASH CLUSTER THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR. THE REAR VENT MOTOR. COUNTLESS BULBS AND FUSES.
NHTSA complaint #11340809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY VAN WAS PARKED OUT SIDE LUCKYS ON MITALDA NEAR W MAUDE AVENUE IN SUNNYVALE CA 94086 I WAS USING THE WATER REFILLING STATION AND STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE WHEN I TURNED AROUND I IMIDEATLLY NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT WAS ON FIRE. NOT HAVING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I TOOK THE BOTTLE OF WATER I HAD IN MY HANDS AND STARTED TO THROW WATER ON IT UNTIL THE FLAMES WENT OUT. WHAT IN THE HELL WOULD MAKE THAT HAPPEN? IS MY VAN UP FOR RECALL? I JUST PURCHASED THE VAN JUST A WEEK AGO. IT HAS BEEN A NIGHT MARE FOR ME NOT TO MENTION EXTREMELY COSTLY REPLACING EVERYTHING'S THAT'S BEEN GOING OUT. THE A/C CLUSTER THE DASH CLUSTER THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR. THE REAR VENT MOTOR. COUNTLESS BULBS AND FUSES.
NHTSA complaint #11340809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
MY VAN WAS PARKED OUT SIDE LUCKYS ON MITALDA NEAR W MAUDE AVENUE IN SUNNYVALE CA 94086 I WAS USING THE WATER REFILLING STATION AND STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE WHEN I TURNED AROUND I IMIDEATLLY NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT WAS ON FIRE. NOT HAVING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I TOOK THE BOTTLE OF WATER I HAD IN MY HANDS AND STARTED TO THROW WATER ON IT UNTIL THE FLAMES WENT OUT. WHAT IN THE HELL WOULD MAKE THAT HAPPEN? IS MY VAN UP FOR RECALL? I JUST PURCHASED THE VAN JUST A WEEK AGO. IT HAS BEEN A NIGHT MARE FOR ME NOT TO MENTION EXTREMELY COSTLY REPLACING EVERYTHING'S THAT'S BEEN GOING OUT. THE A/C CLUSTER THE DASH CLUSTER THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR. THE REAR VENT MOTOR. COUNTLESS BULBS AND FUSES.
NHTSA complaint #11340809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60MPH; ENGINE REMAINED ON. I PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND IT STARTED BACK UP AGAIN AND DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MILES. 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN IT LOST POWER AGAIN, I SLOWED AND THEN TRIED TO REACCELERATE, AND IT DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT 5 MILES, ENOUGH TO GET ME OFF THE FREEWAY AND TO A SAFE LOCATION. I CHECKED THE OIL AND TRANSMISSION LEVELS, WHICH WERE OK, AND THERE WAS NOTHING LEAKING UNDER THE CAR. WENT TO AN APPOINTMENT, AND CAME BACK TO THE CAR, WHICH STARTED UP AND DROVE OK FOR ABOUT A HALF MILE, THEN IT SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS TIME IT WOULDN'T START BACK UP AGAIN, SO I PUSHED IT ONTO A SIDE STREET, WHERE IT STARTED UP FINE AND DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS/REPAIR STATION. NOW, THE VAN WON'T START AGAIN. VAN WAS PROCEEDING STRAIGHT IN ALL SITUATIONS.
NHTSA complaint #11282502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60MPH; ENGINE REMAINED ON. I PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND IT STARTED BACK UP AGAIN AND DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MILES. 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN IT LOST POWER AGAIN, I SLOWED AND THEN TRIED TO REACCELERATE, AND IT DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT 5 MILES, ENOUGH TO GET ME OFF THE FREEWAY AND TO A SAFE LOCATION. I CHECKED THE OIL AND TRANSMISSION LEVELS, WHICH WERE OK, AND THERE WAS NOTHING LEAKING UNDER THE CAR. WENT TO AN APPOINTMENT, AND CAME BACK TO THE CAR, WHICH STARTED UP AND DROVE OK FOR ABOUT A HALF MILE, THEN IT SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS TIME IT WOULDN'T START BACK UP AGAIN, SO I PUSHED IT ONTO A SIDE STREET, WHERE IT STARTED UP FINE AND DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS/REPAIR STATION. NOW, THE VAN WON'T START AGAIN. VAN WAS PROCEEDING STRAIGHT IN ALL SITUATIONS.
NHTSA complaint #11282502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60MPH; ENGINE REMAINED ON. I PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND IT STARTED BACK UP AGAIN AND DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MILES. 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN IT LOST POWER AGAIN, I SLOWED AND THEN TRIED TO REACCELERATE, AND IT DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT 5 MILES, ENOUGH TO GET ME OFF THE FREEWAY AND TO A SAFE LOCATION. I CHECKED THE OIL AND TRANSMISSION LEVELS, WHICH WERE OK, AND THERE WAS NOTHING LEAKING UNDER THE CAR. WENT TO AN APPOINTMENT, AND CAME BACK TO THE CAR, WHICH STARTED UP AND DROVE OK FOR ABOUT A HALF MILE, THEN IT SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS TIME IT WOULDN'T START BACK UP AGAIN, SO I PUSHED IT ONTO A SIDE STREET, WHERE IT STARTED UP FINE AND DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS/REPAIR STATION. NOW, THE VAN WON'T START AGAIN. VAN WAS PROCEEDING STRAIGHT IN ALL SITUATIONS.
NHTSA complaint #11282502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING ON SLIPPERY ROAD SURFACES. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ABILITY TO REGAIN VEHICLE CONTROL WAS COMPROMISED BY LACK OF STEERING ASSIST CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE.THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS A SCHOOL BUS WAS NEAR MY VEHICLE WHEN THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND A RECALL SHOULD BE MANDATED.
NHTSA complaint #10935387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING ON SLIPPERY ROAD SURFACES. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ABILITY TO REGAIN VEHICLE CONTROL WAS COMPROMISED BY LACK OF STEERING ASSIST CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE.THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS A SCHOOL BUS WAS NEAR MY VEHICLE WHEN THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND A RECALL SHOULD BE MANDATED.
NHTSA complaint #10935387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
PART 2 I'VE READ ON HERE THAT GATES HAS A BELT/PULLEY FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. IF THEY HAVE ONE, CHRYSLER CAN MAKE ONE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT CAN HAPPEN ANY TIME TO MANY DODGE VANS, IT RESULTS IN OTHER DAMAGES, SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLE INJURY EVEN DEATH TO MANY PEOPLE AT ONE TIME. MANY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE SERPENTINE BELTS WITHOUT THIS PROBLEM SO IT CAN BE FIXED. IT'S A REPEATED DESIGN FLAW & SHOULD BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY. A NTSB RULE GOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS "A COMPANY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FORESEEABLE PROBLEMS IN THEIR PRODUCT" THE SAME GOES FOR THE BRAKE LINES CORRODING ENOUGH FOR FAILURE TO OCCUR IN JUST A FEW YEARS, THIS IS ALSO UNACCEPTABLE. THIS IS A $29,850 VEHICLE NOT A $2,000 1967 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE, MY BEETLE HAS THE ORIGINAL BREAK LINES. AND IN GOOD SHAPE. ALL BREAK LINES ARE TO BE STAINLESS STEEL TO RESIST RUST AND CORROSION. THIS IS PURELY LACK OF QUALITY IN MATERIALS USED TO MAKE THESE LINES AND THE COMPANY ALSO SHOULD BE MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY WARNING ALL OWNERS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND REPLACING ALL DEFECTABLE LINES WITH GOOD QUALITY LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10735625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
PART 1 1/2 THE GAS LINE DECAYING AND THE SUSPENSION STRUT MOUNTS RUSTING AWAY, BOTH OF THESE ARE DEADLY, A RUSTY/CORRODED BREAK LINE WILL JUST LEAK A DROP AT THE TIME, MOST PEOPLE JUST REFILL THE FLUID RESERVOIR AND NEVER THINK ABOUT AGAIN, EVENTUALLY THE BREAK LINE FAILS ALL AT ONCE, THIS IS BECAUSE YOU ACTUALLY PUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE LINES THAN USUAL AND THE WEAK SPOT RUPTURES LIKE A WEAK SPOT IN A BALLOON WOULD. THAT MEANS THAT YOU WERE IN A BAD SITUATION ALREADY AND NOW YOU DON'T HAVE ANY BREAKING POWER AT ALL. WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENS NEXT??? ALL BREAK LINES ARE STAINLESS STEAL SO AS TO RESIST RUST AND CORROSION, THE ONLY REASON A BREAK LINE FAILS IN THIS LITTLE AMOUNT OF TIME IS BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURE IS PRODUCING AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NOW,, THE STRUT MOUNTS, AS SOON AS THE COMPANY FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MOUNTS RUSTING THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE VEHICLES AND SPRAYED $10 WORTH OF UNDERCOATING OVER THE PARTS AFTER REMOVING THE RUST TO STOP ANY MORE RUST FROM FORMING. IF THE STRUT MOUNT IS RUSTED ENOUGH, IT CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME "USUALLY WHEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD,, THAT SENDS AN EXTRA AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE SUSPENSION. THE STRUT COMES UP THROUGH THE HOOD AND THE WHEEL MAY GO ANY WAY AND HIT ANY PART OF THE WHEEL WELL AND SUSPENSION THE AXLE MAY COME OUT OF THE WHEEL OR TRANSMISSION , ALL OF THAT MEANS YOU MAY HAVE TOTAL LOSE OF BREAKS AND OR STEERING. ALL 3 OF THESE PROBLEMS COULD HAVE EASILY AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED WHEN FIRST REALIZED MANY YEARS AGO, INSTEAD THEY KEPT RIGHT ON MANUFACTURING VEHICLES THE SAME WAY WITH THE SAME IMPERFECTIONS AND IF YOU GO TO A DEALER TODAY WITH EITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS THEY WILL SAY IT IS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE HERD OF IT, IT OUT OF WARRANTY, ETC. AND WILL NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT FIXING IT UNLESS WE PAY
NHTSA complaint #10735643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
PART 1 1/2 THE GAS LINE DECAYING AND THE SUSPENSION STRUT MOUNTS RUSTING AWAY, BOTH OF THESE ARE DEADLY, A RUSTY/CORRODED BREAK LINE WILL JUST LEAK A DROP AT THE TIME, MOST PEOPLE JUST REFILL THE FLUID RESERVOIR AND NEVER THINK ABOUT AGAIN, EVENTUALLY THE BREAK LINE FAILS ALL AT ONCE, THIS IS BECAUSE YOU ACTUALLY PUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE LINES THAN USUAL AND THE WEAK SPOT RUPTURES LIKE A WEAK SPOT IN A BALLOON WOULD. THAT MEANS THAT YOU WERE IN A BAD SITUATION ALREADY AND NOW YOU DON'T HAVE ANY BREAKING POWER AT ALL. WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENS NEXT??? ALL BREAK LINES ARE STAINLESS STEAL SO AS TO RESIST RUST AND CORROSION, THE ONLY REASON A BREAK LINE FAILS IN THIS LITTLE AMOUNT OF TIME IS BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURE IS PRODUCING AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NOW,, THE STRUT MOUNTS, AS SOON AS THE COMPANY FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MOUNTS RUSTING THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE VEHICLES AND SPRAYED $10 WORTH OF UNDERCOATING OVER THE PARTS AFTER REMOVING THE RUST TO STOP ANY MORE RUST FROM FORMING. IF THE STRUT MOUNT IS RUSTED ENOUGH, IT CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME "USUALLY WHEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD,, THAT SENDS AN EXTRA AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE SUSPENSION. THE STRUT COMES UP THROUGH THE HOOD AND THE WHEEL MAY GO ANY WAY AND HIT ANY PART OF THE WHEEL WELL AND SUSPENSION THE AXLE MAY COME OUT OF THE WHEEL OR TRANSMISSION , ALL OF THAT MEANS YOU MAY HAVE TOTAL LOSE OF BREAKS AND OR STEERING. ALL 3 OF THESE PROBLEMS COULD HAVE EASILY AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED WHEN FIRST REALIZED MANY YEARS AGO, INSTEAD THEY KEPT RIGHT ON MANUFACTURING VEHICLES THE SAME WAY WITH THE SAME IMPERFECTIONS AND IF YOU GO TO A DEALER TODAY WITH EITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS THEY WILL SAY IT IS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE HERD OF IT, IT OUT OF WARRANTY, ETC. AND WILL NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT FIXING IT UNLESS WE PAY
NHTSA complaint #10735642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
PART 1.... I USED TO BE A MECHANIC AND TOW TRUCK OPERATOR. MY MINI VAN "LIKE MOST OTHERS" IS USUALLY DRIVEN BY A FEMALE & WITH A LOAD OF CHILDREN. IF DRIVING IN RAIN OR THROUGH A WATER PUDDLE THE BELT JUMPS OFF CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING OVERHEATING BATTERY DRAIN ETC, IS A DANGEROUS EVEN DEADLY PROBLEM, IF A TURN IS NEEDED AT THE TIME THIS BELT JUMPS OFF, EVEN A STRONG HEALTHY MAN CAN LEAVE THE LINE OF INTENDED TRAVEL AND HIT WHAT EVER IS IN THE WAY, A CURB, A PEDESTRIAN OR EVEN CAUSE A HEAD ON COLLISION. THIS MOSTLY HAPPENS DURING RAINY/NASTY DAYS & BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF REPLACING THE BELT, AND THE DAMAGE THAT IS CAUSED WHEN IT COMES OFF, THE VEHICLE USUALLY REQUIRES A TOW 4 REPAIR. IT IS STATED THAT, WHEN A CONSUMER MAKES A COMPLAINT & IF THE SAME COMPLAINT IS REPEATED AN INVESTIGATION WILL BE STARTED. THIS IS AN OLD PROBLEM WITH MANY, MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS YET, I SEE "NO ACTION, NOT EVEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS PROBLEM", WHY?? CONSUMERS ARE DEPENDING ON YOU "SAFECAR.GOV, NHTSA" ETC. WHAT WILL IT TAKE, "A DEATH" TO START AN INVESTIGATION? OR, SHOULD I SAY, HOW MANY??? I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS, AND A LOT OF DAMAGE JUST FROM THE BELT AS IT JUMPS OFF AND GOES FLOPPING AROUND, NOT TO MENTION THE PEOPLE THAT BURNED UP THEIR MOTOR EVEN STARTED A FIRE TRYING TO GET HOME, TO A SHOP ETC. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN A PLAGUE SINCE DAY ONE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT LEAST FIXED ON THE NEXT YEARS MODEL BUT CHRYSLER JUST IGNORED IT. THEIR HAVE BEEN MANY VEHICLES WITH THESE SERPENTINE BELTS,, CHRYSLER VANS IS THE ONLY ONES THAT I KNOW OF WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. THIS IS A DEADLY PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION SINCE THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM FROM THE START AND JUST FLAT OUT IGNORED IT. THE GAS LINE DECAYING AND SUSPENSION STRUT MOUNTS RUSTING AWAY ON THESE SAME MODELS WILL BE MY NEXT POST
NHTSA complaint #10735648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
PART 2 I'VE READ ON HERE THAT GATES HAS A BELT/PULLEY FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. IF THEY HAVE ONE, CHRYSLER CAN MAKE ONE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT CAN HAPPEN ANY TIME TO MANY DODGE VANS, IT RESULTS IN OTHER DAMAGES, SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLE INJURY EVEN DEATH TO MANY PEOPLE AT ONE TIME. MANY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE SERPENTINE BELTS WITHOUT THIS PROBLEM SO IT CAN BE FIXED. IT'S A REPEATED DESIGN FLAW & SHOULD BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY. A NTSB RULE GOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS "A COMPANY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FORESEEABLE PROBLEMS IN THEIR PRODUCT" THE SAME GOES FOR THE BRAKE LINES CORRODING ENOUGH FOR FAILURE TO OCCUR IN JUST A FEW YEARS, THIS IS ALSO UNACCEPTABLE. THIS IS A $29,850 VEHICLE NOT A $2,000 1967 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE, MY BEETLE HAS THE ORIGINAL BREAK LINES. AND IN GOOD SHAPE. ALL BREAK LINES ARE TO BE STAINLESS STEEL TO RESIST RUST AND CORROSION. THIS IS PURELY LACK OF QUALITY IN MATERIALS USED TO MAKE THESE LINES AND THE COMPANY ALSO SHOULD BE MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY WARNING ALL OWNERS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND REPLACING ALL DEFECTABLE LINES WITH GOOD QUALITY LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10735625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
PART 1 1/2 THE GAS LINE DECAYING AND THE SUSPENSION STRUT MOUNTS RUSTING AWAY, BOTH OF THESE ARE DEADLY, A RUSTY/CORRODED BREAK LINE WILL JUST LEAK A DROP AT THE TIME, MOST PEOPLE JUST REFILL THE FLUID RESERVOIR AND NEVER THINK ABOUT AGAIN, EVENTUALLY THE BREAK LINE FAILS ALL AT ONCE, THIS IS BECAUSE YOU ACTUALLY PUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE LINES THAN USUAL AND THE WEAK SPOT RUPTURES LIKE A WEAK SPOT IN A BALLOON WOULD. THAT MEANS THAT YOU WERE IN A BAD SITUATION ALREADY AND NOW YOU DON'T HAVE ANY BREAKING POWER AT ALL. WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENS NEXT??? ALL BREAK LINES ARE STAINLESS STEAL SO AS TO RESIST RUST AND CORROSION, THE ONLY REASON A BREAK LINE FAILS IN THIS LITTLE AMOUNT OF TIME IS BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURE IS PRODUCING AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NOW,, THE STRUT MOUNTS, AS SOON AS THE COMPANY FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MOUNTS RUSTING THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE VEHICLES AND SPRAYED $10 WORTH OF UNDERCOATING OVER THE PARTS AFTER REMOVING THE RUST TO STOP ANY MORE RUST FROM FORMING. IF THE STRUT MOUNT IS RUSTED ENOUGH, IT CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME "USUALLY WHEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD,, THAT SENDS AN EXTRA AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE SUSPENSION. THE STRUT COMES UP THROUGH THE HOOD AND THE WHEEL MAY GO ANY WAY AND HIT ANY PART OF THE WHEEL WELL AND SUSPENSION THE AXLE MAY COME OUT OF THE WHEEL OR TRANSMISSION , ALL OF THAT MEANS YOU MAY HAVE TOTAL LOSE OF BREAKS AND OR STEERING. ALL 3 OF THESE PROBLEMS COULD HAVE EASILY AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED WHEN FIRST REALIZED MANY YEARS AGO, INSTEAD THEY KEPT RIGHT ON MANUFACTURING VEHICLES THE SAME WAY WITH THE SAME IMPERFECTIONS AND IF YOU GO TO A DEALER TODAY WITH EITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS THEY WILL SAY IT IS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE HERD OF IT, IT OUT OF WARRANTY, ETC. AND WILL NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT FIXING IT UNLESS WE PAY
NHTSA complaint #10735643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
PART 1 1/2 THE GAS LINE DECAYING AND THE SUSPENSION STRUT MOUNTS RUSTING AWAY, BOTH OF THESE ARE DEADLY, A RUSTY/CORRODED BREAK LINE WILL JUST LEAK A DROP AT THE TIME, MOST PEOPLE JUST REFILL THE FLUID RESERVOIR AND NEVER THINK ABOUT AGAIN, EVENTUALLY THE BREAK LINE FAILS ALL AT ONCE, THIS IS BECAUSE YOU ACTUALLY PUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE LINES THAN USUAL AND THE WEAK SPOT RUPTURES LIKE A WEAK SPOT IN A BALLOON WOULD. THAT MEANS THAT YOU WERE IN A BAD SITUATION ALREADY AND NOW YOU DON'T HAVE ANY BREAKING POWER AT ALL. WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENS NEXT??? ALL BREAK LINES ARE STAINLESS STEAL SO AS TO RESIST RUST AND CORROSION, THE ONLY REASON A BREAK LINE FAILS IN THIS LITTLE AMOUNT OF TIME IS BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURE IS PRODUCING AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NOW,, THE STRUT MOUNTS, AS SOON AS THE COMPANY FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MOUNTS RUSTING THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE VEHICLES AND SPRAYED $10 WORTH OF UNDERCOATING OVER THE PARTS AFTER REMOVING THE RUST TO STOP ANY MORE RUST FROM FORMING. IF THE STRUT MOUNT IS RUSTED ENOUGH, IT CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME "USUALLY WHEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD,, THAT SENDS AN EXTRA AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE SUSPENSION. THE STRUT COMES UP THROUGH THE HOOD AND THE WHEEL MAY GO ANY WAY AND HIT ANY PART OF THE WHEEL WELL AND SUSPENSION THE AXLE MAY COME OUT OF THE WHEEL OR TRANSMISSION , ALL OF THAT MEANS YOU MAY HAVE TOTAL LOSE OF BREAKS AND OR STEERING. ALL 3 OF THESE PROBLEMS COULD HAVE EASILY AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED WHEN FIRST REALIZED MANY YEARS AGO, INSTEAD THEY KEPT RIGHT ON MANUFACTURING VEHICLES THE SAME WAY WITH THE SAME IMPERFECTIONS AND IF YOU GO TO A DEALER TODAY WITH EITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS THEY WILL SAY IT IS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE HERD OF IT, IT OUT OF WARRANTY, ETC. AND WILL NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT FIXING IT UNLESS WE PAY
NHTSA complaint #10735642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
PART 1.... I USED TO BE A MECHANIC AND TOW TRUCK OPERATOR. MY MINI VAN "LIKE MOST OTHERS" IS USUALLY DRIVEN BY A FEMALE & WITH A LOAD OF CHILDREN. IF DRIVING IN RAIN OR THROUGH A WATER PUDDLE THE BELT JUMPS OFF CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING OVERHEATING BATTERY DRAIN ETC, IS A DANGEROUS EVEN DEADLY PROBLEM, IF A TURN IS NEEDED AT THE TIME THIS BELT JUMPS OFF, EVEN A STRONG HEALTHY MAN CAN LEAVE THE LINE OF INTENDED TRAVEL AND HIT WHAT EVER IS IN THE WAY, A CURB, A PEDESTRIAN OR EVEN CAUSE A HEAD ON COLLISION. THIS MOSTLY HAPPENS DURING RAINY/NASTY DAYS & BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF REPLACING THE BELT, AND THE DAMAGE THAT IS CAUSED WHEN IT COMES OFF, THE VEHICLE USUALLY REQUIRES A TOW 4 REPAIR. IT IS STATED THAT, WHEN A CONSUMER MAKES A COMPLAINT & IF THE SAME COMPLAINT IS REPEATED AN INVESTIGATION WILL BE STARTED. THIS IS AN OLD PROBLEM WITH MANY, MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS YET, I SEE "NO ACTION, NOT EVEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS PROBLEM", WHY?? CONSUMERS ARE DEPENDING ON YOU "SAFECAR.GOV, NHTSA" ETC. WHAT WILL IT TAKE, "A DEATH" TO START AN INVESTIGATION? OR, SHOULD I SAY, HOW MANY??? I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS, AND A LOT OF DAMAGE JUST FROM THE BELT AS IT JUMPS OFF AND GOES FLOPPING AROUND, NOT TO MENTION THE PEOPLE THAT BURNED UP THEIR MOTOR EVEN STARTED A FIRE TRYING TO GET HOME, TO A SHOP ETC. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN A PLAGUE SINCE DAY ONE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT LEAST FIXED ON THE NEXT YEARS MODEL BUT CHRYSLER JUST IGNORED IT. THEIR HAVE BEEN MANY VEHICLES WITH THESE SERPENTINE BELTS,, CHRYSLER VANS IS THE ONLY ONES THAT I KNOW OF WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. THIS IS A DEADLY PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION SINCE THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM FROM THE START AND JUST FLAT OUT IGNORED IT. THE GAS LINE DECAYING AND SUSPENSION STRUT MOUNTS RUSTING AWAY ON THESE SAME MODELS WILL BE MY NEXT POST
NHTSA complaint #10735648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PART 1 1/2 THE GAS LINE DECAYING AND THE SUSPENSION STRUT MOUNTS RUSTING AWAY, BOTH OF THESE ARE DEADLY, A RUSTY/CORRODED BREAK LINE WILL JUST LEAK A DROP AT THE TIME, MOST PEOPLE JUST REFILL THE FLUID RESERVOIR AND NEVER THINK ABOUT AGAIN, EVENTUALLY THE BREAK LINE FAILS ALL AT ONCE, THIS IS BECAUSE YOU ACTUALLY PUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE LINES THAN USUAL AND THE WEAK SPOT RUPTURES LIKE A WEAK SPOT IN A BALLOON WOULD. THAT MEANS THAT YOU WERE IN A BAD SITUATION ALREADY AND NOW YOU DON'T HAVE ANY BREAKING POWER AT ALL. WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENS NEXT??? ALL BREAK LINES ARE STAINLESS STEAL SO AS TO RESIST RUST AND CORROSION, THE ONLY REASON A BREAK LINE FAILS IN THIS LITTLE AMOUNT OF TIME IS BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURE IS PRODUCING AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NOW,, THE STRUT MOUNTS, AS SOON AS THE COMPANY FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MOUNTS RUSTING THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE VEHICLES AND SPRAYED $10 WORTH OF UNDERCOATING OVER THE PARTS AFTER REMOVING THE RUST TO STOP ANY MORE RUST FROM FORMING. IF THE STRUT MOUNT IS RUSTED ENOUGH, IT CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME "USUALLY WHEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD,, THAT SENDS AN EXTRA AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE SUSPENSION. THE STRUT COMES UP THROUGH THE HOOD AND THE WHEEL MAY GO ANY WAY AND HIT ANY PART OF THE WHEEL WELL AND SUSPENSION THE AXLE MAY COME OUT OF THE WHEEL OR TRANSMISSION , ALL OF THAT MEANS YOU MAY HAVE TOTAL LOSE OF BREAKS AND OR STEERING. ALL 3 OF THESE PROBLEMS COULD HAVE EASILY AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED WHEN FIRST REALIZED MANY YEARS AGO, INSTEAD THEY KEPT RIGHT ON MANUFACTURING VEHICLES THE SAME WAY WITH THE SAME IMPERFECTIONS AND IF YOU GO TO A DEALER TODAY WITH EITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS THEY WILL SAY IT IS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE HERD OF IT, IT OUT OF WARRANTY, ETC. AND WILL NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT FIXING IT UNLESS WE PAY
NHTSA complaint #10735643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PART 1 1/2 THE GAS LINE DECAYING AND THE SUSPENSION STRUT MOUNTS RUSTING AWAY, BOTH OF THESE ARE DEADLY, A RUSTY/CORRODED BREAK LINE WILL JUST LEAK A DROP AT THE TIME, MOST PEOPLE JUST REFILL THE FLUID RESERVOIR AND NEVER THINK ABOUT AGAIN, EVENTUALLY THE BREAK LINE FAILS ALL AT ONCE, THIS IS BECAUSE YOU ACTUALLY PUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE LINES THAN USUAL AND THE WEAK SPOT RUPTURES LIKE A WEAK SPOT IN A BALLOON WOULD. THAT MEANS THAT YOU WERE IN A BAD SITUATION ALREADY AND NOW YOU DON'T HAVE ANY BREAKING POWER AT ALL. WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENS NEXT??? ALL BREAK LINES ARE STAINLESS STEAL SO AS TO RESIST RUST AND CORROSION, THE ONLY REASON A BREAK LINE FAILS IN THIS LITTLE AMOUNT OF TIME IS BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURE IS PRODUCING AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NOW,, THE STRUT MOUNTS, AS SOON AS THE COMPANY FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MOUNTS RUSTING THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE VEHICLES AND SPRAYED $10 WORTH OF UNDERCOATING OVER THE PARTS AFTER REMOVING THE RUST TO STOP ANY MORE RUST FROM FORMING. IF THE STRUT MOUNT IS RUSTED ENOUGH, IT CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME "USUALLY WHEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD,, THAT SENDS AN EXTRA AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE SUSPENSION. THE STRUT COMES UP THROUGH THE HOOD AND THE WHEEL MAY GO ANY WAY AND HIT ANY PART OF THE WHEEL WELL AND SUSPENSION THE AXLE MAY COME OUT OF THE WHEEL OR TRANSMISSION , ALL OF THAT MEANS YOU MAY HAVE TOTAL LOSE OF BREAKS AND OR STEERING. ALL 3 OF THESE PROBLEMS COULD HAVE EASILY AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED WHEN FIRST REALIZED MANY YEARS AGO, INSTEAD THEY KEPT RIGHT ON MANUFACTURING VEHICLES THE SAME WAY WITH THE SAME IMPERFECTIONS AND IF YOU GO TO A DEALER TODAY WITH EITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS THEY WILL SAY IT IS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE HERD OF IT, IT OUT OF WARRANTY, ETC. AND WILL NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT FIXING IT UNLESS WE PAY
NHTSA complaint #10735642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PART 1.... I USED TO BE A MECHANIC AND TOW TRUCK OPERATOR. MY MINI VAN "LIKE MOST OTHERS" IS USUALLY DRIVEN BY A FEMALE & WITH A LOAD OF CHILDREN. IF DRIVING IN RAIN OR THROUGH A WATER PUDDLE THE BELT JUMPS OFF CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING OVERHEATING BATTERY DRAIN ETC, IS A DANGEROUS EVEN DEADLY PROBLEM, IF A TURN IS NEEDED AT THE TIME THIS BELT JUMPS OFF, EVEN A STRONG HEALTHY MAN CAN LEAVE THE LINE OF INTENDED TRAVEL AND HIT WHAT EVER IS IN THE WAY, A CURB, A PEDESTRIAN OR EVEN CAUSE A HEAD ON COLLISION. THIS MOSTLY HAPPENS DURING RAINY/NASTY DAYS & BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF REPLACING THE BELT, AND THE DAMAGE THAT IS CAUSED WHEN IT COMES OFF, THE VEHICLE USUALLY REQUIRES A TOW 4 REPAIR. IT IS STATED THAT, WHEN A CONSUMER MAKES A COMPLAINT & IF THE SAME COMPLAINT IS REPEATED AN INVESTIGATION WILL BE STARTED. THIS IS AN OLD PROBLEM WITH MANY, MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS YET, I SEE "NO ACTION, NOT EVEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS PROBLEM", WHY?? CONSUMERS ARE DEPENDING ON YOU "SAFECAR.GOV, NHTSA" ETC. WHAT WILL IT TAKE, "A DEATH" TO START AN INVESTIGATION? OR, SHOULD I SAY, HOW MANY??? I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS, AND A LOT OF DAMAGE JUST FROM THE BELT AS IT JUMPS OFF AND GOES FLOPPING AROUND, NOT TO MENTION THE PEOPLE THAT BURNED UP THEIR MOTOR EVEN STARTED A FIRE TRYING TO GET HOME, TO A SHOP ETC. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN A PLAGUE SINCE DAY ONE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT LEAST FIXED ON THE NEXT YEARS MODEL BUT CHRYSLER JUST IGNORED IT. THEIR HAVE BEEN MANY VEHICLES WITH THESE SERPENTINE BELTS,, CHRYSLER VANS IS THE ONLY ONES THAT I KNOW OF WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. THIS IS A DEADLY PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION SINCE THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM FROM THE START AND JUST FLAT OUT IGNORED IT. THE GAS LINE DECAYING AND SUSPENSION STRUT MOUNTS RUSTING AWAY ON THESE SAME MODELS WILL BE MY NEXT POST
NHTSA complaint #10735648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 62 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #10732862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 62 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #10732862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AT RANDOM GAUGES WILL STOP WORKING ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE ABS LIGHT WILL TURN ON.
NHTSA complaint #10654235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS IS ACTUALLY MY MOTHER'S VAN AND A VAN THAT I HAD PREVIOUSLY OWNED. IT SEEMS THAT THESE VEHICLES SEEM TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM NOT DISARMING AS YOU TRY TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. YOU CAN UNLOCK THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE, BUT AS SOON AS YOU GET IN THE VEHICLE AND TRY TO START IT, IT IMMEDIATELY SHUTS BACK DOWN AS A SECURITY PRECAUTION. A SIMPLE SMACK ON THE DASH CURES IT RIGHT UP, BUT BEING AS HOW IT'S MY MOTHER'S VAN NOW; SHE DOESN'T HAVE THE STRENGTH TO SIMPLY "SMACK" THE DASH AND GET EVERYTHING WORKING AGAIN. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH, THIS IS NOT THE ONLY KNOWN ISSUE. I HAVE READ ABOUT IT THROUGH SEVERAL DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND HAVE EXPERIENCED IT MYSELF ON TWO SEPARATE VANS. I HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT DAIMLER/CHRYSLER SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND NOT HAVE THE CONSUMER FIX IT, SEEING AS HOW IT IS AND ISSUE THAT'S BURIED IN THE DASHBOARD AND NOT OUT IN PLAIN SIGHT, LIKE SOME MECHANICAL ISSUES. THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH THE CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL, BECAUSE IT COULD SET OFF THE AIRBAG AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. WELL, WITH ME HAVING TO SMACK THE DASH SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES, HER SPEEDOMETER IS OFF BY 50 MPH NOW. I AM HOPING FOR A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS ISSUE, DUE TO THE FACT THAT ONE MORE GOOD WHACK COULD SET OFF THE AIRBAG AND REALLY INJURY SOMEBODY. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10649392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, ALL OF THE BRAKE FLUID DRAINED FROM THE BRAKE LINES AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10643688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I PURCHASED MY 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN 2009, AND SHORTLY AFTER THE GAUGE CLUSTER STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE AND ABS LIGHTS CAME ON WHICH ON CHECKING WITH MY MECHANIC SAID MY ABS SYSTEM IS NON-FUNCTIONAL AS IS ALL OTHER INSTRUMENT RELATED READINGS. A SHORT TIME LATER, THE PANEL CAME BACK ON AND WORKED FOR AWHILE THAN SHUT OFF AGAIN. SOMEONE SAID HIT THE PANEL FACE AND THE GAUGES SHOULD COME BACK ON. I DID AND IT DID. FOR AWHILE. OVER TIME THE GAUGE FAILURE INTERVAL GREW SHORTER AND SHORTER, AND HITTING THE PANEL FINALLY FAILED TO RETURN THE USE OF THE GAUGES. TO REPLACE THIS GAUGE CLUSTER IS AN $800.00 PLUS REPAIR IN A SHOP WITH A REBUILD PANEL COSTING OVER $200.00 BY ITSELF. I DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT A DEALER WILL CHARGE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I HAVE LEARNED THE GAUGE FAILURE CULPRIT IS COLD SOLDER JOINTS ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE CIRCUIT BOARD OF THE GAUGE CLUSTER AND IS AN ALL TOO COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CLASS OF VEHICLE. THIS DEFICIENCY CAN EASILY BE AVOIDED BY BETTER QUALITY CONTROL FROM THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #10614903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.