EQUIPMENT
CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.
Remedy: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.
6,686 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
42,540 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
16,270 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
7,440 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
292,000 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, MODELS WIX FILTER PART NUMBERS 33576, 33577, 33734; NAPA FILTER PART NUMBERS 3576, 3577, 3734; AND CARQUEST FILTER PART NUMBERS 86576, 86577, 86734 USED ON 1996-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE CARAVAN, AND PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VEHICLES, CAN CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LEAK.
Remedy: WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WIX AT 704-864-6711.
68,563 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT
AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER MAY EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION OF THE QUICK CONNECTOR EITHER BLOCKING FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE OR CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.
Remedy: AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 LONG WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18230 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, 0251, OR 0304. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 2001-2004 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 28871 AND DATE CODE 0249. THESE PART NUMBERS AND DATE CODES APPEAR ON THE GOLD-TONE FILTER. DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO ISOLATE AND RETURN AFFECTED INVENTORY. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER SERVICED ON ONE OF THE APPLICABLE VEHICLES AFTER SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 SHOULD RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF THE FUEL FILTER THAT WAS INSTALLED IS ONE THAT IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. IF SO, THE OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THE FILTER REPLACED. TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND PLUS THE COST OF POSTAGE, OWNERS SHOULD CUT THE CONNECTORS FROM THE HOSES, RINSE THE CONNECTORS AND RETURN THEM TOGETHER WITH PROOF OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR, TO INTERCONTINENTAL AT INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS, INC., P.O. BOX 861, MAHWAH, NJ 07430, ATTN: FUEL FILTER RECALL. INTERCONTINENTAL WILL MAIL A FULL REFUND TO THE OWNER.
45,870 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON THIS COMPONENT FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
1,500,521 vehicles affected
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRIM WITH FOAM BLOCKERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
545,311 vehicles affected
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
1,163,000 vehicles affected
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE LATCH MECHANISM. 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 IN THE EVENT THAT THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. IN ADDITION, AN INSTRUCTIONAL OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED.
157,000 vehicles affected
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIRES THAT WERE MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEELS.
25,000 vehicles affected
WHEELS:RIM
THE STEEL ROAD WHEELS WERE DAMAGED BY THE EQUIPMENT USED TO MATCH MOUNT THE WHEEL TO THE TIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL ROAD WHEELS (AND FULL SIZE SPARE TIRES) WITH NEW WHEELS.
60 vehicles affected
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. ADDENDUM (4-14-97): VEHICLES INSPECTED PER CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 707 AND FOUND TO BE OUTSIDE THE LISTED SUSPECT MASTER CYLINDER DATE CODE RANGE, MUST NOW HAVE THE MASTER CYLINDER PRIMARY PISTON REPLACED (CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 714).
18,997 vehicles affected
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.
Remedy: OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A VIDEO TAPE AND 2 HARNESS CLIPS. THE VIDEO TAPE INSTRUCTS OWNERS ON THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CHILD SEATS.
150,000 vehicles affected
I know it's my solenoid my vehicle won't go out of 2 gear. My name is [XXX].[XXX] my number is [XXX]. I'm not sure if anything can be done being the vehicle is so old but I thought I'd give it a try. Email is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I know it's my solenoid my vehicle won't go out of 2 gear. My name is [XXX].[XXX] my number is [XXX]. I'm not sure if anything can be done being the vehicle is so old but I thought I'd give it a try. Email is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RADIO STOP WORKING AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, AIR BAG AND BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER, CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO BECOME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THREE DIFFERENT TIMES WHERE THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS RECONNECTED EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED AND THE ENGINE REMAINS ON. *TR
MY WIFE PARK THE VAN INSIDE THE GARAGE, TURN OFF THE RADIO, ENGINE AND LIGHTS. SHE OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR AND SEE FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING BY THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLER. AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE VAN WERE ON. SHE REMOVE THE KIDS FROM THE VAN AND MY SON CALL 911.POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, REMOVE THE VAN FROM THE GARAGE AND CHECK IT AND FOUND POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION .CHECK THE VAN TODAY 8-24 2013 AND FOUND THAT THE FIRE START AT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH. DIM SWITCH OK AND MIRROR SWITCH OK. THE FIRE DAMAGE THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD, WINDSHIELD, SUN VISOR AND CELLING. I HAVE THIS VAN SINCE NEW, NEVER HAVE A PROBLEM BEFORE. AND NEVER SEE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. *TR
Fire
MY WIFE PARK THE VAN INSIDE THE GARAGE, TURN OFF THE RADIO, ENGINE AND LIGHTS. SHE OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR AND SEE FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING BY THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLER. AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE VAN WERE ON. SHE REMOVE THE KIDS FROM THE VAN AND MY SON CALL 911.POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, REMOVE THE VAN FROM THE GARAGE AND CHECK IT AND FOUND POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION .CHECK THE VAN TODAY 8-24 2013 AND FOUND THAT THE FIRE START AT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH. DIM SWITCH OK AND MIRROR SWITCH OK. THE FIRE DAMAGE THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD, WINDSHIELD, SUN VISOR AND CELLING. I HAVE THIS VAN SINCE NEW, NEVER HAVE A PROBLEM BEFORE. AND NEVER SEE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. *TR
Fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRATCHES TO THE RIGHT ARM WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
1 injured
WHILE PARKED AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. A FIRE THEN APPEARED COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. 911 WAS CALLED AND FIRE SQUAD CAME. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WERE USED BUT IT COULD NOT PUT OUT THE FIRE. FIRE TRUCK CAME AND BY THIS TIME THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIREMEN USED WATER TO FINALLY CONTROL THE FIRE. FIRE RESTARTED AND HAD TO BE PUT OUT AGAIN AND EVENTUALLY THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED. IT WAS PERHAPS ONLY 10 MINUTES FOR THE FIRE TO START, SPREAD, AND COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY DESTROY THE VAN. BECAUSE OF THE INTENSITY, QUICKNESS OF THE FIRE, AND THE DIFFICULTY IN PUTTING IT OUT, IT APPEARS TO BE A FUEL RELATED FIRE. I READ THAT DODGE HAD FUEL LINE "O" RINGS THAT COULD BE DEFECTIVE AND THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE. I CALLED DODGE HEADQUARTERS AND EXPLAINED THE EVENT. I AM STILL WAITING FOR A CALL BACK. *TR
Fire
WHILE PARKED AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. A FIRE THEN APPEARED COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. 911 WAS CALLED AND FIRE SQUAD CAME. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WERE USED BUT IT COULD NOT PUT OUT THE FIRE. FIRE TRUCK CAME AND BY THIS TIME THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIREMEN USED WATER TO FINALLY CONTROL THE FIRE. FIRE RESTARTED AND HAD TO BE PUT OUT AGAIN AND EVENTUALLY THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED. IT WAS PERHAPS ONLY 10 MINUTES FOR THE FIRE TO START, SPREAD, AND COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY DESTROY THE VAN. BECAUSE OF THE INTENSITY, QUICKNESS OF THE FIRE, AND THE DIFFICULTY IN PUTTING IT OUT, IT APPEARS TO BE A FUEL RELATED FIRE. I READ THAT DODGE HAD FUEL LINE "O" RINGS THAT COULD BE DEFECTIVE AND THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE. I CALLED DODGE HEADQUARTERS AND EXPLAINED THE EVENT. I AM STILL WAITING FOR A CALL BACK. *TR
Fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE WINDOWS BECAME FOGGY, CAUSING VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER THE CONTACT HAD JUST REPLACED THE SERPINITINE BELT 2,000 MILES PRIOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE WINDOWS BECAME FOGGY, CAUSING VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER THE CONTACT HAD JUST REPLACED THE SERPINITINE BELT 2,000 MILES PRIOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ROD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED.THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
WAS TRAVELING HOME FROM WORK, RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC HEAVY BUT MOVING CLOSE TO POSTED SPEED LIMIT (65 MPH). TRAFFIC SLOWED IN FRONT OF ME AND I ALSO SLOWED, THEN TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP, SO I ALSO INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES. WHILE DOING SO, THE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR, I LOST BRAKE PRESSURE AND STARTED MOVING TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A COLLISION BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO. MY VAN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TIME AND SPACE TO STOP AND NOT COLLIDE IF THE BRAKES WOULD NOT HAVE FAILED, BUT WHEN I LOST BRAKES, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN MY VAN AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CLOSED TOO QUICKLY FOR ME TO AVOID THE COLLISION. THE VAN WAS DAMAGED ON THE FRONT RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE, BUT WHEN I GOT THE VAN BACK HOME OFF OF THE TOW TRUCK, I SAW BRAKE FLUID ON MY DRIVEWAY FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VAN. A FEW DAYS LATER I GOT THE VAN ON JACKSTANDS TO LOCATE THE FLUID LEAK AND FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE TERRIBLY CORRODED BRAKE LINES RUNNING ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THERE IS SOME FLEXIBLE STEEL BRAIDED LINE AND WHERE IT JOINS THE RIGID LINE, THERE IS A SO MUCH CORROSION THAT THE LINE IS LITERALLY RUSTING AWAY. SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHRYSLER MINIVANS FROM 1997 TO 2000. I FEEL IT IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. I AM 55 YEARS OLD AND HAVE WORKED ON CARS ALL OF MY ADULT LIFE AND HAVE NEVER SEEN BRAKE LINES CORRODE LIKE THIS. AS THERE ARE MANY VANS LIKE MINE ON THE ROAD, I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER VANS HAVE BRAKE LINES THAT ARE IN SIMILAR CONDITION AS THE ONES ON THIS VAN? IT WAS SIMPLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THESE LINES WOULD FAIL. NOW WHEN I DRIVE IN TRAFFIC AND SEE A CHRYSLER PRODUCT VAN I ASK MYSELF "DOES THAT DRIVER KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE BRAKE LINE PROBLEM?" I THINK PEOPLE NEED TO BE INFORMED! THERE ARE SO MANY POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN! CHRYSLER NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING! *TR
Crash
2 injured
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, THE ALTERNATOR AND AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. THE VEHICLE MERGED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE ENGINE AND NOTICED THE SERPENTINE BELT DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY AND WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE CONTACT CONNECTED THE BELT BACK ONTO THE PULLEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THERE WAS NO FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE PULLEY COULD BE REPLACED FOR $1000. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
WHILE DRIVING THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED EVEN THOUGH THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE ABS SYSTEM PREVENTED THE BRAKES FROM FUNCTIONING AT ALL AND I ROLLED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR EVENTUALLY ILLUMINATES INDICATING SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM HOWEVER, I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD HAVE FAILED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PREVENT ANY BRAKING ACTION FROM OCCURRING. THIS PROBLEM HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE BUT I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE TRAVELING THROUGH THAT INTERSECTION AT THE SAME TIME THAT THIS PROBLEM CAUSED ME TO ROLL THROUGH IT WHILE THE STOPLIGHT WAS RED FOR ME. *KB
WHILE DRIVING THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED EVEN THOUGH THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE ABS SYSTEM PREVENTED THE BRAKES FROM FUNCTIONING AT ALL AND I ROLLED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR EVENTUALLY ILLUMINATES INDICATING SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM HOWEVER, I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD HAVE FAILED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PREVENT ANY BRAKING ACTION FROM OCCURRING. THIS PROBLEM HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE BUT I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE TRAVELING THROUGH THAT INTERSECTION AT THE SAME TIME THAT THIS PROBLEM CAUSED ME TO ROLL THROUGH IT WHILE THE STOPLIGHT WAS RED FOR ME. *KB
FUEL LEAK IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FROM DEGRADING O-RINGS ON FUEL INJECTION RAIL. FUEL DRIPPING ONTO ENGINE FROM FUEL RAIL CLAMP O-RINGS REPLACED PREVIOUSLY ON NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V268000 IN 2002. CONTACTED DAIMLER CHRYSLER AT 800-853-1403 REQUESTING DANGEROUS REPEAT PROBLEM WITH FUEL O-RINGS BE REPAIRED BY DEALER AT NO-CHARGE.MANUFACTURER DECLINED FREE REPAIR REQUEST STATING MY 1997 VEHICLE HAS TOO MANY MILES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AS THE RADIATOR OVERHEATED AND EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE HE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS BURNED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
Fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE FAN BELT SUDDENLY FAILED, CAUSING THE STEERING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM TO ALSO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAN BELT WAS NOT IN A LOCATION AROUND THE FAN UNIT TO HOLD IT IN PLACE AND WOULD FAIL AGAIN IF WET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,000.
1997 DODGE CARAVAN. STARTING AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD MYSTERIOUSLY COME ON, MAKE 4 TO 5 WIPES AND TURN OFF. WE MADE JOKES ABOUT THE GHOST RIDING WITH US. IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, HAPPENING ABOUT EVERY MONTH OR SIX WEEKS. IT COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED ON DEMAND. FINALLY, AT 72,000, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REFUSED TO TURN ON FROM THE STALK--EXCEPT WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WAS GIVEN A "SQUIRT" OF FLUID BY LIFTING UP ON THE TURN SIGNAL/WIPER CONTROL STALK, THEN THEY GAVE THE REGULAR THREE WIPES AND TURNED OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE SWITCH UNIT. IT DID NOT HELP. THEN THEY CALLED CHRYSLER'S "SUPER TECH 800 NUMBER" AND NO HELP WAS PROVIDED. SINCE THE CAR COULD NOT BE INSPECTED WITH NO WIPER FUNCTION, THE ENTIRE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED (COMPUTER) WHICH FIXED THE PROBLEM. COST: $741.00. SINCE ALL OF THE MECHANICAL PARTS OF THE WIPER SYSTEM WORKED, IF THIS HAPPENED AGAIN, I DETERMINED I WOULD SIMPLY PULL A HOT WIRE THROUGH THE DASH TO AN "ON-OFF" SWITCH AND CONNECT THAT UP TO THE WIPER FEED--ESTIMATED COST OF LESS THAN $10.00. *TR
1997 DODGE CARAVAN. STARTING AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD MYSTERIOUSLY COME ON, MAKE 4 TO 5 WIPES AND TURN OFF. WE MADE JOKES ABOUT THE GHOST RIDING WITH US. IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, HAPPENING ABOUT EVERY MONTH OR SIX WEEKS. IT COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED ON DEMAND. FINALLY, AT 72,000, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REFUSED TO TURN ON FROM THE STALK--EXCEPT WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WAS GIVEN A "SQUIRT" OF FLUID BY LIFTING UP ON THE TURN SIGNAL/WIPER CONTROL STALK, THEN THEY GAVE THE REGULAR THREE WIPES AND TURNED OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE SWITCH UNIT. IT DID NOT HELP. THEN THEY CALLED CHRYSLER'S "SUPER TECH 800 NUMBER" AND NO HELP WAS PROVIDED. SINCE THE CAR COULD NOT BE INSPECTED WITH NO WIPER FUNCTION, THE ENTIRE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED (COMPUTER) WHICH FIXED THE PROBLEM. COST: $741.00. SINCE ALL OF THE MECHANICAL PARTS OF THE WIPER SYSTEM WORKED, IF THIS HAPPENED AGAIN, I DETERMINED I WOULD SIMPLY PULL A HOT WIRE THROUGH THE DASH TO AN "ON-OFF" SWITCH AND CONNECT THAT UP TO THE WIPER FEED--ESTIMATED COST OF LESS THAN $10.00. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT STEER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND THEN IT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF. THE BELT WAS PUT REPLACED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THIS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE FOR HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN NOTICED THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE FENDER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE CONTACT BELIEVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) WAS THE CAUSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 175,000.
Fire
1997 DODGE CARAVAN GAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR*CW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HE FILLED THE GAS TANK, IT QUICKLY RAN OUT. AS THE CONSUMER WAS GOING BACK TO THE GAS STATION, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE SAFELY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED THE FUEL RAIL HAD BURST AND CAME LOOSE WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK, WHICH CAUSED THE FIRE. *JB
Fire
VEHICLE METAL BRAKE LINES RUSTED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. ON A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, THE METAL TUBE BRAKE LINES LEADING FROM THE DISTRIBUTION BOX TO THE REAR BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDERS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THEY FAILED UNDER USE. VEHICLE BRAKE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED TOTALLY, AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
BELT SLIPPED OFF MY 1997 DODGE CARAVAN.... ALSO WHEN I GOT HOME FELL FROM TOW TRUCK BECAUSE OF ICE !~! BUT WOULD NOT OF HAPPEN IF A RECALL WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ALREADY LOOK AT ALL THOSE COMPLAINTS OUT THERE.. *TR
SERPENTINE BELT SLIPS OFF PULLEY SYSTEM WHEN DRIVEN THROUGH STANDING WATER IN ROAD,THIS DISABLES POWER STEERING,COOLING AND BATTERY,WHICH IN TURN DISABLES LIGHTS,POWER WINDOWS AND FUEL PUMP. I HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES WITH BOTH MY 97 AND 98 CARAVAN. BELT IS DRIED OFF AND RE ATTACHED. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON CRASH. ANOTHER DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND NO LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES, INCLUDING A BROKEN NOSE AND CHEEK BONES, AND ALSO A SHATTERED RIGHT FOOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND PICTURES OF THE CRASH ARE AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V293000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) WAS REFERENCED. THE DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
Crash
1 injured
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO BE SLIPPING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM SECOND GEAR AND, ONCE IT STOPPED, IT VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE TRANSMISSION PAN. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE FOR THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 138,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED FROM DRIVE INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. TWO DAYS LATER, WHILE MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND NEARLY CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE PERSISTENTLY STALLED AFTER THESE INCIDENTS AND WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COMPUTER AND CONTROL BODY MODULE WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC WAS NEEDED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
NO POWER TO INSTRUMENT PANEL 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. BAD SOLDERING JOINTS IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD. *TR
BOUGHT A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN IN 1997. THE SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF NUMEROUS TIMES, USUALLY WHEN GOING THROUGH PUDDLES OR SNOW. WHEN THE BELT COMES OFF, ALL POWER TO STEERING, BRAKES, ETC. IS GONE. THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THESE VANS, YET DODGE/CHRYSLER HAS REFUSED TO ADMIT IT AND RECALL IT. I FINALLY GOT TIRE OF IT AND TOOK A LOOK AT WHY IT WAS HAPPENING. I NOTICED THAT THE IDLER WHEEL CLOSEST TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IS SHAPED AND MOUNTED IN A WAY THAT ALLOWS THE BELT TO COME OFF EASILY. THE IDLER WHEEL IS TOO FAR IN AND IS BEVELED OUTWARD, CAUSING THE BELT TO COME OFF WHEN IT BECAME WET OR GOT SNOW OR ICE PIECES ON IT. THE CURE? A 5 CENT WASHER PLACED BEHIND THIS IDLER WHEEL, BRINGING IT OUT EVER SO SLIGHTLY, BUT ENOUGH TO PREVENT IT FROM COMING OFF EVER AGAIN. NOT THE TENSIONER OR THE BELT OR ANY OF THE OTHER EXCUSES THEY CHARGE YOU FOR, JUST A SIMPLE WASHER THAT ACTS LIKE A SPACER. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY TOOK THREE WEEKS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND, BEFORE THE CONTACT COULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, THE NEW TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY NEW REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE AT THE COST OF $900. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR THREE WEEKS, SOMEONE IN THE SERVICE CENTER CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO CRACK. THE MILEAGE INFORMATION AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY TOOK THREE WEEKS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND, BEFORE THE CONTACT COULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, THE NEW TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY NEW REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE AT THE COST OF $900. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR THREE WEEKS, SOMEONE IN THE SERVICE CENTER CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO CRACK. THE MILEAGE INFORMATION AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE VENT WINDOW IS STUCK IN AN INWARD POSITION AND CANNOT BE OPENED. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS BEGIN TO FLASH AND THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THE VEHICLE CAN ONLY BE RESTARTED AFTER WAITING 15 MINUTES. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE VENT WINDOW IS STUCK IN AN INWARD POSITION AND CANNOT BE OPENED. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS BEGIN TO FLASH AND THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THE VEHICLE CAN ONLY BE RESTARTED AFTER WAITING 15 MINUTES. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD START, SHUT OFF, AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD MALFUNCTION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OFF AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPS WORKING. *TR
ON RAINY DAYS WHEN MAKING SHARP LEFT TURN, THE 97 DODGE CARAVAN (3.0 V6) LOOSES POWER STEERING AND GOES OUT OF CONTROL. THE SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT SLIPPED OUT OF THE TENSIONER PULLEY CAUSING THE POWER STEERING LOSS LEADING TO THIS HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHILE DRIVING IN ADDITION TO THE ROAD BEING WET AND SLIPPERY. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH OR DEADLY ACCIDENT IF THIS CONDITION HAPPENS. THIS CONDITION HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. *TR
ON RAINY DAYS WHEN MAKING SHARP LEFT TURN, THE 97 DODGE CARAVAN (3.0 V6) LOOSES POWER STEERING AND GOES OUT OF CONTROL. THE SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT SLIPPED OUT OF THE TENSIONER PULLEY CAUSING THE POWER STEERING LOSS LEADING TO THIS HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHILE DRIVING IN ADDITION TO THE ROAD BEING WET AND SLIPPERY. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH OR DEADLY ACCIDENT IF THIS CONDITION HAPPENS. THIS CONDITION HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. *TR
(1) NO BRAKES, BRAKE FAILURE. (2) BADLY RUSTED BRAKE LINES. (3) REPLACE BRAKE LINES. *TR
THE STRUT TOWER ON THE 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, THAT HAS ONLY 85,500 MILES RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. DODGE ADMITTED TO A DESIGN FLAW FOR THE PREMATURE RUSTING STRUT TOWERS. A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN FROM CHRYSLER DATED OCTOBER '02 EXPLICITLY STATED THAT ALL '1996 TO 19'99 CHRYSLER VANS PLYMOUTH, DODGE, AND CHRYSLER, HAD THE PROBLEM WITH THE STRUT TOWERS. ALL OF THEM WILL EVENTUALLY RUST FROM THE BOTTOM UP. AS I STATED, THE STRUT TOWERS WERE DEFECTIVE IN THERE DESIGN. CHRYSLER HAS A WARRANTY PART NUMBER 05086513AA BUT REFUSES TO FIX A KNOWN DANGEROUS DEFECT, BECAUSE THE VAN IS OVER THE 7 YEAR, 100,000 MILE, WHICH EVER COMES FIRST WARRANTY. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS VAN HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DODGE DEALER FOR ALMOST ALL MAINTENANCE NEEDS AND YEARLY STATE OF MAINE SAFETY INSPECTIONS, AND THIS ISSUE WAS NEVER MENTIONED. CLEARLY, WHEN THE RUSTED STRUT TOWER GIVES, THE STRUT WILL COME UP THROUGH THE HOOD. AT THAT POINT, LIVES WILL BE IN DANGER, AS THE PROBABILITY OF LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS INEVITABLE. PLEASE CONSIDER THIS MY FORMAL COMPLAINT. WILL CHRYSLER LIVE UP TO THE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPAIR THIS KNOW DEFECT FOR THOSE OF US OUT OF THE WARRANTY TIMELINE.*AK
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE O-RINGS ON THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE FAILING. CHRYSLER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 192,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE O-RINGS ON THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE FAILING. CHRYSLER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 192,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
I HAVE A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN SE PURCHASED NEW. TWO YEARS AGO I NOTICED A SPOT ON THE ROOF, AND ANOTHER ON THE HOOD WHERE THE POLYCOAT WAS BEGINNING TO PEEL. WITHIN TWO YEARS THE CAR LOOKED AS IF IT HAD SOME KIND OF DISEASE. I BEGAN TO NOTICE OTHER CARAVANS OF SIMILAR AGE, AND THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I SAW OTHER MAKES OF CARS THAT WERE MUCH OLDER WITH ORIGINAL PAINT JOBS AND THEY WEREN'T EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PAINT JOB AND POLY COAT ON THE DODGE CARAVAN. I FEEL FOR WHAT WE PAYED FOR, AND WITH THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED , SUCH AS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COMING ON BY THEMSELVES, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND GOING OFF, THE INTERIOR LIGHT COMING ON OR NOT WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED, THE WARNING BELL NOT GOING OFF WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPEN, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WORKING OR NOT WORKING, THE FOGGING OF THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHTS - AT LEAST THE PAINT JOB SHOULD HAVE LASTED!*AK
THE VAN HAS A HARD TIME GOING IN REVERSE WHEN IT IS COOL OUTSIDE. AND WHEN GOING IN DRIVE THE VAN HAS A HARD TIME SHIFTING INTO ANY GEAR. SOMETIMES THE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE SPEEDOMETER FLIPS OUT AND SHOOTS TO 0 TO 80 3 TIMES BEFORE IT STOPS AND GOES BACK TO THE RIGHT SPEED THAT I AM GOING. *JB