This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Intermittent overheating caused by faulty valve. Dealer was contacted but stated he hadn't heard of the problem. Fixed at other location. Could (and almost did) cause fire in engine.
Since we purchased our van in August of 1997, we have had many repairs and visits to the dealer. As of today, they have not fixed or diagnosed the brake problems. When coming to a stop or applying my brakes, a crunching sound occurs, and I can feel it in the pedal. It is a fairly loud sound and the vibration is distracting because you lose your brake pedal for a period of 1-2 seconds. I have talked to other Dodge Caravan owners and plan to take a detailed survey on this matter, but, none to this point have had this problem. This leads me to believe this is a defect in the brake system or antilock brake computer system which is undetectable. This does not occur all the time, and not under the same conditions. This, also, leads me to the conclusion there is a major saftey defect here. I have had this to the dealer and they say they cant diagnose the problem. What am I supposed to do, get in an accident? I have asked that they recall my van, refund full purchase price or replace my vehicle with one similar to mine. This is not the only problem: Today it was in for brakes and a blown engine head gasket. Previously, catalytic converter/ blower motor/battery/ speed sensor and anti rattle bumpers that still havent corrected problem/fuel filter ground strap and fuel filler tube ground strap have been replaced. Also, deglazed brakes, but still brakes squeak.finally, headlights replaced w/housing/lamp, and whatever else they have done to it while in the shop right now. It has been there since Tuesday Feb.02. This van is no way worth the hassles that I have been put through and I dont think anyone should have this many problems so early on. I have done extensive research on this model and have found atleast 100 complaints for transmission problems and other major repairs and undiagnosed problems with the engine. I think it is time someone stepped in and took a good look at this 96 vehicle because it is not up to saftey standards by a long shot. Thank you.
While driving up the driveway vehicle cuts off. Had no warning. Also, the gauges on dashboard do not work like they should, especially, odometer/fuel and pressure gauges. In addition, brake rotors had to be replaced twice/sliding doors cannot be opened properly with or without key. Vehicle towed to dealer to check out problems.
Engine head oil galley plug not adequately retaining, causing oil to leak, which can result in an engine compartment fire. Dealer/manufacturer notified, and refused to repair because vehicle does not meet NHTSA recall # 96V-006 specifications.
Serpinetine belt tensioner pulley bracket broke, flew into power steering pulley and broke it. Power steering pulley is plastic. Chrysler says this is normal wear and tear.
While driving appiled the brakes and the ABS kicked in, and there was no brakes. Driver hit the emengency brake so that the truck could stop. Also the tension belt mount snapped on the truck which caused truck to be inoperable.
While driving about 65 mph the van went completely dead. The steering became real hard and locked up. Driver was able to coast to the side of the road safely. When van was towed, mechanic found timing belt and tensioner broke. The timing belt and tensioner had been replaced.
While driving down the highway the oil light came on. The consumer then pulled over and waited for the engine to cool. After the engine cooled, the consumer checked the oil stick and it read nothing. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer and they said that they had a recall on the galley plug. Dealer said it could have been a fire hazard. Dealer repaired the problem.
Consumer was driving about 25 mph when she heard a snap. She then was not able to control the steering, the tension pulley had sheared completely from rod and it was just sitting inside the engine compartment.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Weston, FL, USA