1997 Caravan dash gauges do not function properly, engine died. ***** the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times but they were unable to determine the problem.

- Windsor, CA, USA

I have talked with other owners of this same model vehile and they had the same complaints.I think the maker of this vehicle should do a recall and prorate a dollar scale on these mini vans. For I trust the vechicles that follwed have to be more reliable. This vehicle would stall with me driving and is currently parked in my front yard undrivible

- Alma, GA, USA

Warning lights malfunctioned, causing brake lights to flash intermittently, and air bag sensor to stays on. The brake light flashed, the engine light and air bag light illuminated and the horn was inoperative. The air bag and horn problem may be the result of a clockspring failure.

- Brandon, MS, USA

Engine block cracked when vehicle was approx 1 year old. Dodge fixed crack in engine with putty. I was told by Dodge service people that was the standard fix for that problem. The crack has either reopened or a new crack has developed. Local mechanic reports that the head gasket has also failed. I just thought that this should be noted in your files, since I am sure other owners are seeing same problems. A co-worker has the same year Dodge stratus with same engine and transmission, he has same problem- his was fixed at same time my Caravan was by the same dealer with same putty. He has since traded his vehicle off. Thank you. ***dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***762668

- Springfield, IL, USA

Prior to the recall notification, the consumer had paid for the repairs regarding the clock spring, the consumer requested reimbursement. In addition, the dealer replaced engine oil filter.. also the gas filler door had to be replaced.

- Morton, IL, USA

Consumer called complaining about having problems with the vehicle head gasket leaking oil. Dealer has inspected the vehicle and could not duplicate or correct the problem.

- Dallas, TX, USA

While driving at any speed engine light comes on. Then, consumer can hear water in engine. This can result in a fire. Dealer notified.

- St Petersburg, FL, USA

While driving car starting making noise and smoking, timming belt had caught on fire. Air conditioner compressor was shut, and bearing was grinding that what caused the fire.

- Lehighton, PA, USA

Engine connecting rod broke while consumer was driving vehicle, traveling at 30 mph. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.

- Trenton, MI, USA

Idler/tension pulley failed causing the timing belt to skip and causing valves to be struct by the pistons. Total engine failure with no compression at only 26,160. Vehicle was maintain very well. Dealership wants to charge full price but agreed to a 50/50 split of cost. They are driving up the cost of repairs by finding other problems. Can you help?

- Waldorf, MD, USA

When driving in a parking lot and attempting to pull into a parking space consumer noticed a noise coming from front end, placed vehicle in reverse and vehicle would not respond, then placed vehicle in drive, and the vehicle would not respond in drive, consumer contacted dealer and dealer noticed major problems within transmission and oil pan, transmission needed replacing.

- Bell Aire, MD, USA

Was driving vehicle when it started to lose power. Gears were not shifting properly. Then would regain power. Computer was going off. Took to mechanic, and was informed cylinder head gasket was causing problem, and it could be repaired. The head gasket was determined defective by the mechanic. Water was leaking into the engine causing the computer to malfunctions.

- Bronxville, NY, USA

Head gasket failed.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

While traveling at 55 mph engine immediately shifted down to 25 mph, and consumer could not go over 30mph. Took vehicle to dealer, and transmission/ engine mounts had to be replaced. There were no recalls for this defect.

- Yukon, OK, USA

Engine had leaking seals which caused exhaust manifold to leak. Fumes would come from blower (defroster) when it was turned on. There was an electrical short in engine. Also, windshield wipers were erratic & would come on or off by themselves, and having a lot of problems with starter. Gasoline leaks from the tank due to the seal failure. Inside door panel on drivers side is broken.

- Pleasant Hills, CA, USA

Timing belt broke causing vehicle to loose power and stop on a major highway in heavy traffic, vehicle was less than 1 year old at that time.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Gasket failed causing oil leak.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Vehicle was taking to mechanic for routine service. Upon inspection of vehicle, dealer noticed oil was leaking onto the engine compartment. Mechanic stated head gasket was going bad, needed to be replaced. The auto shops that inspected the vehicle stated that the head gasket failure was a common problem with these models.

- Shadyside, MD, USA

First in July the master cylinders on our back brakes were shredded and had to be replaced. This happened as I was driving on a bridge with a car full to teen age girls. In December, I noticed a hesitation and seemingly "jumping into gear" especially in reverse. Brought it to the dealer and although was 2 months out of warranty they declined to pay for it. The job was to cost about $1500. In Feb, we brought the van to a independent service provider, and as he was looking at the engine, he saw the blown head gasket. We did contact Chrysler and were told to bring it to a dealership in our area. Today, we did find out that they would cover the head gasket but not the transmission. There are volumes of internet sites that site specific transmission problems with 90-98 Caravan. These stories could be rubber stamped. During this time, I found about 15 people who are having or had trouble with the transmissions in their vans. Someone needs to make Chrysler responsible for their products. Please help.

- Mandeville, LA, USA

Blown headgasket in regularly maintained vehicle. No known cause.

- Everett, WA, USA