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.
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.
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.
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.
While driving serpentine belt would become loose. Would have no prior warning. It caused problem with steering. The loose serpentine belt caused power steering loss as well as power brakes and cooling fan.
Intermittently, right in the beginning of making a left turn, steering wheel becomes a little stiff. After a popping nosie is heard steering becomes normal. The problem was reported to the dealership. The dealer was not able to duplicate this problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Salisbury , NC, USA