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 state that 1998 Dodge Caravan was having an intermittent problem with starting and stopping. The problem occurred on and off for about two years. The vehicle has been to the dealership, they have seen the problem, but could not duplicate it. Also, the vehicle has been to an independent repair shop, and they could not fix the problem either. The vehicle only did this when the contact attempted to start it. This happened every day. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer four or five times. Updated 11/29/2005 -
Transmission ------------ sudden failure of all forward and reverse gears. Key off-on brings back forward drive for about 100 yards then fails again. No reverse gear at all. Computer diagnostic indicates 3 transmission errors related to shifting. Sensors look ok. Shop had to rebuild transmission at a cost of over $2,000. Brakes ------ extremely excessive wear of front brake pads. Must be replaced at least once a year now. First time it occurred it destroyed one brake rotor -- had to replace that. Now, at the first sign of brake squeal I must check and replace the pads as they are close to wearing out. Generally get less than 15,000 miles per set.
I have to change my front brake pads about every other month due to the brakes get to hot and usually the front driver side brake pad just falls off with no warning at all. I have taken this problem in to the dealer and was told that my calipers had to be replaced. I was very happy that it was still covered under the warranty. The dealer had my vehicle for about a week. When I got my van back it was fine for about 5 months, and then the problem started happening again. Now I am stuck with a vehicle that is costing a fortune to keep up the brake pad maintenance. I consider the brakes on a vehicle a lifeline and am surprised that this problem has not been recalled. Every person I know that owns a Dodge Caravan has the same complaint. I bought my van 01/01/00.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA