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 1998 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that a fire began on top of the fuel tank after refueling and the vehicle exploded. The contact was able to exit the vehicle prior to the explosion and stated that there were no fuel system failures prior to the explosion. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was unavailable.
5 batteries since purchased new. Three were noted as having leaked battery acid. In may/June 2003, the wiring harnesses (main ones) had been eaten by battery acid causing all sorts of electrical problems. The harnesses are routed under the battery pan. Stupid placement. Dealer spliced wires together to get it running at his cost, at my insistence. Van continues to start inconsistently. Horn doesn't work since dealer spliced wires. Turn ignition key - click, repeat 10-20 times, starter will catch on one. Design defect is routing of harnesses and lack of shield to protect them.
The consumer is aware of a fault in the 1996-2000 mini-vans, in the gas line, and is very worried about this problem. (is afraid of for her family and home, if the vehicle catch's fire) the consumer is asking for NHTSA for help in correcting the defect-campaign#00V-268.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Hancock, WI, USA