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.
Subject: Defective serpentine belt design I have a concern about a recent malfunctioning serpentine belt in my 1998 Caravan. The belt has slipped off twice last month while driving in the rain. The first incident left me stranded off the side of the freeway waiting for a tow truck. The second incident occurred when backing out of a parking spot on damp payment (no standing water) while at a rest stop many miles from home. Both incidents occurred on normal pavement and driving during rainy days, and without any warning. The van has the standard 3.0 liter V6 engine with 88K miles, but the serpentine belt installed was less than 1 year old. Two sets of professional mechanics found the belt, the belt tensioner, and all related parts of the system in good working order (including the engine mounts). In summary, the system was well maintained and working as designed. The concern we have is the design of this system. The vehicle has been very reliable during the last eight years. But this particular problem is greatly distressing. Not only is the range of the vehicle limited to a couple of miles with a strong battery, the loss of power assisted steering makes this both a safety and reliability issue.
Consumer had the power steering belt replaced four times. Every time it rained the belt fell off. Chrysler repaired four times at no cost to consumer. The belt fell off again yesterday when it rained. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, and wass awaiting repair.
Serpentine belt failed for the 4th time while driving. Had heard a funny noise prior to no steering. This caused a loss of steering control. First 2 times was at 35mph. 2nd 2 times was while starting vehicle. Been to dealer each time to have belt replaced. Power steering, water pum, alternator and air conditioner failed.
Heard loud grinding noise, followed immediately by loss of power steering while turning sharply to left. The loss of power was sudden. I simultaneously decelarted nd lessened the degree of turn and the power returned. Have made no sharp turns since, thus no recurrences.
- Olympia, WA, USA
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- Portland, OR, USA