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 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the serpentine belt separated from the engine when the vehicle was driven in the rain. The serpentine belt was replaced twice, but the failure was not remedied. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 262,747.
I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. In September of 2004 the serpentine belt came off in the rain causeing loss of steering and overheating alarm. I replaced the tensioner and belt and thought it was fixed.to date I have had to put the belt back on at least 7 times and replaced it with a new one three times.but the problem is still there wet roads or rain and the belt comes off.looking on the internet I see this is a widespread problem.ive worked on cars most of my life and have never had this kind of problem.have your experts look at the tensioner and idler pulley design they are smooth without sides to keep the belt on them.this should be a major recall.
While the vehicle was parked, fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred. The time belt cover was a problem.
Serpentine belt or tensioner clip has had to be repaired 4 times (towed every time) electrical problems since the beginning; turn the key and the windshield wipers start going, turn the key off and the wipers "keep" going, take the key totally out of the ignition and the wipers go and the "dinging" alarm that tells you the lights are on or the key is in, starts.(I seriously thought the car was possessed) or turn the key and "nothing" comes on except the engine. I've replaced the battery 5 times at least - it's usually better w/ a new battery for a little while. Have had to have the window motor and assembly replaced on drivers side twice and 5 times on the passenger side. Most recent was 4/04, which was replaced 7/04 again. The side sliding doors on both side do not lock, if you push the button down, you can't get it back up. The rear hatch is damaged from closing the door, looks like I was hit in the rear, but have not been. Check engine light was on for months in fall '03, no mechanic could say why. Wanted to get the A/C charged but it wouldn't hold a charge. Dealer couldn't figure it out. Took it to another mechanic who said the A/C unit was totally melted. Had it replaced and then the computer reset. Replaced the transmission at 100000, the "plantatary gears" were cracked. Check engine light is on again in 7/04, failed emisions, replaced O2 sensor, light still on, tack sticks and car won't accelerate at times - I can push it to the floor and it won't go"? feels like it's choking, no power. Have a 3.8L, should have power. There is no panel/door for pass. Airbag to come out. If I ever got in an accident, what would it do...just bust through my dash? over time, the dash on that side has gotten soft and mushy, what's that about" my dad bought the same year Caravan I did, but he doesn't have the Grand Caravan le and he doesn't have the 3.8L and he hasn't had a single problem...I guess I got all of them.
- Rockville, MD, USA
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When driving through water serpentine belt slipped off from the engine, causing vehicle to lose power steering. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
There is a problem with the serpentine belt, when it rains the belt comes off the pulley system. This has occurred several times, and is becoming costly, so now I am considering the Honda Odyssey!.
The drive belt tensioner assm. Brakes at the stud that connect to the backet, causing the drive belt tension assm. To brake then damage hood and some other parts of engine.I have talked to alot of people and they have had the same problem.two people said it caused acc. The drive belt tensioner assmebely is of poor design and failes and the repaires are very costly. $1200 to $2500 to repair defeat.please check this out II will give you a ex. Driving down the freeway at 55 to 70 mph and all of the sudden bang then a hole in the hood and smoke comming for under the hood. Think there sould be a nationail recall on this before someone get killed.L.
While driving, consumer was flagged down by a passing motorist and was informed that vehicle was on fire, flames were coming out from underneath the vehicle, the fan belt caused the fire, claim 17-9113-989.
While driving, consumer was flagged down by a passing motorist and was informed that vehicle was on fire, flames were coming out from underneath the vehicle, the fan belt caused the fire, claim 17-9113-989.
Mechanic who replaced my belt tensioner, stated that he replaced same parts on Dodge Caravan in a recent short period of time and suggested that this is a factory or design defect.
I have had my serpentine belt and tensioner replaced twice, once at 32000 (under warranty) and once at 73000 miles. The dealer charged me the full $200 for the repair in spite of the fact that I'd had it replaced at 32000M and it is a known problem with a service bullitin. The failure causes the power steering to cease opperating. I also had a broken gear tooth in my transmission at 73,000M. The dealer was going to charge me $2100 for a new transmission, but I decided to take it elsewhere and have yet to have it fixed.
Air bag light illuminates on dash and horn is inoperable. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer noticed spring in steering column broke, causing problem. Spring is on back order. Serpentine belt replaced.
Was driving, and was about to make a turn, when vehicle lost power. Driver lost control of vehicle. Applied brakes to stop. Had checked vehicle & noticed pulley belt had came off. Tension bracket had failed (serpentine belt). Also, driver's side air bag did not deploy.
Tensioneer pully fell off. When this happens consumer loses tension on fan belt/power steering/power brakes, and then vehicle is very hard to stop or steer.
Right before vehicle shifts into overdrive there is a jerky motion. Dealer cannot find problem, at 40 -45 mph. Also, transmission has to be rebuilt, and airbag light stays on. Dealer says it's due to an open circuit, brakes replaced twice, rotors replaced. The consumer had transmission problems numerous times. Noise in engine while driving due to serpentin belt and tensioner failure.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- La Verne , CA, USA