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.
There are two major problems with my 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. First there is a serious vibration in the front wheel/tires. I have replaced 8 tires (in 30000 miles!), both front axles, all three motor mounts, and had the transmission overhauled, as well as having three alignment checks. The vibration is still there. The second problem involves the windshield wipers. The front wipers were, for a time, coming on any time they felt like it; this was remedied by replacing the multi function switch on 09/21/01. Since then, the rear wiper will occasionally come on for one swipe when I first start the vehicle - annoying, but not an immediate hazard. But today, my windshield wipers quit working at all. They will only work if I put the wipers on interval - in which case they do nothing for a time, then make two to four swipes, then wait a while, make one or two swipes, wait a while, etc. They will make one high speed swipe across the windshield if I press the washer button in. I spent $80 today so the Dodge dealer could tell me this was caused by a body control module failure. This repair costs over $400...and researching a used part online, I learned that both the wheel shimmy problem and the windshield wiper problems are not unique to my car but are very common issues with the Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country/Plymouth Voyager family. Losing your wipers, having them come on at random when they take a notion to, and a non-stop shimmy in the front are each, by themselves, serious safety issues warranting a recall. Collectively, they spell out a lack of concern that daimler Chrysler has for the safety of those who drive their products. It is my understanding from my online research that Chrysler was aware of the problem as long ago as 1998 but deliberately ignored its own information. It is apparent that the only way these safety issues are going to be addressed is if the federal government takes them to task.
While driving engine failed. Dealer diagnosed that engine's main computer would not fire the #2 and #5 spark plugs, resulting in failure. Consumer has had 2 other main engine computer failures since vehicle ownership.
The windshield wiper motor was intermittent. Mr the problem with the wipers occurred shortly after purchase. The consumer had taken the vehicle in for the wipers on several occasions and was told they worked fine. The engine light was intermittent as well. Scc
Dodge '96 minivan stalling problem while in operation. Start up time 5-10 minutes later (very dangerous). Transmission slipped out of gear; problem escalated to full replacement. Not satisfied with replacement -"bumps" on second and third gears up and down. These have been costly repairs. Service engine soon light would not go out no matter what repairs were performed - full fuel and electrical systems. Rps raced to 15K. Replaced cam sensor, harness, hoses etc.
The meter read less than half a tank of gas, the van ran out of gas, then the engine stalled. The consumer started the vehicle and began to drive when soon after the check engine light illuminated. The consumer was told the problem was a misfired cylinder, the fuel fuel pump was buried inside the gas tank, and when the fuel level dropped below the fuel pump, the pump heated up and sucked in air instead of the gasoline.
Support for rocker arm broke off at 82,890 miles. From review of the NHTSA records, this has occurred for numerous customers, but it has not been recalled. As this is part of the head casting, I would expect it to last the life of the vehicle.
While traveling on interstate and without prior warning, vehicle shutdown and there was no power. Dealership is aware of problem. Dealer replaced a bad isc motor to remedy stalling problem. Faulty cranksensor and cam sensor caused a no start condition. Vehicle shakes and runs rough, dealer replaced powertrain control module.
This car is a lemon and has continuous problems. The engine gaskets are now bad and leaking oil all over the engine. I have been told by the dealer (moser Dodge) that this is affect and a continuous problem with this 3.0 engine. This also creates a serious fire hazard. However Dodge said there is nothing they will do with me to repair this or share this cost. I am sick and tired of Dodge and will never buy another one.
Engine coolant began to leak at fwd cylinder head to block after climing a steep hill and parking at shopping mall. Just looked under van seen coolant, was able to get home and van is at shop for head gasket replacement.
Engine coolant began to leak at fwd cylinder head to block after climing a steep hill and parking at shopping mall. Just looked under van seen coolant, was able to get home and van is at shop for head gasket replacement.
Serpentine belt tensioner shaft sheared as a result of no lubrication. Instantaneous loss of power steering and vehicle control resulted in a very close call. I believe the non-lubricated shaft permitted corrossion and subsequent seizure and shearing of the assembly shaft. It is a design deficiency, in my opinion of course.
Consumer had to put excessive amounts of antifreeze into vehicle. Consumer took vehicle into a private mechanic that looked at engine and found a hole, pin sized near cylinders of the engine which is where antifreeze is leaking. Mechanic stated this could have been a factory defect because appeared to be in molding of engine. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Two issues to discuss. First windshield wipers appear to work independently on instructions when on intermittment setting. You never know when or where they will stop. Second issue is the tensioner and water pump within the cooling system. I have had to replace them each twice in the last year. It appears to be a chronic problem.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Tucson, AZ, USA