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 van will start then immediately turn off. It does this more when it is hot outside. If you let the vehicle sit for about 4 hours in the shade it will start and get you to your next destination. If the weather is too hot it won't start until the weather changes to cooler. I have replaced the starter, two computers, got the circuit board cold soldered. Replaced the battery and can't remember all the rest. It still has this problem. It seems to be very common. There is a web site topix.com that has a forum just for this problem. No one has been able to fix it completely. Some one some where has got to know how to fix this problem. Also the clock spring is under recall. Once you get the recall done after a few years the spring breaks again and they don't fix it again. So I no longer have a horn or airbags that work.
- 96 Dodge Grand Caravan w/3.8 V6 and 41te 4spd transmision - 2 transmission failures - 1st went to about 125000, then kept hitting the "limp home mode" - 2nd has "torque converter lockup" problem, shops say rebuild again, after only 38000 miles. - fan relay went out before recall was issued, had to replace the radiator out of pocket. - had clock spring replaced after component failure relating to it (horn, cruise etc) - union city ga dealer attempted to fix the fuel return line issue, botched it up and caused major leak when refueling. They re-fixed it after much complaining.
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.
"air bag" light is illuminated (known problem), the cruise control will activate upon pushing the button, but the cancel button when pushed does not deactivate the cruise control...the deactivation of the cruise control requires the brake to be applied. Control of the vehicle on wet roads, using cruise control, and having to deactivate the cruise control via the brakes....can be a bit of a challenge...thanks!! - steve dowling.
- Buckley, WA, USA
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Request for reimbursement for recall clockspring repair on Dodge Grand Caravan. The vehicles experienced clock spring failure prior to recall notification. The consumer requested reimbursement and received it but the consumer also wants to be compensated for other expenses.
1996 Grand Caravan taken in for service due to recall notice. Fuel rail and air bags. Air bag light was on continuously, technician replaced clockspring but air bag light continued to be on. It was that the said air bag module would have to be replaced and this was not covered under recall. Apparently, this is not unusual with this make and model. Air bag module replacement was estimated to be $400. This should also be covered by recall, as many others have experienced this same problem.
Vehicle's air bag failed on 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. In April 2001 the vehicles air bag light illuminated and remained on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that the air bag failed. The dealer replaced the air bag along with the clockspring. The consumer paid $842.92 for the replacement. In January 2001 the consumer received a recall notice related to the clockspring assembly. The manufacturer was contacted and reimbursed the consumer $152. Which they deemed was enough to cover the clockspring assembly. The consumer contested the amount of the reimbursement but has not heard from the manufacturer regarding the matter.
The vehicle air bag clock spring failed prior to recall notification (notification # B24). The consumer requested reimbursement but has not received and correspondence from the manufacturer.
Re NHTSA campaign number 02V293000. Consumer states horn and cruise control was inopertaive, and the airbag light was on. Dealer replaced clockspring per recall 02V293000. Consumer stated Chrysler has made it difficult to receive reimbursement for recall repairs which were paid at owners expense.
The vehicle was involved in a collision yet the driver's side air bag failed to deploy. The passenger side air bag opened but was deflated. Consumer received letter regarding faulty air bags after accident.
The vehicles air bag light illuminated and the cruise control stopped working at the same time, the consumer believes this problem is related to a faulty clockspring. Nlm
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Clovis , CA, USA