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's spouse owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 30 mph, the check engine and air bag lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle has not been diagnosed. The contact received a recall notice for the clock spring, but he did not have the vehicle serviced because the Dodge dealer stated that there was no need to service the vehicle since the air bag light was not illuminated at the time. The recall number was unknown. The current mileage was 101,000 and failure mileage was 80,000.
The vehicle's ABS and check engine light have been going on and off for about 6 months. We had a mechanic look into it and replaced a relay or switch that belonged to the blower motors (fans by radiator). The lights seemed to go away until a couple of weeks ago, the ABS light returned and the brakes act as though they are going to give out at any time. They have to be depressed for quite a length of time before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. There is also a weird sound of air or as if air where coming out when the brakes get depressed. I have had to add fluid once or twice a week and have been told by a mechanic buddy that there is very good chance its the brake booster due to the sound of air. I went online and noticed there were recalls for this in a couple of Grand Caravan but my VIN # doesn't fall into the suggested VIN range.
Serpentine belt repeatedly comes off its pulleys, necessitating a tow, on-the-spot repair job, or driving under unsafe conditions for a short distance for the repair.
While driving at low speeds, the van lunged forward. The actual cause was undetermined, but the dealer stated the engine's front cylinder malfunctioned. This condition was considered a defect per mechanic(s). This problem existed in this make/model for some time and had many complaints and repairs. There was no help given by the dealer.
Bolts which hold pulley tensioner have broken twice within two years. First bolt was replaced by an independent repair shop, and the second bolt was replaced by a dealer. Provide any further information on this matter.
The vehicle was parked and upon being started was at idle for about 5-10 seconds when the engine failed and it wouldn't start. Diagnosis showed that camshaft broke in half (not worn down) bending three valves in the process. Luckily the vehicle was not mobile at the time of this engine failure.
Serpentine belt tensioner bolt sheered off at mount. Metal was stressed causing bolt to break off. Assume defective bolt (have assembly for further exanination if needed).power steering, air conditioning, engine water pump etc etc ceased to function because belt came off all power accessories. Engine overheated and may have caused damage to engine. Very dangerous situation as far as vehicle control etc. Was told by mechanic that this item has been causing problems for some time. He has replaced many of these items on Dodge Caravan. Request that a recall be considered in this situation. Thanks
About two weeks ago our 97 Grand Caravan SE, 3.3L V6, 45,000 miles died at an intersection and would not restart. We had it towed to a dealer that Sunday evening. On Tuesday I was told that the problem was a blown head gasket ($700) as two adjacent clyinders were low on pressure. Later that week I was told that the head gasket was ok but the camshaft was broken ($1400). On Thursday I was told that the camshaft bearings were damaged and that I would need to either purchase a rebuilt shortblock or longblock ($3,300/$3,800). I went to the dealer to view my engine (now disassembled on a bench) and the camshaft was in two pieces. A clean break with no blue color on either the camshaft nor the camshaft bearings. I was told by the dealer that camshaft bearings were only serviced by using the shortbock (I.e., they wanted to sell me the whole works. From a hayes manual I purchased I discovered that you could indeed replace the camshaft bearings (seems logical as Chrysler does rebuild engines for resale). However I was told that the dealer did not do this. I asked them to find an automotive machine shop that would do this. After a couple of days with no call backs I found a couple of machine shops that would do the job for $35-$150. When I told the service manager this information he said they could get the camshaft but not the bearings. The service manager asked me if the machine shop could get the bearings. Their book showed camshaft bearings for mini vans up to 92 only. They probed further and discovered the bearings listed for the 3.3L cars were indeed the same part needed for the 3.3L Caravan. Next week I hope to be back on the road for a lot less $$$ than the options that were presented to me.... still not satisfied as to the reason for the breakage. It wasn't oil starvation as the oil ports on the camshaft bearings were still in alignment. The oil pump is also still working. It looks like the camshaft had an undetected flaw at the time of manufacture. My first attempt.
Engine slippage Jan. 1999. To dealer who diagnosed and concluded needed transmission fluid. Transmission rebuilt Aug. 1999. Oct. 1999, car overheated, towed. Headgasket replacement with engine rebuilt. Total cost - $4,000
While driving about 20 mph driver heard a noise coming from under the van, and almost lost control van. Van became very hard to steer. When driver checked under the van, it was noticed that the rod that holds the tensioner pulley snapped off. The problem has not been reported to the dealer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Westfield, MA, USA