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.
I purchased my 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan from a private party in 2009, and shortly after the gauge cluster stopped functioning while I was driving. Check engine and ABS lights came on which on checking with my mechanic said my ABS system is non-functional as is all other instrument related readings. A short time later, the panel came back on and worked for awhile than shut off again. Someone said hit the panel face and the gauges should come back on. I did and it did. For awhile. Over time the gauge failure interval grew shorter and shorter, and hitting the panel finally failed to return the use of the gauges. To replace this gauge cluster is an $800 plus repair in a shop with a rebuild panel costing over $200 by itself. I don't want to know what a dealer will charge. Upon further investigation, I have learned the gauge failure culprit is cold solder joints on the back side of the circuit board of the gauge cluster and is an all too common problem with this class of vehicle. This deficiency can easily be avoided by better quality control from the manufacturer.
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.
While driving at 65 mph, the consumer noticed that the air bag light came on. The consumer attempted to slow the vehicle, but discovered the brakes were not working properly. After depressing the brakes, it took the vehicle over 100 yards to stop. The brake master cylinder was replaced, but the problem continued.
While driving 45 mph consumer's vehicle was hit by another vehicle that crossed over the median. Upon impact, passenger's side air bag deployed but the driver's side air bag did not deploy. Driver's ankle was shattered and received contusions to the chest.
I understand this has been an ongoing safety problem and having to pay nearly $300 for something that has been under review is very unsatisfying. Hope a conclusion will be reached on this issue.no safety defect mentioned.
Investigation reveals that Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth has sold thousands of replacement clocksprings. Since failure of this component afftects two safety features, airbag & horn, I believe their should be factory recall and I should be allowed to recover the cost of repairs.
Clockspring "sprung" 3 years after manufacture but was out of warranty due to mileage horn didn't work, airbag didn't work, cruise control didn't work. Other incident is rough engine during idle and power surge if going up hill
Clockspring unit fails to provide power to airbag, horn and cruise control switches in steering wheel. This unit can fail in an accident and prevent airbag from being deployed. DC has sold over 150,000 replacement clocksprings at over $250 a piece. This is an obvious manufactures defect. I was unable to blow my horn at another driver to get his attention. Luckily no accident occurred. However unit has to be replaced as I am with no horn, no cruise control controls, and an airbag malfunction light.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Jupiter, FL, USA