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 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. Whenever the contact shifts, the vehicle makes an unfamiliar noise. When the vehicle is parked, it operates normally. The transmission stalls and will start back up, but it is unreliable. The vehicle would rev and have to be restarted in order for the revving to stop. If there is a power fluctuation, the rear wipers will turn on and off at random. The high beams on the headlights do not work, but the failure was repaired. The parking light on the front driver's side failed. He replaced the bulb, but it still does not work. The contact stated that he is constantly replacing the low beam lights. The serpentine belt slips off; however, it has been repaired. The check engine light flashes on and off and there is a burning electrical smell coming from the vehicle. The front strut assembly is rusting and rotting. The rocker panel on the driver's side is rusted completely. The current mileage was 186,000 and failure mileage was 149,766. Updated 09/10/08 updated 09/11/08.
Twice in the last 6 years the transmission has had to be completely rebuilt in our 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan due to failure. The first time, in 2002, occurred as the transmission permanently slipped out of gear. The second time, March 2008, the transmission would down-shift into first gear - at any speed and at any time. More often than not the transmission would shift out of gear before down-shifting causing the engine to race high. The van is not used for anything but passenger travel nor is it used for towing.
Took off from stop light transmission failed had been slipping for a while before. Also shifted hard into gear. Already had the cooling system replace due to overheating problems at the cost of $1,000 no they say the transmission will cost about $2,000 to replace.
: the contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the vehicle rpms dropped to zero, the vehicle jerked, and the engine stalled completely. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, and was able to restart the vehicle after 10 minutes. The vehicle has not been taken in for inspection. The consumer stated several attempts have been made to fix the vehicle. The oil pan was leaking oil. The valve cover gaskets were replaced. The transmission was heavily damaged and had to be replaced. The power steering pump was replaced. The front end of the vehicle pulled to the left. Updated 08/15/06.
I purchased the 1997 Grand Caravan in January 1998 at the marlow heights dealership in marlow heights, Maryland. The first time I started experiencing issue with the vehicle was 5/1999 at 24,006 miles vehicle had little power when accelerating, transmission not engaging, transmission had to be reconditioned. In 12/1999, there was transmission fluid leaking inside of the vehicle on the driver's side causing a very strong nasty odor. Carpet had to be replaced. This caused a hazardous condition to my family especially my kids having to breath in this fluid. 3 /2000 same fluid leaked again in auto because of defective heating coil. Then again in 8/2001 the leak happened again. This time I contacted daimler Chrysler in North Carolina and complained daimler Chrysler agreed to repair the vehicle under what they called one consumer repair per customer per vehicle. In 11/2001, the check engine light came on 3 times. At this point, the vehicle was also due for emissions testing and did not pass the test because of a cylinder misfire code. Once I was able to obtain the funds for repair, in 5/2004 @ 118,668 miles, I decided to take the vehicle back to the dealership for the repairs. I was told that I needed to have the spark plugs replaced and that would solve the issue. So I paid $114.24 to replace the 6.spark plugs, problem not solved I ended up paying $3,758.82 in 7/2005 to replace cylinder heads, timing belt, and water pump. This was the second time I had the timing belt replaced. Recently, in 3/2006, oil light came on. Had to replace both vc gaskets, cam plugs, both ft cam seals and rear cam seals and timing belt once again for third time. This cost to me was $2,677.50. Now the oil light is back on again.
- Clinton, MD, USA
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Van was slipping not going into gear when it was cold and now just will not go into gear. The transmission is shot has to be rebuilt will cost anywhere from $2300 to $2800 to fix.
Transmission gears slipping. Sometimes takes a few moments for it to 'catch' first gear to go from a light or shifts 'hard' when accelerating. Also, down shifts 'hard' when decelerating.
The transmission broke down due to differential pin failure and was replaced. The transmission failed again for the same reason, but the consumer believed the failures were due to a defect in the vehicle.
While backing up there was a loud noise under the hood, then at 40 mph transmission would not shift. Dealer determined that transmission needed to be replaced.
While driving to super market there was some noise coming from vehicle. Then, after parking vehicle and getting back in, and trying to put vehicle into reverse, vehicle would not move.
While driving about 70 mph transmission lost power and consumer managed to drive off the road. Then, towed vehicle to a shop, where they could not determine what had caused the problem. Contacted manufacturer. Please provide more infomation.
The automatic transmission shifts erratically/ late, tsb 21-07-98 was issued but the dealer refused to repair the vehicle because the mileage was beyond warranty, the consumer believes that since the shifting problem occured prior to warranty expiration that repairs should be covered under tsb. Nlm
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- Jamestown, NY, USA