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.
Strut tower housing on drivers side of vehicle under the hood is severely rusted. Upon taking the vehicle to a mechanic to have it repaired, I was informed that this is a common problem with this type of vehicle and has to go to a body shop for repair. I took the vehicle to a body shop who informed me that there have been 4 other customers come in with the same issue in the same place on the same model of vehicle within the last year. This causes a huge safety concern as this housing is what holds the strut in place on the vehicle. If the weakened structure fails, the pressure of the strut will cause the strut to fly off and out of the vehicle with great force. This will not only cause the suspension to fail, but the velocity of the strut itself would be a safety concern. Dodge has enacted recalls for the same situation on earlier models of the vehicle, but the recalls were enacted after my vehicle was manufactured. The cost to repair the vehicle into safe operating condition is $2000.
The strut tower is defective and fails causing loss of control and possible injury this happens on all new (1995 and newer) body style minivans made by Chrysler/Dodge and driven in climate where salt is used on the roads in the winter. The strut tower requires patches welded to reinforce the corroded area.
Front strut cone on passenger side is rusted, leaving a 3 X 3 inch gap besides the strut mount. Had an estimate done for repair which is approximately 1.3K including labor on one side. Car runs great at 157.7K miles, recently had to buy a new gas pump, water pump, ABS sensor, and brake caliper on drivers side. All leading up to 1.2K in repairs including labor. Chrysler/Dodge should have a recall on this issue as this can be a potential risk on the road, specially on highway commutes.
1998 Dodge Grand Caravan strut towers rust problem. The driver side strut tower is about 60% rusted out. What will happen when the rust can't hold the strut major safety problem. Failure could lead to loss of control, and passenger injury or deaths.
The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. When the vehicle was taken in for tire maintenance, the mechanic noticed that the front driver's side strut tower mount was rusted. The dealer stated that the repair would cost $1,000. The manufacturer would not assist with the repair because the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 131,000.
- Janesville, WI, USA
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The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. The driver drove the vehicle to a local repair shop to have all four tires replaced. After replacing the tires, the mechanic stated that the front driver's side shock tower was corroded. The dealer stated that there were no recalls; therefore, they were not liable for the repairs. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was 120,400 and failure mileage was 120,015. Updated 03/23/09. Updated 03/24/09.
I was told by several people I could report an issue here. I have a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. Although, the vehicle has 185K miles and runs awesome, the strut tower on the drivers side as almost disintegrated., the passenger side iis still solid as a rock. Come to find out, this has been an ongoing issue for about 6 model years. My question is why has Chrysler not made and attempt to assist owners with this fix. The cause is a dumb one and has been addressed on 2003 and newer models. The cost to fix one side is about $400 for one side and nearly $650 for both sides. This is a lot of money to spend on someonelses mistake. Metal on metal will not remain solid for ever, myself as a chef knows this. When I asked around for estimates, . every single place knew the issue and they all knew what year my car was and they could tell me how severe the towers were before they even looked under my hood!!!!can someone please tell me if Chrysler has made an attempt to assist paying for this blatant mistake they made in manufacturing?
I have a 98 Grand Caravan when I bought it the back hatch would not open then I noticed a loud humming in the tires when I bought it had the bearing replaced fixed that problem then when checking oil noticed strut towers rusted driver side about 5 to 6 inch total separation passenger about 3 inch, next my air bag light came on at the same time as my cruise control and horn quit working, now my instrument panel don't work all of it don't know how many miles or how much gas nor how fast im going have not had nothing fixed trying to get a hold of Dodge will some one have to die from the strut towers before they recall them? also when I put gas in I have to open windows a really strong smell of gas fills the van.
: the contact stated, while the vehicle was at an independent service station for normal maintenance, the mechanic discovered the strut towers, on both sides of the engine compartment, were rusted. The contact was provided a service bulletin, describing how to treat the rusted parts. Updated 8/30/2006 -
Consumer complained about a rack and pinion steering and other problems. Consumer drove over a rough pothole with a metal flatbed on top at a low speed. While driving at a street at 25 mph consumer made a right turn and there was popping noise in the steering wheel. The noise was evident only when turning to the left or right. Took vehicle back to dealer, who said there was a problem with front alignment, but that was all. However, insurance company noted there were problems with rack and pinion steering /front alignment/ radiator, and the transmission pan. Also, consumer noted the engine light was constantly on and it smoked after driving a long period of time. Oil was changed regularly. Vehicle has had a recent front end alignment but no other repairs.
A body shop technician indicated that the strut towers were so seriously rusted as to present a safety hazard. He recommended either replacing the vehicle or repairing the damage immediately, as all it would take is for us to hit a pothole and have the suspension fail completely easily causing loss of control of the vehicle. Chrysler has issued a technical service bulletin (#23-044-02) regarding this issue and although there are a large number of reports of this defect in your database, Chrysler are unwilling to reimburse me to fix the problem as the vehicle is now out of warranty.
The driver side, upper metal portion that hold the shock absorber is rusted to the point that the metal is not holding any more. Thus making vehicle unsafe to drive. Dealer was notified.
Consumer has had problems with vehicle 3 months after vehicle was purchased. A valve had to be changed at 24,000 miles later while vehicle was brand new. Currently, vehicle emitts black smoke. There has been no remedy thus far for problems. Sliding door rattles, dealer made an adjustment, front passenger door rattles when closing. Engine hesitates, misses, and squeals, dealer replaced belts for the squealing. While turning steering wheel, there is a grinding noise in the front end, dealer performed tsb 19-05-98. Spark plugs were replaced due to being worn. Gear level was hard to get out of park. The left visor would not stay up, delaer found a broken clip.
When traveling consumer noticed play within the steering. Also, vibration within the steering column. Consumer unsure if the problem is linked to Michelin tires 215/65R16 which are wearing excessively. Consumer has contacted both manufacturers, Dodge and Michelin.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Liberty, MO, USA