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 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan. Ever since the vehicle was purchased new in 1999, the contact noticed that the headlamps were dim. When she took the vehicle to the dealer, they laughed at her. The failure progressively worsened. She had the bulbs replaced and recently had the headlamps polished; however, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and is the contact's problem. The failure mileage was 230,000 and current mileage was 280,000. Updated 09/10/08. The tailgate was replaced 3 times. The sliding doors would not open. The consumer stated the headlights have crystallized to the point it creates shadows on the road. Updated 09/012/08.
Car was reported to (Chrysler) to have rust at weld seams in various places, but only on the drivers side of the van. The vehicle was at the end or only one week out of warranty and the Chrysler service rep. Would not even look at the problem. It is an obvious manufacturing defect from improper paint / weld prep and could cause a serious accident (shock tower rust). The shock tower rust is admitted in a factory service bulletin, but is not a current recall (as per Ford's recent recall) that could cause the strut to punch through the shock tower and lodge into the engine bay, causing an accident / vehicle fire. Additional areas of rust exist at the bottom of the door slider at the rocker and around the rear wheel lip. Van is garage kept and washed regularly, never been in an accident and does not operate in a corrosive environment. Absolute poor workmanship has led to this defect.
The door ajar light illuminates intermittently while the consumer is driving in an incline or decline position, the consumer believes that the sliding door has bad contact, the dealer was unable to determine the problem. Nlm
Emergency brake did not release right rear wheel after use. Wheel skidded about 3 feet when driver decided to back-up to attempt release. Wheel released with a loud bang. Owner's manual does not list capacities for oil, coolant etc... called Chrysler, they claim capacities are on back cover of manual. Chrysler verified manual rear cover is blank. Chrysler to copy 1998 manual back and send to customer. Chrysler claims 1998 capacities are unchanged for 1999.
Dealer claims gasket was not installed in fuel line. Gasket is not available separately, so entire tank assembly must be replaced. Dealer opted to squirt sealer into line for repair. Driver's side sliding door rattles badly. Dealer adjusted striker, door got worse. Technician claims rattle is normal.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Antlers, OK, USA