Dodge Grand Caravan Complaints (1998)

559 consumer complaints on file.

#10336656June 16, 2010
SUSPENSION:FRONT, STRUCTURE, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10336195June 14, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO RUSTED BRAKE LINES AND SUDDEN LOSS OF ALL BRAKE FLUID NO STOPPING ABILITY EXCEPT EMERGENCY BRAKE (ONLY EFFECTIVE AT LOW SPEED). *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10295429December 12, 2009
SUSPENSION
SUSPENSIONS MOUNTS ARE RUSTED ALL THE WAY AND MAKING A SQUEAKY NOISE AND HITS HARD AND MAKES NOISES WHEN TURNING AND GOING OVER BUMPS. WATER RUNNING IN MY FLOOR BOARD ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEN RUNNING THE HEATER. THIS IS WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10288771October 17, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHEN I PURCHASED MY VAN AUGUST 21 2009 IT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL. THE SALESPERSON SAID IT WAS FROM THE BULBS BEING BURNT OUT. I WENT TO AUTOZONE THAT DAY TO GET THE BULBS REPLACED, AND THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM. AUTOZONE TOLD ME IT WAS THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH THAT HAD WENT BAD AND WAS CAUSING MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL NOT TO WORK. I WENT TO GOODYEAR A FEW DAYS LATER TO HAVE THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH REPLACED. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT A GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULD HOLD OR WORK FOR A WHILE. SINCE THEN IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES IF I TURNED THE DEFROSTER ON IT WOULD KICK ON, BUT NOW IT WILL TURN ON FOR MAYBE ONE TURN AND TURN OFF RIGHT AND WHEN I GO TO USE IT AGAIN, IT'LL TURN ON THEN CUT OFF AND WONT TURN BACK ON. ALSO MY SLIDING PASSENGER DOORS, THE CHILD LOCK IS STUCK AND NOONE CAN OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. I HAVE TO GET OUT OR THE PASSENGER HAS TO GET OUT TO OPEN THE DOORS. THE DOOR HANDLES ARE HARD TO OPEN ON THE OUTSIDE. EVEN THOUGH THE CHILD LOCK WILL SAY ITS NOT ON, YOU CAN NOT STILL OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE. THIS HAS BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VAN. ALSO I HAVE SOME PANS UNDER MY ENGINE THAT LEAKING FLUIDS AND AS FAR AS I KNOW, ITS THE OIL PAN, COOLANT PAN, AND I HAVE METAL SHAVINGS IN SOME OF MY FLUIDS. THIS WAS ALSO LIKE THIS WHEN I PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10285075September 23, 2009
VISIBILITY
RECENTLY BOUGHT 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE FRONT WIPERS STOPPED WORKING MOST IMMEDIATELY. WE REPLACED THE SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT DID NOTHING. THEN WE REPLACED THE WIPER MOTOR. THAT SEEMED TO WORK BUT NOW THEY WON'T COME ON UNTIL THE CAR HAS BEEN ON FOR A WHILE. THAT IS NOT SAFE AS THE RAIN DOES NOT WAIT UNTIL THE CAR HAS BEEN ON FOR A WHILE. IS SUCH A SAFETY HAZARD AND OTHER VANS HAVE RECALLS FOR THIS WHY NOT MINE? *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10284016September 15, 2009
SUSPENSION:FRONT, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10284046September 15, 2009
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY
THE STRUT TOWER CAPS ARE RUSTING OUT. THIS CAN PROCEED TO A POINT OF THE STRUTS COLLAPSING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED. SEE EXAMPLE SIMILAR TO WHAT IS HAPPENING ON MY VEHICLE AT HTTP://WWW.LUMUC.COM/FRONTSTRUTTOWER/. CHRYSLER HAS A REPAIR KIT FOR THIS. THIS STRUCTURAL PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10283946September 14, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOMETIMES WHEN I START MY VAN, IT WILL START AND IMMEDIATELY SHUTS OFF, NO MATTER HOW MANY TIME YOU TRY, THE ABS, AND ALARM DASH LIGHT STAY ON. IF YOU TAP ON THE DASH OR WAIT A WHILE THE VAN STARTS NORMAL. ALSO ALL THE GAUGES SOMETIMES STOP WORKING WHILE I'M DRIVING. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10283783September 12, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I OWN A 1998 DODGE CARAVAN AND MY SPEED ODOMETER, MY RPM, THE TEMP GAUGE, AND THE GAS GAUGE POP OFF AT LEAST 3 TIMES A WEEK EITHER I WAIT AND EVENTUALLY IT WILL COME BACK ON OR I MUST HIT IT SOMETIMES IT COMES BACK ON OTHER TIMES IT DON'T. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS. THE ABS COMES ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO COMES ON. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU HAVE CHILDREN IN THE CAR. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10282205August 28, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, STEERING
SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHEN IT GETS WET SUCH AS DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES OR WATER FROM ROADWAY WHEN RAINING. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER PAST FEW MONTHS. REPLACED BELT BUT STILL COMES OFF. THIS RESULTS IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SAFELY PULL OFF ROAD TO SAFE LOCATION. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10278099July 23, 2009
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LINE FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE CLOCKSPRING WAS ALSO REPLACED ACCORDING TO A RECALL WITHOUT THE CONTACT'S CONSENT. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE FLASHING ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE HORN DID NOT OPERATE AND THERE WERE OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 59,492. UPDATED 08/19/09 *BF UPDATED 08/20/09.*JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10267101April 28, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED TWO FAILURES REGARDING THE SERPENTINE BELT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES LOST POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF BY RE-ATTACHING THE SERPENTINE BELT. THE CONTACT IS CURRENTLY UNABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10265872April 17, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY SON STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR UPON INSPECTION THE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING RIGHT BEHIND THE BRADED PART ABOUT A FOOT BEHIND THE ABS UNIT THE OTHER REAR LIND IS IN BAD SHAPE AT THE SAME POINT. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10265650April 16, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I ONLY OWNED THE VAN FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS(IT WAS USED) AND ALL MY GAUGES WENT OUT. THE FIRST TIME I TURNED ON THE MIRROR BUTTON IT CAME BACK ON FOR A FEW DAYS WENT OUT AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED I TURNED ON THE WIPERS IT CAME BACK ON FOR ABOUT A DAY, THEN IT WENT OUT COMPLETELY. IT SEEMS ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10263183March 26, 2009
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10259376February 19, 2009
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL*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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10259095February 17, 2009
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL*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. *LJ UPDATED 03/24/09.*JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10253038December 29, 2008
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
WHILE DRIVING THE RAIN I WENT THROUGH A MIDSIZE PUDDLE DUE TO STORM DRAINS BEING BLOCKED I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR STOPPED AND STARTED TO OVERHEAT. I WAS THANKFULLY DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AT 25 MPH WITH OUT ALOT OF TRAFFIC AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER RIGHT AWAY. BECAUSE OF GOING THROUGH THE PUDDLE THE DRIVE BELT CAME OFF. WHEN THE BELT SLIPPED OFF IT BENT THE SUSPENSION AND SPRING THAT HOLD THE BELT TIGHT. THE BELT IS FAIRLY NEW AND THE CAR HAD RECENTLY BEEN IN FOR SERVICE AND CHECKED OVER. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE BELT TO COME OFF. CAN I NOT DRIVE MY CAR IN THE RAIN? IF I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 50MPH OR THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE SNOWY OR ICY I MAY NOT BE HERE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10248483November 11, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CARAVAN WILL ATTEMPT TO START THEN STALLS OUT. ONCE DONE 3 TIMES IT WILL NOT START FOR HOURS OR DAYS. ALL GAUGES FAIL AT THIS TIME AS WELL. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE SO TRIES TO CHARGE ME FOR REPLACING VARIOUS PARTS. DODGE NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND PLACE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10247800November 5, 2008
SUSPENSION:FRONT, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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? *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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