Dodge Grand Caravan Complaints

13,518 consumer complaints on file.

#10465717July 15, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WE HAD OUR IGNITION REPAIRED 2 TIMES ALREADY. ONCE BECAUSE THE IGNITION SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AT 60 MILES PER HOUR. THEN AGAIN FOR THE RECALL FOR THE IGNITION MODULAR THAT WAS WHY THE ENGINE WAS GETTING SHUT OFF BY THE IGNITION AND NOW THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. WE TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THAT THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT UNLESS WE PLAY WITH TURNING ON AND OFF THE VAN, PUTTING IT IN REVERSE THEN FORWARD, OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE AND WASTING A LOT OF TIME AND GAS JUST TO GET IT TO COME OUT. THE SERVICE TECH SAID FIRST THE KEY WAS INTO TOO LOOSE BEFORE THE RECALL AND NOW IT IS IN TOO TIGHT AFTER THE RECALL PART WAS PUT IN. SO AFTER DRIVING 100 MILES FOR SERVICE WE ARE TOLD MAKE SURE TO PUT THE VAN IN PARK AND THE KEY SHOULD COME OUT. WELL IT DOES NOT. NOTHING SHOWS UP ON THEIR COMPUTERS SO THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE SO IF THE KEY IS LEFT IN THE BATTERY COULD GO DEAD. I HAVE TO GO THROUGH OFF AND ON, DRIVE, REVERSE TO GET THE KEY OUT. I AM AFRAID THAT THE IGNITION PROBLEM COULD TURN THE ENGINE OFF AGAIN AT 60 MILES AN HOUR. NO ONE IS HELPING US BECAUSE, IN MY OPINION, THIS IS THE THIRD REPAIR ON THE IGNITION, MAKING THE VAN A LEMON. SO THIS IS WHY WE GOT NO RECEIPT OF SERVICE FOR THE TECH TELLING US TO PUT THE VAN IN PARK. MY HUSBAND WAS A STATE TROOPER AND TAUGHT DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASSES AT THE POLICE ACADEMY. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 45 YEARS. SO WE BOTH KNOW HOW TO PUT THE VAN IN PARK AND HOW TO REMOVE A KEY FROM AN IGNITION. CHRYSLER HAS NOT RESPONDED TO OUR COMPLAINT. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10465438July 12, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING AND ATTEMPTED TO LOCK THE DOORS, THE POWER LOCKS ON ALL DOORS FAILED TO WORK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY WITH THE KEY, HOWEVER THE POWER LOCKS REMAINED UNRESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OR THE FAILURE AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS POSSIBLY RELATED TO THE RELAY IN THE DOORS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38,000. UPDATED 09/11/12*LJ UPDATED 09/13/2012 *JS
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10465188July 11, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES
I SAVED 15,000 DOLLARS NOT EASY WANTED TO BUY MY GIRLFRIEND A MINIVAN AND THIS IS WHAT I GOT. 4 MONTHS LATER FRONT END STARTED SHAKING AND GRINDING SERIOUSLY CHECKED BRAKES IN REAR ROTORS LOOKED SHOT AND BRAKES WERE CRUMBLING CHECKED FRONTS SAME THING CHANGED THEM AND HAPPENED AGAIN 4 MONTHS LATER I DIDN'T KNOW BUY PURCHASING THIS VAN IT WOULD PUT HER AND THE KIDS IN DANGER SOMETHING NEEDS TO B DONE THANKS. ALSO THE DEALER WHO SOLD ME THIS VEHICLE MOST LIKELY NEW OF THIS PROBLEM AND SOLD IT ANYWAY THEY SHOULD ALSO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10465215July 11, 2012
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND THE ENGINE EXHIBITED A LOSS OF POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED OFTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE FOR THIS MODEL, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,110.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10465108July 10, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS
APPARENTLY A FAULTY AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT MEANS THAT POSSIBLY AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A COLLISION OR ACCIDENT. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER FROM WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CHECK FOR RECALLS VIA THE INTERNET AND ACCORDING TO THE VIN # , IT IS NOT LISTED, BUT OVER 300,000 2005 GRAND CARAVANS HAVE. WHY NOT MINE? *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10465141July 10, 2012
WHEELS
2ND INCIDENT - TIRE STEM (VALVE) BROKE WHEN REMOVING PLASTIC CAP TO ADD AIR. I REPORTED WHEN THE FIRST VALVE STEM BROKE (TO THIS SYSTEM) ALSO. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464697July 9, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FREON BEGAN TO LEAK INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE AFTER HAVING THE AC RECHARGED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464699July 9, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY IS BEING DRAINED OVERNIGHT. NO LIGHTS LEFT ON (TURN ALL THE WAY TO THE OFF POSITION WHEN THE CAR IS NOT RUNNING). *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464701July 9, 2012
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ESP BAS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMING ON RANDOMLY (EVEN AS CAR IS IN PARK). *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464702July 9, 2012
TIRES, WHEELS
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS ON. TIRE PRESSURE WAS FINE. ONE TIRE STARTED A SLOW LEAK, BROUGHT IT TO MECHANIC. VALUES HAVE CORRODED, ONE FELL IN THE TIRE. ALL THE SENSORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464687July 9, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AS I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN MOTION AS IT SHUT OFF. THE STEERING LOCKED UP AS THI SHAPPENED, THEREFORE I COULD NOT EVEN MOVE THE VEHICLE SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR I HAD IT TOWED TOT HE DEALERSHIP AND THE WIN MODULE WAS REPLACED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464394July 6, 2012
WHEELS, TIRES:VALVE
TWICE IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS THE ALUMINUM VALVE STEMS THAT HOLD THE TPMS SENSORS ON OUR GRAND CARAVAN HAVE BROKEN OFF. 1ST INCIDENT IN APRIL WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND SECOND WHILE MY WIFE AND CHILDREN, AGE 5 AND 4 YEARS, WERE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE SECOND INCIDENT STRANDED MY WIFE AND CHILDREN IN 100+ DEGREE F HEAT FOR CLOSE TO AN HOUR WHILE THEY HAD TO WAIT FOR AAA TO ARRIVE AND CHANGE THE SPARE FOR THEM. THANKFULLY IT WAS A REAR TIRE THAT BLEW OUT AND NOT A FRONT. COULD HAVE ENDED MUCH WORSE. UPON INSPECTION NOTICED THAT TIRE SIDEWALL HAD EXCESSIVE WEAR FROM LOOSING AIR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND BEING DRIVEN TO SAFE STOPPING POSITION. DECIDED TO GO AHEAD AND PURCHASE FOUR NEW TIRES BECAUSE WIFE AND CHILDREN WILL BE TAKING AN EXTENDED DRIVING TRIP SOON. NOTICED THAT THE 2011 AND 2012 MODELS NOW HAVE THE MUCH MORE RELIABLE RUBBER VALVE STEMS AND SENSORS INSTEAD OF THE FAILING ALUMINUM STEMS. A LITTLE RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THEY WILL INTERCHANGE DIRECTLY. ASKED DEALER IF THEY WOULD REPLACE ALL FOUR WITH MORE RELIABLE STEM AT TIME OF TIRE CHANGE. SAID YES, BUT ONLY IF I PAY FOR THEM. AMOUNT? CLOSE TO $400.00 WHY SHOULD THE CUSTOMER PAY FOR A PART THAT IS POORLY DESIGNED AND KNOWN FOR FAILURE. A LITTLE RESEARCH OF THE NHTSA WEBSITE FOR MULTIPLE MODEL YEARS OF DODGE AND CHRYSLER VEHICLE SHOWS THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS NOW AND HAS AMASSED A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS. ARE WE JUST WAITING UNTIL SOME PERSON GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE THIS GETS ADDRESSED? LUCKILY MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE NOT INJURED, I JUST HOPE EVERYONE ELSE IS JUST AS LUCKY. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464423July 6, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES
I WANTED TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE BRAKES ON OUR 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THEY ARE NOT DESIGNED PROPERLY FOR THE VEHICLE THEY ARE ON, AS THEY ARE HAVING TO BE REPLACED EVERY 3,000 - 4,000 MILES. CHRYSLER KNOWS IT IS AN ISSUE, BUT THEY WILL NOT OFFER AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION. THEY BLAME IT ON OUR DRIVING STYLE, BUT THAT IS NOT CORRECT. WE CURRENTLY OWN A FORD TAURUS WHICH IS DRIVEN MORE THAN THE VAN, AND THE BRAKES LAST 40,000 MILES PLUS. WE HAVE OWNED 10-15 CARS IN OUR DRIVING LIFE, AND THEY ALL HAVE THE BRAKES REPLACED AROUND 40,000 MILES. THE CARAVAN ALSO HAS TO HAVE THE REAR BRAKES CHANGED QUITE OFTEN, WHICH TYPICALLY ONLY HAPPENS 1 TIME IN THE 100,000 MILE LIFE OF OUR OTHER CARS. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR "BRAKE LIFE EXPECTANCY", AND THE THIRD LINK PULLED UP WAS THE FOLLOWING FORUM WHERE MANY OTHER DRIVERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F1BBE4A JUST WANTED TO PASS ALONG MY CONCERNS. THANKS!! *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464475July 6, 2012
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE TIPM MODULE (TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) IS DEFECTIVE, AND INTERMITTENTLY DRAWS THE BATTERY DOWN. AFTER KEEPING THE VAN FOR SEVERAL DAYS, OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP (BLUEBONNET MOTORS) IN NEW BRAUNFELS, TX, DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERY IS FINE, BUT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE TIPM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NO UNITS AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT AT THIS TIME (SEVERAL HUNDRED ARE ON BACKORDER, AND NONE SCHEDULED FOR PRODUCTION). CHRYSLER HAS NOT OFFERED TO COVER THIS UNDER RECALL, AND WE ARE TOLD IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET WE READ MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE TIPM PROBLEMS, INCLUDING: WIPERS STARTING BY THEMSELVES; WINDSHIELD SPRAYERS SPRAYING WITHOUT WARNING; HORN WILL START HONKING OUT OF CONTROL: LIGHTS FLASHING UNCONTROLLABLY (ALL OF THESE WHILE DRIVING); AND EVEN ONE UNIT THAT CAUGHT FIRE. OUR DEALERSHIP HAS INDICATED THAT THE SYSTEM INDICATES THAT AT LEAST SIX VEHICLES HAVE BEEN FLAGGED AS COMPLETELY UNUSABLE. WE FEEL THAT WE ARE DRIVING A ROLLING TIME BOMB, WITH THE POTENTIAL TO EITHER LEAVE US STRANDED, OR CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING DISTRACTIONS AT ANY TIME, OR BOTH. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464276July 5, 2012
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOCKS ON THE DOORS EITHER COULD NOT LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY WHEN DRIVING OR THE LOCKS WOULD ENGAGE INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR WHETHER THE CONTACT USED THE AUTOMATIC KEY FOB OR THE KEY MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464364July 5, 2012
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS MISALIGNED TO THE POINT THAT THE GAPS OUTWARD MADE THE DOOR APPEAR AJAR, WATER ENTERS EXCESSIVELY AROUND FRAME, HOWEVER DOES NOT ENTER INSIDE THE VAN. THE FIRST ATTEMPT ON 7/5/2012 BY THE DEALER WAS TO ADJUST THE STRIKE PLATE WHICH CAUSED THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORS TO BE EXCESSIVELY INWARD. I HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED TO HAVE ALL 4 DOORS REALIGNED NEXT WEEK. WHAT IS MY RECOURSE IF THIS PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED PROPERLY ? PURCHASE DATE 6/15/2012 CURRENTLY HAS 935 MILES. DEALER STATES IT IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND THAT THEY ASSURE ME THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DAMAGED DURING TRANSPORT. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464157July 3, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES
PURCHASED NEW 2008 GRAND CARAVAN. BRAKES STARTED SQUEALING AT 18,000 MILES, HAD DEALER CHECK AND THEY SAID ALL WAS OK. AT 37,500 MILES, BRAKES FAILED. CALLED DODGE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT WARRANTY EXTENDED BY DODGE TO 36000 MILES HAD EXPIRED. I HAD BRAKES REBUILT AT LOCAL MASTER MECHANIC, WHO ALSO FOUND 2 FAULTY WHEEL BEARINGS. COST WAS OVER $1,000. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER CORP WHO AGREED TO PAY 1/2 OF THE REPAIR BILL. SINCE THEN WE HAVE HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED 2 ADDITIONAL TIMES, CALIPERS STICK HEATING UP THE WHEEL CONSTANTLY. WE FINALLY TRADED IN THIS VEHICLE 2 WEEKS AGO, OUR 4TH NEW AND LAST DODGE PRODUCT. THE BRAKES ARE UNDERENGINEERED ON THIS VEHICLE. PS: THE ORIGINAL DODGE DEALER TOLD ME THAT CHRYSLER SAID IF ANY VANS COME IN UNDER 36,000 MI TO REPAIR THEM AT NO CHARGE BUT NO RECALL WAS ISSUED. THE MFG WARRANTY ON BRAKES IS 12,000 MILES. 37500 MILES ON ORIGINAL SEALED WHEEL BEARINGS IS UNACCEPTABLE. ALSO UNACCEPTABLE IS A BRAKE SYSTEM THAT CANNOT BE RELIED ON. *JS
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10463933July 2, 2012
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
THE AIR CONDITIONING ON MY VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. TOOK IT TO A SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIR. (DID NOT USE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE SERVICE IS TERRIBLE AND CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY) REPAIR WAS MADE AND THE SHOP EVEN POINTED OUT THE FLAW IN THE PART AND THAT IT HAD BE REDESIGNED. FOUND OUT THAT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION K04 HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE A/C DISCHARGE HOSE WHICH IS WHAT WAS REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE. CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT WAS DENIED BECAUSE MY VEHICLE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THE CORRECT MODEL YEAR, DURING THE BUILD PERIOD, THE CORRECT ENGINE TYPE IN A COLD WEATHER STATE AND EXACTLY THE PART THAT WAS RECALLED FOR OTHER VANS. APPARENTLY CHRYSLER IS NOT WILLING TO REIMBURSE AND DO THE RIGHT THING FOR A PART THEY KNOW IS BAD SO I WAS TOLD MY ONLY WAY TO GET ANY REIMBURSEMENT MAY BE TO FILE HERE AND IF ENOUGH OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE THAT ANOTHER RECALL MAY GO OUT IN WHICH MY CAR WOULD QUALIFY. *JS
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10464004July 2, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE VAN SUDDENLY ENTERED INTO AN ELECTRICAL CHAOS. THE HORN STARTED BLARING, THE WIPERS STARTED GOING FULL BLAST, AND WIPER FLUID STARTED SPRAYING. THIS KIND OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED BEFORE BUT THIS TIME WAS THE WORST. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE WHILE EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL FLICKERED AND CONTINUED TO MALFUNCTION. FINALLY HAD TO STOP AND REMOVE FUSES FOR HORN AND WIPER FLUID IN ORDER TO GET THE MALFUNCTIONS TO STOP. VAN TRANSMISSION ALSO STOPPED SHIFTING DURING THIS EPISODE. EVEN AFTER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THERE WERE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL POPPING NOISES THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE AS IF IT WAS TRYING TO POWER UP THINGS THAT WERE NO LONGER OPERATIONAL. I TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY IDENTIFIED PROBLEM AS A FAILURE OF THE TIPM (TOTAL INTEGRATED POWER MODULE). LOOKING ONLINE THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND FAILURES. THE TIPM IS ACTUALLY BACKORDERED BECAUSE OF THE DEMAND. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A REPEATED PROBLEM IN THE DODGE AND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS. *JS
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10463651June 30, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING AND THE REAR BRAKES SEIZED. I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THEY WERE BURNING. I HAD COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER 2 MONTHS PRIOR THAT I THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. I HAD A LOT OF PULSING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND DIDN'T FEEL LIKE I COULD STOP QUICK ENOUGH. THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS OKAY. AFTER THE BRAKES SEIZED ON 6/28/12, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE REAR BRAKES WERE ALL CORRODED. THE ROTORS, BRAKE PADS AND CLIPS HAD TO BE ALL REPLACED. MONTHS AGO, DODGE HAD PUT AN ADDITIONAL WARRANTY ON THE FRONT BRAKES FOR THIS VERY REASON (PRE-MATURE CORROSION) INSTEAD OF DOING A RECALL. BUT THE BACK BRAKES WERE NOT COVERED. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE WITH CORRODED REAR BRAKES SEIZING AT LOW MILEAGE. PLEASE LOOK IT IN THIS. I DIDN'T EXPECT SOMETHING LIKE TO HAPPEN ON A VEHICLE WITH RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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