1996 DODGE CARAVAN Engine And Engine Cooling Problems

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER, OR WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY LOSES CONTROL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPED OFF. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES, HOWEVER, THE FAILURES RECURRED TWO MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 01-23-08. *KB THE DEALER STATED UPPER RADIATOR LOOSE, LOOSE CLAMPS, FRONT BRAKE PADS, BELT TENSIONER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND ALTERNATOR BRACKET. UPDATED 01/23/08 *TR

Mileage: 119,000

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 72,000

CONSUMER NOTICED ENGINE CONSUMED ONE QUART OF OIL EVERY WEEK DUE TO A OIL LEAK FROM THE CRANKSHAFT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT EXCEED 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF. *AK *NM

Mileage: 100,000

ENGINE LOSES LOTS OF OIL AT SPEEDS OVER 60 MPH. ALSO SMELL BURNING SMELL WHEN ENGINE SHUTS OFF. RADIATOR LOSES COOLANT. DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THESE THINGS. ALSO OIL LIGHT ONLY COMES ON WHEN YOU TAKE A SHARP TURN. ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A YEAR, SINCE WE GOT IT. *AK

Mileage: 112,000

WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. *JB

RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT THE VAN AT 33,000 MILES THE BUMPER PAINT STARTED PEELING AWAY AND THE PAINT ON TOP OF THE BACK TRUCK DOOR, IT'S TERRIBLE AND LOOKS LIKE HELL. I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT TO BE REPAIRED! I HAVE A WARRANTY AND THEY SAY IT WON'T COVER , I HAVE HEARD DODGE HAS HAD A RECALL ON SOME YEARS OF PAINT PEELING

Mileage: 66,000

I WANT TO GET YOUR ADVICE ABOUT MY CARAVAN. EVEN THOUGH I REPLACED THERMOSTAT SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, I EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM RECENTLY THAT I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FOR A LONG TIME. CARAVAN LOSES POWER WHILE RUNNING, I MEAN THAT ENGINE IS RUNNING BUT VERY UNSTABLE AND GOING TO STOP IF DEEPLY PRESS GAS PEDAL. ONCE I LOSE POWER, IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT POWER. BUT IF I WAIT UNTIL ENGINE COOL DOWN (TYPICALLY AN HOUR OR SO), IT RECOVERS TO NORMAL CONDITION. EVEN THOUGH I CHECKED IT AT THE CHRYSLER DEALER, THEY DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WOULD BE THE REASON. ONLY WHAT THEY CAN DO IS BASED ON THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSIS FROM MULTIPLE MISFIRE. WHEN IT WAS CHECKED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG IN THE FUEL PUMP AND REPLACED THERMOSTAT. BUT SOME PEOPLE, WHO WORK AT A GARAGE, TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT NORMAL. THE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM MAY NOT BE MONITORED BY COMPUTER DIAGNOSIS. THIS PROBLEM PERSISTS EVEN THOUGH I REPLACED A LOT OF PARTS; SPARK PLUG CABLE, (NOT SPARK PLUG BECAUSE IT IS LESS THAN 20000 MILE AFTER REPLACED), ROTOR, ROTOR CAP, FUEL FILTER AND AIR FILTER. IF THESE PARTS ARE REPLACED AND THERE IS STILL SAME PROBLEM, WE NEED TO SUSPECT FUEL PUMP. HE TOLD ME TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE SOUND THAT CAN BE HEARD WHEN WE PUT THE KEY TO THE IGNITION POSITION WHEN STARTING ENGINE. IT IS POSSIBLE TO HEAR FUEL PUMPING SOUND FOR ABOUT ONE SECOND EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING IF TURN THE KEY TO IGNITION POSITION. AND HE TOLD ME TO PAY ATTENTION TO THIS SOUND AGAIN WHEN MY CAR LOSES THE POWER. IF THIS SOUND IS NOT HEARD, HE SAID THAT IT IS DEFINITELY DUE TO THE FUEL PUMP DEFECT WHEN THE POWER IS NOT SUFFICIENT AND NEED TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP. DO YOU AGREE WITH HIS SUGGESTION. UNTIL HIS ASSUMPTION IS PROVED, IT MAY BE A WASTE OF MONEY IF SIMPLY REPLACE FUEL PUMP WHICH IS QUITE EXPENSIVE.

Mileage: 79,000

THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE SERPENTINE BELT. IT CAN SLIP OFF. WHEN IT DOES, YOU POWER STEERING GOES (SAFETY) AND YOUR CAR CAN OVERHEAT WITHIN MINUTES. YOU ARE STRANDED. PUTTING THE BELT YOURSELF IS NOT EASY, EVEN WITH THE DIAGRAM (THANK GOODNESS THEY HAVE THE DIAGRAM UNDER THE HOOD FOR OTHER MECHANICS, DO IT YOURSELFERS) THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN, BUT NOT A RECALL. I THINK THEY PUT ON A BRACKET WHICH WILL HELP KEEP THE BELT ON TRACK IN CASE OF WET WEATHER.

Mileage: 83,000

CONSUMER NOTICED ENGINE WAS CONSUMING TWO QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 1,000 MILES. ALSO, OIL WAS LEAKING THROUGH THE HEAD GASKET. *AK

Mileage: 69,000

BOTH CYLINDER TOWERS CRACKED,THEY FIXED BUT VAN STILL WOULDNT RUN RIGHT,NOW WE'RE TALKING A WHOLE NEW ENGINE,WE DECLINED SINCE TRANSMISSION HASNT BEEN REPLACED AND I'M SURE THATS NEXT. DODGE DEALER ALSO WANTS US TO PAY $1080 BECAUSE THEY COULDNT FIND THE PROBLEM !*AK

BLOCK WAS DAMAGED AND REPAIRED DURING MANUFACTURING PROCESS. THE REPAIR BROKE AND MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO FIX- STATES OUT OF WARRANTY BLOCK WAS LEAKING FLUID - REPAIR SHOP STATES REPAIR WORK HAD TO BE DONE DURING MANUFACTURING. *AK

REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR CLOCKSPRING RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED ON A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. *MR THERE WAS A CLUNK NOISE, THEN THE CONSUMER LOST POWER STEERING DUE TO THE SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER BEING BROKEN, OIL LEAKED DUE TO THE FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET, AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD COME ON. RECALL#02V293000 *SCC *JB

HAD A RADIATOR FAN RELAY RECALL ON 1996 DODGE CARAVAN REPLACED 3 TIMES AND RADIATOR FAN STILL CONTINUES TO COME ON AT VARIOUS TIMES WHEN CAR IS NOT RUNNING, RUNNING BATTERY DEAD, FRONT W/S WIPER BLADES COMES ON BY ITSELF, LOST FM STEREO FREQUENCY ALL TOGETHER. CANNOT DEPEND ON THIS WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN. *JB

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH WITH TWO PASSENGERS, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM VENT NEAR THE REAR SLIDING DOOR. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE CURB AND WAITED 2 MINUTES, THEN CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD TO TRY TO FIND THE PROBLEM FOR THE SMOKE. NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND, BUT WHILE GETTING BACK INTO VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE SPEWING FROM THE REAR RIGHT SIDE WHEELS. CONSUMER BARELY REMOVED PASSENGERS FROM VEHICLE WHEN VEHICLE WENT UP IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE NOTIFIED. *AK FLAMES STARTED SHOOTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. *PH

Mileage: 115,000

PEDESTAL CONNECTED TO ROCKER ARM WHICH IS CONNECTED TO CYLINDER HEAD BROKE FOR NO REASON. SINCE IT IS ALL ONE PIECE, IT ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A GREAT COST. WARRANTY GOLD EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT AS THEY SAID IT WAS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE. DODGE DENIES THERE HAVE BEEN ANY COMPLAINTS.

Mileage: 75,000

THE HEAD GASKET HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE MOST RECENT WAS ON 7/14/2003. *AK

TRUCK IS LEAKING OIL, OIL ALL OVER CONSUMER'S DRIVEWAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS PAR TOF RECALL 96V 006 000. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT SHE HAD A LEAK FROM THE GASKETS.*AK

WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED, PUDDLES OF GAS IS FORMED UNDER IT. THIS HAPPENED ANYTIME VEHICLE WAS PARKED. VEHICLE WAS LEAKING GAS AND NO ONE KNEW WHY. ALSO THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND WINDOW WIPERS CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. *TT

THE CONSUMER HEARD A RATTLE IN THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE COVER IN FRONT OF THE ENGINE WAS REMOVED AND THE TENSIONER BEARING HAD FALLEN APART. THE TIMING BELT AND TENSIONER WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE SHIFT, AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE HIS FOOT OFF OF THE GAS TO GET THE SHIFT UP. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS COLD, IT WOULD DELAY ENGAGING IN REVERSE FROM PARK. SCC *JB

Mileage: 47,268

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLES ENGINE STALLED, STARTED SMOKING AND LATER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM

Mileage: 68,000

GRINDING NOISE FROM A/C COMPRESSOR UNIT. UNIT THEN LOCKED AND BROKE SERPENTINE BELT. CLICKING NOISE FROM PASSENGER SIDE DASH JUST AFTER STARTING STOPS AFTER APPROX. 30 SECS. TRANS DOESN'T CATCH RIGHT AWAY WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE.

Mileage: 135,000

CLOCKSPRING DEFECTIVE, SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE? DT

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLS CAUSING LOST OF POWER STEERING. TS

CONSUMER STATES THAT THEIR VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME DEFECT STATED IN RECALL # 96 V 006 000, BUT VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED BY VIN NUMBER. DUE TO DATE OFF VEHICLE MANUFACUTURED. TS

THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE WATER PUMP ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. *SCC

THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BELT TENSIONER AND THE SERPINTINE BELT(S), NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *SCC

CONSUMER STATED THE TENSIONER BELT BROKE WHILE DRIVING. MR *JB

THREE FAN BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TENSIONER. VEHICLE AT REPAIR SHOP. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A RAIN PUDDLE YOU SERPENTINE BELT, THAT CONNECTS ENGINE TO THE COOLANT FAN ETC., FAILED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING.CONTACTED DEALER. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED 4 TIMES.*AK

VEHICLE OVERHEATED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE, AND WAS INFORMED THAT STRUT TOWER THE HOLDS ENGINE HAD RUSTED, AND COULD CAUSE ENGINE TO FALL.*AK *YH

CONSUMER STATES AFTER LONG TRIP THERE IS TICKING NOISE IN ENGINE AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. DEALER FOUND ROCKER SHAFT PERCH WAS BROKEN AND REPLACED LIFTERS, REAR HEAD GASKET AND PLUGS. *TT

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTSDOWN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK CONSUMER STATES DEALER DISCONNECTED SAFETY LOCKS, ALARM SYSTEM, AND KEYLESS ENTRY, THEY THINK IT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT IT DIDN?T, STILL VEHICLE STALLS AND STARTS EVERY TIME AFTER 20 MINUTES.*YD

VEHICLE STALLS WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT 25 MPH. HAS STALLED 4-5 TIMES. DEALER CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM.*AK

LOSS OF OIL AND OVERHEATING WHILE DRIVING. TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND INFORMED OF A HEAD GASKET FAILURE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE PREMATURELY WEARING AWAY, ROTORS HAVE WARPED, AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES ALREADY.*AK. CONSUMER STATES ROTORS WEAR CAUSING VIBRATION AND PULSATION WHEN STOPPING, ALSO BELT DRIVE AND TENSIONER BELT WERE REPALCED, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON.*JB

FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE PREMATURELY WEARING AWAY, ROTORS HAVE WARPED, AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES ALREADY.*AK. CONSUMER STATES ROTORS WEAR CAUSING VIBRATION AND PULSATION WHEN STOPPING, ALSO BELT DRIVE AND TENSIONER BELT WERE REPALCED, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON.*JB

ENGINE KNOCKING DUE TO RIGHT HEAD ROCKER ARM RETAINER BEING BROKEN OFF HEAD, AND BENT ROCKER ARM/ SHAFT BENT.*AK WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKS THREE TIMES. CONSUMER STATES THE CAST ROCKER ARM FAILURE WAS DUE TO FLAW IN DESIGN. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BROKE. *YH

ENGINE KNOCKING DUE TO RIGHT HEAD ROCKER ARM RETAINER BEING BROKEN OFF HEAD, AND BENT ROCKER ARM/ SHAFT BENT.*AK WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKS THREE TIMES. CONSUMER STATES THE CAST ROCKER ARM FAILURE WAS DUE TO FLAW IN DESIGN. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BROKE. *YH

THERE IS SMOKE THAT CONTINUEOUSLY COMES OUT OF EXHAUST CAUSING VEHICLE TO FAIL THE INSPECTION. SMOKE WILL COME OUT THE WHOLE TIME VEHICLE IS DRIVEN.*AK

WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND IDLE HIGH. DEALER HAS SERVICED VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED, AND HORN/ CRUISE CONTROL ARE INOPERATIVE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON SPORADICALLY. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT, FUEL PUMP , COMPUTER AND COIL PACER REPLACED. ALSO PRESENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING CLOCK SPRING. *YD

ENGINE HEAD GASKET LEAKAGE. CONSUMER HAD CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER CLAIMED THAT TO CORRECT PROBLEM THEY NEED TO ATTACH A BRASS TO STOP LEAKAGE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

CONSUMER HAD EXPERIENCED SOME PROBLEM WITH TIMING BELT. TIMING BELT HAD TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

CONSUMER HAD FOUND A LEAKAGE OF OIL COMING FROM HEAD GASKET. HAD CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF LEAKAGE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL BEHIND VALVE COVER ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE TO SMOKE AND FILLING THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED TO INSPECT THE GASKETS, SEALER WAS REPLACED 2 MONTHS AGO.*AK. CONSUMER STATED THE VALVE COVER GASKET, HEAD GASKET AND REAR ENGINE SEAL WERE ALL REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.*JB

ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL BEHIND VALVE COVER ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE TO SMOKE AND FILLING THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED TO INSPECT THE GASKETS, SEALER WAS REPLACED 2 MONTHS AGO.*AK. CONSUMER STATED THE VALVE COVER GASKET, HEAD GASKET AND REAR ENGINE SEAL WERE ALL REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.*JB

VEHICLE IS LEAKING GREEN COOLANT AND KNOCKING VERY LOUDLY, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND HE STATED ENGINE FAN WAS NOT WORKING AND CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN HOT, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT BY FANS NOT WORKING, AND CAUSING KNOCKING AND LEAK. THERE IS A RECALL ON RADIATOR FAN RELAY. DRIVER IS HAVING RECALL PERFORMED. *AK *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, POWER STEERING LOCKED AND ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, CLAIM 52-2482-587. *SLC

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL AND TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS, HOWEVER WHILE DRIVING A FIRE STARTED IN THE UPPER ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 11-3493-153. *SLC

VEHICLE WAS WARMING UP IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE FIRE SWEPT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BACK THROUGH THE FIREWALL INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 38-J468-878. *SLC

CONSUMER HAD STOPPED ALONG SIDE THE ROAD TO ASSIST ANOTHER MOTORIST IN CHANGING A TIRE, A FEW MINUTES LATER HE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF HIS VEHICLE, CLAIM 11-3444-113. *SLC

WHILE TRAVELING, CONSUMER HEARD SOMEONE YELLING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, FIRE WAS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 48-5125-308. *SLC

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL AND TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS, HOWEVER WHILE DRIVING A FIRE STARTED IN THE UPPER ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 11-3493-153. *SLC

VEHICLE WAS WARMING UP IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE FIRE SWEPT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BACK THROUGH THE FIREWALL INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 38-J468-878. *SLC

CONSUMER HAD STOPPED ALONG SIDE THE ROAD TO ASSIST ANOTHER MOTORIST IN CHANGING A TIRE, A FEW MINUTES LATER HE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF HIS VEHICLE, CLAIM 11-3444-113. *SLC

WHILE TRAVELING, CONSUMER HEARD SOMEONE YELLING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, FIRE WAS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 48-5125-308. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, POWER STEERING LOCKED AND ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, CLAIM 52-2482-587. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, VEHICLE STALLS AND WANTS TO SHUT DOWN. CONSUMER STATES THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD.*AK CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE STALLS UNDER VERY SPECIFIC CONDITIONS SUCH AS WARM DAYS IN JULY AND AUGUST, NEAR THE END OF A DRIVE OF LEAST ONE HOUR OR WHEN CONSUMER HAS TO SLOW DOWN, AFTER A FEW MINUTES CONSUMER IS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE.*JB

GAS WAS FLOWING FROM VALVE ALL OVER GROUND UNDER VEHICLE. I WAS ADVISED TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THE RISK OF EXPLOSION. I HAD NOT NOTICED THE LEAKING FUEL. A BYSTANDER SAW IT AS I WAS FILLING THE CAR. OTHERWISE, I WOULD HAVE DRIVEN OFF WITHOUT KNOWING. ONE ERRANT CIGARETTE AND MY SON AND I WOULD BE DEAD. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR THIS PART IN YOUR SYSTEM BUT ONCE AGAIN DODGE SAYS MY CAR'S VIN NUMBER IS NOT IN THEIR DATABASE. YET, MY MINIVAN MEETS ALL THE OTHER VARIABLES FOR THE RECALL. DODGE IS FRAUDELANTLY NOT INPUTTING VIN NUMBERS TO AVOID HAVING TO FIX VEHICLES UNDER THE RECALL.*AK

WHEN UNDERSIDE OF CAR WAS INSPECTED OIL LEAK NOTICED, MECHANIC THINKS IT IS FROM HEAD GASKET. REPAIR EST. $1,000. *AK

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS BEING USED. VEHICLE BEEN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO LOCATE CAUSE.*AK

VEHCILE STALLS AND CUTS OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT ALL TYPES OF SPEED, STEERING IS LOST. ENGINE CAN BE RESTARTED AFTER IT CUTS OFF. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED THREE TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT IS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM.*AK *SLC

1. AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON, HORN QUIT WORKING. WE WERE TOLD THIS IS THE CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. 2. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON - COMPUTER CODE INDICATES THIS IS A COIL PACK FAILURE. 3. TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 55,000 MI. 4. WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON FOR NO REASON 5. A/C FREON CHARGE AT 98,000 6. WATER PUMP FAILURE AT 98,000

ENGINE HEAD GASKETS BLEWOUT. THIS CAUSED WHITE SMOKE TO APPEAR.*AK *JB

WHILE DRIVING, POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, CLAIM 52-2482-587. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, CLAIM 52-2482-587. *SLC

THE ENGINE" CHECK, LIGHT HAS COME ON AT LEAST FIVE (5) TIMES. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED BY A REPAIR SHOP VIA COMPUTER WITH THE DIAGNOSIS BEING "#5 CYLINDER IS MISSING". THE COMPUTER IS RESET AFTER A CYLINDER CHECK; HOWEVER, A FEW MILES LATER THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. *AK

HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING, CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER IS WILLING TO FIX PROBLEM AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK

EA 01 007; AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING: AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON, AND HORN ASSEMBLY DID NOT OPERATE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK HEAD GASKET AND TIME CHAIN REPLACED DUE TO TREMENDOUS OIL LOSS, ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ILLUMINATED, VEHICLE'S TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT UP AND VEHICLE LOCKED UP. WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON BY THEMSELVES. SLIDING DOOR LATCH INOPERABLE. *SLC

HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED, 8 MONTHS LATER IT HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. AIR COMPRESSOR BEING REPLACED AT THIS TIME. *AK

THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING DUE TO MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO DROP DOWN, DAMAGING THE CV JOINT ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHAKE EVEN AFTER THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS FIXED. *YH

AIR BAG LIGHT WON'T GO OUT, HORN DOESN'T WORK. DELAYED ACTION BECAUSE OF EXPENSE. OIL LEAK: IGNORED BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS USUAL VALVE COVER LEAK. NOW LOSES ABOUT A QUART OF OIL A DAY. DEALER DETERMINED IT WAS HEAD GASKET. TOTAL COST TO BE ABOUT $1500.00. FAILURE DATES APPROXIMATE.

ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2001, I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND WITHOUT ANY PRIOR INDICATION MY THE ENGINE IN MY VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING. I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY GOING THE SPEED LIMIT (65MPH) AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE ENGINE STOPPED. I TRIED TO STOP BUT MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND I TRIED TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD NO STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AAA TO WILLARD'S AUTO FOR THEM TO LOOK AT IT. THEY FOUND THAT THE CASING FOR THE TRANSMISSION WAS DESTROYED AND WAS UNABLE TO SALVAGE IT. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WHICH IS COSTING OVER $2,000.

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER CLAIMED THAT HEAD GASKET AND TIMING COVER WERE LEAKING. THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS RECALLED IN 1993 AND 1994 IN RECALL 99V318000. *AK

AT ALMOST EXACLTY 30K MILES LATER ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

POWER SEAT STOPPED OPERATING PROPERLY. UNABLE TO MOVE SEAT BACK AND FORTH. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST WAS PAID BY CONSUMER. *AK ENGINE OVERHEATED DUE TO THERMOSTAT FAILURE. RATTLE IN REAR SEAT WHILE DRIVING DUE TO SEAT RISORS AND ADJUSTERS FAILURE. *YH

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS: THE TIMING BELT COVER WAS CRACKED, WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, A HEAD GASKET LEAK, AN OIL LEAK AROUND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE, AND THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING STALLING. *SLC

TENSIONER PULLEY ASSEMBLY HAS BROKEN A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES. CONSUMER HAS TO PAY FOR IT OUT OF POCKET AGAIN. PROBLEM MAY BE CAUSED BY THE SHAKING OF THE ENGINE, IT SHEARED OFF RIGHT AT THE BOLT. DEALER HAS NEVER EXPLAINED THE REASON, THEY JUST ORDERED THE PARTS.*AK

WHILE DRIVING DOWN ON ROAD AND HEARD NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE WHERE THE BELT TENSIONER WAS LOOSE, AND SERPENTINE BELT WAS NOT WORKING. ALSO, AIR BAG LIGHT WILL STAYED ON, AND CRUISE CONTROL/ HORN WILL NOT WORK. *AK

CAM SEAL, CRANKCASE SEAL,TRANSMISSION SEAL AND AXLE SEAL WHERE REPLACED DUE TO LEAKAGE. NLM

AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. ALSO, FUEL GAUGE/ ODOMETER/ TEMPERATURE GAUGE DO NOT WORK, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON INTERMITTENLY.*AK

THE TIMING BELT FAILED BEFORE ITS TIME LUCKLY IT DID NOT STRAND MY WIFE ON A DARK STREET.*AK

ENGINE STALLED AT 35 MPH. WOULD RESTART WITH TRANSMISSION IN NUETRAL BUT WOULD STALL AGAIN WHEN DRIVE ENGAGED. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS MADE TO RESTART VEHICLE, VEHICLE FINALLY RESTARTED AND OPERATING NORMALLY.

MOTOR CUT OFF, CONSUMER COULD NOT START VEHICLE. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE WOULD STALL/ WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON, AND VEHICLE WOULD LOSE ALL BRAKING POWER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ENGINE JUST CUT OFF AND TOTAL POWER WAS LOST. VAN WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT ON AUGUST 6, 2000. DEALERSHIP IS DOING EVERYTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VAN IS BEING HELD AT DEALERSHIP AGAIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AND DIES . VEHICLE WILL RESTART IMMEDIATELY. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONS. *YH

WHEN WE ARE DRIVING THE VAN JUST SHUTS OFF THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE APPROX 1 YEAR FROM DATE OF PURCHASE AFTER THE STEERING COLUMN WAS RECALLED AND REPLACED. IT IS HAPPENING MORE OFFTEN AND THE OTHER DAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND IT JUST STOPPED ALL POWER IS LOST . WE HAVE HAD THE VAN BACK TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES WITH NO AVAIL NOW I AM AFRAID SOMEBODY IT GOING TO GET INJURED OR KILLED IT HAS BEEN EXTREMELLY DANGEROUS . WE HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND THIS IS OUR PRIME TRASPORTATION AND WE DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH OUR CHILDRENS SAFTEY. I WOULD LIKE THIS TAKEN CARE OF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING LOST POWER STEERING/ ALL BELT DRIVEN ACCESSORIES/ WATER PUMP PULLEY FLEW OFF,AND VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. *AK

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING LOST POWER STEERING/ ALL BELT DRIVEN ACCESSORIES/ WATER PUMP PULLEY FLEW OFF,AND VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. *AK

AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. ALSO, VEHICLE WOULD LOSE ALL POWER STEERING. DEALER HAS BEEM CONTACTED. *AK

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THEY FINALLY FIXED MY FUEL SYSTEM RECALL PROBLEM . I REPLACED MY OXYGEN SENSORS, IT STILL WON'T GO OFF, I HAVE FOUND SAND UP IN MY ENGINE AND I WANT TO FIND OUT IF THIS CARAVAN WAS IN A FLOOD,OR SUCH

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL AND TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED, FIRE APPEARED TO START IN THE UPPER ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE IN MOTION, CLAIM 11-3493-153. *SLC

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL AND TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED, FIRE APPEARED TO START IN THE UPPER ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE IN MOTION, CLAIM 11-3493-153. *SLC

THE BELT TENSIONER AND SERPENTINE BELT WHEREIN THE TENSION MOUNTING BELT IS SHEARED OFF AND THE BELT BECOMES TORN APART RESULTING IN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKING. NLM

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE RECALL COMPONENT (ENGINE RADIATOR FAN) PRIOR TO NOTIFICATION RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *MJS

I RECEIVED A RADIATOR FAN RELAY RECALL, COULD THIS DEFECTIVE RELAY HELP THE MAJOR TRANSMITION SEALS FAIL? IF SO, IS DODGE/CHRYSLER RESPNSIBLE FOR THE $1300 REPAIR OF THE FAULTY TRANSMISION SEALS? IF SO, HOW DO I FILE A CLAIM WITH THE MANUFACTURER? THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP CLAIMS THE SEAL FAILURE WAS DUE TO EXTREME HEAT, HE STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE VERY BRITTLE, LIKE DRY NOODLES, NOTHING LIKE THE SOFT RUBBER THAT THEY SHOULD RESEMBLE.

INDEPENDENT MECHANICS HAVE TOLD US OF MANY FAILURES OF TRANSMISSIONS AND HEAD GASKETS, AND THEY SAY THAT DODGE IS PAYING HALF THE COST AS THEY DID WITH US TO AVOID A RECALL WHERE DODGE WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE FULL COST OF REPAIR. REC. *AK

THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS DUE TO THE RADIATOR LEAKING. YH

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY SOMEONE THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 48-512-308. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY SOMEONE THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 48-512-308. *SLC

WAS PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT WHEN VEHICLE JERKED HARD IN DRIVER'S HAND. LOST CONTROL & HIT A CURB. TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP & MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT TENSIONER WHEEL BROKE, AND SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF. ALSO, MOUNTS TO SIDE OF MOTOR & SHAFT HAD BROKEN IN HALF. TENSIONER WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

WAS PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT WHEN VEHICLE JERKED HARD IN DRIVER'S HAND. LOST CONTROL & HIT A CURB. TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP & MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT TENSIONER WHEEL BROKE, AND SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF. ALSO, MOUNTS TO SIDE OF MOTOR & SHAFT HAD BROKEN IN HALF. TENSIONER WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

DEFECT IN HEAD GASKET CAUSED OIL TO LEAK CAUSING THE AIR IDLE VALVE CONTROL,PCV,FUEL FILTER, HORMICA BALANCING BOARD, THROTTLE,WATER PUMP, THEROMSTAT, IIGNITION MODULE TO HAVE TO BE REPAIRED . TIMING BELT WAS RECALL DODGE DID NOT PUT IT ON RIGHT CAUSING TO HEAD GASKET TO LEAK. TIMING BELT COVERS WAS NEVER REPLACE WHEN IT WAS RECALLED.WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL TIMING BELT BROKEN WHILE DRIVING. *AK

DEFECT IN HEAD GASKET CAUSED OIL TO LEAK CAUSING THE AIR IDLE VALVE CONTROL,PCV,FUEL FILTER, HORMICA BALANCING BOARD, THROTTLE,WATER PUMP, THEROMSTAT, IIGNITION MODULE TO HAVE TO BE REPAIRED . TIMING BELT WAS RECALL DODGE DID NOT PUT IT ON RIGHT CAUSING TO HEAD GASKET TO LEAK. TIMING BELT COVERS WAS NEVER REPLACE WHEN IT WAS RECALLED.WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL TIMING BELT BROKEN WHILE DRIVING. *AK

DEFECT IN HEAD GASKET CAUSED OIL TO LEAK CAUSING THE AIR IDLE VALVE CONTROL,PCV,FUEL FILTER, HORMICA BALANCING BOARD, THROTTLE,WATER PUMP, THEROMSTAT, IIGNITION MODULE TO HAVE TO BE REPAIRED . TIMING BELT WAS RECALL DODGE DID NOT PUT IT ON RIGHT CAUSING TO HEAD GASKET TO LEAK. TIMING BELT COVERS WAS NEVER REPLACE WHEN IT WAS RECALLED.WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL TIMING BELT BROKEN WHILE DRIVING. *AK

DEFECT IN HEAD GASKET CAUSED OIL TO LEAK CAUSING THE AIR IDLE VALVE CONTROL,PCV,FUEL FILTER, HORMICA BALANCING BOARD, THROTTLE,WATER PUMP, THEROMSTAT, IIGNITION MODULE TO HAVE TO BE REPAIRED . TIMING BELT WAS RECALL DODGE DID NOT PUT IT ON RIGHT CAUSING TO HEAD GASKET TO LEAK. TIMING BELT COVERS WAS NEVER REPLACE WHEN IT WAS RECALLED.WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL TIMING BELT BROKEN WHILE DRIVING. *AK

DEFECT IN HEAD GASKET CAUSED OIL TO LEAK CAUSING THE AIR IDLE VALVE CONTROL,PCV,FUEL FILTER, HORMICA BALANCING BOARD, THROTTLE,WATER PUMP, THEROMSTAT, IIGNITION MODULE TO HAVE TO BE REPAIRED . TIMING BELT WAS RECALL DODGE DID NOT PUT IT ON RIGHT CAUSING TO HEAD GASKET TO LEAK. TIMING BELT COVERS WAS NEVER REPLACE WHEN IT WAS RECALLED.WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL TIMING BELT BROKEN WHILE DRIVING. *AK

FROM NOVEMBER OF 1998 UNITL MARCH OF 2000, SERPENTINE BELT AND TENSIONER HAS BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES. DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHY THE BELT CONTINUES TO BREAK. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

AUTOMOBILE WAS DRIVING FINE UNTIL CONSUMER TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS ON FUEL PUMP MODULE SEAL AND LOCK NUT. THEN, ON THE WAY HOME, VEHICLE DIED. ALSO, ALL THE GAS LEAKED OUT. *AK

DEFECTIVE ROCKER BRIDGE MOUNT CYLINDER HEAD BROKE, CAUSING A KNOCKING NOISE WHICH RESULTED INTO VERY SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

RECALL 96V006000/ENGINE: WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 40 MPH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND OIL WAS SPILLING ON TOP OF ENGINE. VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIRR SHOP. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN *AK

DEFECTIVE TEMPERATURE RELAY FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL AND THE FAN MALFUNCTIONED. YH

CONSUMER WAS STOPPED ALONG SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN HE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, CLAIM 11-3444-113. *SLC

CONSUMER WAS STOPPED ALONG SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN HE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, CLAIM 11-3444-113. *SLC

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE STREET AT 25-30 MPH VEHICLE COMMENCED TO RUN VERY POORLY, AND IT STARTED TO VIBRATE/HESITATE AND LOSE POWER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED OF A DEFECTIVE ROCKER ARM, AND A SNAPPED ENGINE HEAD GASKET. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING LOST POWER. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE SERPENTINE BELT. DEALER REPLACED THE SERPENTINE BELT IN 1998. BUT SERPENTINE BELT BROKE AGAIN, AND WAS REPLACED. THEN, IT HAPPENED AGAIN IN 1999, ON SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2000, ALL POWER WENT OUT WHILE KIDS WERE IN THE CAR, CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS VERY UNSAFE FOR DRIVING ON THE ROAD. *AK

SERPENTINE BELT BROKE TWICE WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THERE ARE TSBS ON THIS PROBLEM. *AK *ML

AIR CONDITIONER CAUSING A LOUD, GRINDING NOISE WHILE RUNNING. SLIGHT HESITATION OF ENGINE WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING. PROBLEM INCREASING IN INTENSITY OVER TIME. *AK

DRIVE BELT AND SERPENTINE BELT BROKE REPEATEDLY. YH

DRIVE BELT AND SERPENTINE BELT BROKE REPEATEDLY. YH

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 45 MPH BOLT TO ENGINE PULLEY/CRANKSHAFT SNAPPED OFF, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING CONTROL. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. *AK

CAR NEEDED 1800.00 DOLLARS WORTH OF ENGINE WORK, AGAIN FOR FAULTY VALVES AND CYLINDER HEAD. BURNING OIL AND DESTROYING O2 SENSORS, POOR GAS MILEAGE AND PROBLEMATIC EXPENSIVE ENGINE WORK. MITUSBISHI ENGINE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM. SUGGEST MANUFACTURER CORRECTS DEFECT.

CAR NEEDED 1800.00 DOLLARS WORTH OF ENGINE WORK, AGAIN FOR FAULTY VALVES AND CYLINDER HEAD. BURNING OIL AND DESTROYING O2 SENSORS, POOR GAS MILEAGE AND PROBLEMATIC EXPENSIVE ENGINE WORK. MITUSBISHI ENGINE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM. SUGGEST MANUFACTURER CORRECTS DEFECT.

ENGINE SHUTS OFF, CHRYSLER MECHANCICS CAN'T FIND PROBLEM ALSO SHAKES AT 40MPH (VIOLENTLY) AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES. *AK

VEHICLE WAS WARMING UP FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE SWEPT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BACK THROUGH THE FIREWALL INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARMENT, CLAIM 38-J468-878. *SLC

VEHICLE WAS WARMING UP FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE SWEPT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BACK THROUGH THE FIREWALL INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARMENT, CLAIM 38-J468-878. *SLC

SERPENTINE BELT HAS COME OFF 6 TIMES (AT LEAST) SINCE JAN 99. TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH SPEEDS OF 65MPH. THE BELT FAILURE CAUSES A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND WITHIN MINUTES LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER. ALL KINDS OFF PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND YET IT STILL HAS FALLEN OFF THREE TIMES SINCE DEC 99. THE GARAGE HAS CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERS FOR FIXES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE BELT STILL FLIES OFF AND THE SQUEAK THAT HAS OCCURRED SINCE THE FIRST REPLACEMENT CONTINUES TO GET WORSE AND WORSE. I HAD A DEALER SO MUCH AS SAY IT WAS GOING TO FLY OFF WHE IT GOT WET. WELL IT'S COME OFF WET AND WHEN IT'S DRY. TWO TIMES AGO ON A DARK COLD NIGHT 45 MINUTES FROM HOME WITH MY ENTIRE FAMILY IN THE CAR GOING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THANK GOD I WAS DRIVING AND NOT MY WIFE OR DAUGHTER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZZARD AND MUST BE ADDRESSED. THERE IS AN EXISTING TSB ON THIS ISSUE ON YOUR WEB SITE BUT I DON'T KNOW IF IT COVERS MY CAR. A DEALER I CONTACTED TODAY WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ASKED IF I HAD A SPLASH GUARD INSTALLED. HE IS LOOKING AT IT TOMORROW. TENSIONERS (3), PULLEYS, AND MANY BELTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SO FAR. PLEASE HELP ME FIND A SOLUTION.

SERPENTINE BELTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFI *AK

WE NOTICED THAT OUR MINIVAN WAS LEAKING OIL ON THE GROUND. TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP. STATED THAT WE HAD A FAULTY CYLINDER HEAD GASKET REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. WE HEARD THAT OTHER CARS SUCH AS THE DODGE NEON AND MINIVANS FROM DODGE/CHRYSLER ALSO HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET. REQUEST THAT NHTSA REVIEW THIS SITUATION AS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, IF NOT ALREADY INITIATED. THE COST FOR THIS JOB IS $900.00-1100.00. IF WE PERFORM THIS JOB AND THIS DEFECT BECOMES A RECALL SITUATION, CAN WE RECEIVE A REFUND FROM THE MANUFACTURER? THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. PLEASE RESPOND TO US ASAP. *AK

ENGINE HEAD GASKETS HAVE CRACKED ,CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK ONTO ENGINE . DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING. PROBLEM OCCURS IN SLOW OR HIGH SPEED OR AT A STOP POSITION, AND WHEN APPLYING THE ACELERATOR PEDAL FROM A STOP POSITION. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. *AK

A SHEARED BOLT ON MAIN PULLEY TO THE ENGINE, CAUSED THE TIMING BELT TO BE STRIPPED AND INOPERATIVE. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REPAIRS WERE MADE UNDER WARRANTY. *AK

UNIT DIES WHEN COLD,TOOK UNIT TO COLISEUM MOTORS THEY SAID ALL DIESELS (DIE WHEN COLD THIS IS MY 5TH DODGE DIESEL AND NONE OF THEM DIED WHEN COLD THIER FIX FOR THE PROBLEM WAS TO SET IDLE UP NOW IN ORDER TO RUN UNDER 30 MPH I HAVE TO APPLY BRAKES.IT IS VERY SCARRY TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON ICE OR SNOW AS IT PUSHES YOU THRU INTERSECTIONS. I HAVE CONTACTED COLISEUM AND THEY SAID THEY COULD SET IDLE BACK DOWN I GUESS I CAN EITHER SLIDE THRU AN INTERSECTION WITH A DODGE TRUCK OR DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT. ANY HELP WITH THIS VEHICLE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED THANKS. *AK

HEARD PEBBLES UNDERNEITH THE CAR. STOPPED AT A MECHANIC'S SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT THE ALTERNATER WAS GOING OUT, BUT IT WASN'T TRUE, IT WAS THE ENGINE.WHILE TRYING TO GET HOME THE CAR JUST QUIT AND HAD TO BE TOWED. *AK

VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR TWO DAYS WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE BY ITSELF IN THE ENGINE BY THE BACK FIREWALL, CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE EGR VALVE. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE EGR VALVE. VEHICLE USES LESS FUEL NOW. VAN SHAKES LEFT AND RIGHT AT 37MPH, AND UP/DOWN AT 48 MPH. AT FIRST, DEALER DENIE DPROBLEM. HOWEVER, AFTER THEY CHECKED OTHER VANS AND FOUND SAME PROBLEM. CONSUMER BELIEVES SHAKING HAS TO DO WITH A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. ALSO , MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

SOCKET FOR THE LIGHT BULBS HAD MELTED THE PLUGS. ALSO, SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED 5 TIMES DUE TO BREAKING. LAST BELT WAS SHREDDED TO PIECES. THE TENSIONER GAUGE WAS REPLACED. IN ADDITION, AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON & THE HORN FAILED TO WORK WHEN USED. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO CHECK PROBLEMS. *AK

THERE IS AN OIL LEAKAGE COMING FROM ENGINE HEAD GASKET FROM WHICH THE OIL IS GETTING INTO THE ENGINE AND ROADS. *AK.

THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND HAS BEEN REPLACED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO OVERHEAT DUE TO FAILURE OF THE RADIATOR FAN. *MJS

THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND HAS BEEN REPLACED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO OVERHEAT DUE TO FAILURE OF THE RADIATOR FAN. *MJS

WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AT A SPEED OF 5-10 MPH DRIVEBELT TENSIONER SUPPORT ROLLER FELL OFF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOCK UP, DUE TO THIS LOCK UP, LOST CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FUTHER INFORMATION. *AK

THE ENGINE COOLING FAN STOPPED WORKING WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. ENGINE OVERHEATED. DEALER HAS VEHICLE RIGHT NOW. *AK

ROCKER PANEL ON THE BEAD HAD SNAPPED OFF. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE SHORT BOLTS WHICH HAD DEVELOPED CRACKS FROM THE CYLINDER POUNDING. HAD LOST POWER & HAD NO OVERHEATING HEATING. ALSO, HAD NO PRIOR WARNING. *AK

DUE TO DEFECTIVE TIMING FAN BELT, TENSIONER FALLS APART AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO BE INOPERATIVE UNEXPECTLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. DLR REPLACE PART SEVERAL TIME. COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. MJS

THE ENGINE IS JUST THE MOST RECENT PROBLEM. WE WENT AHEAD AND BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT IS USUALLY NEVER USED. THIS TIME WE USED IT NUMEROUS TIMES. WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS, THE STARTER HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE FUEL PUMP, THE ENGINE HEAD, THE ELECTRONIC LOCKS CURRENTLY DO NOT WORK. IT HAS JUST BEEN A REAL LEMON. WE JUST DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. THIS TIME THE ENGINE BLEW AND THERE WAS NO CLUE THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG. WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES AND LAST NIGHT JUST BARELY MADE IT HOME.

BOTH FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL IN INITAL OBSERVATION. TODAY'S FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN ANAYLIZED BY THE REPAIR FACILITY HOWEVER WHAT EVER CAUSED THE BELT TO COME OFF ALSO TORE THE TENSIONER OFF OF THE ENGINE AT THE MOUNTING BOLT OR THE BOLT FAILED TO CAUSE THE PROBLEM. IN BOTH CASES THE BOLT SHEARED FLUSH IN THE BLOCK AND THE TENSIONER DISENTIGRATED INTO PLASTIC BUSHING, SPRING, MAIN BODY, AND THE SHEARED MOUNTING BOLT. ALL ACCESSORIES, BELT DRIVEN, NATURALLY STOPPED INCLUDING POWER ASSISTED STEERING. A LOUD, STARTLING BANG SIGNALED THE FAILURE AS THE TENSIONER SHEARED. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS AT 37,603 ORIGINAL OWNER MILES AND THE SECOND IDENTICAL FAILURE HAS OCCURED AT 82,709 ORIGINAL OWNER MILES...OUT OF EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE FINAL BILL CHARGED CUSTOMER $217 LABOR AND A FOOT NOTE INDICATED SERVICE MANAGER AUTHORIZED PARTS WTY ON THIS REPAIR. PARTS WERE TENSIONER, BELT, AND POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY. I CONSIDER THIS A POTENTIAL SERIOUS CONTROL PROBLEM IF THE FAILURE OCCURS IN MANUVERING SITUATION.

WITH OUT WARNING THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED. MY WIFE CALLED THE DEALER. THEY SAID NOT TO DRIVE IT . LATER THE HUSBAND CHECK CAR TO CONFIRM THAT THE FAN WERE NOT TURNING. THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO DEALER TO GET RELAY REPLACED. ALSO WHEN THE ENGIN IS RUNNING IT HAS A VALVE KNOCK.

WHEN RUNNING AIR CONDITIONER AND SOMETIMES WITHOUT RUNNING IT, AND USUALLY WHEN TURNING RIGHT, THE ENGINE JUST QUITS. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 50 TIMES OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS. I HAVE HAD THE SERPETINE BELT REPLACED TWICE AS IT FLEW OFF AND THE POWER STEERING BELT REPLACED ONCE. THE VEHICLE JUST DIES WHEN IT WANTS TO WHILE TRAVELLING AT VARIABLE SPEEDS, USALLY WHILE SLOWING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN OR EXIT TO THE RIGHT OFF THE FREEWAY AND ESTIMATE 15-25 MPH AND IT JUST DIES. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER WITH NO RESPONSE OTHER THAN THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD 2 DIFFERENT SHOPS TELL ME IT SOUNDS ELECTRICAL. AND THE OTHER MINOR PROBLEM IS THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS GO OFF PERIODICALLY ON THEIR OWN WHILE TURNING LEFT. I HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS WAS EVER REPORTED BY ANYONE ELSE BUT WOULD LIKE THE COMPLAINT REGISTERED AND INVESTIGATED. THANK YOU.

INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT WONT RETRACT WHEN PULLED OUT. WEATHERSTRIPPING ON DRIVERS DOOR FELL OFF FOUND OUT THE DRIVERS DOOR WAS NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY. CONSTANT BELT NOISE ESPECIALLY DURING WET CONDITIONS. DEALER MUST REPEATEDLY TIGHTEN THEM. BRAKES PULSATE WHEN APPLYING THEM. REPLACED NUMEROUS COMPONENTS ON REAR BRAKES. FUEL TANK WOULD NOT READ FUEL LEVEL CORRECTLY. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP, AND OTHER COMPONENTS AND SAID THE FUEL TANK WAS BOWED. DUAL SLIDING DOORS HAVE TO BE REPEATEDLY ADJUSTED BECAUSE THEY BECOME DIFFICULT TO SLIDE. DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. RIGHT REAR CHILD SAFETY SEAT HAD HOLE IN THE BUCKLE. REPLACED BATTERY ONCE.INSTALLED CHILD SAFETY BELT EXTENSIONS DUE TO RECALL. VAN IS NOW BACK IN SHOP FOR UNKNOWN PROBLEMS, WILL NOT START.

WHILE DRIVING IN THE INSIDE LANE ON A THREE LANE EXPRESSWAY AT 65 MPH, THE VAN SIMPLY DIED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS A LEFT SHOULDER ON THE HIGHWAY THAT I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ONTO. I WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART THE VAN AND PROCEED ON MY TRIP FROM WISCONSIN TO MICHIGAN. I HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN ON THE ENGINE PERIODICALLY STALLING AT THE DEALER IN SHEBOYGAN, WI. THEY WERE NEVER ABLE TO DISCOVER WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO, I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DODGE DEALER IN MONROE, MICHIGAN AND EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE CAR PERIODICALLY STALLING. THEY SUPPOSEDLY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VAN BUT WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE VAN HAS ACTUALLY STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IN THE PAST, THE VAN HAD STALLED UPON FIRST BEING STARTED, WHILE PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY AND UNDER SIMILAR SITUATIONS. THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD A TENDANCY TO VARY ON THE SPEED CONTROL. I'M WONDERING IF THIS IS POSSIBLY TIED INTO THE ENGING PROBLEM. I DRIVE BETWEEN MONROE, MI AND SHEBOYGAN, WI ABOUT EVERY TWO MONTHS AND HAVE TO DRIVE THROUGH CHICAGO. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO RELY ON MY VEHICLE.

WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN A OFF RAMP THE VAN STALLED AFTER WAITING THE VANSTART

FRONT CAM SEALS LEAKING. NLM

PIN MISSING (NOT INSTALLED) IN FAN CAUSING IT TO BECOME LOOSE. NLM

ENGINE HEAD GASKETS ARE LEAKING LOTS OF OIL, UP TO 3 QUARTS LOW. DEALER NOT AWARE OF PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. NO WARRANTY. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NO SUMMARY

BELT REPLACED THREE TIMES. NLM

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN HOT WEATHER THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *AK

TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 20000 MILES, SERPENTINE BELT FAILED ON 4 SEPERATE OCCASIONS, EACH OCCASION THE POWER STEERING WAS LOST CAUSING A SEVERE ACCIDENT HAZARD, BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING - REPLACED AT 20000 MILES, 2 FREEZE PLUGS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING ALL ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK OUT OF CAR, FRONT WIPERS GO ON WITHOUT WARNING - AT NO SPECIFIC SPEED, WEATHER CONDITION ETC., ALL 12 LIFTERS FAILED 2 TIMES IN THE PERIOD OF 1 MONTH, TURN SIGNAL WILL NOT TURN OFF, AND OTHER MINOR MISCELLANEOUS PROBLEMS.( DOT NUMBER: )

CONSUMER RCOMPLAINED OF DEFECT IN THE ENGINE AT 55,000 MILES OF WEAR; ENGINE IS BEING REBUILD NOW AT CONSUMER'S COST OF APPROX. $900.00 SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. MFR. NOTIFIED. *AK

SERPENTINE BELT BROKE WHILE DRIVING . THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLS AND THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER. MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

EXHAUST SYSTEM REQUIRED REMOUNTING DUE TO BOLT BREAKAGE. MJS

RELAY TO THE EXHAUST FAN FAILED CAUSING OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINE. MJS

HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE CAUSING A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. *AK

CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATED, CAUSING THE WIRES TO MELT, SHORT OUT AND EVENTUALY CATCH 0N FIRE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER ADDS VEHICLE SMELLED OF FUEL FROM DAY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE BRAKES FAIL CONSTANTLY. LEAKY O-RINGS CAUSED FIRE. *TT

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER SPRING SHEARED OFF VEHICLE , RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE SERPENTINE BELT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH OR ABOVE THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITHOT WARNING. DEALER CANNOT IDENITFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

WHEN COMING TO A STOP AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR STALLS. IT REMAINS STALLED FOR APROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES THEN RESTARTS. THIS INTERMITTENTLY OCCURS. DEALER STATES HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE BUT IT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN REPORTED BEFORE. COULD BE REARENDED WHILE STALLED POSING A POTENTIAL HAZZARD. *AK

INTERMITTENT OVERHEATING CAUSED BY FAULTY VALVE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT STATED HE HADN'T HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. FIXED AT OTHER LOCATION. COULD (AND ALMOST DID) CAUSE FIRE IN ENGINE. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT STALLING CAUSING ALL POWER TO BE LOST.

BELT AND TENSIONER PERFORM POORLY.

COOLANT FANS FAILED.

REAR COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKING.

ENGINE GALLEY PLUGS ARE LEAKING FUEL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE,CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR VAN IN AUGUST OF 1997, WE HAVE HAD MANY REPAIRS AND VISITS TO THE DEALER. AS OF TODAY, THEY HAVE NOT FIXED OR DIAGNOSED THE BRAKE PROBLEMS. WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR APPLYING MY BRAKES, A CRUNCHING SOUND OCCURS ,AND I CAN FEEL IT IN THE PEDAL. IT IS A FAIRLY LOUD SOUND AND THE VIBRATION IS DISTRACTING BECAUSE YOU LOSE YOUR BRAKE PEDAL FOR A PERIOD OF 1-2 SECONDS. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER DODGE CARAVAN OWNERS AND PLAN TO TAKE A DETAILED SURVEY ON THIS MATTER, BUT, NONE TO THIS POINT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM OR ANTILOCK BRAKE COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH IS UNDETECTABLE. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR ALL THE TIME, AND NOT UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. THIS, ALSO, LEADS ME TO THE CONCLUSION THERE IS A MAJOR SAFTEY DEFECT HERE. I HAVE HAD THIS TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY CANT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO, GET IN AN ACCIDENT? I HAVE ASKED THAT THEY RECALL MY VAN, REFUND FULL PURCHASE PRICE OR REPLACE MY VEHICLE WITH ONE SIMILAR TO MINE. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM: TODAY IT WAS IN FOR BRAKES AND A BLOWN ENGINE HEAD GASKET. PREVIOUSLY, CATALYTIC CONVERTER/ BLOWER MOTOR/BATTERY/ SPEED SENSOR AND ANTI RATTLE BUMPERS THAT STILL HAVENT CORRECTED PROBLEM/FUEL FILTER GROUND STRAP AND FUEL FILLER TUBE GROUND STRAP HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ALSO, DEGLAZED BRAKES, BUT STILL BRAKES SQUEAK.FINALLY, HEADLIGHTS REPLACED W/HOUSING/LAMP, AND WHATEVER ELSE THEY HAVE DONE TO IT WHILE IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW. IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE TUESDAY FEB.02. THIS VAN IS NO WAY WORTH THE HASSLES THAT I HAVE BEEN PUT THROUGH AND I DONT THINK ANYONE SHOULD HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS SO EARLY ON. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THIS MODEL AND HAVE FOUND ATLEAST 100 COMPLAINTS FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND OTHER MAJOR REPAIRS AND UNDIAGNOSED PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. I THINK IT IS TIME SOMEONE STEPPED IN AND TOOK A GOOD LOOK AT THIS 96 VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS NOT UP TO SAFTEY STANDARDS BY A LONG SHOT. THANK YOU.

SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR VAN IN AUGUST OF 1997, WE HAVE HAD MANY REPAIRS AND VISITS TO THE DEALER. AS OF TODAY, THEY HAVE NOT FIXED OR DIAGNOSED THE BRAKE PROBLEMS. WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR APPLYING MY BRAKES, A CRUNCHING SOUND OCCURS ,AND I CAN FEEL IT IN THE PEDAL. IT IS A FAIRLY LOUD SOUND AND THE VIBRATION IS DISTRACTING BECAUSE YOU LOSE YOUR BRAKE PEDAL FOR A PERIOD OF 1-2 SECONDS. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER DODGE CARAVAN OWNERS AND PLAN TO TAKE A DETAILED SURVEY ON THIS MATTER, BUT, NONE TO THIS POINT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM OR ANTILOCK BRAKE COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH IS UNDETECTABLE. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR ALL THE TIME, AND NOT UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. THIS, ALSO, LEADS ME TO THE CONCLUSION THERE IS A MAJOR SAFTEY DEFECT HERE. I HAVE HAD THIS TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY CANT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO, GET IN AN ACCIDENT? I HAVE ASKED THAT THEY RECALL MY VAN, REFUND FULL PURCHASE PRICE OR REPLACE MY VEHICLE WITH ONE SIMILAR TO MINE. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM: TODAY IT WAS IN FOR BRAKES AND A BLOWN ENGINE HEAD GASKET. PREVIOUSLY, CATALYTIC CONVERTER/ BLOWER MOTOR/BATTERY/ SPEED SENSOR AND ANTI RATTLE BUMPERS THAT STILL HAVENT CORRECTED PROBLEM/FUEL FILTER GROUND STRAP AND FUEL FILLER TUBE GROUND STRAP HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ALSO, DEGLAZED BRAKES, BUT STILL BRAKES SQUEAK.FINALLY, HEADLIGHTS REPLACED W/HOUSING/LAMP, AND WHATEVER ELSE THEY HAVE DONE TO IT WHILE IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW. IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE TUESDAY FEB.02. THIS VAN IS NO WAY WORTH THE HASSLES THAT I HAVE BEEN PUT THROUGH AND I DONT THINK ANYONE SHOULD HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS SO EARLY ON. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THIS MODEL AND HAVE FOUND ATLEAST 100 COMPLAINTS FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND OTHER MAJOR REPAIRS AND UNDIAGNOSED PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. I THINK IT IS TIME SOMEONE STEPPED IN AND TOOK A GOOD LOOK AT THIS 96 VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS NOT UP TO SAFTEY STANDARDS BY A LONG SHOT. THANK YOU.

THE VAN CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE WE WERE GETTING GAS,THE ENGINE WAS OFF.THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE.THE FIRE CHIEF SAID THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR GOT TOO HOT, CAUGHT THE WIRING SYSTEM ON FIRE, AND BURNED A HOLE IN THE FUEL LINE. HE SAID AS WE WERE GETTING GAS WE WERE FEEDING THE FIRE.ALL MY CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR WHILE IT WAS BURNING. THE FIRE DEPT. FILED AN OFFICIAL REPORT. CHRYSLER INVESTIGATED, KEPT US WAITING FOR A MONTH. THEN SAID THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THEY WON'T LET US SEE THE REPORT. THEY WON'T LET US SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR. WE HAVE NOT TOUCHED THE CAR SINCE THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT MAY BE EVIDENCE. THE INSPECTOR TOLD US OFF THE RECORD THAT THERE WERE HOLES BURNED IN THE TOP OF THE GAS COMPARTMENT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.ANOTHER MECHANIC QUESTIONED WHETHER OR NOT THE CONVERTOR WAS SHIELDED AND WAS A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE GAS COMPARTMENT. *AK

WHILE DRIVING UP THE DRIVEWAY VEHICLE CUTS OFF. HAD NO WARNING. ALSO, THE GAUGES ON DASHBOARD DO NOT WORK LIKE THEY SHOULD, ESPECIALLY, ODOMETER/FUEL AND PRESSURE GAUGES. IN ADDITION, BRAKE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE/SLIDING DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED PROPERLY WITH OR WITHOUT KEY. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER TO CHECK OUT PROBLEMS. *AK

RADIATOR FAN SWITCH BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT CONTINUOUSLY WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DEALR REPLACED SWITCH. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

THE TENSIONER BELT DRIVE PULLEY BROKE A PIECE OF METAL FROM IT AND HIT VEHICLE BEHIND.

TRANSMISSION/ALTERNATOR/BELTS/POWER WINDOWS/SHOCK ABSORBERS/BATTERY/COIL/SPARK PLUGS AND RADIO FAILED.

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN OR STALL, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT ANY MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT A NOTICE, LEAVING CONSUMER ON THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. CONSUMER HAD SOME OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. DEALER HAD REPAIRED VEHICLE A FEW TIMES BEFORE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

WHILE DRIVING THE DOOR COMES OPEN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES. -NOW VEHICLE IS MAKING A NOISE. *AK

VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITH NO PRIOR INDICATION. DEALER CONTACTED AND WILL TRY TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

VEHICLE WOULD STALL PREVENTING BRAKES FROM WORKING PROPERLY. CV JOINT WENT THROUGH TRANSMISSION, VEHICLE WAS IN ARBITRATION FOR 37MPH VIBRATION, BRAKE FAILURE AND ENGINE STALLING

VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, LATER BELT POPPED AND TENSIONER WENT, THEN REPLACED. THIS REOCCURRED 4 ADDITIONAL TIMES. DEALER CONTACTED, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK *ML

ENGINE HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINING, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK, WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN EGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED,AND REFUSED TO REPAIR BECAUSE VEHICLE DOES NOT MEET NHTSA RECALL # 96V-006 SPECIFICATIONS. *AK

ENGINE FAILED.

TENSIONER THAT TIGHTENS THE SERPENTINE BELT SNAPPED OFF WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE LEFT PASSAGER'S SIDE. THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW FUEL TO PASS INTO THE VAPOR CANISTER, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, AWAITING REPAIRS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

TENSIONER ROD BROKE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *AK

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DEALERS NOTED PROBLEM AS SHUT OFF SYSTEM. *AK

ABS BRAKES/WATER PUMP/WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND BRAKE REAR BRAKE SHOES FAILED.

SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER FAILED.

FAN MODULE FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. ALSO, AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON.

DASHBOARD AND OVERHEAD LIGHTS EMIT SMOKE AND THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT BURNING.

DASHBOARD AND OVERHEAD LIGHTS EMIT SMOKE AND THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT BURNING.

OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.

OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.

RIGHT REAR BRAKE CYLINDER, SPRINGS, SHOES AND LININGS FAILED.

RIGHT REAR BRAKE CYLINDER, SPRINGS, SHOES AND LININGS FAILED.

VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED.

VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED.

FAN RELAY FAILED AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.

FAN RELAY FAILED AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY DETAILS. *AK

SERPINETINE BELT TENSIONER PULLEY BRACKET BROKE, FLEW INTO POWER STEERING PULLEY AND BROKE IT. POWER STEERING PULLEY IS PLASTIC. CHRYSLER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR.

NEOPRENE TIPS IN MOTOR FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL.

WHILE DRIVING APPILED THE BRAKES AND THE ABS KICKED IN, AND THERE WAS NO BRAKES. DRIVER HIT THE EMENGENCY BRAKE SO THAT THE TRUCK COULD STOP. ALSO THE TENSION BELT MOUNT SNAPPED ON THE TRUCK WHICH CAUSED TRUCK TO BE INOPERABLE. *AK

AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER FAILS CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING CAPABILITY.

ENGINE BELT TENSIONER WAS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING THE STEERING AND BRAKES TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK

ENGINE TENSIONER BELT FAILED CAUSING WATER PUMP FAILURE, AND ENGINE TO OVERHEAT.

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE SERPENTINE BELT BROKE 6 DIFFERENT TIMES, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HAVE NO POWER. DEALERS ARE UNCERTAIN ON WHAT IS CAUSING PROBLEM. *AK

OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH THE VAN WENT COMPLETELY DEAD. THE STEERING BECAME REAL HARD AND LOCKED UP. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY. WHEN VAN WAS TOWED, MECHANIC FOUND TIMING BELT AND TENSIONER BROKE. THE TIMING BELT AND TENSIONER HAD BEEN REPLACED. *AK

WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VAN THERE IS A STALLING PROBLEM. THE VAN ALSO STALLS IN TRAFFIC. THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK

SERPENTINE BELT FAILURE.

ENGINE OVERHEATING SEVERAL TIMES.

EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURE.

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY AT REGULAR SPEEDS VEHICLE STALLS AND THEN CUTS OFF FOR NO REASON. DEALERS HAVE REPLACED MAP SENSOR 4 TIMES AND PROBLEM CONTINUES. DEALERS ARE UNCERTAIN ON WHAT'S CAUSING PROBLEM. *AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY AT REGULAR SPEEDS VEHICLE STALLS AND THEN CUTS OFF FOR NO REASON. DEALERS HAVE REPLACED MAP SENSOR 4 TIMES AND PROBLEM CONTINUES. DEALERS ARE UNCERTAIN ON WHAT'S CAUSING PROBLEM. *AK

VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON FREEWAY.

ENGINE SEALS FAILED RESULTING IN LEAKAGE.

DRIVE BELT FAILED.

THE ENGINE WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A HIGH SPEED OF 55 MPH. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO GET OFF ROAD SAFELY. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN THE FOLLOWING WEEK (3) TIMES ON PARKWAY WITH SLOWER TRAFFIC. CARAVAN WAS TOWED TO DEALER AUGUST 14TH BECAUSE IT STALLED (6) TIMES THAT DAY. DEALER CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM. *AK

SERPENTINE BELT FAILED.

MOTOR FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE STALLING.

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONSUMER THEN PULLED OVER AND WAITED FOR THE ENGINE TO COOL. AFTER THE ENGINE COOLED, THE CONSUMER CHECKED THE OIL STICK AND IT READ NOTHING. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE GALLEY PLUG. DEALER SAID IT COULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE HAZARD. DEALER REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. *AK

VEHICLE STALLED AT SLOW SPEEDS.

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. THE DEALER IS ATTEMPTING TO FIX THE VEHICLE, BUT HAS NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL YET. *AK ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER OF 1997. CONSUMER IS IN PROCESS OF PURCHASING A 1998 FROM DEALER, COLONIAL FITZGERALD DODGE HAS BEEN HELPING CONSUMER NEGOTIATE A BUYBACK. *SLC

ENGINE FAILES SOON AFTER ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD A SNAP. SHE THEN WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING, THE TENSION PULLEY HAD SHEARED COMPLETELY FROM ROD AND IT WAS JUST SITTING INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK *NLM

ENGINE LOST POWER.

FAILED CRANK SEAL LEAKS OIL.

WINE IN ENGINE UP TO 40 MPH.

VEHICLE MAKES POUNDING NOISE WHILE STARTING.

TIMING BELT FAILED.

ON THREE OCCASIONS THE FAN BELT BROKE, CAUSING NOISE. *YC

FAILURE ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WHEN SHIFTING THE VEHICLE FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A LOUD SOUND, CONSUMER ALSO SMELLED A VERY BAD ODOR/FUMES IN THE VEHICLE. *AK

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN A FLAT HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP, APPLIED THE ABS BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WOULDN'T MOVE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES, ALSO EXCESSIVE GAS CONSUMPTION.*AK

ENGINE KNOCKS DUE TO DAMAGED TENSIONER/BELTS. *DH

ENGINE BLOCK FAILED. *SD

INTERMITTENT STALLING.

PURCHASED TRUCK THERE WAS WATER LEAK, THE WINDOW MAKES NOISE. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY. *DSH

INTERMITTENT STALLING. *DSH

THE EVAPORATOR CONTROL CANISTER LEAKS AND THE ENGINE STALLS*AK CONSUMER STATES FULE FILL RIGHT VALVE WAS FIXED ON 3-19-1996 BUT WHNE SHE FILLS THE GAS TANK STILL HAVE THE SMA PROBLEM CONSUMER STILL SMELLS GAS FUMES AND VAPORS, UNABLE TO DRIVE VAN WITHOUT ALL THE WINDOWS DOWN.*JB

THE EVAPORATOR CONTROL CANISTER LEAKS AND THE ENGINE STALLS*AK CONSUMER STATES FULE FILL RIGHT VALVE WAS FIXED ON 3-19-1996 BUT WHNE SHE FILLS THE GAS TANK STILL HAVE THE SMA PROBLEM CONSUMER STILL SMELLS GAS FUMES AND VAPORS, UNABLE TO DRIVE VAN WITHOUT ALL THE WINDOWS DOWN.*JB

THE EVAPORATOR CONTROL CANISTER LEAKS AND THE ENGINE STALLS. PLEASE DESCRBE. *AK

THE EVAPORATER CONTROL CANISTER LEAKS AND THE ENGINE STALLS.*AK CONSTANT FULE SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE IF VEHICLE, SMELL ONLY GOES AWAY WHEN TANK IS 1/4 FULL, PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE IN SUMMER HEAT, HAVE TO DRIVE WITH WINDOS OPEN TO AVOID NAUSEA AND HEADACHES. *JB

THE EVAPORATER CONTROL CANISTER LEAKS AND THE ENGINE STALLS.*AK CONSTANT FULE SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE IF VEHICLE, SMELL ONLY GOES AWAY WHEN TANK IS 1/4 FULL, PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE IN SUMMER HEAT, HAVE TO DRIVE WITH WINDOS OPEN TO AVOID NAUSEA AND HEADACHES. *JB

VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING WILL BACKFIRE AND THEN STALL. TT

VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING WILL BACKFIRE AND THEN STALL. TT

AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS, NOTICE SPILLAGE COME FROM THE VAPOR CANISTER. TT