1997 DODGE CARAVAN Electrical System Problems

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.

Mileage: 250,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RADIO STOP WORKING AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, AIR BAG AND BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

MY WIFE PARK THE VAN INSIDE THE GARAGE, TURN OFF THE RADIO, ENGINE AND LIGHTS. SHE OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR AND SEE FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING BY THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLER. AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE VAN WERE ON. SHE REMOVE THE KIDS FROM THE VAN AND MY SON CALL 911.POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, REMOVE THE VAN FROM THE GARAGE AND CHECK IT AND FOUND POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION .CHECK THE VAN TODAY 8-24 2013 AND FOUND THAT THE FIRE START AT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH. DIM SWITCH OK AND MIRROR SWITCH OK. THE FIRE DAMAGE THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD, WINDSHIELD, SUN VISOR AND CELLING. I HAVE THIS VAN SINCE NEW, NEVER HAVE A PROBLEM BEFORE. AND NEVER SEE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. *TR

Mileage: 209,000

1997 DODGE CARAVAN. STARTING AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD MYSTERIOUSLY COME ON, MAKE 4 TO 5 WIPES AND TURN OFF. WE MADE JOKES ABOUT THE GHOST RIDING WITH US. IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, HAPPENING ABOUT EVERY MONTH OR SIX WEEKS. IT COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED ON DEMAND. FINALLY, AT 72,000, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REFUSED TO TURN ON FROM THE STALK--EXCEPT WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WAS GIVEN A "SQUIRT" OF FLUID BY LIFTING UP ON THE TURN SIGNAL/WIPER CONTROL STALK, THEN THEY GAVE THE REGULAR THREE WIPES AND TURNED OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE SWITCH UNIT. IT DID NOT HELP. THEN THEY CALLED CHRYSLER'S "SUPER TECH 800 NUMBER" AND NO HELP WAS PROVIDED. SINCE THE CAR COULD NOT BE INSPECTED WITH NO WIPER FUNCTION, THE ENTIRE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED (COMPUTER) WHICH FIXED THE PROBLEM. COST: $741.00. SINCE ALL OF THE MECHANICAL PARTS OF THE WIPER SYSTEM WORKED, IF THIS HAPPENED AGAIN, I DETERMINED I WOULD SIMPLY PULL A HOT WIRE THROUGH THE DASH TO AN "ON-OFF" SWITCH AND CONNECT THAT UP TO THE WIPER FEED--ESTIMATED COST OF LESS THAN $10.00. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED FROM DRIVE INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. TWO DAYS LATER, WHILE MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND NEARLY CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE PERSISTENTLY STALLED AFTER THESE INCIDENTS AND WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COMPUTER AND CONTROL BODY MODULE WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC WAS NEEDED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

NO POWER TO INSTRUMENT PANEL 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. BAD SOLDERING JOINTS IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD. *TR

Mileage: 11,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE VENT WINDOW IS STUCK IN AN INWARD POSITION AND CANNOT BE OPENED. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS BEGIN TO FLASH AND THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THE VEHICLE CAN ONLY BE RESTARTED AFTER WAITING 15 MINUTES. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD START, SHUT OFF, AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD MALFUNCTION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OFF AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

Mileage: 32,000

INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPS WORKING. *TR

Mileage: 40,000

THE VAN HAS A HARD TIME GOING IN REVERSE WHEN IT IS COOL OUTSIDE. AND WHEN GOING IN DRIVE THE VAN HAS A HARD TIME SHIFTING INTO ANY GEAR. SOMETIMES THE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE SPEEDOMETER FLIPS OUT AND SHOOTS TO 0 TO 80 3 TIMES BEFORE IT STOPS AND GOES BACK TO THE RIGHT SPEED THAT I AM GOING. *JB

ALTERNATOR BELT CAME OFF, ALL POWER TO VEHICLE WAS LOST. *JB

1997 DODGE CARAVAN 3.3 LITER V6 WITH 93000 MILES. STARTED VEHICLE AND THE STARTER MECHANISM LOCKED ONTO THE FLYWHEEL OR FAILED TO DISENGAGE, MAKING A SCREECHING NOISE. TURNED IGNITION OFF AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN BUT STARTER KEPT CYCLING ENGINE. REMOVED KEYS FROM IGNITION AND VAN WAS STILL ATTEMPTING START BY TURNING THE ENGINE OVER AND OVER. STRONG SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AS THE STARTER CONTINUED TO CYCLE ENGINE, UNABATED, WITH KEYS OUT OF IGNITION. HOOD WAS POPPED AND BATTERY CABLES WERE DISCONNECTED SHUTTING THE STARTER OFF. THE STARTER CRANKED THE ENGINE, NONSTOP, WITHOUT KEYS IN IGNITION, FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS WAS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. UPON IMMEDIATE INSPECTION OF THE STARTER IT WAS FOUND TO BE RED HOT. THE CABLES/WIRES COMING OUT OF THE STARTER WERE RED HOT AND SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC FILLED THE AIR. THE STARTER WAS REMOVED AND FOUND TO BE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ( WITH CHRYSLER CORPORATION LOGO INTACT). THE STARTER WAS FOUND TO BE LOCKED IN THE EXTENDED POSITION AND WOULD NOT RETRACT. A NEW STARTER WAS PURCHASED AND INSTALLED DUE TO THE ORIGINAL BEING INOPERABLE. OLD STARTER WAS TURNED IN TO PEP BOYS IN RAYNHAM, MA FOR CORE REFUND. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT IF THE BATTERY WAS NOT DISCONNECTED, THE STARTER WOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO START THE ENGINE UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY(STARTER)OVERHEATED ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE WIRES AND START AN ENGINE FIRE. *JB

Mileage: 93,000

DT: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. INSTRUMENT PANEL DID NOT WORK. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS DIGITAL. BUTTONS FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND REAR DEFROSTER FLASHED CONSTANTLY. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO GARAGE, AND THEY RECOMMENDED DODGE DEALER. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON THEIR OWN. VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE TO BE ON RUNNING FOR WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO COME ON. THEY CAME ON ABOUT EVERY TWO WEEKS. ALSO, TRAVELING INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON. CONSUMER STOPPED LIGHTS FROM COMING ON BY PUTTING TAPE ON DOOR. CONSUMER BELIEVED THESE WERE DIFFERENT ISSUES. HE REPLACED FAN CONTROL MODULE LAST YEAR, AND THAT DID NOT HELP.*AK CONSUMER ADDED THAT POUNDING ON THE DASHBOARD MADE THE DASH LIGHT ILLUMINATE. *TT

Mileage: 70,000

DT: AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON/THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH DIDN'T WORK, AND THE HORN MALFUNCTIONED. NOTICED THESE FAILURES ON JUNE 1, 2005. HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. HAD CHECKED THE FUSES, THEY WERE STILL GOOD. *AK

THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE THE DEALER. *NM THE A/C WAS INOPERATIVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE SES LIGHT. RECALL# 04V480000. *SC *JB

THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I LATER REALIZED THAT THE HORN DOESN'T WORK. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. AT A NYS INSPECTION VISIT. THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION.*AK I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I NEEDED TO USE THE HORN, AND WAS UNABLE TO. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT.

Mileage: 92,000

HI MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I PURCHASED A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN FOR $3,600 AND TRADED IN MY CAR WHICH WAS WORTH $400 AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THE DEALER MAN SAID. I BROUGHT BACK THE CARAVAN THE NEXT DAY TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THEY WERE GOING TO FIX SOME MINOR PROBLEMS, INCLUDING THE HORN THAT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING AT ALL . THEY SPENT THE WHOLE DAY WITH THE VAN AND DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO IT, THEN THEY SAID TO BRING IT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD ME THAT THE HORN WAS GOING TO GET ORDERED AND THAT IT WAS GOING TO TAKE A WHILE BECAUSE THE PART THAT THEY NEEDED COULDN'T BE SENT VIA MAIL BECAUSE IT WAS CONSIDERED TO BE EXPLOSIVE SO WHEN I DECIDED TO ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK SINCE IT HAD A 30 DAY WARRANTY THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE GOING TO FIX IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I WENT TO PICK UP MY VAN AND WHEN I SAW IT THEY PUT IT A DIFFERENT HORN AND TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD PASS INSPECTION AND THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART THAT THE VAN NEEDED IF I WAS WILLING TO PAY HALF ON IT. IN CONCLUSION TO THIS THE PIECE THAT THEY NEED IS THE CLOCK SPRING WHICH COST ABOUT $ 400 TO $ 900 AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE THE VAN WITH THE HORN THAT THEY PUT IN INSTEAD OF PUTTING A NEW CLOCK SPRING. THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THAT ONCE THE CLOCK SPRINGS BREAKS DOWN THE AIRBAG , CRUISE CONTROL. AND THE RADIO WOULDN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT I THINK THAT THEY SHOULD'VE TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE SELLING THAT VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER I WILL APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN HELP ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION ON 1997 DODGE CARAVAN.*MR IGNITION TUMBLE WAS REPLACED, FAN ASSEMBLY.*TS

WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 BATTERIES IN 6 YEARS. THESE INCLUDE BATTERIES BY THREE DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS. INITIALLY, THE BATTERIES WERE COVERED BY THE 3YR/36K MILE WARRANTY, AND WE WERE TOLD THE BATTERIES WERE DEFECTIVE. OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE VAN. IN EACH CASE, THE BATTERIES WENT SUDDENLY DEAD (WOULD NOT HOLD ANY CHARGE AT ALL) LONG BEFORE THEY SHOULD HAVE.*AK

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION.*AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT HORN COMES ON BY ITSELF FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HORN SOMETIMES SOUNDS UNEXPECTEDLY FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

Mileage: 36,000

CLOCK SPRING REPLACEMENT / CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TRADED TO CONSUMER WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON. UPON DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM, THE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING WAS BROKEN. *TS. ALSO THE RIGHT AXLE OUTPUT SHAFT LEAKED OIL, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS. *JB

CLOCKSPRING FAILED, CAUSING HORN/AIR BAG AND CRUISE CONTROL TO MALFUNCTION. *AK

FUEL TANK, BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE WE BOUGHT IT, EVERY TIME WE GO TO BRING THE VECHICLE IN FOR THEM, THEN COULD NOT FIND AN ANSWER AFTER ABOUT THE 4TH TIME WE BROUGHT IT IN, WE SAID THIS IS TO MUCH AND WE BROUGHT IT IN MORE THEN 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND WE SHOULD GET REPAIRED FREE, I BELIVE BY LEMON LAW?, WELL NUTTHING YET 3 YEARS AND RUNNING, WITH SEVERAL SEVERAL PROBLEMS, SHOULD ALL BE A RECALL CAUSE THAT TOMANY PROBLEMS, SUCH AS ON ALLDATA.COM AND READ ABOUT THE 97 DODGE CARAVAN 3.3L, MY LORD EVER PROBLEM ON THAT SHEET I HAVE, REALY GETTING ON MY NERVES...

Mileage: 40,000

FUEL TANK, BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE WE BOUGHT IT, EVERY TIME WE GO TO BRING THE VECHICLE IN FOR THEM, THEN COULD NOT FIND AN ANSWER AFTER ABOUT THE 4TH TIME WE BROUGHT IT IN, WE SAID THIS IS TO MUCH AND WE BROUGHT IT IN MORE THEN 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND WE SHOULD GET REPAIRED FREE, I BELIVE BY LEMON LAW?, WELL NUTTHING YET 3 YEARS AND RUNNING, WITH SEVERAL SEVERAL PROBLEMS, SHOULD ALL BE A RECALL CAUSE THAT TOMANY PROBLEMS, SUCH AS ON ALLDATA.COM AND READ ABOUT THE 97 DODGE CARAVAN 3.3L, MY LORD EVER PROBLEM ON THAT SHEET I HAVE, REALY GETTING ON MY NERVES...

Mileage: 40,000

AIR BAG LIGHT ALWAYS ON NO HORN TO WORK WIPERS COME ON AT ANY TIME BY THEMSELVES. DT

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND CRUISE AND HORN QUIT WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS JUST LIKE MY BROTHERS VAN HIS IS 97 DODGE SPORT IDENTICAL SITUATION WITH HIS THIS TELLS ME THAT THEIR IS A DESIGN ISSUE IN THE COLUMN . DT

NO SUMMARY. DT

CONSUMER STATES HORN DOES NOT BLOW AND AIR BAG LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

EA-01007 CONSUMER STATES THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMNIATES CONTINUOUSLY WHICH MEANS THE AIR BAG HAS A MALFUNCTION. THE PROBLEM HAS EFFECTED THE HORN NOT TO ALERT OTHERS. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. MR

THE AIRBAG LIGHTILLUMINATED. HORN NO LONGER IS OPERATIVE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *MR

THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING FAILURE RESULTS IN THE SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM, HORN, AND CRUISE CONTROL.*AK

HORN WILL INTERMITTENTLY WORK. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER STATED THAT PROBLEM COULD POSSIBLY BE BECAUSED BY A CLOCK SPRING DEFECT.*AK JLG

THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON AND NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN DO NOT WORK. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. IT IS STATED THAT THE "CLOCK SPRING" IS THE PART IN QUESTION, THIS SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE AT ONE TIME (NHTSA# 98V046) FOR A DIFFERENT MODEL , WHY IS IT NOT A SAFETY RECALL ITEM NOW? IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THE THE AIR BAG WILL NOT PERFORM WITH THIS PARTICULAR PART DEFECTIVE, WHICH WOULD LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGES OR WORSE YET "DEATH ". IF WE GET A REDUCTION IN OUR INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR PURCHASING RESTRAINT SYSTEMS SUCH AS THIS , IT SHOULD BE UPON THE MANUFACTURER TO STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCT.*AK

AIRBAG, HORN, AND CRUISE CONTROL ALL FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. CAUSE IS THE CLOCKSPRING MODULE BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS A SAFEFY HAZZARD AND CHRYSLER SHOULD PAY THE REPAIR. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MINI VAN.*AK

I NOTICED MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON AND THE HORN NOT WORKING. I CALLED A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A CLOCKSPRING. SHE SAID THEY GO OUT REGULARLY. IT EVIDENTLY AFFECTS THE AIRBAG, HORN AND OTHER COMPONENTS. NOT LONG AFTER MINE WENT OUT, MY MOTHERS STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. SHE ALSO HAS A 1997 MODEL DODGE, BUT HERS IS A GRAND CARAVAN. I THEN WENT TO MY MECHANIC TO ASK HIM IF HE COULD FIX IT AND HE SAID HE HAD JUST HAD SOMEONE ELSE COME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS VERY UNSAFE.*AK

EA 01 007/AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING, AIR BAG LIGHT REMAIN ON WHILE DRIVING AND HORN IS INOPERATIVE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK. THE ENGINE BLEW AT 73000 MILES ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIAN AND ADVISOR AT THE DODGE DEALERSHIP. *JG

INSTRUMENT PANEL IS ELECTRICAL AND LIGHT APPEARED ON AND OFF ON DASHBOARD INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

DODGE CARAVAN SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE AIR BAG. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, THE HORN DOES NOT FUNCTION AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. MY MECHANIC AND THE DEALER BOTH FOUND THIS TO BE A DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL.*AK

FIRST THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON AND DID NOT GO OFF. THEN THE HORN STOPPED WORKING. THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT COME ON. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSIS IS THAT CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IN THE CURRENT CONDITION THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY ON THE DRIVER SIDE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE ESTIMATED COST IS ~ $300.00. I HAVE SCHEDULED THE WORK FOR NEXT WEEK. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR THIS THEY WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE REPAIR COST. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. PER ARTICLES ON THE INTERNET CHRYSLER HAS REPLACES OVER 124,000 CLOCK SPRINGS, ON THEIR OWN ADMISSION!

FIRST TIME CLOCKSPRING FAILURE RENDERED DRIVER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE. SECOND FAILURE RENDERED CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE. A NON-WORKING AIRBAG IS A SAFETY ISSUE.*AK

AIR BAG/ HORN AND CRUSIE CONTROL FAILED DUE TO CLOCKSPRING MALFUNCTIONING. HORN COULD NOT BE USED IN A EMERGENCY SITUATION. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, CRUISE CONTROL WAS LOST AND HORN DOES NOT WORK. I UNDERSTAND THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE CLOCK SPRING FAILURE ON DODGE CARAVANS.*AK

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS PART TIME, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. *SCC

Mileage: 67,000

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, BOTH FANS REMAIN ON, AND THE DASHBOARD TEMPERATURE GAUGE DROPS TO C (BOTTOM). DEALER REPLACED RELAY BY THE RADIATOR AND THE COMPUTER (POWER TRAIN MODULE) BUT THE PROBLEMS REMAINS. *TT

AIR BAG AND THE HORN AREV NOT WORKING PROPERLY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT IT COULD BE CLOCKSPRING MATERIAL ON VEHICLE.*AK

WHILE DRIVING ELECTRICAL WIRING WENT OUT, AND LOST ALL POWER ON VEHICLE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD.ALSO, HORN COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

CLOCK SPRING FAILED, CAUSING CRUISE CONTROL/AIR BAGS,AND HORN NOT TO WORK. CHRYSLER SAID PART NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IF PART IS CONSIDERED A WIRING HARNESS THEN IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THAT WE PURCHASED.*AK

CONSUMER STATES BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT

HORN IS INOPERATIVE, AND AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER INDICATED NEEDED CLOCKSPRING. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK

WHILE DRIVING HORN STOPPED WORKING, AND ALL DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER THE DASH THAT CAUSED WIRING TO MELT. DEALER SAID WIRING AND COMPUTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK

THIS FAILURE CAUSES THE AIRBAG TO NOT WORK, THE HORN TO NOT WORK AND NO CRUISE CONTROL. I HAVE ALSO HEARD THE THE AIRBAG MAY DEPLY AT ANY TIME. THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM IF GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT 65 MPH. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART AND CHRYSLER SHOULD RECALL AND REPAIR. I UNDERSTAND THAT OTHER CARS WITH SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECALLED (SOME JEEPS AND TRUCKS). *AK

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON - HORN STOPPED WORKING. DIAGNOSIS IS FAILED CLOCKSPRING. COST OF REPAIR IS $100 "GOODWILL" REPAIR PRICE FROM DODGE. NOT COVERED BY PREMIUM EXTENDED WARRANTY.

WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT STATES THAT THE ONLY POSSIBLE NATURAL CAUSE FOR THE FIRE WOULD BE AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION, HOWEVER THIS WAS NOT PRESENT IN THE EVIDENCE THAT WAS EXAMNINED AFTER THE FIRE, CLAIM 13-7000-834. *SLC

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FIRE IN THE ALTERNATOR/IGNITION SYSTEM, CLAIM 18-0315-533. *SLC

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FIRE IN THE ALTERNATOR/IGNITION SYSTEM, CLAIM 18-0315-533. *SLC

WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT STATES THAT THE ONLY POSSIBLE NATURAL CAUSE FOR THE FIRE WOULD BE AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION, HOWEVER THIS WAS NOT PRESENT IN THE EVIDENCE THAT WAS EXAMNINED AFTER THE FIRE, CLAIM 13-7000-834. *SLC

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FIRE IN THE ALTERNATOR/IGNITION SYSTEM, CLAIM 18-0315-533. *SLC

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FIRE IN THE ALTERNATOR/IGNITION SYSTEM, CLAIM 18-0315-533. *SLC

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, AND HORN STOPPED WORKING. DEALER DETERMINED THAT CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

AIR BAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS BEEN ILLUMINATING/ HORN DOES NOT FUNCTION WHEN NEEDED, AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO OPERATE. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY IN STEERING COLUMN HAS FAILED, AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK

INFORMED THAT CLOCK WORK MECHANISM IS DEFECTIVE UNDER STEERING WHEEL COVER, THIS CONTROLS THE AIRBAG,CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN. TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY.*AK

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AT THE SAME TIME, THE HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CEASED TO FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE WIPERS COME ON AT RANDOM, BUT ESPECIALLY UPON USING TURN SIGNALS (WIPER CONTROLS ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER).*AK

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN DISTRIBUTOR BEARINGS SEIZED UP AND CAUSED TRANSAXLE TO LOOSEN UP. TRANSMISSION THEN FAILED. VEHICLE IS AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC INDICATED PLUG ON TRANSMISSION CANISTER CAP HAD MELTED. THIS HAPPENED AT 78,000 MILES. HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED WITH NEW TRANSMISSION. PROBLEM REAPPEARED IN NEW TRANSMISSION. HAD PREVIOUSLY SMELLED SULFUR LIKE FUMES INSIDE VEHICLE. VEHICLE GAVE BIG JERK , AND MADE A LOUD NOISE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. ALSO, NOTICED GRAYISH SMOKE IN REAR. AT DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC NOTICED PLUG, MADE OF PLASTIC, HAD MELTED LIKE THE FIRST ONE.*AK *SLC

AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING: AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT REMAINED ON WHILE TRAVELING. ALSO, HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERATIVE. *AK

AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON AND HORN IS INOPERATIVE. AUTHORIZED DEALER REPLACED CLOCKSPRING TO RESTORE DRIVER AIRBAG AND HORN OPERATION AT $212.95 COST TO CONSUMER.*AK

AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON AND HORN IS INOPERATIVE. AUTHORIZED DEALER REPLACED CLOCKSPRING TO RESTORE DRIVER AIRBAG AND HORN OPERATION AT $212.95 COST TO CONSUMER. *AK

EA 01 007/AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING: AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT REMAINED ON WHILE TRAVELING. ALSO, HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERATIVE. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED THATTHEY WERE NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM TAIL PIPE. THEN, WHITE SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER STOPPED CAR AND TURNED IGNITION OFF. CONSUMER EXITED THE CAR, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS MAY RELATED TO RECALL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS IN SHOP FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON FEBRUARY 16TH, 2001. *SLC

I HAVE EXPERIENCED FAILURES IN MY STEERING COLMN WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW ME TO USE MY HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, AND I AM AFRAID THAT MY AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALONG WITH ABS AND INTERMITANT OTHER LIGHTS. I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION AND IT STILL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. SLIPPING FROM TIME TO TIME. THE REAR A/C FAN SWITCH ONLY WORKS IN THE LOW AND HIGH POSITION. TRASSMISION GIVES OFF A BURNING SMELL WHEN HOT.*AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: WINDSHIELD WIPERS INOPERABLE DUE TO A SHORT IN SWITCH, RADIATOR FAN RELAY REPLACED, GROUND WIRE LOOSE IN ENGINE CAUSING DASH CLUSTER TO GO HAYWIRE, HORN, POWER WINDOWS, RADIO, SPEEDOMETER, AND AIR CONDITIONER INOPERABLE AT TIMES. *SLC

EA 01 007/AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING: AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT IS REMAINING ON, AND HORN IS INOPERATIVE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND REPAIRS WERE MADE AT CONSUMER COST. *AK THE CLOCK SPRING FAILURE CAUSED CHECK THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO COME ON. THE FUSE FOR THE HOREN WAS REPLACED. *YH

AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT/HORN DOES NOT WORK. *AK

AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT TURN ON ANY MORE.*AK

AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASHBOARD WILL NOT GO OFF DURING OPERATION OF VEHICLE/ HORN WILL NOT FUNCTION. ALSO, CONSUMER'S WIFE SMELLED A BURNED RUBBER ODOR THAT WENT AWAY BEFORE LIGHT ON DASHBOARD CAME ON. *AK DEALER REPLACED CLOCKSPRING DUE TO OPEN CIRCUIT. *SLC

AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASHBOARD WILL NOT GO OFF DURING OPERATION OF VEHICLE/ HORN WILL NOT FUNCTION. ALSO, CONSUMER'S WIFE SMELLED A BURNED RUBBER ODOR THAT WENT AWAY BEFORE LIGHT ON DASHBOARD CAME ON. *AK DEALER REPLACED CLOCKSPRING DUE TO OPEN CIRCUIT. *SLC

ELECTRICAL COMPONENT FAILURES HAVE RESULTED IN FIVE VISITS, FOUR REPAIRS - COUNTING THIS CURRENT INCIDENT. WARRANTY ISSUES HAVE PREVENTED IMMEDIATE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH WE HOLD AN EXTENDED GOLD WARRANTY. DEALER CLAIMS CLOCKSPRING INVOLVEMENT - CUSTOMER CLAIMS OPERATION PERFECT WITHOUT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. CUSTOMER LEFT CLOCKSPRING UNREPAIRED DUE TO WARRANTY ISSUE, SINCE, A POSSIBLE RECALL IS UNDER REVIEW. CUSTOMER REFUSES PAYMENT FOR REPAIR. DODGE IS UNRESPONSIVE. DEALER IS UNRESPONSIVE. LAWSUIT WILL BE PURSUED. *AK

AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AND STAYED ON. ALSO, STATES HORN DOES NOT WORK. *AK POSSIBLE CLOCKSPRING FAILURE. *SLC

THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AT THE SAME TIME THE HORN STOPPED WORKING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT FUNCTION. *AK

CRUISE CONTROL FAILED FIRST - THEN AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED COMING ON AT RANDOM - HORN WORKED THROUGHOUT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. DEALER REPAIRED ON 04/04/01. REPAIR ORDER SHOWS "CLOCK SPRING, OPEN CIRCUIT".*AK

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND HORN STOPPED WORKING, MECHANIC STATED CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK ALSO CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE RADIO THAT HAS BEEN WORKED ON FIVE TIMES AND REPLACED TWICE AND STILL DOESNOT WORK TO CONSUMER'S SATISFACTION, CONSUMER ALSO HAD BRAKES REPLACED, ALSO THE TENSIONER BELT ON THE TIMING BELT, ALSO THE WATER PUMP BROKE, ALSO TRANSMISSION WENT OUT.*JB

CONSUMER'S AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY ON & OFF. FOR PAST 1 1/2 WEEKS THE LIGHT HAS BEEN STAYING ON. PROBLEM MUST BE AFFECTING HORN, IT HASN'T WORKED IN PAST MONTH. DEALER WANTS CONSUMER TO COVER COST. CONSUMER DOESN'T KNOW WHY IT HAPPENING ONLY THAT IF IN AN ACCIDENT IT WILL NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY*AK. CONSUMER STATES EVERYTHING ON STEERING COLUMN IS FAILING INCLUDING CRUISE CONTROL. *SLC

DEALERSHIP REPAIRED DEFECT OF AIRBAG/STEERING COLUMN/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS LAST FEBRUARY. CONSUMER STATES THAT THESE DEFECTS HAVE OCCURRED AGAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK

REPLACEMENT OF FAILED BULB CAUSED ABRASIONS TO HAND ACCESS DOOR IS TOO SMALL, AND A WIRING HARNESS OBSTRUCTS ACCESS TO LIGHT SOCKET. TWO BULBS SHATTERED. DEALER HAD TO DISASSEMBLE BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL BUS TO ACCESS THE LIGHT SOCKET, 30 MIN LABOR, $45 COST. DIFFICULTY OF REPLACEMENT DISCOURAGES SAFE MAINTENANCE OF LIGHTING, AND CUTS YOUR HANDS.

ENGINE HAD LEAKING SEALS WHICH CAUSED EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO LEAK. FUMES WOULD COME FROM BLOWER (DEFROSTER) WHEN IT WAS TURNED ON. THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN ENGINE. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ERRATIC & WOULD COME ON OR OFF BY THEMSELVES, AND HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH STARTER. *AK GASOLINE LEAKS FROM THE TANK DUE TO THE SEAL FAILURE. INSIDE DOOR PANEL ON DRIVERS SIDE IS BROKEN. *YH

STARTER FAILED. NLM

BATTERY FAILED. NLM

STARTER FAILED. NLM

BATTERY FAILED. NLM

SLIDING DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM FAILS--DOOR REMAINS LOCKED AND DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, OR DOOR IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LOCK. JUST BEFORE FAILURE DOOR HAS PROBLEM LATCHING SUCCESSFULLY. AUTO DOOR LOCK MAKES BUZZING NOISE WHEN LOCKING IS ATTEMPTED. AFTER SECOND FAILURE, DEALER SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT IS COMMON TO REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF ROCKWELL ACTUATOR PART FOR THESE VEHICLES. WE'VE HAD 3 FAILURES OF DRIVERS SIDE AND 5 ON PASSENGER SIDE. LATEST WAS TODAY, 10/11/00. VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT THE FAILURES KEEP HAPPENING.

WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE ONLY POSSIBLE NATURAL CAUSE FOR THE FIRE WOULD BE AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION, CLAIM 13-7000-834. *SLC

WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE ONLY POSSIBLE NATURAL CAUSE FOR THE FIRE WOULD BE AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION, CLAIM 13-7000-834. *SLC

I FEEL THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON SOME OF THE PROBLEMS IT HAS. THEY ARE DEFENITELY A MAJOR FACTOR IN SAFETY. I HOPE THESE PROBLEMS ARE FIXED IN THE NEWER MODLES BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE PURCHASE MINI-VANS FOR THEIR FAMILY OR COMPANY VEHICLE. THEREFORE, THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE I FEEL COULD PROBABLY FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW. OR, MANUFACTORS ARE JUST MAKING A BIG PROFIT AND ARE NOT CONSIDERING THE SAFETY OF THEIR DRIVERS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM PUT THEIR FAMILY IN A VEHICLE WITH THE PROBLEMS MINE HAS AND QUARANTEE THEIR SAFETY.*AK

THE COIL PACK CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MELTED. *ET

STARTER CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE STARTED IN THE ALTERNATOR/IGNITION SYSTEM, CLAIM 18-0315-533. *SLC

STARTER CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE STARTED IN THE ALTERNATOR/IGNITION SYSTEM, CLAIM 18-0315-533. *SLC

FOR NO APPARENT REASON, WHILE THE VAN WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE IGNITION OFF, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VAN HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT THE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. VAN WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD AUTOMATICALLY COME ON WHILE TRAVELING ON THE ROAD. THEY WOULD COME ON FOR TWO TO FOUR WIPES AND THEN STOP. THIS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WAS RARE AT FIRST, THEN STARTED TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY. WE FINALLY TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THEY REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH AT NO COST TO US. (ONLY BECAUSE WE WERE UNDER THE 36MO./36,000MI. WARANTY.) THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY WENT DEAD. WE TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR, AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BATTERY AT NO COST TO US. (ONLY BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER THE 36MO./36,000MI. WARANTY) . THE OTHER PROBLEM WAS THAT THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR BECAME UNGLUED FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. I WENT TO A AUTO REPAIR STORE AND PURCHASED A REAR VIEW MIRROR GLUE KIT. I GLUED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ON MYSELF. ( I DON'T HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE DEALERSHIPS GLUE) THANK YOU ........ RICHARD MALDONADO. *AK

STARTER FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT START ON FIRST TRY DURING COLD WEATHER. NLM

DASHBOARD INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH (PART NUMBER P04685630 36033E) STARTED BURNING WHEN IGNITION SWITCH WAS TURNED ON. THE UNIT STOPPED SMOKING ONLY AFTER SWITCH WAS UNPLUGGED.

VAN CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN FRONT OF HOUSE. NOT DRIVEN FOR TWO&ONE HALF DAYS. *AK

I FEEL THIS MODEL, CARAVAN SE SPORT, NEEDS ALOT OF UPGRADES. I FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE FOR FAMILIES. I BELIEVE THAT DODGE IS

I FEEL THIS MODEL, CARAVAN SE SPORT, NEEDS ALOT OF UPGRADES. I FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE FOR FAMILIES. I BELIEVE THAT DODGE IS

DOME LIGHTS JUST START FLASHING RAPIDLY WHEN EVER THEY WANT DEALER CAN NOT FIX PROBLEM ,HAS HAPPENED EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES.

TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKING UP DUE TO FAULTY SPARK PLUGS. MJS

BATTERY FAILED.

VEHICLE SHUT DOWN DUE TO FAILURE OF THE (PCM) POWER CONTROL MODULE AND OXYGEN SENSOR.