2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN Electrical System Problems
37 complaints about Electrical System
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Electrical System Complaints (37)
Every time I go Though a small puddle rain or snow 10 to 30 mph I loose power steering and have a battery light pop on I have to pull over turn off van and restart sometime it goes back to normal
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the heater blower had become inoperable and upon inspection, it was discovered that the heater blower wiring harness was burnt and the wires were melted together. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Mileage: 185,000
LEAKING FUEL RAIL CAP 2002 DODGE CARAVAN IS LEAKING GAS ALL OVER THE SPARK PLUGS ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL PARTS WHEN 1ST TURNING THE VEHICLE ON IN THE MORNING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V234000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
THE DATE AND MILEAGE ARE APPROXIMATE, BUT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE LAST FALL (2014). WHEN PLACING THE KEY IN THE ACC POSITION EVERYTHING WORKS. AFTER STARTING THE MOTOR, MANY TIMES THE WIPERS, RADIO, POWER WINDOWS AND INTERNAL FAN WILL NOT COME ON FOR AS LITTLE AS A FEW SECONDS OR AS LONG AS AN HOUR. IT DOES NOT TO ALWAYS HAPPEN, BUT VERY FREQUENTLY IT DOES. IT SOMETIMES SEEMS TO BE WEATHER RELATED... HEAT, COLD, RAINING OR SNOWING WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE DANGER IS SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF ESPECIALLY ON A RAINY/SNOWY DAY, BEING AWAY FROM HOME AND THE WIPERS WILL NOT WORK WHEN RE-STARTING THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THE FUSE AND COMPUTER UNITS CHANGED (TOTAL FUSE POWER BOX REPLACED NEW ABOUT 1-1/2 YEARS AGO WHICH I WAS TOLD WAS AN UPGRADED BETTER SEALED UNIT AND THE COMPUTER ATTACHED IN FRONT OF IT REPLACED WITH A USED ONE ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO) BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. IT IS MY OPINION THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT CONCERNS THE WIPERS NOT ABLE TO WORK. I KNOW WHICH FUSE OPERATES THEM AND HAVE TRIED REPLACING IT, BUT THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS, IT WILL NOT CLICK ON UNTIL WHAT EVER IS CAUSING IT NOT TO DECIDES TO LET IT COME ON. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY DODGE AND NOT BE AN EXPENSE TO MYSELF OR ANY OTHER OWNER WHO HAS THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR HEARING MY GRIEVANCE. *TR
Mileage: 165,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE SIDE MIRROR POWER SWITCH. THE PANEL MELTED ALTHOUGH NO FLAMES WERE PRESENT. IN ADDITION, THE HORN FAILED TO ACTIVATE WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE POWER SWITCH, BUT THE HORN WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,700.
Mileage: 137,700
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, WHEN I USE TURN SIGNAL TO TURN LEFT THE RIGHT ONE COMES ON AND VICE VERSA, ONE HEAD LIGHT WILL COME ON AND AFTER A WHILE THE OTHER ONE WILL TURN ITSELF ON, WENT OUT ONE NIGHT TO EAT AND WHEN ENTERING THE VAN WITH THE AUTOMATIC UNLOCK KEY THE SECURITY ALARM WENT OFF NOTHING WORKED WHAT WE DID SO WE HAD TO UNHOOK THE BATTERY FOR 20 MINS. I WAS TOLD THAT WEIRD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN THE CLOCK SPRING GOES BAD. I WAS TOLD THAT ALL 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN'S HAD RECALLS ON THE CLOCK SPRING AND WHEN I CALLED THE DODGE DEALER CLOSE TO ME I WAS TOLD MY VIN WASN'T IN THE SYSTEM AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR
Mileage: 161,000
DODGE GRAND CARAVAN JUST WENT UP IN FLAMES WHILE DRIVING WITHIN MAYBE 5 MINUTES FIRE FIGHTERS CONTROL THE SITUATION BUT THE MOTOR ,BATTERY, EVERYTHING IN FRONT INSIDE HOOD JUST MELTED I REALLY NEED HELP I HAD JUST FINISHED PAYING IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I ATTRIBUTE THIS TO THE FAULTY ELECTRICAL RECALLS IT HAS AS WELL AS THE FUEL. HELP. AT LEAST I WANT A REPLACEMENT. *TR
OUR 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH A 3.8 AWD BEGAN CUTTING OUT ON ACCELERATION AND AT INTERSECTIONS RECENTLY. CURRENTLY IT WILL DIE 3 OR 4 TIMES IN A HALF A MILE WHEN IT IS COLD. THIS CONDITION HAS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AS THE CAR WILL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITH OUT WARNING. NO CEL IS PRESENT ALL MAINTENANCE IS UP TO SCHEDULE. FUEL FILTER,SPARK PLUGS, WIRES,AIR FILTER,CLEANED THROTTLE BODY. DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHAT IT CAN BE. THIS IS NOT A SAFE CAR AND SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THIS DANGEROUS FLAW. *TR
Mileage: 120,000
I HAVE A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ON ABOUT 8/11 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAM ON AND SMOKE AND RAW FUEL WERE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN AND BEGAN TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I FOUND THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE INJECTOR FUEL RAIL TO BE FAULTY. THE HARNESS IS ROUTED AROUND THE IGNITION COIL DIRECTLY OVER THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE INSULATION HAD BROKE DOWN OVER TIME FROM HEAT AND BARE WIRES WERE TOUCHING EACH OTHER. THE RESULT IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THE END RESULT WAS ALSO A RUINED PCM. THE INJECTOR WIRING HARNESS HAS NO ADDITIONAL HEAT SHIELDING ON IT, BUT WHERE IT PLUGS INTO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS HAS HEAT SHIELDING MATERIAL. *KB
Mileage: 143,000
I HAVE HAD MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OVER THE YEARS. MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. I'VE HAD PROBLEMS IN THE ENGINE AND DASHBOARD AREAS. I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW. NOW, SINCE EARLIER THIS YEAR, MY FRONT AIR FANS AND MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. NOTE, MY REAR RUNNING LIGHTS WORK, BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS THE CIRCUIT BOARD. I WAS LOOKING ON-LINE AT VARIOUS SEARCH SITES AND SEE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE CIRCUIT BOARDS GOING BAD AND CAUSING MANY ISSUES. WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS GOING OUT (I HAD NO IDEA THAT THEY WERE NOT WORKING UNTIL SOMEONE CAME UP TO ME AND TOLD ME SO), I COULD BE REAR-ENDED AT ANYTIME BECAUSE OTHER VEHICLES DO NOT KNOW I AM BRAKING. I SAW MANY OTHER SAFETY ISSUES THAT ARE AFFECTING OTHER DODGE CARAVAN & CHRYSLER TOWN&COUNTRY VEHICLES THAT SOUND LIKE THE CIRCUIT BOARD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WE HAVE NOTICED THIS FOR MANY YEARS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES. BUT THE OTHER ISSUES, WHEN RESOLVED, NEVER TAKE CARE OF THIS MAIN ISSUE. ON YOUR REQUEST FOR INCIDENT DATE, I AM JUST GOING TO PUT DOWN THE MOST RECENT ISSUE DATE. *TR
WHILE GOING TO PICK MY CHILDREN UP FROM SCHOOL, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED GOING OFF BY THEMSELVES AND THE RADIO STARTED CHANGING CHANNELS. THE VAN QUIT AND SMOKE BEGAN TO COME FROM OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. UPON OPENING THE HOOD, NOTICED A FIRE ON WIRES BELOW. FIRE WAS PUT OUT BUT CHILDREN WERE IN THE VAN. *TR
Mileage: 170,000
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON AND THE HORN QUIT WORKING. I HAD TO HAVE CLOCKSPRING AND PASSENGER AIRBAG JUMPER WIRING REPLACED COSTING $524.00. THESE ARE PARTS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED ON EARLIER MODELS, SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS "WEARABLE" PARTS, AND INVOLVE THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE SHOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED FOR RECALL FOR THIS YEAR. *TR
Mileage: 57,500
WHILE DRIVING I SMELLED SMOKE. I COULDN'T SEE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM SO I CONTINUED DRIVING. THEN I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT FROM BEHIND THE PANEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SLIDING DOOR. I THEN PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. I COULDN'T SEE A FIRE FROM INSIDE AND THE DOOR DIDN'T FEEL HOT. I WALKED AROUND TO THE OUTSIDE AND TOUCHED THE DOOR, WHICH WAS HOT. I THEN NOTICED BURN MARKS THROUGH THE PAINT. I WENT BACK INTO THE VAN AND PULLED PART OF THE PANEL AWAY AND SAW FLAMES INSIDE THE DOOR. I THEN TOOK A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I CALLED 911 AND ASKED FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. *TR
ALL OF A SUDDEN THE INTERNAL INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONSOLE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN MY 2002 GRAND CARAVAN. MY MECHANIC SAID THE BODY CONTROL MODULE IS FAULTY/HAS A SHORT AND IT'S AN APPROX $800 REPAIR. I HAVE 128,000 MILES ON THE CARAVAN. I ALSO HAVE A 1996 CARAVAN AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO THAT VAN, EVEN THOUGHT IT'S 12 YEARS OLD. *TR
Mileage: 128,000
HEAD LIGHTS, RUNNING LIGHTS WILL ONLY WORK ONE AT A TIME. ONE SIDE ON HIGH THE OTHER ON LOW. HAVE READ MANY REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL YEARS OF THIS DODGE CARAVAN. TRIED CHANGING BULBS, DISCONNECTED PLUG AT MODULE WORKED ONE TIME . FIND THIS VERY FRUSTRATING BECAUSE IT IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM WITH CHRYSLER IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THIS IS A 02 . *TR
Mileage: 105,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ACTIVATED, THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BECOMES DAMP. ALSO, THE LCD SCREEN ON THE RADIO NO LONGER OPERATES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000.
Mileage: 96,000
1) 2002, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, "SPORT" EDITION WITH V6 3.3L ENGINE, 76,600 MILES. WIFE WENT TO WORK AND PARKED VAN AS USUAL. 2A) CO-WORKERS NOTICED THE VAN'S WIPERS WERE ON; VAN HAD STARTED ALL BY ITSELF AFTER BEING PARKED WITH IGNITION TURNED OFF, KEY REMOVED, AND DOORS LOCKED. TO GET THE ENGINE STOPPED AGAIN, VAN WAS PUT INTO GEAR AND TURNED OFF, THEN PUT INTO PARK TO REMOVE KEY. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES THAT DAY. 3A) WIFE TOOK VAN TO CHRYSLER DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. DEALER CHARGED 3 HOURS OF TROUBLESHOOTING LABOR AND ONLY FOUND THAT THE ABS CAB WAS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. DEALER ORDERED ABS CAB. DEALER COULD NOT FIND CAUSE OF THE STARTUP/RUNNING WITH NO KEY IN IGNITION. 2B) 6 DAYS LATER (DEC. 21, 2006) VAN WOULD NOT TURN OFF AFTER DRIVING ~300 MILES. ALSO, THIS TIME ALL THE ACCESSORIES SUCH AS THE CABIN FANS, RADIO, WIPERS, AND INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON EVEN AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. ALL ACCESSORIES EXCEPT INTERIOR LIGHTS COULD BE TURNED OFF WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE SWITCHES. +BATTERY CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED TO GET LIGHTS OFF. VAN WORKED FINE FOR THE NEXT 3 DAYS. DEC. 24, 2006, VAN WOULD NOT STOP RUNNING ONCE ON THE RETURN TRIP AFTER KEY WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND VAN WAS PARKED WITH ENGINE OFF, ALL ACCESSORIES CAME ON, BY THEMSELVES, AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME. +BATTERY CABLE WAS ONCE AGAIN DISCONNECTED TO PREVENT FURTHER MALFUNCTION. 3B) ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR JAN. 4, 2007 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION AND/OR THE KEY CYLINDER SWITCH AT THE DEALER. *NM
Mileage: 76,620
GRAPHIC ILLUMINATION BULBS ON THE 3 ZONE CLIMATE CONTROLS FOR THE 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN BURN OUT AND ARE NOT REPLACEABLE. THE ENTIRE CLIMATE CONTROL MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $500 BECAUSE A $0.50 BULB HAS BURNED OUT. LOSS OF ILLUMINATION ON THE CLIMATE CONTROLS RESULTS IN NOT BEING ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CONTROL SETTINGS. SAFETY HAZARD SINCE THE INSTRUMENTS ARE NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. NOT TOO MANY CONSUMERS ARE GOING TO PAY $500 TO RESOLVE A BURNED OUT INSTRUMENT LAMP. *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED AT A STOP LIGHT WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM THE HEATING VENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH BOARD. THE SMOKE BEGAN TO TURN BLACK AND FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE DASHBOARD VENT. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING SIMILAR TO PLASTIC BURNING. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE SAME SMELL INTERMITTENTLY THREE TO FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THERE WAS A HOSE LEAKING FLUID AND IT WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT RECALL THE TYPE OF FLUID LEAKING OR THE TYPE OF HOSE THAT WAS REPLACED. THE SMELL CONTINUED HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL. UPDATED ON 05/30/2006. *AK
Mileage: 74,000
DT: CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY. THIS APPEARED TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 02V293000 FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL, BUT NOT FOR THE MODEL YEAR. *AK UPDATED 11/16/2005 - THE HEADLAMPS CUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE FCM WAS REPLACED BUT NOW THE PROBLEM IS MORE CONSISTENT WITH FLICKERING. *NM
Mileage: 64,000
I EXPERIENCED RAMDOM FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY DODGE CARAVAN. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF MY DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY "COULD NOT DUPLICATE CONCERN". I WAS TOLD THE CAUSE WAS PROBABLY THE "FRONT CONTROL MODULE" BUT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT POSITIVE IT WAS THE CAUSE, AND BECAUSE OF THE COST OF THE PART. AFTER THIS OCCURED THE SECOND TIME I TOOK IT TO MY OWN MECHANIC AND HE REPLACED THE MODULE AT A COST OF $307.05. THE REPLACEMENT OCCURED 9/15/2004. I HAVE HAD NO SIMILAT PROBLEMS SINCE THE MODULE WAS REPLACED. I HAD PURCHACED THE EXTENDED WARRENTY WITH THE VEHICLE BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THE MODULE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE POLICY. IT COVERS 7 DIFFERENT NAMED CONTROL MODULES BUT NOT THIS ONE. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND REGISTERED A COMPLAINT-#12641005.
Mileage: 46,837
I PURCHASED A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN NEW. OVER THE LAST YEAR I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BASICALLY TWO EFFECTS. THE FIRST ONE WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF AND EITHER NOT START OR HAVE DIFFICULTY STARTING. THE SECOND WAS THAT EVERY TIME YOU STEP ON THE BRAKES, THE WIPERS, HEAT, AND RADIO WOULD QUIT.AT FIRST THE DEARLER BONNEVILLE & SON COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM EVEN AFTER PUTTING A SCOPE ON IT AT THE EXACT TIME THE TROUBLE OCCURRED. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP AND THEY FOUND A GROUNDING STUD IN THE DOOR JAM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS VERY LOOSE, $250.00 LATER IT WAS OK. AFTER A MONTH THE TROUBLE CAME BACK. THIS TIME THE DEALER, BONNEVILLE & SON FOUND THAT ONE OF THE WIRES IN THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS WAS ROTTED, $215.00 LATER IT WAS OK. ANOTHER MONTH GONE BY, HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE AGAIN. BONNEVILLE SAYS THE ONLY WAY TO BE SURE TO FIX THIS COMPLETELY IS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE MAIN WIRING HARNESS AT A MATERIAL COT OF $1400.00. I'VE TRIED TO GET CRYSLER AND THE DEALER TO FIX THIS WITH OUT ME SPENDING MORE MONEY ON ROTTING WIRES IN A VEHICLE THAT'S JUST THREE YEARS OLD. THEY WOULD NOT. I WILL NEVER BY A CHRYSLER PRODUCT AGAIN!!!*AK
Mileage: 38,000
HI, I OWN A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH A 3.8L, I HAVE HAD MY VAN IN ON TWO SEPERATE OCCASIONS TO CENTURY DODGE IN TAYLOR, MICHIAGN. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS THAT APPEAR TO FLICKER ALL THE TIME, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM SO THEY COULD NOT FIX IT, AMAZING THAT A POSSIBLE RECALL NOW MAY HAPPEN FOR THE EXACT SAME REASON. ON ONE FINAL NOTE, AROUND CHRISTMAS TIME 2004 I THOUGHT I WAS OVER TIRED FROM WORK, I COULD SWEAR MY LIGHTS COMPLETELY WENT ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES (VERY QUICKLY). P.S. I AM A CHRYSLER EMPLOYEE @ TRENTON ENGINE SIGNED, CARRYING A FLASHLIGHT (JUST IN CASE) *AK
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS DID NOT TURN ON WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. *AK *SC *JB
Mileage: 57,000
AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT CONTINUED TO STAY ON. AS A RESULT HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL BECOME INOPERABLE. A RECALL FOR THE CLOCK SPRING WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *TC
Mileage: 60,000
THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WHICH INCLUDES THE SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, AND ODOMETER, KEEPS SHORTING OUT. THE TURN SIGNALS ARE ON THE SAME CIRCUIT. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. INITIALLY THE SHOP REPLACED THE FUSE. THE SECOND TIME, THEY STATED THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE CIRCUIT THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED. A NEIGHBOR OF OURS WHO OWNS A TOWN & COUNTRY HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE TURN SIGNALS, NOT TO MENTION NOT KNOWING THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE.*AK *JB
Mileage: 29,200
I OWN A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING. IF IT STARTS AGAIN, IT STALLS WITHIN 1/4 MILE. YOU CAN DO THIS ONLY FOR 3 TIMES BEFORE IT FINALLY CAN NOT BE STARTED. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO INVESTIGATE. FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER PROGRAM MODULE. THE CAR WORKED FOR 100 MILES, THEN DIED AGAIN WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP STARTED THE CAR AND RAN A DIAGNOSTIC BUT FAILED TO LOCATE ANY FAULTY CODES. I ASKED THEM TO TAKE IT FOR A TEST RIDE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. THEY DID, AND IT DIED ON THEM. THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND SAID THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR FAILED. THEY REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. AGAIN, LESS THAN 100 MILES LATER, THE CAR DIED. THE DODGE DEALER SEEMS TO BE AT A LOSS AS TO WHY IT IS FAILING AND NOT STARTING. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT. THIS SEEMS TO HAVE THEM STYMIED. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT INDICATIONS PRIOR TO FAILURE. YOU LOSE ALL POWER TO THE CAR. *JB
Mileage: 67,360
AFTER OVERFILLING THE FUEL TANK GAS FUME WERE COMING INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSES. ALSO, IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STARTING. *AK
Mileage: 18,900
ON 9/3/04 THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE LEFT SLIDING DOOR OF OUR 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EX (PURCHASED NEW). PREVIOUSLY BROUGHT IT TO AN AUTHORIZED DODGE DEALER WITH COMPLAINTS OF RIGHT & LEFT SLIDING DOORS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. DEALER RELEASED THE CAR STATING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. MY 2 KIDS AND I WERE IN THE CARS MINUTES PRIOR TO IT CATCHING FIRE. MAJOR DAMAGE DONE BUT DODGE WANTS TO REPAIR THE ELECTRICAL DAMAGE AND FOR US TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT HOPING THAT THE RIGHT SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT CATCH FIRE. CANNOT BE SURE THAT THE SMOKE SMELL WILL EVER COME OUT OF THE UPHOLSTERY OR THAT MOLD WILL NOT BUILD UP IN THE SEAT CUSHIONS FROM THE FIRE DEPT PUTTING OUT FIRE. DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE VEHICLE!!! *JB
WHILE STARTING UP THE VEHICLE, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK THE ABS LIGHT HAD COME ON AFTER THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT HAD COME ON DUE TO IT BEING BURNT OUT. *SC *JB
Mileage: 31,714
WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE AND IDLING CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE, AND SAW THAT FIRE WAS RISING UP FROM BENEATH OF VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.*AK
Mileage: 30,000
ON 6/11/03 VEHICLE WAS MAKING POWER STEERING NOISES & AUTO DR LOCKS WOULDN'T LOCK AT 15 MPH. REPLACED POWER HOSE, HOSE CLAMP & OIL TRANS. INFORMED I NEEDED NEW BRAKES (22, 153 MILES & DIDN'T REQ THAT THEY DO THIS WHEN I ARRIVED AT SHOP). 7/2/03 TOOK VAN IN 'CAUSE LEFT REAR (DRIVER SIDE) SPEAKER CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE AT A GAS PUMP. WHILE AT GAS PUMP W/2 OF OUR 4 KIDS IN THE CAR. BRAKES THAT WERE JUST REPLACED PREV MONTH WERE SQUEAKING AS WELL AS THE STEERING AGAIN. (DEALER-BRAKES SQUEAK 'CAUSE THEY ARE METAL & THERE IS AIR IN THE STEERING LINE). 9/23/03 VAN BATTERY BLEW UP WHEN STARTED. REPLACED BATTERY. 12/3/03 STEERING MAKING NOISE DURING TURNS. REPLACED BOTH SWAY BARS LINKS. 12/29/03 STEERING IS VERY TIGHT & SHUDDERING AGAIN & AUTO LOCK BUTTON ON KEY CHAIN WON'T WORK. ORDERED NEW POWER STEERING RACK & RESEVOIR. THEN ON 1/6/04 TACH SPIKED AT 4K, VEHICLE LOST POWER & ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE ON EXPRESSWAY W/MY BABY IN THE CAR. DETERMINATION WAS THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID ASSY FAILURE & REPLACED THE SAME. THIS COST ME $107 (WOULD HAVE COST MORE IF I WASN'T GIVEN AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR FIRE I HAD). 1/19/04 VAN WAS GIVING A BURN SMELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD ALONG WITH SMOKE. THEY FOUND A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH SHORTING IN COIL. A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACED & RECHARGED. 2/5/04 VEHICLE TAKEN FOR THE LAST TIME FOR LOUD POPPING SOUND UNDER THE DR'S FT AREA WHEN TURNING LEFT. ALL SUSPENSION PARTS TIGHTENED. NEXT VISIT IS REQ'D BY THE FL LEMON LAW TO GIVE THEM 1 MORE CHANCE BEFORE PAPERWORK CAN BE FILED. DONE ON 3/8/04 FOR STEERING NOISE WHEN STOPPED & JUST TURNING WHEEL. REPLACED PT THAT WAS REPLACED BEFORE: POWER STEERING PUMP RESEVOIR. PAPERWORK FILED FOR FLORIDA LEMON LAW ON 4/5/04,UNSAVE VEHICLE & FEAR FOR SAFETY OF FAMILY. *JB
Mileage: 22,153
WHERE TO START, SINCE THE DAU WE BOUGHT IT IN 7/02, WE HAVE BROUGHT IT IN 3 TIMES FOR FAULTY WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEMS, WE LOST POWERING STEERING (THANK GOD MY WIFE WAS NOT DRIVING IT WITH OUR TWO SMALL KIDS), THE REAR HATCH DIDN'T WORK AND IT TOOK 3 MONTHS FOR US TO FINALLY GET IT FIXED, WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS AT 14,000 MILES, AND JUST RECENTLY THE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES THEY MAKE A HORRIBLE SOUND WHEN PRESSING ON THEM AND IS GOING INTO THE DEALER AGAIN NEXT WEEK. MY WIPER REFUSES TO DRIVE THE CARAVAN THAT WE BOUGHT SO IT WOULD BE EASIER FOR HER WITH THE KIDS, BUT SHE FEELS THAT SOMETHING ELSE IS GONNA GO WRONG. WE WROTE A LETTER TO CHRYSLER AND THEY RESPONDED "WE'RE SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE". (THE DATE OF THE FIRST INCIDENT LISTED BELOW MAY NOT BE EXACTLY WHEN IT HAPPENED, THE PAPERWORK IS AT HOME.) *LA
5-8-02 WIRING HARNESS FALLS INTO SERPENTINE BELT. HARNESS NOT REPLACED, REPAIRED ALSO REPLACED CAM SENSOR. I WAS TOLD THE BELT WASN'T PUT IN PROPERLY AT THE AT THE DODGE PLANT. VAN HAS INTERMITTENT POWER SURGES. DEALER CANT FIND ANYTHING. DODGE GAVE ME AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I THINK THEY KNEW SOMETHING.-27-03 REPLACED TRANSMISSION SOLENOID PACK. *AK 2-25-03 VAN MAKING HUMMING NOISE, COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM 8-22-03 AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON.REPLACED PASSANGER SIDE AIRBAG. 8-22-03 SPEEDOMETOR OUT OF CALIBRATION, INSTRMENTS FLIPPED AROUND BACKWARDS 9-30-03 LEFT FRONT STABOLIZER BAR MAKING NOISE. REPARED 9-30-03 CAR SHAKING DURING A TURN, REPAIRED 9-29-03 POWER SURGE AGAIN, CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM 10-22-03 AIR BAG LIGHT ON AGAIN, REPLACED CLOCK SPRING. I'M CONSULTING AN ATTORNEY, I FEEL THIS VAN IS NOT SAFE. I WANT DODGE TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE, IT'S A LEMON AND A DANGER ON THE ROAD! WHO'S TO SAY IF THE AIR BAG WON'T GO OFF AS I'M DRIVING...OR MAYBE NOT, WHEN I NEED IT. THIS VEHICLE CLEARLY HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT WILL NEVER BE FOUND. VOSS DODGE HAS BEEN VERY UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY THEY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT EITHER.*AK
Mileage: 3,432
I OWN A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH APPROXIMATELY 11,000 MILES. THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THEY INDICATED IT WOULD TAKE SEVERAL DAYS TO CHECK OUT THE WIRING. AS AN ELECTRONIC ENGINEER I FIND THIS TO BE BIZARRE. THE CAR HAS LOW MILEAGE AND THE IMPLICATION OF THE DAYS TO CHECK RESPONSE IS THAT THERE IS A FRAYED WIRE SOMEWHERE AS THE CONNECTOR HAS CHECKED OUT ALL RIGHT. IF THE CAUSE IS A CHAFED WIRE THEN THERE IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW COMPROMISING THE AIRBAG SAFETY FEATURE. *AK
Mileage: 11,000
MY VAN WAS BOUGHT NEW AND IS JUST ABOUT 1 YEAR OLD. I HAVE BEEN HAVING MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WOULD GO 30 MPH BY ITSELF ALTHOUGH I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE. THIS EVEN HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON AN ICY ROAD. THE DEALER SAID THAT THIS IS NORMAL. ALL THE VEHICLE'S LOCKS WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK BY THEMSELVES, SOMETIMES LOCKING MY KEYS IN IT BEFORE I CAN GET THEM OUT. THREE MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE HEATER AND AIR DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. A FIRE BURNED THE DRIVER'S DOOR, SEAT, FLOOR RUGS AND WINDOW. THE FIREMAN SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, WHICH STARTED IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR BY THE WIRES. THE FIRE HAPPENED ON THE WEEKEND THEREFORE THE DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE FIRE YET. I PLAN TO GO TO THE DEALER ON MONDAY TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN AND THE SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE IS OVERWHELMING. EVERYTHING ON DRIVERS SIDE IS BURNED. I WILL ASK FOR A NEW REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. *NM