crashtest

1997 / Dodge

1997 Dodge Caravan

Safety ratings

1997 Dodge Caravan

Not ratedOverall
Not ratedFrontal crash
Not ratedSide crash
Not ratedSide pole
Not ratedRollover
Frontal, driver: 4★Frontal, passenger: 5★Rollover risk: 0.0%
  • Lane departure warningNo
  • Forward collision warningNo
  • Electronic stability controlNo

Crash test videos & photos

Crash test #1NHTSA test 2915

Full test report (PDF) ↗

Crash test #2NHTSA test 2918

Full test report (PDF) ↗

Recalls (15)

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERCampaign 96V215000 · 29/10/1996

    THE MASTER CYLINDER REAR SEAL, BETWEEN THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND THE VACUUM RESERVOIR, MAY NOT SEAL ADEQUATELY ALLOWING HYDRAULIC FLUID TO BE DRAWN INTO THE POWER ASSIST VACUUM RESERVOIR.

    Risk: AS THE HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR DECREASES, THE LEVEL SENSOR WILL DETECT THE LOSS OF FLUID AND ILLUMINATE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE WARNING LAMP. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED CAN RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. ADDENDUM (4-14-97): VEHICLES INSPECTED PER CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 707 AND FOUND TO BE OUTSIDE THE LISTED SUSPECT MASTER CYLINDER DATE CODE RANGE, MUST NOW HAVE THE MASTER CYLINDER PRIMARY PISTON REPLACED (CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 714).

  • WHEELS:RIMCampaign 97V070000 · 28/04/1997

    THE STEEL ROAD WHEELS WERE DAMAGED BY THE EQUIPMENT USED TO MATCH MOUNT THE WHEEL TO THE TIRE.

    Risk: A SCORE MARK WAS MADE ON THE WHEEL, AFFECTING THE DURABILITY OF THE WHEEL.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL ROAD WHEELS (AND FULL SIZE SPARE TIRES) WITH NEW WHEELS.

  • EQUIPMENTCampaign 03E045000 · 26/09/2003

    AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER MAY EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION OF THE QUICK CONNECTOR EITHER BLOCKING FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE OR CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.

    Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE COULD STALL. ALSO, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

    Fix: AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 LONG WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18230 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, 0251, OR 0304. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 2001-2004 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 28871 AND DATE CODE 0249. THESE PART NUMBERS AND DATE CODES APPEAR ON THE GOLD-TONE FILTER. DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO ISOLATE AND RETURN AFFECTED INVENTORY. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER SERVICED ON ONE OF THE APPLICABLE VEHICLES AFTER SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 SHOULD RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF THE FUEL FILTER THAT WAS INSTALLED IS ONE THAT IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. IF SO, THE OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THE FILTER REPLACED. TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND PLUS THE COST OF POSTAGE, OWNERS SHOULD CUT THE CONNECTORS FROM THE HOSES, RINSE THE CONNECTORS AND RETURN THEM TOGETHER WITH PROOF OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR, TO INTERCONTINENTAL AT INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS, INC., P.O. BOX 861, MAHWAH, NJ 07430, ATTN: FUEL FILTER RECALL. INTERCONTINENTAL WILL MAIL A FULL REFUND TO THE OWNER.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINECampaign 03E053000 · 24/10/2003

    CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, MODELS WIX FILTER PART NUMBERS 33576, 33577, 33734; NAPA FILTER PART NUMBERS 3576, 3577, 3734; AND CARQUEST FILTER PART NUMBERS 86576, 86577, 86734 USED ON 1996-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE CARAVAN, AND PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VEHICLES, CAN CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LEAK.

    Risk: A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

    Fix: WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WIX AT 704-864-6711.

  • SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEATCampaign 97I001000 · 24/10/1996

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRAL CHILD SEATS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON THE INTEGRAL CHILD SEAT, THE SHOULDER BELTS RESTRAINING THE CHILD RETRACT AND LOCK IN PLACE AFTER THE BELT BUCKLE IS CONNECTED TO THE LATCH PLATE. THE LATCH PLATE MOVEMENT LOCKS THE BELTS TO MAKE SURE THE CHILD IS RESTRAINED IN THE CASE OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

    Risk: THE LATCH PLATE LOCATED IN THE SEAT CUSHION AREA MUST BE FREE TO MOVE BACK AGAINST ITS STOP AFTER THE BUCKLE IS REMOVED TO ALLOW THE SHOULDER BELTS TO BE PULLED OUT. ALWAYS BE SURE THE AREA AROUND THE LATCH PLATE IS FREE OF FOOD OR OTHER ITEMS THAT MIGHT PREVENT THE LATCH PLATE FROM MOVING BACK.

    Fix: OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A VIDEO TAPE AND 2 HARNESS CLIPS. THE VIDEO TAPE INSTRUCTS OWNERS ON THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CHILD SEATS.

  • TIRES:BEADCampaign 97V200000 · 13/11/1997

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH P215/65R15 GOODYEAR CONQUEST TIRES MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEEL. THE TIRES CAN EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN AIR PRESSURE LOSS WITHOUT WARNING.

    Risk: SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIRES THAT WERE MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEELS.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMCampaign 00V268000 · 13/09/2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.

    Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 06E023000 · 13/03/2006

    CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

    Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    Fix: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCampaign 06E022000 · 13/03/2006

    CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

    Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    Fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000 · 11/05/2009

    DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

  • EQUIPMENTCampaign 10E034000 · 10/08/2010

    CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.

    Risk: IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

    Fix: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.

  • SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHERCampaign 02V076000 · 08/03/2002

    ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

    Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRIM WITH FOAM BLOCKERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 02V293000 · 07/11/2002

    ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.

    Risk: THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON THIS COMPONENT FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000 · 07/04/2009

    SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

  • CHILD SEATCampaign 98V185000 · 06/08/1998

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED CHILD SEATS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS RESTRAINT ON THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT CAN BECOME DIFFICULT TO EXTRACT WHEN THE SAFETY BELT LATCH PLATE BECOMES CONTAMINATED.

    Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE LATCH MECHANISM. AN EXTENDER WILL BE ADDED TO THE EMERGENCY RELEASE ANCHOR FOR THE CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELTS SO THAT THE RELEASE CLIPS ARE MORE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE OPERATOR IN THE EVENT THAT THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. IN ADDITION, AN INSTRUCTIONAL OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED.

Owner complaints

500
Complaints
33
Crashes reported
21
Fires reported
41
Injuries
4
Deaths

Most-reported areas

  • AIR BAGS115
  • POWER TRAIN84
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING74
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM68
  • SERVICE BRAKES51
  • HYDRAULIC50
  • VISIBILITY39
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL37
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

  • 12/29/2009· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    VEHICLE METAL BRAKE LINES RUSTED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. ON A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, THE METAL TUBE BRAKE LINES LEADING FROM THE DISTRIBUTION BOX TO THE REAR BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDERS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THEY FAILED UNDER USE. VEHICLE BRAKE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED TOTALLY, AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

  • 12/29/2000· POWER TRAIN

    WHILE ACCELERATING TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. NLM

  • 12/29/1998· STEERING

    STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO LOCK UP WHEN VAN TURNS CORNERS AND THE VAN BECOMES HARD TO HANDLE

  • 12/29/1997· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION WHEN IT IS COLD. THE VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH UNTIL WARMED UP. DEALER STATES THAT IS THE WAY ALL CARAVANS ARE. THE PROBLEM CORRECTS ITSELF AFTER FIVE TO TEN MINUTES. *AK

  • 12/28/2004· AIR BAGS

    RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FOR THE CLOCKSPRING ON MY MINIVAN (YR714091 NOTIFICATION CODE D17) ISSUES WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYING LIGHT AND HORN WILL NOT WORK. ACCORDING TO DODGE, THE REASON THIS IS HAPPENING IS BECAUSE OF THE CLOCKSPRING IN THE MINIVAN. WENT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AT DODGE AND THE SERVICE MAN AT DODGE SAID MY MINIVAN DOES NOT APPLY TO THE RECALL. TOLD HIM WHY MY PROBLEMS ARE THAT DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL LETTER. HE SAID IT'S NOT PART OF THE RECALL. *JB

  • 12/28/2001· AIR BAGSCrash

    VEHICLE WAS TOTALED IN A FRONTAL CRASH ON DRIVER'S SIDE. NEITHER PASSENGER'S OR DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INJURIES. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

  • 12/27/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    BELT SLIPPED OFF MY 1997 DODGE CARAVAN.... ALSO WHEN I GOT HOME FELL FROM TOW TRUCK BECAUSE OF ICE !~! BUT WOULD NOT OF HAPPEN IF A RECALL WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ALREADY LOOK AT ALL THOSE COMPLAINTS OUT THERE.. *TR

  • 12/27/2002· AIR BAGSCrash

    AFTER THE DEALERSHIP METRO CHRYSLER; 718-479-6452; JAMAICA QUEENS NY; DID THE RECALL FOR THE CLOCK SPRING; 02 V 293 000, VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. TS

  • 12/27/2001· AIR BAGSCrash

    VEHICLE WAS INVOLED IN AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER'S AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY FROM A FRONTAL IMPACT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. CHRYSLER REPRESENTATIVE EXAMINED, AND STATED CLOCK SPRING WASN'T FUNCTIONING. CONSUMER WILL ADD ADDITIONAL COMMENTS. *AK

  • 12/27/2000· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY SNOW SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF, CAUSING POWERSTEERING TO GO OUT. DEALER SAID THERE WAS A TSB OUT ON THAT COMPONENT, AND THAT BELT WOULD COME OFF AS SOON AS VEHICLE WENT THROUGH 6 INCHES OF SNOW. *AK INSTALLING A SNOW GUARD WASHER SOLVED THE PROBLEM. *YH

  • 12/26/2000· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    HEAD GASKET FAILED. *SLC

  • 12/26/2000· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

    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

  • 12/24/2003· TIRESCrash

    WHILE DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE VEHICLE'S TIRE BLEW OUT.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOWOUT. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SIDE SWIPED THE GUARDRAIL. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *NM

  • 12/23/2003· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    THERE WAS A GAS SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VAN UPON STARTING THE VAN OR WHEN THE HEAT WAS ON. THERE WAS A RECALL (00V268000) ISSUED FOR THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, BUT THE VIN NUMBER WAS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE. *NLM *MR

  • 12/23/1998· CHILD SEAT

    INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEAT HARNESS FAILED TO RETRACT WHICH RESULTED IN CHOKING THE CHILD WHILE IN THE SEAT, HARNESS HAD TO BE CUT IN ORDER TO FREE THE CHILD. DEALER NOTIFIED/ WAS THE ONE WHO CUT THE HARNESS . *AK

  • 12/21/1999· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    DEALER SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THEY (DODGE) HAVE HAD MANY FAILURES OF THE HEAD GASKETS ON THE CARAVAN 4 CYLINDER. EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, DODGE AGREED TO FIX THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. THIS IS THE SECOND HEAD GASKET FAILURE. THANK GOD THAT I NOTICED THE SMALL OIL LEAKS IN THE CARPORT. IF I HADDN'T THE ENGINE COULD HAVE LET GO ON THE HIGHWAY. SOMETHING IS VERY, VERY, WRONG WHEN YOU HAVE TO GET A HEAD GASKET REPLACED EVERY 10-30K MILES. *AK

  • 12/20/2002· STRUCTURE

    THE DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD IF CONSUMER NEEDED TO REMOVE CHILDREN FROM VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY. TS

  • 12/20/2001· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    MY WIFE AND I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF GASOLINE SMELLS INSIDE OUR VAN OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS. WE HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF CHRYSLER/DODGE DEALERS TWO OR THREE TIMES. THEY INDICATED THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM AS IT WASN'T HAPPENING WHEN THEY LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE RECENTLY READ AN ARTICLE IN THE DECEMBER 16, 2001 ISSUE OF THE DETROIT NEWS AND FREE PRESS WHICH INDICATES A SERIOUS PROBLEM. WE WANTED TO BRING IT TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT OUR ENGINE SIZE AND VEHICLE YEAR WERE NOT INDICATED IN THIS ARTICLE. AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE WE REALLY DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. WE CANNOT BELIEVE DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS BEEN SO SLOW IN THEIR RESPONSE TO THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM WHICH HAS WENT BACK AT LEAST TWO YEARS FOR US. THANK YOU!*AK

  • 12/20/1999· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire

    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

  • 12/19/2001· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    BRAKES: PROPORTIONAL VALVE HAD FAILED. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT BRAKE PEDAL WAS GETTING SPONGY. THEN, HAD CHECK ON BRAKE FLUID, WHERE BRAKE LIGHT HAD COME ON, AND HAD LOST BRAKE POWER. MECHANIC SAID THAT BRAKE FLUID HAD BEEN CONTAMINATED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

  • 12/18/2003· POWER TRAIN

    I CONSIDER OURSELVES FORTUNATE AFTER SCOURING THRU THE NUMEROUS CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ON THE 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED IN 1999 WITH 23,000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS MAINLY USED TO TRANSPORT MYSELF AND OUR THREE CHILDREN ALL UNDER THE AGE OF 6 AT THE TIME, BUT NOW MY HUSBAND DRIVES IT BACK AND FORTH TO WORK. WE TO HAVE HAD THE INTERMITENT GHOST WIPERS EVER SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICHLE AND WERE CONSTANTLY TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG OR COULD BE FOUND TO BE WRONG. WE HAVE WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS REPLACED THE DRIVE BELT, THE WATER PUMP, & TIMING BELT DUE TO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION AT 123,000 MILES JUST WENT OUT ON MY HUSBAND WHILE HE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WE ARE TOLD THAT IT WILL COST $1,500 TO FIX. WE HAVE CHOSEN TO GET IT FIXED, BUT AT THE TIME OF THAT DECISION DID NOT REALIZE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CHRYSLER TRANSMISSIONS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE VAN LEFT MY HUSBAND STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WILL IT TAKE SOMEONE GETTING KILLED BEFORE CHRYSLER IS HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE DEFECTS? I DO NOT LIKE THE FACT THAT MY HUSBAND WILL BE DRIVING THIS VEHICHLE AGAIN, ONCE THE TRAMISSION IS REPAIRED. AS I STATED ABOVE I CONSIDER OURSELVES ONE OF THE FORTUNATE ONES TO NOT HAVE EXPERIENCED SO MANY PROBLEMS AS OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD WITH THEIR VEHICHLES, BUT WHEN WILL THE TIME COME TO HOLD CHRYSLER RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SHODY WORKMANSHIP? I CAN HONESTLY SAY THIS IS THE FIRST AND WILL BE THE LAST CHRYSLER CAR I EVER OWN. MY OTHER CAR IS A FORD F-150, WHICH I AM VERY PROUD TO DRIVE! *AK

  • 12/18/2001· AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

  • 12/18/2000· SEAT BELTS

    ALL SIX SEATBELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE SEATBELT WAS WEARING OUT WHICH MAY CAUSE LESS PROTECTION IF INVOLVED IN A CRASH. *AK THE SEAT BELTS WERE POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. *YH

  • 12/16/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE ENGINE WAS CLUNKY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. *JB

  • 12/15/1999· POWER TRAIN

    WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH CAR STARTED TO FEEL AS THOUGH IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. CAR WOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE, BUT ONLY AT ABOUT 25MPH. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THERE WERE OTHER CARS PRESENT. *AK

  • 12/15/1999· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

    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

  • 12/14/2000· AIR BAGSCrash

    VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING BOTH AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY, THE PASSENGER WHO IS UNDER 5 FEET TALL EXPERIENCED DAMAGE TO THE FACE AND EYES BECAUSE OF THE VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG. *SLC

  • 12/14/1999· CHILD SEAT

    CONUSMER HAS AN INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT AND THE BELT TIGHTENED UP AROUND THE CHILD'S NECK WHEN TRYING TO GET HER OUT. CONSUMER WAS GOING TO CUT IT, BUT MANAGED TO SLIDE CHILD'S HEAD UNDERNEATH THE BELT. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

  • 12/13/2005· AIR BAGS

    CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING 1997 CARAVAN CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY. *TS THE VEHICLE'S HORN FAILED DUE TO A FAULTY CLOCKSPRING. THE CONSUMER DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE'S CLOCKSPRING HAD BEEN RECALLED, RECALL NUMBER 02V293000 . THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE. *NM

  • 12/13/2004· SUSPENSION

    THIS IS RELATED TO COMPLAINT 10090457. MY 1997 DODGE CARAVAN HAS EXCESSIVE RUST AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVER-SIDE STRUT CAP. LARGE CHIPS OF RUSTED METAL CAN EASILY BE REMOVED WITH A SCREW DRIVER.*AK I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RISK IN CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN LATE 1996, AND HAVE KEPT IT IN MINNESOTA SINCE. THE REST OF THE BODY HAS EVIDENCE OF EARLY RUST THAT, IN A COUPLE YEARS, WILL BE UGLY, BUT LOOKS OK NOW AND IS TYPICAL FOR AN 8-YR OLD CAR IN MINNESOTA. CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN, WHICH DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM AS COSMETIC, BUT THEY HAVE ALSO PROVIDED A REPAIR KIT. THE KIT USES EPOXY TO GLUE ON A REPLACEMENT CAP, SO THAT SUGGESTS THE PROBLEM REALLY IS COSMETIC. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE IT FIXED BECAUSE THE BODY-SHOP MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE KIT IS OUT OF STOCK. IS IT SAFE?

  • 12/13/1997· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

    DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOCKS FAILED ON SLIDING DOORS.

  • 12/11/2003· POWER TRAIN

    TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 39,000 MILES. *AK

  • 12/11/2000· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM LEAKS FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RING OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THERMOSTAT FUEL INJECTION RAIL. *AK THE O-RINGS HAD RUPTURED ON THE FUEL INJECTION RAIL CAUSING THE FUEL TO RUN ON TO THE VALVE COVERS AND MANIFOLDS. *YH

  • 12/10/2003· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCrashFire

    VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL 96V215000 CONCERNING MASTER CYLINDER IN JULY 2002. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE BRAKE SYSTEM CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MELTED THE TIRES. MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. ON 11/18/2003, THE BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A DAMAGED DISC IN THE NECK AND SPINAL CORD.*AK

  • 12/10/1999· CHILD SEAT

    INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEAT DESIGN OF THE YOLK/CABLE JOINT IS WEAK, RESULTING IN BREAKAGE, THIS PART ACTUATES THE LOCKING MECHANISM, WHEN BROKEN THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK PROPERLY. MJS

  • 12/09/1998· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATOR. AT TIMES WHE APPLY THE ACCELERATOR, IT GETS STUCK. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

  • 12/09/1997· CHILD SEAT

    INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEAT LOCKED UP AND GOT TIGHTER.

  • 12/08/2003· AIR BAGS

    AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT VEHICLE BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER STATED THE CLAIM WAS DENIED BY THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THEY FELT THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WITH THE HARD SURFACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. DRIVER WAS INJURED. *AK

  • 12/07/2000· POWER TRAIN

    ONGOING PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION NOT ENGAGING IN REVERSE WHEN WEATHER IS COLD. NOTIFIED DEALER, AND HAD SOME REPAIRS DONE AT AN INDEPENDENT SHOP. BUT, PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

  • 12/07/1999· CHILD SEAT

    INTREGRATED CHILD SEAT WHICH FOLDS OUTOF EITHER SEAT DOES NOT WORK DUE TO A BROKEN CABLE WHICH PREVENTS THE SEAT FROM LOCKING, AND CAUSING THE CHILD TO SLIDE FORWARD. PARTS HAVE YET TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

  • 12/07/1999· POWER TRAIN

    WHEN TRAVELING 30 MPH VEHICLE DECREASED IN SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED TRANSMISSION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

  • 12/07/1999· CHILD SEAT

    NO SUMMARY

  • 12/05/2002· STEERING

    CONSUMER STATE WHILE VEHICLE IS IN PARK IT AUTOMATICALLY JUMPS INTO REVERSE GEAR. TS

  • 12/05/2002· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I RECENTLY LEARNED ABOUT YOUR WEB SITE SERVICE AND DECIDED TO USE IT. BECAUSE I HAVE EXPERIENCED TOO MANY PROBLEMS (VARIOUS IN ADDITION TO THIS LIST) OVER THE PAST YEARS WITH THIS VEHICLE. DT

  • 12/05/2002· AIR BAGS

    EA01 007/ CLOCKSPRING AIRBAG LIGHT REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHILE TRAVELING AND THE HORN IS NOT OPERABLE. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

  • 12/04/2000· STEERING,EQUIPMENT

    HAD JUST TURNED ON AIR CONDITIONER WHEN CONDENSATION STARTED TO BUILD UP & DRIPPED ON BELT CONTROLLING STEERING. THIS CAUSED BELT TO SLIP & LOSS OF POWER STEERING. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED BY MECHANIC A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #19-01-97 REVISED A WAS SENT ON THE PROBLEM. REPLACING AIR CONDITIONER. *AK THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WAS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW BY THE MANUFACTURER, ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR. *YH

  • 12/04/2000· PARKING BRAKE

    TEETH IN EMERGENCY BRAKE GEAR HAVE WORN OUT. WHEN EMERGENCY BRAKE IS APPLIED IT DOES NOT HOLD. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED BECAUSE THE BRAKE GEARS ARE COMPLETELY STRIPPED. *YH

  • 12/04/1997· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY

    VEHICLE LEAKS FUEL WHILE DRIVING. OWNER NOTES PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RETURNS. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT PROBLEM BEGAN AT 55 MILES WHEN THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS FIXED, HOWEVER ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED 30 MILES LATER, DEALER REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN AND DEALER REPLACED THE O-RING AND HOLDING NUT, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. LEFT SIDE DOOR GLASS WAS BOWED. UNUSUAL NOISE OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE SHIFTS FROM PARK TO REVERSE, NEUTRAL TO REVERSE, AND NEUTRAL TO DRIVE, DEALER STATED THIS WAS NORMAL. OIL PAN BENT, DEALER REPLACED. *SLC

  • 12/03/2002· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS

    CONSUMER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR CLOCK SPRING WORK DONE ON VEHICLE ON MARCH 21, 2002.

  • 12/02/2000· POWER TRAIN

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK