10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 6 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 5,941 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Tensioner rod broke. This happened while driver was pulling into a parking space. The problem has been corrected by the dealership.
- Kingwood, TX, USA
Engine galley plugs are leaking fuel which could result in a fire, cause unknown.
- Boca Raton, FL, USA
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.
- Akron, OH, USA
The tensioner belt drive pulley broke a piece of metal from it and hit vehicle behind.
- San Jose, CA, USA
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.
- Littleton, CO, USA
Engine seals failed resulting in leakage.
- Encinitas, CA, USA
Engine head oil galley plug not adequately retaining, causing oil to leak, which can result in an engine compartment fire. Dealer/manufacturer notified, and refused to repair because vehicle does not meet NHTSA recall # 96V-006 specifications.
- Poughquag, NY, USA
Fan relay failed and was replaced under warranty.
- Boca Raton, FL, USA
Valve cover gasket failed.
- Boca Raton, FL, USA
Right rear brake cylinder, springs, shoes and linings failed.
- Boca Raton, FL, USA
Oxygen sensor failed.
- Boca Raton, FL, USA
Dashboard and overhead lights emit smoke and there is a strong smell of an electrical component burning.
- Boca Raton, FL, USA
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.
- Orlando, FL, USA
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.
- Mt. Penn, PA, USA
Serpentine belt failure.
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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.
- Glen Burie, MD, USA
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.
- Scotch Plains, NJ, USA
Failed crank seal leaks oil.
- Los Angeles, CA, USA
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.
- Tiburon, CA, USA
- Weston, FL, USA