There is a structural weakness in the front doors of Dodge/Chrysler minivans that causes door failure. The doors become improperly aligned with the door frame, making them difficult or impossible to open and close. The door also fails to latch properly as a result of misalignment. This can cause the door to fly open suddenly while the vehicle is moving, particularly when turning a corner. It happened to me, but fortunately my passenger was wearing his seatbelt and was not thrown out of the car. Others might not be so lucky. Two and a half years ago, when the doors on my 1995 Grand Caravan began to fail, I went to an autobody shop for repair, thinking it was a simple matter of repairing welds. I was told that the door had been repaired before (by a previous owner). I have since learned that my local Dodge/Chrysler dealer has repaired many doors, so this is not an uncommon problem. Unfortunately, at least in the case of my vehicle, the doors were braised, making it impossible, I understand, to weld them. It looks to me as if the only lasting repair would involve reinforcing the door frame, which would involve extensive body work. My doors are failing again, and I want a fix that will last! it scares me to drive the car, because I'm afraid I won't be able to get out of it in an emergency.

- Turners Falls, MA, USA

Failure of the door frame at the hinge point for both driver and passanger side front doors causing them to sag and scrape on the door lock post, passenger side door also rubs on the front fender. Right side door repaired at local body shop 1 year ago by welding extra structural backing behind the door hinge mating area and then welding hing to frame and extra backing (door locks had to be replaced due to door sag interferance). Left side not repaired to date.

- Gales Ferry, CT, USA

No summary

- Sedona, AZ, USA

The doors will not shut due to metal fatigue. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and manufacturer has been notified.

- Corvallis, OR, USA

No summary

- Massena, NY, USA