Nothing has happened yet, but fear of front end collapse is mounting. The strut towers look severely rusted even though older and newer vehicles of the same make and model do not demonstrate this potential failure. It seems that if this fails that the strut would push through the tower causing front wheel to move up and back resulting in loss of control, sudden swerve, and potential catastrophic collision.

- Naperville, IL, USA

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the brakes were applied but the vehicle did not respond. The contact added brake fluid to the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic discovered that the strut tower was rusted and the wheel cylinder had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified and told the contact to bring the vehicle in for repairs at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,852.

- Machefeny Park, IL, USA

There are two major problems with my 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. First there is a serious vibration in the front wheel/tires. I have replaced 8 tires (in 30000 miles!), both front axles, all three motor mounts, and had the transmission overhauled, as well as having three alignment checks. The vibration is still there. The second problem involves the windshield wipers. The front wipers were, for a time, coming on any time they felt like it; this was remedied by replacing the multi function switch on 09/21/01. Since then, the rear wiper will occasionally come on for one swipe when I first start the vehicle - annoying, but not an immediate hazard. But today, my windshield wipers quit working at all. They will only work if I put the wipers on interval - in which case they do nothing for a time, then make two to four swipes, then wait a while, make one or two swipes, wait a while, etc. They will make one high speed swipe across the windshield if I press the washer button in. I spent $80 today so the Dodge dealer could tell me this was caused by a body control module failure. This repair costs over $400...and researching a used part online, I learned that both the wheel shimmy problem and the windshield wiper problems are not unique to my car but are very common issues with the Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country/Plymouth Voyager family. Losing your wipers, having them come on at random when they take a notion to, and a non-stop shimmy in the front are each, by themselves, serious safety issues warranting a recall. Collectively, they spell out a lack of concern that daimler Chrysler has for the safety of those who drive their products. It is my understanding from my online research that Chrysler was aware of the problem as long ago as 1998 but deliberately ignored its own information. It is apparent that the only way these safety issues are going to be addressed is if the federal government takes them to task.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE that has 105,000 miles on it and the strut towers have rusted through. I have checked the internet and this is a common problem with the Grand Caravan. I would like to know if Chrysler has to stand behind the repair of these as they have ignored the fact that this is a common problem.

- Merrimac, WI, USA

We took our 1996 Grand Caravan in for recalls that Dodge sent us. They called my wife back and told her it was condemnable and unsafe to drive, because the strut tower was very badly rusted. By the time I had the chance to call them, because I was at work, the person she talked to had left, however I did talk to another person acquainted with the vehicle. He said because of the mileage and that I wasn't the original owner Dodge wouldn't do anything for us. He also said it would cost $2000 per side to fix and the van wasn't worth it. I said this is a serious thing and it should be fixed by Chrysler because they obviously used inferior materials on that part of the van. He said that they would not fix it, and the weather where we live had something to do with it. I said so I am just out of a vehicle to drive", and he said you can drive it but it's not safe. Now the other man told my wife that if she hit a hole or went over rr tracks it could come completely through and she would lose total control of the vehicle. The auto body man we took it to said that the part should have been galvanized when they made it and this wouldn't be happening. Another thing I would like to note is that our 1994 Caravan did not have this problem and it had over 270,000 miles on it. Also this 1996 does not have rust anywhere else. Someone is going to get hurt or killed if they don't recall these and fix them. They recalled a clock spring for the airbag, and they didn't ask the mileage of our vehicle, and they performed all the other recalls on it that day so they could get there money, but they won"T do anything about a suspension component that is life threatening. I would like also to add that your car doesn't need to have an airbag to be safe or run, but it does need a suspension. This is not an only case, we have another 1996 Grand Caravan that looks like rust is bubbling under the paint at that same spot, so it is a very easy thing to not see.

- Knapp, WI, USA

Car taken to dealership on two occasions for front end noise in the last 6 months. Dealership failed to properly diagnose problem. Upsold other service repair work as "needed" but not related to front end noise. Vehicle taken to outside service station for noise and told needed struts (previously done earlier in the year already) mechanic unable to perform repair due to rusting of both front strut towers. Vehicle brought back to dealer for further inquiry regarding rust of towers. Service manager acknowledged problem when I pointed it out. He had no explanation why his technicians failed to indentify on prior service visits. Chrysler contacted and willing to offer goodwill of 1/2 cost for body shop repairs. No loaner car provided. Waiting for adhesive needed to complete work, parts ordered 6/24/03, car left with dealership for 1 week. No repair done, no notification of delay. Car picked up unrepaired on 7/1/03 and forced to now drive an unsafe vehicle until such time they receive parts to do repairs. Unable to obtain whereabouts or shipping info on parts still needed as of 7/7/03. Consumer called on 7/21/2003 to say the vehicle has been fixed by the dealer.

- Beachwood, OH, USA

The consumer stated the left strut tower rusted through, which increased the risk of a front suspension drop.

- Elyria, OH, USA

The shock towers, which held the shocks to the vehicle's body, rusted excessively.

- Zeeland, MI, USA

Air conditionercondenser/driver side window regulator/tie rod, transmission shift cable, and O2 sensor were replaced. Also, there was a noise coming from front of vehicle, and from the exhaust area. Engine check light appeared. In addition, serpentine belt and water pump were replaced..

- Homestead, FL, USA

Body control has gone out three times. Windshild wipers would not work.

- Spring Fork, UT, USA

Consumer was under hood & noticed strut rod was rusted. Consumer took vehicle to a mechanic, and found out that rod could break through and cause vehicle to lose control.

- Kalamazoo, MI, USA

At high and low speeds the vehicle shakes and shimmies uncontrolably. Dealer cant find the problem.

- Syracuse, NY, USA