This one is a doozy. The mechanic mentioned that there was a small leak in the radiator, I fugured out that it was a cracked Y connector and replaced the Y connector with an automotive grade plastic Y from Napa that was, according to the packaging, intended for cooling systems. That failed completely, so I replaced it with a brass T from Lowe's. That repair is still holding. Also had to replace one of the coolant hoses. Taking it to the dealership would require replacing the whole system. Seriously Mopar, replace the part that fails for $10 (or $20 plus labor with the stealership markup). Instead a trip to the dealer for this repair will cost you in excess of $400 dollars depending on the going labor rate where you live. Of course, so many other people had this problem that I was able to find several YouTube videos on how to fix it. Lesson here, don't buy a car the first model year after a total revamp.

I noticed this odor coming from my vents, due to heat is on due to cold season here in the GR8 Mitten State. So I checked it out and noticed that there is a leak at the "Y" coupler, only know this is because I've asked mechanics around, lol, due to I'm not a mechanic. I've called the dealership and service person told me that it's going to cost me roughly about $450-upper $500's to get the issue fixed. What bothers the sh*t out of me or chaps my ass about this situation is: Why the F*CK do I have to fork out that much money to fix something that Dodge/Chrysler poorly constructed or schematically located the "Y" coupler above an engine that can emit tremendous or at least enough heat to melt the part (coupler) which cause the leak!!

Now just going back to me not being a mechanic and probably a lot of others out there like myself, what if we weren't aware or not even noticed the odor smell or even what to check/look for or even recognize the smell, DO we or WILL we have to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix something that ultimately and inevitably is going to happen anyways due to poor schematics/constructions? Example: Like if I don't maintain or keep my reservoir filled and it goes empty and cause the engine to overheat, then that'll cause it to seize and probably crack due to the extreme heat that goes thru (depending on how long it's been prolonged to the emptiness of engine coolant), which could leave you stranded (with little ones in the freezing cold!). Now you have to call for tow truck and pay for that if not covered by insurance or outside the range allowed by your insurance coverage, be out of a vehicle if that is your only means of transportation or pay for a rental if not in your insurance, and WAIT for dealership to fix your vehicle and PAY for the service and nothings cheap when you have to pay the dealership!! I don't think I have to go any further with my example so my thought is that we SHOULD either get compensated for this POORLY schematic/placement of the coupler or get it fixed for FREE!

I am filing this complaint because after browsing on the net it seems this is not an isolated issue but also affected a lot of other Grand Caravan owners. I just noticed the issue when after parking for a while I noticed a fluid stain on my driveway. I found out that it was coolant leaking from my car. Later I found out that this was coming out from a Y-coupler with two hoses one going into the cab through the firewall and the other going to the rear. I checked the fluid level and found out it is already low. The good thing is I caught it early so I was able to replenish the coolant.

Eventually the coupler will have to be replaced which will cost you more than 100 bucks if you go to the dealer and do it yourself. If not the dealer will charge you more than $300. I think the manufacturer is aware of these complaints, they just don't want to do something about this since it's not a safety issue.