A fire started in the A/C vent by the steering wheel, from which flames came out and engulfed the car. Also, driver's airbag deployed. Vehicle shut off. Vehicle has previously been serviced for transmission problems. *ak
1996 Dodge Caravan electrical complaints
Page 7 of 8: complaints 161 to 190 of 213, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Airbag light stays on once vehicle is started and causes horn and cruise control not to work. Dealer was contacted 6 months ago, and they contacted the consumer 3 months after that to tell consumer that there will be a charge for repairs. Consumer believes it is a factory defect. *ak
Brakes squeaking continously. Yh
Consumer was driving at 25mph on the highway. He was looking in his rear mirror and he noticed smoke trail. Gasoline was dripping from underneath the pipe, and the car was on fire. When he applied brakes,the car kept moving. *ak the vehicle cut off in the middle of highway traffic going 55 MPH due to a faulty fuel pump which the manufacturer replaced. 15 months later fuel began to leak from underneath the vehicle causing fire while the customer was driving.
The headlights are adjusted too low. Nlm
Airbag light came on, and driver's/passenger's airbags seemed to be coming out. Also horn was inoperative. If the airbags were to deploy unexpectedly, it might result in a crash. Please provide further information.
It took the dealer with the prodding and help of the manufaturer more than a month to correct this problem. The problem was not in the winshield wiper assembly itself but in the 'electrical control box'.
Socket for the light bulbs had melted the plugs. Also, serpentine belt was replaced 5 times due to breaking. Last belt was shredded to pieces. The tensioner gauge was replaced. In addition, air bag light kept coming on & the horn failed to work when used. Taking vehicle to dealer to check problems.
The water pump failed and has been replaced, however the vehicle continues to overheat due to failure of the radiator fan.
We have more failures that you don't have room for in this questionnaire. We have a huge file on this vehicle and want out of it. It is a lemon!
The engine is just the most recent problem. We went ahead and bought the extended warranty even though it is usually never used. This time we used it numerous times. We have had problems with the electric windows, the starter has been replaced, the fuel pump, the engine head, the electronic locks currently do not work. It has just been a real lemon. We just do not know what to do. This time the engine blew and there was no clue that anything was wrong. We have been stranded several times and last night just barely made it home.
Integrated child seat wont retract when pulled out. Weatherstripping on drivers door fell off found out the drivers door was not aligned properly. Constant belt noise especially during wet conditions. Dealer must repeatedly tighten them. Brakes pulsate when applying them. Replaced numerous components on rear brakes. Fuel tank would not read fuel level correctly. Dealer had to replace fuel tank, fuel pump, and other components and said the fuel tank was bowed. Dual sliding doors have to be repeatedly adjusted because they become difficult to slide. Driver's side window regulator broke for no apparent reason. Right rear child safety seat had hole in the buckle. Replaced battery once.installed child safety belt extensions due to recall. Van is now back in shop for unknown problems, will not start.
While driving entire electrical system malfunctioned, but vehicle continued to operate with no electric components working. Dealer has been contacted replaced transmission, stabilizer sockets, brakes and battery, latches on doors, hatch replaced several times. Ak
Door lock inoperable. Yh
4 trips to dealer to correc. -now it needs body computer.
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.
Battery failed several times.
Transmission/alternator/belts/power windows/shock absorbers/battery/coil/spark plugs and radio failed.
Starter wire shorted out and started a fire inside under the hood, fire department came and has a report. Dealer contacted and repair work done, vehicle under warranty.
When driving the air bag light was coming off and on. Consumer had to take the air bag and horn switch to dealer for repairs, and the dealer put in a new air bag and horn. 831047 dup 0f 831604; posted on 09-07-1999.
When driving at any speed, the transmission went out, and the computer made the vehicle shift. The computer went out and the vehicle started up, and sometimes the vehicle will delay. *ak consumer states prior to the transmission going out, the engine would make the same noise every time, transmission hesitates before going into gear, finally on 20-oct-98, vehicle was hooked up to a computer showing faulty transmission.
When rear windshield wipers are used the airbag warning light comes on. Dealer noted problem wasa fuse for rear wipers which was replaced, but problem returned.
Brakes have been a continuous problem, several repairs to system, however brakes completely failed after repairs made.
Fuse blows when vehicle is in park. Ecm module is defective. Vehicle must be started in nuetral gear. Owner notes of service bullentin for problem.
While driving at 70 MPH in left lane, had just passed another car, there was a major electrical interruption, causing cruise control/radio and blower to fail, and van decelerated for about 4-5 minutes. Suddenly power came back along with all electrical components.
While driving vehicle caught fire for no reason. Seems to be electrical. Owner is very concerned for safety.vehicle was a total loss.
Ignition coil failed.
Turn signal failed.
Consumer had been having electrical problems with vehicle. Vehicle has been in and out of the dealer for repair for the wiring and electrical unit 4 times. While the vehicle was in the possession of the dealer, it caught on fire.
Relay switich causing engine to overheat which cause steam to come from the engine and making it unable to drive. Windshiled wipers come off and on without warning.
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