1996 Dodge Caravan engine problems

Filed Jul 1, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 72,000 miles · OH

This vehicle has a chronic design problem with throwing its serpentine belt whenever the tension pulley gets wet. Soon as the belt is thrown there is no power steering, and it steers 10 times worse than a mack truck. The lack of steering is a definite safety hazard to every other vehicle on the road. As it happens suddenly by driving through a water puddle, etc. There is virtually no time to react. In addition to lack of steering there is no alternator output, resulting in rapid battery drain. Also there is no coolant system fan resulting in rapid engine overheating. This design fault has been known for well over a decade, no make that 2 decades, but chrysler has never acknowledged a problem. The problem dates back to all chrysler mini-van designs from the early 1990s to at least 2000. If the lack of steering is not a safety related defect I don't know what is. We have a used wheelchair conversion caravan van to transport my wife. This latest incident was the past saturday night as we left a restaurant to return home. It had been raining profusely and suddenly I had no steering. I knew immediately what the problem was since this is the 3rd occurrence in the past 6 months. Do you expect your vehicle to become inoperable just because you drive in the rain? Why has not chrysler been made to acknowledge this problem and issue a repair recall? I don't care if the van is over a decade old. This defect is one which endangers everyone else on the road and which chrysler should have been required to address well over a decade ago.

Filed Sep 17, 2007 · Electrical, Engine · 119,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. While driving in inclement weather conditions, water, or with the air conditioner activated, the vehicle temporarily loses control. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the serpentine belt slipped off. No warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was repaired approximately five times, however, the failures recurred two months later. The manufacturer was unable to provide assistance. The speed was unknown. The failure mileage was 119,000 and current mileage was 135,000. Updated 01-23-08. *kb the dealer stated upper radiator loose, loose clamps, front brake pads, belt tensioner, oxygen sensor, and alternator bracket. Updated 01/23/08

Filed Nov 29, 2004 · Engine · 72,000 miles · FL

While driving at low speeds vehicle stalled. Consumer was able to restart the vehicle. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Jun 16, 2004 · Engine · PA

Consumer noticed engine consumed one quart of oil every week due to a oil leak from the crankshaft. Dealer was notified.

Filed Jun 4, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · AL

The vehicle stalled when accelerating. The vehicle would not exceed 50 MPH. The vehicle also had electrical problems. The dashboard lights flashed on and off. *ak

Filed Apr 21, 2004 · Engine · 112,000 miles · MO

Engine loses lots of oil at speeds over 60 MPH. Also smell burning smell when engine shuts off. Radiator loses coolant. Don't know if there is a recall for these things. Also oil light only comes on when you take a sharp turn. Engine light has been on for a year, since we got it.

Filed Mar 25, 2004 · Airbags, Engine · FL

While driving, the check engine and air bag light illuminated on the dashboard.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Steering · 83,000 miles · MA

The problem is with the serpentine belt. It can slip off. When it does, you power steering goes (safety) and your car can overheat within minutes. You are stranded. Putting the belt yourself is not easy, even with the diagram (thank goodness they have the diagram under the hood for other mechanics, do it yourselfers) there is a service bulletin, but not a recall. I think they put on a bracket which will help keep the belt on track in case of wet weather.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 79,000 miles · PA

I want to get your advice about my caravan. Even though I replaced thermostat several months ago, I experienced same problem recently that I have been suffering for a long time. Caravan loses power while running, I mean that engine is running but very unstable and going to stop if deeply press gas pedal. Once I lose power, it is difficult to drive because of insufficient power. But if I wait until engine cool down (typically an hour or so), it recovers to normal condition. Even though I checked it at the chrysler dealer, they do not know exactly what would be the reason. Only what they can do is based on the computer diagnosis from multiple misfire. When it was checked several months ago, they said that there is nothing wrong in the fuel pump and replaced thermostat. But some people, who work at a garage, told me that there is a possibility that the fuel pump is not normal. The fuel pump problem may not be monitored by computer diagnosis. This problem persists even though I replaced a lot of parts; spark plug cable, (not spark plug because it is less than 20000 mile after replaced), rotor, rotor cap, fuel filter and air filter. If these parts are replaced and there is still same problem, we need to suspect fuel pump. He told me to pay attention to the sound that can be heard when we put the key to the ignition position when starting engine. It is possible to hear fuel pumping sound for about one second even though the engine is not running if turn the key to ignition position. And he told me to pay attention to this sound again when my car loses the power. If this sound is not heard, he said that it is definitely due to the fuel pump defect when the power is not sufficient and need to replace fuel pump. Do you agree with his suggestion. Until his assumption is proved, it may be a waste of money if simply replace fuel pump which is quite expensive.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 66,000 miles · FL

Right after I bought the van at 33,000 miles the bumper paint started peeling away and the paint on top of the back truck door, it's terrible and looks like hell. I don't think it's fair that I have to pay for it to be repaired! I have a warranty and they say it won't cover , I have heard dodge has had a recall on some years of paint peeling