The driver's side front strut tower was deteriorating and detached from the frame of the vehicle. The dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. *ak
1996 Dodge Caravan suspension complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 51, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Left front strut mtg tower rusted through by the time the rust was seen the metal in the strut tower had failed chrysler refused to do anything stating it was over 3 year 36,000 mile for manifacturers deffect repair yet this is known as a common problem and can cause loss of control if it fails on the highway.
I took ownership of my used 1996 dodge grand caravan in 2000, and since then have replaced minor mechanical failures such as the starter, water pump, serpentine belt, tires (twice), wiper blades, bulbs, brakes (twice) as well as the rotors. At present I am dealing with the following problems: peeling paint, wipers engaging and not going off even though they are not turned on, hard jerks every now and again (possibly from transmission), and the breakage of a stabilizer bar bushing in the front suspension.
The strut shock tower that supported the suspension system rusted through from the inside out. At the time that rust was noticeable the tower had already failed. This could have caused the front end to drop while driving. The manufacturer was aware of this problem and supplied a repair kit under the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. *ak
Driver's side front strut tower is rusted.*mr the strut tower was rusted to the point where it was about to fail. Daimler chrysler refused to repair the vehicle free of charge. *jb
While getting service on my 1996 dodge grand caravan se VIN/[xxx] rust was observed on the body strut mgt tower located in the left front of the vehicle this tower is a main part of the front suspension system. Failure of this part of the vehicle due to rust out from the inside can cause the front suspension to collapse at normal driving speeds. *la information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Front right wheel weld rusted prematurely.
Clockspring safety deficiency.*mr the consumer is requesting reimbursement for replacement of the clockspring purchased before recall was issued.
During a routine maintenance check mechanic found that struts were popping through the strut tower. Strut tower had to be replaced.
Lower left ball joint failed without warning during low speed (2 MPH) driving, causing the wheel to fall off, also destroying part of the sway bar and the left drive shaft. At highway speed, such a failure would have resulted in complete loss of control. The vehicle was in the dealership the prior day for routine maintenance and the dealership also performed state safety inspection four months prior. There was no evidence of ball joint wear or damage prior to the failure.
Consumer states that right strut cap that holds the suspension has rusted out. Cause is unknown.
The wheel bearing snapped, which caused the tire to wobble, and the vehicle was difficult to control.
Need to add this vehicle to recall and service by dealer need to recall every clock spring made. Dt
Strut tower has rusted out and was about to fall off. Strut tower holds the front end of vehicle. Contacted dealer.
Vehicle was brought in for a flat tire repair. Passenger's side strut tower has rusted and spring was starting to come through. This may have caused front end to collaspe onto the wheels. Please provide any further information.
Both right and left strutt towers had rusted amost completely through. If the van had not overheated, we wouldn't have known that we had a problem. We were told that we needed some parts replaced, but not the importance of these parts. We were lucky that the strutt towers didn't give way, and that we, or no one esle was hurt, when we went in for the repairs, we were told that we would not be allowed to take the vechile off the lot.
Left front strut tower rusted through and caused loss of proper suspension on left side. Manufacturer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
Consumer opened hood to check oil and notice that strut tower had rusted. If it rusted it could break, and front end could fall off.
Vehicle overheated. Took vehicle to dealership for service, and was informed that strut tower the holds engine had rusted, and could cause engine to fall.*ak
The top of the shock towers are showing an unusual amount of rust. The right side shock tower is the worst. It appears the shock is starting to push through the top of the shock tower. Reported this to the dealer who contacted the district service rep. I have been told there is a service bulletin on its way in a month or two. But that was five months ago.
Front suspension has a part that secures suspension to vehicle. Rust builds up that is putting holes in vehicle in that area. Contacted dealer.
There are rusted out holes in left strut rod support tower which may cause vehicle to collapse to ground, dealer replaced left strut tower, also experiencing similar failure in the right front tower. *ak
Right front strut has corroded. Vehicle has been inspected by an independent mechanic. Pease provide additional information.
Air bag warning light illuminated/ horn and cruise control inoperable/ suspension control arm worn out, and windshield wiper pivots and arms worn out.
While driving noticed steering was very shaky. Problem started over a period of time & is steadily getting worse. Took vehicle to dealer & mechanic noticed right front axle was bent. Suspension from manufacturer was defective. Ball joints were worn out due to lack of lubrication on the seals for rubber boot.
Cam seal, crankcase seal,transmission seal and axle seal where replaced due to leakage. Nlm
Bad shimmy from 32-42 MPH had the tires rotated, rebalanced and aligned alignment shop said the problem was with dodge, and that a recall had taken place earlier, I couldn't find that particular recall
Consumer was traveling about 70mph on highway and without prior warning lost power steering/ all belt driven accessories/ water pump pulley flew off,and vehicle started to vibrate.
Brakes squeaking continously. Yh
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
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