First the air bag light went on and did not go off. Then the horn stopped working. Then the cruise control did not come on. I took the van to the local dodge dealer and the diagnosis is that clock spring in the steering wheel needs to be replaced. In the current condition the air bag will not deploy on the driver side in the event of an accident. The estimated cost is ~ $300.00. I have scheduled the work for next week. I called chrysler and was told that since there is not a recall for this they will not participate in the repair cost. This is a safety issue if the air bag will not deploy. Per articles on the internet chrysler has replaces over 124,000 clock springs, on their own admission!
1997 Dodge Caravan acceleration complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 45, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Dodge caravan safety issue with the air bag. The air bag light stays on, the horn does not function and the cruise control does not work. My mechanic and the dealer both found this to be a defective clock spring in the steering wheel.
First time clockspring failure rendered driver airbag inoperative. Second failure rendered cruise control inoperative. A non-working airbag is a safety issue.
Air bag/ horn and crusie control failed due to clockspring malfunctioning. Horn could not be used in a emergency situation. Dealer was notified. Please provide more information.
My airbag light came on, cruise control was lost and horn does not work. I understand there have been other complaints regarding the clock spring failure on dodge caravans.
While driving, the air bag light illuminated. The dealer has been notified, and the mechanic stated that the clock spring needed to be replaced. *ak the consumer also stated that the cruise control works part time, and the check engine light stays on.
Vehicle accelerated suddenly and unexpectedly while stopped,the dealer has been notified. *ak
Clock spring failed, causing cruise control/air bags,and horn not to work. Chrysler said part not covered under warranty. If part is considered a wiring harness then it should be covered under warranty that we purchased.
This failure causes the airbag to not work, the horn to not work and no cruise control. I have also heard the the airbag may deply at any time. This could be a problem if going down the road at 65 MPH. This is a defective part and chrysler should recall and repair. I understand that other cars with same problem has been recalled (some jeeps and trucks).
While driving, consumer attempted to activate cruise control, but it would not work, the dealer could not find the problem.*ak
Air bag light on instrument panel has been illuminating/ horn does not function when needed, and cruise control fails to operate. Dealership has examined vehicle, and determined that clock spring assembly in steering column has failed, and has to be replaced. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
Informed that clock work mechanism is defective under steering wheel cover, this controls the airbag,cruise control and horn. Told by dealership this was a common problem and was not covered under extended warranty.
Consumer was traveling 65mph on highway and came to a off ramp, he stopped at t stop sign and made right turn into traffic. Roared and surged into traffic. Had foot on brakes, and the vehicle continued to go. Had to shut vehicle off. Dealership was aware of the problem. In first incident vehicle ran into a tree. There were injuries.
The airbag warning light came on. At the same time, the horn and the cruise control ceased to function. In addition, the wipers come on at random, but especially upon using turn signals (wiper controls are incorporated into the turn signal lever).
Air bag warning light stays illuminated whiel driving, and cruise control is inoperable. Dealer has not been contacted. *ak clock spring connector failed.
Air bag clockspring: air bag sensor light remained on while traveling. Also, horn and the cruise control were inoperative.
Ea 01 007/air bag clockspring: air bag sensor light remained on while traveling. Also, horn and the cruise control were inoperative. Dealer/manufacturer were notified, and informed thatthey were not covered under a recall. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
Consumer stated while merging on interstate and starts to accelerate vehicle ,vehicle stalls at 50mph. Vehicle loses all power. Consumer also stated vehicle starts back up immediately. Contacted dealer and dealer can't find anything wrong.
I have experienced failures in my steering colmn which does not allow me to use my horn, cruise control, and I am afraid that my air bag does not work. The airbag light stays on along with ABS and intermitant other lights. I have had to repair my transmission and it still does not work properly. Slipping from time to time. The rear A/C fan switch only works in the low and high position. Trassmision gives off a burning smell when hot.
Air bag light has come on and stayed on. Also, cruise control has failed to function. Dealership has examined vehicle and determined that clock spring assembly was a defective component. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Air bag lights came on and the horn and cruise control do not turn on any more.
Engine surges when cruising at speeds ranging from 30 to 80 MPH.
The air bag warning light came on the dash at the same time the horn stopped working and the cruise control did not function.
Cruise control failed first - then airbag light started coming on at random - horn worked throughout. Took vehicle to dealer. Dealer repaired on 04/04/01. Repair order shows "clock spring, open circuit".
Clock spring was replaced due to air bag light on dash coming on, and cruise control failing to function. *ak
Speed control dis-engaged at 70 MPH, speedometer needle dropped to approx 40 MPH, then bounced back to approx 55 MPH, shut off speed control then turned back on and work fine. This happened one other time in may 2000. Both times it was after slowing down by touching brake, using gas pedal to control speed, then pushing the resume button on speed control.
Airbag indicator light won't go off. Also, it affected cruiser control. Mechanic told consumer that it could be a defective clock spring.
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I feel this model, caravan se sport, needs alot of upgrades. I feel that this vehicle is not a safe vehicle for families. I believe that dodge is
Vehicle experiencing ongoing problem with accelerator pedal stickig while driving. Consumer can move foot off pedal and the vehicle would maintain speed as though the cruise control was engaged. Foot needs to be placd uder the pedal and push upward to unstick pedal.... Vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions, and dealer refused to correct the problem due to warranty dispute. Can the federal safety agency help in tis matter.
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