1997 Dodge Caravan: sudden loss of power

Filed Mar 24, 2014 · Steering · 2,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH over a puddle of water, there was a sudden loss of power steering assist. The failure only occurred whenever the contact was driving over a puddle of water, causing the serpentine belt to become detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic three different times where the serpentine belt was reconnected each time. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

Filed Nov 23, 2011 · Engine · 68,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the vehicle lost power steering, the engine overheated, the alternator and air conditioner failed. The vehicle merged onto the side of the road and the contact inspected the engine and noticed the serpentine belt detached from the pulley and was dragging on the ground. The contact connected the belt back onto the pulley. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated there was no failure; however, the pulley could be replaced for $1000. This failure occurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000 and the current mileage was 210,000.

Filed Feb 26, 2003 · Steering · MA

When the vehicle hit a minor bump in the road, the vehicle lost power steering.

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Engine · 70,000 miles · VA

The serpentine belt popped off, which resulted in loss of power steering and function of the alternator, which caused the vehicle to stall.

Filed Aug 21, 2002 · Transmission · NJ

The transmission overdrive blew. I was approaching an intersection when I lost power. This cause the car to come to a stop in the middle of the intersection, causing several cars to swerve in order to avoid a collision.

Filed May 15, 2002 · Electrical · FL

While driving electrical wiring went out, and lost all power on vehicle. Dealer contacted.

Filed Apr 11, 2002 · Engine · TX

In heavy rain, serpentine belt comes off which causes vehicle to lose all power. Forced water reduces friction, causing belt to loosen. This will be the fourth belt to be replaced. *ak

Filed Mar 12, 2002 · Transmission · MO

While driving, vehicle started to make a funny sound, vehicle started to lose power when applying gas. Took vehicle to a mechanic, and they stated it was a problem with the transmission. Dealer has not been contacted.*ak. Consumer stated both planetaries had to be replaced.

Filed Sep 24, 2001 · Transmission · MD

While driving transmission locked up, preventing vehicle from operating under normal conditions. Vehicle slowly lost power, and nealry shut completely down. Please give any further details.

Filed Aug 22, 2001 · Engine · CO

When driving at any speed and without prior warning, after vehicle has been driven over a period of time, vehicle will completely stall out, causing loss of all power. After attempting to restart vehicle on the third attempt, it will restart. Consumer has contacted the dealer. *ak

Filed Feb 6, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · NY

Was driving vehicle when it started to lose power. Gears were not shifting properly. Then would regain power. Computer was going off. Took to mechanic, and was informed cylinder head gasket was causing problem, and it could be repaired.*ak the head gasket was determined defective by the mechanic. Water was leaking into the engine causing the computer to malfunctions.

Filed Dec 4, 2000 · Steering · CT

Had just turned on air conditioner when condensation started to build up & dripped on belt controlling steering. This caused belt to slip & loss of power steering. Took to dealer & informed by mechanic a technical service bulletin #19-01-97 revised a was sent on the problem. Replacing air conditioner. *ak the loss of power steering was due to design flaw by the manufacturer, according to the consumer. The manufacturer should be responsible for repair.