Engine block cracked when vehicle was approx 1 year old. Dodge fixed crack in engine with putty. I was told by dodge service people that was the standard fix for that problem. The crack has either reopened or a new crack has developed. Local mechanic reports that the head gasket has also failed. I just thought that this should be noted in your files, since I am sure other owners are seeing same problems. A co-worker has the same year dodge stratus with same engine and transmission, he has same problem- his was fixed at same time my caravan was by the same dealer with same putty. He has since traded his vehicle off. Thank you. *ts *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***762668
1997 Dodge Caravan engine complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 121, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving car starting making noise and smoking, timming belt had caught on fire. Air conditioner compressor was shut, and bearing was grinding that what caused the fire.
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
Consumer had parked vehicle and went inside place of employment, upon returning to vehicle he noticed vehicle was smoking under the hood, the engine area had caught fire and vehicle was totaled, driver of the vehicle was treated for smoke inhalation.
After noticing a leakage on the radiator, consumer had taken vehicle immediately to dealer. Dealer repaired the problem, and could not determine the cause. *ak
Vehicle started to smoke under the hood, there was a flame burning in the engine, consumer doused the flame, claim 33-0204-047.
Engine caught on fire while vehicle was parked in driveway, claim 35-w410-264.
While parked, vehicle caught on fire in the left front corner of the engine compartment, it states that the only possible natural cause for the fire would be an electrical malfunction, however this was not present in the evidence that was examnined after the fire, claim 13-7000-834.
While driving, vehicle caught on fire under the hood, claim 53-c624-851.
Vehicle experienced fire in the engine compartment while parked, it is a total loss, claim 13-1389-946.
Engine connecting rod broke while consumer was driving vehicle, traveling at 30 MPH. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
Coolant is leaking between the cylinder and the engine block. Coolant is leaking onto the ground. Consumer has yet to contact dealer. Please provide any further information.
Idler/tension pulley failed causing the timing belt to skip and causing valves to be struct by the pistons. Total engine failure with no compression at only 26,160. Vehicle was maintain very well. Dealership wants to charge full price but agreed to a 50/50 split of cost. They are driving up the cost of repairs by finding other problems. Can you help?
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
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Radiator leak causing anti freeze to enter transmission and cause complete transmission failure. $2100 repair after owning vehicle 1 year, total milage 58620. Seems to be a rather common problem. Please investigate
Radiator was leaking, flushing coolant into the transmission, but temperature gauge in dash never showed a high reading. Also-shook auto was where I bought the van, but I had the repairs done at a chrysler dealership. Ned adams chrysler-jeep, 544 e liberty st,
Vehicle experienced several electrical problems: windshield wipers inoperable due to a short in switch, radiator fan relay replaced, ground wire loose in engine causing dash cluster to go haywire, horn, power windows, radio, speedometer, and air conditioner inoperable at times.
Serpentine belt keeps coming off while driving at various speeds. This has happened 3 or 4 times already. Was informed by mechanic serpentine belt would keep coming off whenever it gets wet. Last couple of times belt came off there hasn't been any rain.
Airbag light came on and horn stopped working, mechanic stated clock spring assembly needed to be replaced. *ak also consumer was having problem with the radio that has been worked on five times and replaced twice and still doesnot work to consumer's satisfaction, consumer also had brakes replaced, also the tensioner belt on the timing belt, also the water pump broke, also transmission went out.
When driving in a parking lot and attempting to pull into a parking space consumer noticed a noise coming from front end, placed vehicle in reverse and vehicle would not respond, then placed vehicle in drive, and the vehicle would not respond in drive, consumer contacted dealer and dealer noticed major problems within transmission and oil pan, transmission needed replacing. *ak
Airbag light in on dashboard stays on constinously, and vehicle overheats.
While driving serpentine belt would become loose. Would have no prior warning. It caused problem with steering.*ak the loose serpentine belt caused power steering loss as well as power brakes and cooling fan.
Consumer was standing next to vehicle when engine belt fell off, and engine stopped working. Then, took vehicle to dealer for repairs. Deale could not find out what causes belt to fall off when original belt did not show any brakeage.
Serpentine belt pulley locking up and causing engine to cut off. Dealer notified, and made repairs; but, problem was reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter .
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.
While traveling at 55 MPH engine immediately shifted down to 25 MPH, and consumer could not go over 30mph. Took vehicle to dealer, and transmission/ engine mounts had to be replaced. There were no recalls for this defect.
While driving in heavy snow serpentine belt came off, causing powersteering to go out. Dealer said there was a tsb out on that component, and that belt would come off as soon as vehicle went through 6 inches of snow. *ak installing a snow guard washer solved the problem.
Engine had leaking seals which caused exhaust manifold to leak. Fumes would come from blower (defroster) when it was turned on. There was an electrical short in engine. Also, windshield wipers were erratic & would come on or off by themselves, and having a lot of problems with starter. *ak gasoline leaks from the tank due to the seal failure. Inside door panel on drivers side is broken.
Head gasket failed.
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