1997 Dodge Caravan: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jul 6, 2006 · Suspension · 82,000 miles · VA

Summary: control arm bushings replacement parts are on national backlog: wides-spread occurrence of this defect indicates the need for recall on these parts. Details: our dodge caravan is in need of new control arm bushings, however there is a national backlog for these parts and they will not be available for 4-8 weeks or longer. We believe a recall for this defect is a needed and fair way to handle this, as this defect is obviously so wide-spread as to be unmanageable under normal circumstances. We have contacted chrysler directly and they have informed us that they will not take any corrective action. Vin: vb482644, mileage: 82,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2004 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

We bought this van one year ago and so far we had to replace both oxygen sensor, speed sensor, head gasket, water pump, the transmission is slipping, doors lock and unlock whenever they want not just the 16 MPH thing, ball joints are clunking, the cd player quit and then soon after fm radio only am works.

Filed Oct 24, 2003 · Brakes, Steering · 70,502 miles · OH

We have had our vehicle since 1999 and have been disappointed with its performance. This is our third chrysler/dodge van and this is the second of the three to have transmission problems. The first had them at 37,000 miles and this one is having them at 71,000 miles. We were smart enough to have an extended warranty for both vehicles, unfortunately, on the current van the warranty ran out last month...besides the poor engineering of the transmissions this van has had several problems with the tie rod and front end noise as well as going through front brakes relatively quickly (we do not drive it roughly and it is mainly used to transport our kids around our community approximately. 12000 miles or less a year since we have owned it.

Filed Jul 23, 2001 · Steering · WA

Tie rod end became disassembled while backing out of a parking stall. The knuckle came out of the cup resulting in loss of steering control, lucky we were not on freeway.

Filed Aug 3, 2000 · Steering, Suspension · IN

Steering: steering wheel vibrations, difficult to control, especially when breaking, and popping noises. Had to replace rack and pinion at 37,100 miles. Replaced lower control arm bushings at 54,354 miles. Replaced lower control arm joints at 59,421 miles. Tires: tires loose air pressure and go flat for no apparent reason intermitantly, resulting in the replacement of two tires. Tire burst while driving, resulting in replacement of a third tire. Door locks: intermittent failure of right side sliding door power lock. Will not lock/unlock with power control. Radio tape deck: tape player activated without tape in the deck. Unable to stop tape player. Required replacement.( dot number: tire size: p215/65r15 )