1998 Dodge Caravan body problems

Filed May 29, 2013 · Body · 117,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle swerved to the right lane independently. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered corrosion throughout the frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2010 · Body · WI

My 1998 dodge van was in to my local dealer for some general service. I asked the mechanic about the considerable rust around the top of the driver side strut. He said that it had been a problem with some vans and that a service bulletin had been issued regarding. If the strut were to go break through the rusted cap it could cause an accident if not least major damage at highway speed. He printed me a copy of the chrysler service bulletin no. 23-044-02. A web search should considerable results on the bulletin number. I called chrysler customer service and spoke with rep# hm494. I first told the bulletin didn't exist, then when I demanded she search under the bulletin number she told me it didn't apply to my vehicle. The bulletins clearly states 1996-2000 ns town&country/voyger/caravan. Hm494 then stated that service bulletins were only for technicians and mechanics. I explained that this was the problem. The important information directly related to driver & passenger safety that was issued in 2002 apparently was not intended to be given to the customer. Personally I do not think hm494 was qualified to make the statements that represent chryslers customer service. I was also told because my caravan has 126,000 miles I should not expect anything from chrysler. My caravan would have only been 4years old at the time of the service bulletin.

Filed Jun 9, 2010 · Body · 200,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the strut that secured the wire to the wheels and other structures had rusted under the hood. The contact had not called the dealership or the manufacturer at the time of the complaint. The failure and current mileages were 200,000.

Filed Oct 31, 2009 · Body · 128,000 miles · MA

1998 dodge caravan strut tower is rusting through on passenger side. We had taken the vehicle in for front brake servicing and the mechanic informed us of the strut issue. He said this could cause steering and brake failure. If the problem is not corrected and the tower collapses while driving we will loose control of the steering and possible brakes.

Filed Mar 4, 2009 · Body, Suspension · 170,000 miles · MO

I took my vehicle in for an inspection and the mechanic informed me that the upper strut towers on my 19998 dodge caravan are rusting through causing possible steering and brake failure. I was told if the problem is not corrected and the tower collapses while drive I will loose total control of steering and possible brakes.

Filed Jan 24, 2009 · Body · 155,000 miles · MI

1998 dodge caravan front strut tower failure. The tower is collapsing on both sides of van.

Filed Aug 17, 2008 · Body, Suspension · 00

Both strut towers on my 1998 caravan have rusted out to the point of failure. Speaking to many caravan owners and going to many sites this problem seems to be very common on these vehicles. Why does chrysler not have to be responsible to all these vehicle owners or the ones that might be involved in a collision due to this built in defect?

Filed Jan 5, 2006 · Body · 95,000 miles · MN

My 1998 dodge caravan (current mileage 108,000 miles) has severe corrosion around the top to the driver's side strut tower. It was first noticed by a mechanic last summer, but has since accelerated quickly and looks like a safety risk should the tower collapse into the engine compartment. I am concerned about any sudden failure. There is very mild corrosion in the same top area of the other strut tower. I was told by a dodge dealer in st. Paul that chrysler was covering all or portions of select tower repairs. When I contacted chrysler today I was advised that this problem was not a subject of recall and, therefore, not covered whatsoever. I did find considerable info on this problem at an internet site called allpar.com which was quite helpful.

Filed Jul 15, 2005 · Body, Suspension · MN

Dt: front suspension: strut rusted. There is noise in the front suspension, but the consumer is not sure if this was related to the corroded struts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they said that the struts should be replaced within a couple of months. The dealer was going to charge the consumer to fix the vehicle. The consumer talked to other people with similar problems. *ak the rust was on top of the strut tower which was weakening the structure so that the strut spring began to protrude through the support. *sc

Filed May 6, 2005 · Airbags, Body · 135,000 miles · SC

Dt: air conditioning light is blinking; engine check and air bag light is on, nothing on the dash (speedometer etc) does not work. Door locks do not work; it's like it all went out at once.