1998 Dodge Caravan: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jul 30, 2014 · Seats · 16,000 miles · LA · fire

Only a block or 2 from home, doing 20 MPH there was the smell of smoke then flames shot out from under the drivers seat. We bailed from the van and before 911 could be called the van was engulfed in flames. A total loss.

Filed Jun 2, 2010 · Fuel system · 80,000 miles · PR · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge grand caravan. While the vehicle was parked, it suddenly caught fire. The fire began under the hood. A fire report was filed. Only the engine was destroyed but the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle was not included in recall 00v268000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). The VIN was unavailable when the complaint was filed. The current and failure mileages were approximately 80,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2007 · Engine · 148,000 miles · FL · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. After parking and exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed flames rising from under the hood. While inside the passenger compartment, the driver felt heat underneath her feet. The vehicle was towed to a garage and labeled as destroyed. The fuel pump and radiator were previously replaced. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 148,000.

Filed Dec 3, 2004 · Electrical · VA

When consumer put key into the ignition to crank the vehicle it made a squeaking/grinding noise. While the engine was still running black smoke came from under the hood. Was not able to turn vehicle off. Vehicle turned off automatically on its own after smoke stopped billowing. Vehicle was not taken to a dealer.

Filed Sep 17, 2004 · Fuel system · 11,600 miles · LA · fire

1998 dodge caravan, VIN [xxx]. I was driving in town and started to smell gasoline. I pulled over to a gas station and the van caught fire. I called the fire dept and they put it out. The van is still sitting at my house. The plastic, hoses, and belts are melted. I have called daimler/chrysler and logged a complaint. # [xxx] because my VIN is not on the recall list for; fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system. *ak updated 07/25/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Oct 27, 2003 · Transmission · MI · fire

Vehicle fire caused from defective transmission system. *mr (under sized transmissions, inadequate sized cooling lines and internal parts) the transmissions did not last over and average of 25k miles and had to be replaced more than once at times. While driving, the dash showed everything being, normal, the vehicle suddenly started to smoke. The transmission was not responsive. The transmission dripped balls of flames. *scc

Filed Jun 9, 2003 · Fuel system · TX · fire

Recall 00v268000; vehicle caught on fire due to engine fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals which degraded over time, resulting into fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail.

Filed Apr 4, 2003 · Engine · 3,700 miles · NH · fire

The air conditioner compressor which was broke and rubbed against the serpentine belt caused the vehicle to catch on fire, also the head gaskets failed. *ts

Filed Mar 21, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · GA · fire

1998 dodge caravan: (1.)twice in the past two years "flex plate" between the engine and transmission has failed breaking in the center imitating the sound of a failing main bearing. Under 100,000 miles. (2.) transmission failed 100,000 mi., (3.)wiring harness caught fire while engine running - destroyed harness. (sparks shooting out from beneath vehicle - fire extinguished before major damage @ 110,000 miles. ,000 mi. ( 4.) headlight lens plastic turned milky and inhibits proper light projection - difficult to see well at night even when lights are on bright.

Filed Oct 30, 2002 · Electrical · OH · fire

Vehicle was parked. Consumer turned the keys in the ignition, a nd vehicle caught on fire. The fire came from under the hood. Their were no problems or warnings prior to the fire. Please provide more details. Ts

Filed Oct 28, 2002 · Engine · CA · fire

While in motion, consumer pulled into a road side rest area and discovered the engine compartment was on fire.

Filed Jul 1, 2002 · FL

While driving smoke started to appear in vehcle and all around the outside of vehicle. Consumer thought vehicle was on fire. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced evaparator swithch. Please provide any further information.