1998 Dodge Caravan: engine failure

Filed Oct 18, 2016 · Engine · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. While driving various speeds, the power steering seized without warning. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired several times, but the failure was persistent. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 3, 2004 · Suspension · OH

On thursday, september 30, 2004 I was informed by my dealer rouen chrysler in woodville, ohio that my ls front power tower (housing for left strut, engine bracket, etc) was rusted through and would immediate repair or the strut would collapse, engine bracket and entire front end of the car would collapse causing an accident and injury. The repair was exhorbitant initially. After discussion a service bulletin 23-044-02 was produced that indicated there was a defect for all dodge caravan's model years 1996-200. My vehicle is a 1998 dodge caravan. The service bulletin indicated a repair kit and I was given a more reasonable estimate by the rouen body shop. The service techs were seeking the problem with my horn which wasn't working on all decibles. If they had not been looking at the left front inside of the vehicle this condition would have continued until there was a fatality. My vehicle [xxx] has been exclusively serviced by rouen technicians from its purcase in august 1996. There is no excuse for this oversight and I fear that left unnoticed as it had been for this amount of time a fatality would have occurred. I blame this dealership entirely for this negligence and doubt if I will ever buy another chrysler product and certainly not at this dealership. The service department and warren are well aware of my concern. No action has been taken. I will need immediate transportation. My first vehicle purshased in april 1996 a plymouth voyager had complete engine failure and could nto be fixed, now this. Is it any wonder I doubt the credibility of chrysler products and the long-term reliability due to proven manufacturing defects which endanger my life.*ak updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jun 14, 2004 · Transmission · MA

On august, 1, 1998, allen and anne mazerolle purchased a new 1998 dodge grand caravan se manufactured by chrysler from lee dodge in westbrook, maine. At the time of their purchase, neither the dealer nor chrysler provided any disclosure to the mazerolles concerning the differential transmission defect. In 2001, anne mazerolle was operating the chrysler minivan with her children in the vehicle. Without any advance warning, a thunderous noise occurred and the vehicle seized and the wheels locked in traffic. Mrs. Mazerolle telephoned chryslers authorized dealer, lee dodge, from the highway seeking assistance. Mrs. Mazerolle was informed that, while it was within three years of the vehicles purchase, the mileage exceeded the 36,000 mile limitation and the mazerolles were out of luck as to any warranty coverage. The mazerolles then inquired as to whether there was any recall or problems concerning the chrysler transmission. They were informed by the chrysler dealer that no such problems had been reported by chrysler and there was no recall concerning the transmission. In the emergency, the vehicle was towed from the highway to a transmission specialist, a&m transmission, in south portland, maine. Mrs. Mazerolle was informed by technicians that there was a serious defect in the transmission and that the pinion gear had seized to the pinion shaft and penetrated the bell housing of the transmission, resulting in the complete lock-up of the vehicles drive train and complete failure of the transmission. *ak *sc

Filed Mar 28, 2002 · Engine · FL

Head gasket leaking oil at 60k miles. Manufacturer is aware of problem has service bulletin on head gasket leaks. Oil leak causing pollution, environmental damage, may result in engine failure or fire. Chrysler will not repair, estimates my cost $300 to fix. Manufacturing defect. Nlm

Filed Jul 10, 2001 · Engine · TX

Head gasket failure. Vehicle well maintained, records available. Unacceptable for major engine failure (head gasket) at relatively low milage. Chrysler needs to recall as my independent mechanic reported that he has seen this problem with this type of engine many times although chrylser maintains that this is "not a common problem".