The left front strut tower assembly was rusted, which could cause the strut to come out on the side of the vehicle. Consumer anticipated that this could cause the front end of the vehicle to drop unexpectedly.
1998 Dodge Caravan suspension complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 37 of 37, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Strut tower corrosion - failure in near future 1998 dodge caravan 86000 miles quoted $ 800 to repair this should be a general recall by manufacturer !!!!!
Left strut tower rusted almost through. Mechanic refused to replace strut. Currently searching for repair alternative.
Experience lost of engine power and steering. Bolts broken and replace gaskets. Lost steering while driving. *bf the front end appeared to be much lower than usual and the belt was hanging below the chassis.
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)
Driver's side strut tower rusted and was coming through the top of the vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, but problem was not resolved.
I went to the dealership where I had purchased the van in 1998 with the intent of researching the value for a trade in. First item they looked at was the shock towers in the front of the van. Showed me how they had almost rusted through, explaind to me how this was a common issue for this van, thus lowering the trade in value and also informing me as to the dangers involved. Which wer subsquently confirmed my a mechanic. The customer service at chrysler blew me off. There is no other rust on the van in this magnititude. Help please.
Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for routine maintenance, and mechanic determined that the strut tower needed to be replaced due to corrosion. *ak a recall was issued for this problem but the consumer's vehicle was not included due to vine. The consumer had to pay $500 for the repairs.
Preparing for trip, noticed large amount of rust/corrosion on driver side strut tower. Large chuncks of rusted metal loosened when lightly touched. This was within two weeks of an oil change, lube and filter at the dealership where purchased in 1999. Had checked by local mechanics, all said, "get rid of the car". Did research and discovered service bulletin was issued regarding this problem. Dealership stated "never seen this before. *ak .
While driving the vehicle consumer heard a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Took the vehicle to the dealership, and mechanic determined that the struts rusted.
Transmission not properly shifting in 2 nd gears. Air conditioning stills blows semi-warm air. Sway bars replaced.
Consumer states while preparing to pull out of his driveway, both of his front wheels collapsed. He states he had his vehicle towed to the nearest service station and repaired. But he doesn't think there is a recall of this type of defect.
On my way home from the dealership I heard a noise in the front end when I arrived home I called a mechanic the next day. He looked at my van on that monday to find the stabilizer bar broke and zippity strip to the strut which was also bad. The dealer let me drive 180 miles with my son in the vehicle, and the front end was like this. The following week I was driving down the road and white smoke started to come from the vents so I returned to the mechanic and paid $105.00 to have freon with dye ran through my system to find the evaporator was bad and needed replaced, which would cost at least $860.00. Then at 36 days of ownership and only 64000 miles the constant velocity joint is bad and a new transaxle is going to have to be put in this week. I have called the dealership where it was purchased and all they can say is were sorry we got the vehicle in 2 days prior to my purchase and was never inspected, there money was more important than me and my son. I then called the daimler chrysler corporation where they were rude and said there is no recalls on your vehicle theres nothing we can do for you. I know from some research there has been a big problem with the evaporators on chrysler products. Please help me I do not know what else to do. This is the van I will be driving my two sons to school in, I starting to wonder how safe we will be.
I have a 1998 dodge grand caravan we have had the steering rac replaced twice. We also have constant alignment problems what we are wondering has there ever been reports on the front seats (drivers seat) separating as this is what happened 8/3/03 the welding has seperated and the support bar has snapped completely apart we have never seen anything like it.
Consumer states vehicle's left front strut tower is cracked on top. Dealer notified. *mr the mechanic stated that this wasn't an unusual failure and without repair, the problem will get worse until the suspension breaks.
The vehicle had significant rust on strut towers, so much that it would mot pass inspection and severla mechanics expressed concern about the suspension falling out of the vehicle.
Consumer states that there is to much rust on the strut bars underneath the vehicle, which could eventually cause the suspension to fall down. Contacted dealer please provide further information. Mr
Our mechanic alerted us to an abnormal, excessive amount of rust on strut towers. He indicated that the suspension will fall out if not repaired in near future. Additionally, he indicated that this vehicle will not pass inspection in its present condition. We contacted daimler chrysler regarding this issue. They suggested that we have our local dealership inspect the problem (preston dodge-butler, pa). The autobody manager there concurred with our mechanic's opinion and indicated because of the abnormality, that daimler chryser should pay for the repair of this problem. However, daimler chrysler has stated that they will not do so.
Consumer states left front side of vehicle appears to be lower than the right and the brakes wear down only on the front left side, vehicle skidded when brakes were being applied which caused an accident consumer was advised front caliper, rotor and brake pads were needed because they were worn, dealership advised consumer they could not explain why vehicle was skidding, consumer is having to replace the rotor, caliper and brake only on front side every 8000 miles, consumer was advised by delearship that this type of vehicle is known to have problems with the brakes and would probably have to be replaced every six months. *jb key would not turn in ignition, dealer attempted to remove cylinder and it broke, dealer replaced. Tape dragged in the tape player, dealer replaced. At times when starting vehicle, there is no radio, lights, or horn, dealer could not find any problems. Serpentine belt was replaced. Slight fluid leak from transmission cooler line,consumer states transmission jerked. Arm rest fastner backed off. Left front brakes continue to wear and pull vehicle, brakes lock up causing vehicle to skid.
We had to replace sway bar and link-bars and were told that this seemed abnormal for such a young car and that it could be a manufacturing defect, however dodge will not claim any responsibility. Total cost to us was $494.30.
Have fleet of 85 vehicles all breaking at similar location. Need investigation.
While driving at 35 MPH vehicle starts to shimmey. If driver takes hand off the steering wheel it will shake back and forth.
While driving at high speed extreme vibration occurs in front end of vehicle. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.
Front disc brakes failed. Mjs
While driving at freeway speeds a high frequency vibration occurs in the front end of the vehicle which is not caused by the wheels. Vibration seems to get worse. Dealer/manufacturer did not repair vehicle.
Vehicle wobbles in the front end when driving at low speeds. Tsb low speed tire wobble 22-02-98 /04-24-98. Dealer contacted and not aware of the problem. Cannot remedy the problem.
Strut failure.
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