1999 Dodge Caravan body problems

Filed Nov 25, 2014 · Body, Engine · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 dodge caravan. While operating the vehicle, the main drive belt would detach from the engine and the power steering would suddenly stop functioning. The steering wheel became very difficult to turn. In addition, while operating the vehicle, the front bumper would suddenly detach from the vehicle and fall to the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 13, 2013 · Body · 148,000 miles · MN

While replacing rear brake drums in my garage, it became necessary to jack the vehicle to raise the rear left side and remove the rear left wheel. I broke the lug nuts loose while the vehicle was on the ground, then, using the jack supplied with the vehicle, I followed the procedure outlined in the owner's manual to position the jack in the recommended location toward the left rear at the identified jacking location. I raised the vehicle just enough to remove the wheel. As I was spinning the lug nuts off, the car fell off the jack. This occurred because rust had compromised the structural metal at the jacking location and the weight, while the car was being raised, crushed the weakened steel. Fortunately, I was not too close and was not caught under the wheel or other body part. Upon close inspection it became apparent that the structure of the car, at the recommended jacking location, had been severely compromised by rust. The extent of the rust damage was not obvious until the car fell off the jack. At that point the paint which had been hiding the damage had fallen off as the structural steel under it collapsed under the weight of the car. There is also a rubber pad that contributed to concealment of the structural damage since it covered most of the damaged area surrounding the stud used to properly locate the top of the jack. I believe this to be a serious safety issue that has the potential to cause injury to anyone who follows the procedure outlined in chrysler's owner's manual.

Filed Dec 3, 2012 · Body · 123,000 miles · MI

During an inspection of our van it was noted that the drivers side strut tower is rusting through. After looking into this issue on line I noticed many cases with exactly the same problem. I am trying to determine if there is any recourse to get this condition repaired. Also I am trying to determine if there is some type of warning before this condition fails resulting in an accident.

Filed Apr 27, 2012 · Body, Suspension · 189,900 miles · OH

The left hand strut tower on my 1999 dodge caravan has almost rusted through and I was told by mechanic that it is not safe to drive. Local dodge dealer said this is not covered under any warranty or recall and that it's only a comestic problem. They want $2200 to repair which is more than value of vehicle. Everything I have read indicates this is absolutely a safety issue and would cause a crash if driving when the strut tower completely fails. Why is there not a recall for this well known and docemented safety problem?

Filed Mar 4, 2011 · Body, Suspension · IL

Strut tower corrosion.

Filed Jul 31, 2010 · Body · 140,000 miles · MN

1999 dodge caravan, shock tower rust, this is not just cosmetic rust, this is serious structural problem where the suspension can fail by breaking up through the shock tower and collapse the from end of the vehicle. This is a defect by chrysler and they should pay for the repair. I have two dodge caravans and both have the same shock tower rust problems. Even the dodge dealers keep many repair kits in stock because of the large demand. As the dodge carvans get older, there will be an increased number of failures and possible safety issues. The vehicles are only 10 years old, and have this type of problem is just wrong.

Filed Jul 18, 2010 · Body · RI

1999 dodge caravan. Strut towers rusted out not only the cap but the whole tire on the driver side. If this should fail it could be disastrous. I just noticed this a week or so ago.

Filed Jun 17, 2010 · Body · 144,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 dodge caravan. He stated that the vehicle lift gate handle rusted causing the rear door not to operate. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The failure and current mileages were 144,000. Updated 10/27/10.

Filed Mar 11, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 130,000 miles · NY

Both strut tower caps rusted out.

Filed Feb 20, 2010 · Body · 150,000 miles · MI

Vehicle shock towers rusting away. Failure occurs in most of these vehicles. Vehicle is rendered unsafe and could cause bodily harm to occupants if catastrophic failure occurs.