2000 Dodge Caravan: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Mar 11, 2008 · Body, Suspension · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. While driving over a bump at 15 MPH or turning the steering wheel, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the front driver's side. An auto shop repaired the idler arm during a test drive, but the noise still remained. A mechanic lifted the hood of the vehicle and discovered that the struts were rusted. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. She took the vehicle to another shop and received the same diagnosis. They stated that the failure was due to a manufacturer defect. The contact called chrysler and was informed that nothing could be done because the state she lives in uses salt on their highways. The vehicle is currently parked and has not been repaired. The dealer information and failure mileage were unknown. The current mileage was 72,600. Updated 04/16/08 *bf updated 04/16/08

Filed Feb 27, 2006 · Airbags · FL · crash · 1 injury

2000 dodge caravan swerved to avoid a deer and went off the road at a speed over 55 MPH, striking the front end and undercarriage as it careened down and then up a drainage ditch, to the extent that parts of the van were torn away from the vehicle and causing the transmission to disengaged. The van then went through a wooden fence striking one of the main posts within the angle outlined on the pamphlet dodge sent in response to my complaint, and finally crashed into a pine tree. The caravan was totaled. The airbags did not deploy resulting in multiple injuries: to the drivers left arm, head when it bounced off the steering wheel repeatedly knocking her unconscious, injuries to the neck and back, and right ribs from the seat belt. We contacted daimler chrysler and were sent a form letter denying any fault in deployment. Subsequently we found that there was in fact a recall issued in october 2004 citing the airbag clock spring.

Filed Feb 27, 2006 · Airbags · FL · crash · 1 injury

2000 dodge caravan swerved to avoid a deer and went off the road at a speed over 55 MPH, striking the front end and undercarriage as it careened down and then up a drainage ditch, to the extent that parts of the van were torn away from the vehicle and causing the transmission to disengaged. The van then went through a wooden fence striking one of the main posts within the angle outlined on the pamphlet dodge sent in response to my complaint, and finally crashed into a pine tree. The caravan was totaled. The airbags did not deploy resulting in multiple injuries: to the drivers left arm, head when it bounced off the steering wheel repeatedly knocking her unconscious, injuries to the neck and back, and right ribs from the seat belt. We contacted daimler chrysler and were sent a form letter denying any fault in deployment. Subsequently we found that there was in fact a recall issued in october 2004 citing the airbag clock spring.

Filed Feb 22, 2006 · Airbags, Engine · 34,875 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated there is a clicking noise coming from the steering column. In may of 2003, the steering column was replaced and in january of 2004 the clock springs were replaced. In may of 2004, the steering was replaced for the second time and the clock springs were again replaced in august of 2004. There is a the federal safety agency recall # 04v480000, concerning the air bag clock springs, however when the recall repair was performed on november 11, 2004 it did not remedy the problem. The vehicle is having the same problems again. The dealer has not been notified and no repairs were made. Also ,complained about clicking noise in steering, and replaced cclockspring . In addition, replaced canister due to leaking.

Filed Mar 29, 2003 · Brakes · 29,450 miles · OH

My 2000 dodge caravan with only 29,450 miles developed a severe vibration in the steering wheel accompanied by a disconcerting noise when braking. Prior to the vibration developing, I noticed the braking power had diminished. Upon investigation, I found the brake fluid was below the minimum level and had to add fluid. This improved the brake pedal performance but the stopping power was still subpar. Also, whenever I wash the vehicle there has always been a tremendous amount of black brake dust on and around the front wheels which raises environmental concerns for me. I took the car to the dealer who found the front brake pads were worn out and the front rotors were rusted, pitted, and slightly warped. Even though the car is only 2 1/2 years old and had only 29,450 miles, daimler chrysler refused any warranty consideration on the brakes. I had to pay nearly $300 for repairs. When I called the daimler chrysler consumer hotline, I was given the impression that this condition was considered "normal." the minivan is driven gently with about 70% of the mileage being in-town driving and about 30% highway driving. On previous vehicles I have owned, the average life of front brakes has been about 85,000 miles. Needless to say I am concerned about the safety my family in the vehicle if the brakes are designed with such poor durability.

Filed Sep 19, 2001 · Steering · CT

I have complained of a snapped steering wheel at 12:00 position. (complaint 631725) replacement wheel (from jan 2001) was snapping and clicking when turning for weeks. On sept 3, 2001 the wheel became loose and now slides 1/2 inch up and down.

Filed May 17, 2000 · Steering · TX

Ongoing problem with steering column continually popping/clicking whenever steering wheel is moved. Vehicle has been in dealer's shop on two occasions, and problem is still occurring.