This references tsb number:2304402 and the federal safety agency number:10000317 (tsb date: october 14, 2002). Failing component: structure: body. Cosmetic corrosion or perforation at upper driver's side strut tower usually between the strut and upper load path beam inner panel (inner fender).
2000 Dodge Caravan suspension complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 43, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. The contact recently purchased the vehicle and took it to an independent mechanic for inspection. The technician observed that the front driver's side strut tower was rusted. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. The contact noticed that the driver's side strut tower was corroded. The vehicle is currently operating properly, but the failure has not been diagnosed. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The current and failure mileages were 234,000. Updated 01/07/09 *bf updated 01/07/09.
Strut towers rusted badly.
On my 2000 dodge grand caravan , the left front strut tower support rusted out and the strut pushed through the top of the support. This is a defect in design and should be recalled and fixed by chrysler free of charge.
1. The drivers side strut cap on our 2000 dodge caravan has completely rusted through and the vehicle is not safe to drive as the strut assembly is ready to push through the hood. 2. This is a major design flaw in the 2000 dodge caravan and the result is a vehicle that is unsafe to drive after 7 years of use. This amount of rust is not ordinary for the location and gauge of the metal. 3. We have an estimate to repair for $2000.
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
I have a nearly rusted-through strut tower (driver's side) in my dodge caravan '00. This rust problem became initially visible in '04.
This is inquiry to chrysler's problem with front strut towers on 2000 caravan/voyager/t&c. Specifically: service bulletin, number: 23-044-02, group: body; date: oct. 14, 2002; subject: ns strut tower corrosion. If this is only a "cosmetic" problem, why is a new strut cap and ns strut installation kit required? Sounds like a structural problem repair to me. My dealerships service manager cautioned my against going through the winter without the repair! He said there was no recall, just this tsb. If this was a problem that chrysler acknowledged by 10/14/02, shouldn't it be looked into for safety concerns. Many drivers will just assume "it's just rust" and not know of a problem until the strut cap breaks. This failure, on a highway, could result in deadly crash! Has the federal safety agency looked into this problem? Is there any remedy, other than the consumer paying the approximate $500 repair? If not, it appears that corporate profit trumps ethics (lives/injuries) again? Please let me know your position on this matter. Thank you very much.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. While checking the fluid in his vehicle, the contact discovered that the tower which houses the strut, was cracked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated that a cap needs to be placed over the tower. The vehicle still has not been repaired because the contact believes that the manufacturer should pay for the repairs. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 99,225 and failure mileage was 99,000.
The strut covers have rusted and now there is a great likelihood that the strut will shortly come through the cover and possibly come through the windshield. This problem isn't that visible without looking for it.
The strut towers on my 2000 dodge caravan are severely rusted. The driver side is much worse than the passenger side.
Driver side strut tower rusting out very bad. Caravan only has 80,000 miles and it has to be replaced before the install of new strut. It is only on the driver side and looks to be that my 2000 caravan is not the only one. The battery is on the same side as the rusted tower. The passenger side is not affected at all. My mechanic told me that he is seeing a lot of the caravans and town and countries with the same problem. The top half of the tower has to be cut out and a new one welded in. Thank you daimler chrysler for not standing behind your products. And you wonder why the american market is going to the japanese auto makers.
I am the owner of a 2000 dodge grand caravan. Both strut towers in the front of the vehicle are rusting out. There have been several complaints on this defect & research on the internet has shown numerous service bulletins out about this problem. And chrysler is not doing anything to resolve this major safety hazard! There has not been a failure as of yet, but if not addressed quickly there is a great potential for a major accident!!! Chrysler should be responsible for this manufacturer defect!
Right front strut tower was noticed to be showing significant rusting, asked dealer to investigate, their response was the vehicle was out of warranty. Body shop said they have seen on other vehicles and it is a recurring problem and a costly repair. Safety ramifications are serious if one were to experience a failure while driving. Chrysler customer service claims to have no knowledge of any similar problem. Obviously the problem did not just start but has been getting progressively worse over time. I would not consider this a "wear" problem but a manufacturing defect.
Dt*: the contact stated while the hood was raised, rust was noticed on the strut tower. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, which determined the strut tower should be welded or replaced. Updated 05/03/06.
Dt: the contact noticed the driver's side strut tower rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and they determined the vehicle needed to be taken to a body shop for repairs.
2000 dodge grand caravan sport, 3.3 l engine driver side strut tower rusting at alarming rate, will have to be rebuilt or reinforced or strut and spring assembly will eventually not be supported resulting in front wheel not being supported. This vehicle is only 5 years old and has 75k miles.
I am the owner of a 2000 dodge grand caravan. Today I saw that the top of both strut towers in the front of the vehicle are rusting out. I have done a lot of reading on the internet and have seen numerous service bulletins out about this problem. And chrysler is not doing anything to resolve this major safety hazard! There has not been a failure as of yet, but if not addressed quickly there is a great potential for a major accident!!!
My mechanic while replacing the front brakes pointed out to me that there was a crack in the front left tower which holds the shock. He indicated that this was a common problem that he sees with the dodge caravan. I have a 2000 sport model. He indicated that failure could cause the shock to pop out, breaking the windshield and potential result in loss control of the car. The dealer and chrysler have been un cooperative in resolving the problem. Dealer or chrysler would not help in telling me how to file a complaint.
I am writing today because I purchased a 2000 dodge caravan in february 2005. Every month since I purchased my car I have had to have the brakes serviced. In march the brakes were dusted off. Again in april the brakes again were dusted off according to the dealership. In may they finally replaced the brakes I believe both front and back. In june I took the car to a different garage and paid to have the breaks replaced again. Then in july the calipers and brakes were replaced. In august the same garage stated that the brakes needed to be replaced and the ABS now needs to be replaced. I could only have the brakes done at this time. I have spent over $1000 minimum so far repairing my car. At this point I have not replaced the ABS due to lack of funds. Also I was told that the struts needed to be replaced, an alignment needed to be done, rear shocks, and new tires. I need some one to please take a look at this car.
Left front strut tower rusted away, not repaired at this time.
Consumer was changing the oil on the vehicle when he noticed that the spring on the mcpherson strut was breaking off. This could cause the hood on the vehicle to pop off, increasing the risk of a crash.
The brake master cylinder failed, the brake line leaked, the transmission malfunctioned, the front axle and caliper pads/rotors broke spilling ball joint into the street. *bf there were also screeching sounds, odor(s), vibrations, the steering wheel did not function properly, and the A/C failed.
The front strut tower on the driver's side rusted. This could have resulted in the strut tower breaking . If this occurred, the left front suspension could collapse , and would cause the front wheel to lock while driving. The dealership did not know what caused the tower to rust, but it could be caused by road salt. *ak *sc
The front strut tower rusted and cracked on the driver side. The consumer took the vehicle to the repair shop to have the brakes serviced and they noticed the rust and crack. A technical service bulletin 10000317 was issued on this problem. *ak *sc
While driving 55 MPH, a loud knocking noise was heard from the rear. The driver was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that both upper and lower ball joints needed replacing due to corrosion.
Consumer stated there is a knocking noise in the steering when turning hard and when turning and not moving, consumer also complained that there is vibration in the steeing, dealer balanced front tires from a previous complaint about the steering.
Vehicle continued to wobble upon acceleration. Vehicle been in dealer shop on 4 occasions, and unable to correct problem. *ak consumer states that in the morning, there is a loud grinding noise that can be heard when the heater is turned on.
Consumer had taken vehicle a couple times to dealer due to alignment defect which had worn out the tires every six thousand miles and replaced them. Tires made a lot of noise. Please provide more information.
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