1997 Dodge Grand Caravan body problems

Filed Dec 2, 2009 · Body · 150,000 miles · OH

Events include normal use of vehicle. The failure is the strut towers on a 1997 dodge grand caravan have rust through causing a safety issue, strut could break through the housing. Dodge has done nothing to correct the issue.

Filed Aug 7, 2008 · Body, Electrical · 149,766 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. Whenever the contact shifts, the vehicle makes an unfamiliar noise. When the vehicle is parked, it operates normally. The transmission stalls and will start back up, but it is unreliable. The vehicle would rev and have to be restarted in order for the revving to stop. If there is a power fluctuation, the rear wipers will turn on and off at random. The high beams on the headlights do not work, but the failure was repaired. The parking light on the front driver's side failed. He replaced the bulb, but it still does not work. The contact stated that he is constantly replacing the low beam lights. The serpentine belt slips off; however, it has been repaired. The check engine light flashes on and off and there is a burning electrical smell coming from the vehicle. The front strut assembly is rusting and rotting. The rocker panel on the driver's side is rusted completely. The current mileage was 186,000 and failure mileage was 149,766. Updated 09/10/08 *bf updated 09/11/08.

Filed May 14, 2008 · Body · 217,000 miles · PA · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the hatchback liftgate on the passenger side of the vehicle fell apart. The hatchback pushed a portion of the support bracket into the vehicle and caused interior damage. The arm of the liftgate snapped and fell on the contact's head. She checked the manufacturer's website to find out if her VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v079000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support device). She discovered that her VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current mileage was 218,523 and failure mileage was approximately 217,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2005 · Body · 138,000 miles · MN

The strut tower that holds the upper part of both front struts was rust out. If I hadn't had this repaired, the front strut could have broken through the strut tower. Chances are this would have broken through while going down the highway (because the forces on the strut towers would have been the greatest then). This could very probably have caused a fatal accident. I fear that most caravan owners are not aware of this problem and will eventually be involved in a potentially very serious accident. I had this repaired at my expense in november 2004.

Filed Jun 22, 2004 · Body, Visibility · IN

My 1997 dodge grand caravan has been a headache since I got it. Right after I got it I had to pay $600 to get my dashboard fixed because all my gauges quit completely. Now my windshield wipers will go off by themselves even when they are off. This happens when I hit the brakes or unlock the doors or open the driver side door. My check engine light stays on all the time. We have it put on a tester and they cant find why its on. The rear end rattles pretty bad also and sometimes there is no pick up and go.

Filed Oct 15, 2002 · Body · NY

While traveling about 65 MPH on the highway without prior warning the vehicle hood became attach from the panel. And flew in the window the dealership is aware of the problem. Mr

Filed Mar 11, 2002 · Body · CA

When it rains it leaks inside of vehicle. Had to remove carpet because of odor. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer repaired vehicle, but problem still exists.

Filed Feb 15, 2002 · Body, Brakes · CA

Vehicles electrical system has consistently and rapidly consumed batteries, all batteries were unable to be installed.

Filed Dec 3, 2001 · Acceleration, Airbags · IL

The airbag warning light on the dash has been activated. The horn and speed control are also inoperable which occurred about the same time the airbag light went on. Also, the windshield wipers activate occasionally even though the switch is in the off position. The outside mirrors also move when the automatic door locks are activated. It is my understanding that the air bag, horn and speed control problems are currently being investigated by the federal safety agency. A faulty clockspring assembly is the possible culprit.

Filed Jun 26, 2001 · Body, Fuel system · CT

While pumping fuel into vehicle sliding door has came back and broke fuel cover door,knocking handle out of tank, and out of consumer's hand. Some of the fuel spilled onto consumer. Dealer was notified, and unwilling to assist. Provide any further information.