After I had closed the liftgate on my 1998 dodge grand caravan, I heard a "pop". I had heard this "pop" before - I had previously owned a 1992 plymouth grand voyager that had the same problem and was covered under a recall. When I re-opened the liftgate, the passenger side strut shot through the space between the liftgate and the roofline. It was still secured by the lower bolt, but the top bolt had sheared, just as happened on the 1992 plymouth model . However, due to design changes in the area of the where the strut is, there was no place for the strut to go but to scratch the paint on the vehicle. The 1992 plymouth had a "pocket" that the upper bolt sat in and it would force the strut into the area between the roof and roof liner inside the vehicle. On this 1998 dodge, I had to forcibly remove the strut from the lower bolt, since it was attached with a star design headed bolt, therefore effectively ruining the lower pivot area of the strut. This is the fifth (5th) strut (1st on the 1998) that I have had failure with, and all have been to bolt failure in the threaded area of the bolt. I will contact local dodge dealer to inquire about possibility of fixing under same recall as 1992 recall.
1998 Dodge Grand Caravan body complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 27 of 27, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I took my 1998 dodge grand caravan to my local mechanic after hearing noises. He informed me that the strut tower was corroding and the under body was shifting. Further corrosion and movement could collapse the housing and cause a serious accident. Two tsbs were issued on these problems, 23-044-02 and 23-01-97. Dodge says they are not responsible for these problems, even though they are safety issues, since the vehicle is out of warranty. Even the president of daimler chrysler claims he cannot accommodate my request for a resolution of this safety issue since the car is out of warranty. I guess I have to wait to get into a serious accident resulting in death before they would do something.
Clear coat paint bubbling and peeling off entire van.
The hatchback door strut hinges failed, causing the door to fall. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
The car is on it's third transmission. We like the caravan as a package, but quality is lacking and problematic. The most critical problem is body rust through. The drivers side shock mount tower is rusted through and chrysler owner relations refusing to fix it. Never mind that the dealers say the problem is prevalent and chrysler used to fix it but recently stopped paying for (perhaps due to financial and market conditions).
The top of the strut tower, under the hood, is rusting. I haven't approached chrysler, but will try. I have seen this problem on two minivans and am wondering if chrysler is doing anything about itl.
Bolt holding hatch strut to side of vehicle sheared in half causing the hatch to fall on top of the person attempting to close the rear hatch door. Person closing door was not seriously injured. Strut arm scratched rear bumper when hatch fell. Defective part was saved.
Consumer states window comes off track the vehicle wont pass inspection. Ts
Consumer states that a person can not unlock the doors manually with a key, the doors can not be unlocked from the inside by pulling up on the locks or by trying to pull open the door handles, the only way to get out is by using the remote control and by using the lock button, consumer is concerned if the vehicle were to lose electrical power, the power locks would be inoperable, the dealer stated that the lock mechanisms needed replaced.
Vehicle was parked, key not in ignition when it suddenly started on its own. Daytime running lights came on and vehicle automatically unlocked. Please provide additional information.
Consumer has had problems with vehicle 3 months after vehicle was purchased. A valve had to be changed at 24,000 miles later while vehicle was brand new. Currently, vehicle emitts black smoke. There has been no remedy thus far for problems. Sliding door rattles, dealer made an adjustment, front passenger door rattles when closing. Engine hesitates, misses, and squeals, dealer replaced belts for the squealing. While turning steering wheel, there is a grinding noise in the front end, dealer performed tsb 19-05-98. Spark plugs were replaced due to being worn. Gear level was hard to get out of park. The left visor would not stay up, delaer found a broken clip.
Door seal.
Rear heat and air line running under front of van caused rattle. Dealer had van for over 15 days , replaced transmission, most of the dash was pulled out, all kinds of heat shields were removed and problem still returned. Finally after over 12 return trips to dealer they replaced the lines or clamps and problem is gone. Now the problems are showing up from the dash being remove. Radio,speakers,dash lites & rattles.
Rear doors would no open when buttons pushed. Yh
Electric locks have failed, give noise when activated. Yh
Driver side visor malfunctioning.
Experienced front end noise, two tsb's performed #19-14-97 and 23-001-97 (tie rod ends and cradle bolts replaced), however continued noise due to loose left front axle nut. Yh
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