1998 Dodge Grand Caravan suspension problems

Filed Feb 27, 2014 · Suspension · WI

I've have this 1998 dodge grand caravan, the strut mount housing is rusted so bad I'm afraid to even drive it anymore. The metal is almost completely rusted away. There is one rusted ring that holds the strut to the body. It started about 5 years ago with a small rust hole on both side. I thought it was just rust from the bad winters we get in the midwest. When moving at a slow speed (15-20mph) the van feels like your on a pitted dirt trail and nothing but side to side shaking. This has to be a major safety issue for both the driver and the people on the road. I see these vans all over the place and they all have the same problem!

Filed Feb 25, 2012 · Body, Suspension · 195,612 miles · IL

Strut tower assembly corrosion (struts assembly could collapse) I am proud owner of dodge vehicles for many years and drive a 98 grand caravan. When the vehicle was taken for a strut repair the mechanic refused to replace the struts as he found the corrosion and said its a safety issue.to my surprise this is a very important safety issue for many american families who own a similar model minivan. I want the safety authorities to look into this matter immediately. All the vehicles with a similar problem should be recalled immediately before someone is injured or god forbidden looses their loved one in an accident. Came to know that this has been a common issue in these minivans and surprise the inspite of knowing the issue there was never a recall ???. I am a family person and cannot purchase another car in these trouble time and request the authorities take this to the right people and get a recall out. Hopefully this may save someone. I think have done my job and it is your turn now.

Filed Jul 7, 2011 · Body, Suspension · 140,000 miles · MO

Strut tower housing on drivers side of vehicle under the hood is severely rusted. Upon taking the vehicle to a mechanic to have it repaired, I was informed that this is a common problem with this type of vehicle and has to go to a body shop for repair. I took the vehicle to a body shop who informed me that there have been 4 other customers come in with the same issue in the same place on the same model of vehicle within the last year. This causes a huge safety concern as this housing is what holds the strut in place on the vehicle. If the weakened structure fails, the pressure of the strut will cause the strut to fly off and out of the vehicle with great force. This will not only cause the suspension to fail, but the velocity of the strut itself would be a safety concern. Dodge has enacted recalls for the same situation on earlier models of the vehicle, but the recalls were enacted after my vehicle was manufactured. The cost to repair the vehicle into safe operating condition is $2000.

Filed Jun 16, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 100,000 miles · NY

The strut tower is defective and fails causing loss of control and possible injury this happens on all new (1995 and newer) body style minivans made by chrysler/dodge and driven in climate where salt is used on the roads in the winter. The strut tower requires patches welded to reinforce the corroded area.

Filed Dec 12, 2009 · Suspension · 123,000 miles · IN

Suspensions mounts are rusted all the way and making a squeaky noise and hits hard and makes noises when turning and going over bumps. Water running in my floor board on passenger side when running the heater. This is when I bought the vehicle.

Filed Sep 15, 2009 · Body, Suspension · 230,000 miles · WA

The strut tower caps are rusting out. This can proceed to a point of the struts collapsing into the engine compartment. This is well documented. See example similar to what is happening on my vehicle at http://www.lumuc.com/frontstruttower/. Chrysler has a repair kit for this. This structural problem is well documented.

Filed Sep 15, 2009 · Body, Suspension · 157,025 miles · IL

Front strut cone on passenger side is rusted, leaving a 3 x 3 inch gap besides the strut mount. Had an estimate done for repair which is approximately 1.3k including labor on one side. Car runs great at 157.7k miles, recently had to buy a new gas pump, water pump, ABS sensor, and brake caliper on drivers side. All leading up to 1.2k in repairs including labor. Chrysler/dodge should have a recall on this issue as this can be a potential risk on the road, specially on highway commutes.

Filed Mar 26, 2009 · Suspension · WI

1998 dodge grand caravan strut towers rust problem. The driver side strut tower is about 60% rusted out. What will happen when the rust can't hold the strut major safety problem. Failure could lead to loss of control, and passenger injury or deaths.

Filed Feb 19, 2009 · Suspension · 131,000 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge grand caravan. When the vehicle was taken in for tire maintenance, the mechanic noticed that the front driver's side strut tower mount was rusted. The dealer stated that the repair would cost $1,000. The manufacturer would not assist with the repair because the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 131,000.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Suspension · 120,015 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge grand caravan. The driver drove the vehicle to a local repair shop to have all four tires replaced. After replacing the tires, the mechanic stated that the front driver's side shock tower was corroded. The dealer stated that there were no recalls; therefore, they were not liable for the repairs. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was 120,400 and failure mileage was 120,015. Updated 03/23/09. *lj updated 03/24/09.