1999 Dodge Grand Caravan: sudden loss of power

Filed Jan 11, 2011 · Engine · 109,000 miles · TN

After hitting approximately 3 inches of snow/slush in the road the serpentine belt slid off causing loss of power steering. Driver was able to avoid accident and pull to side of road. This is the 5th such incident since the vehicle was new.

Filed Jul 8, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 108,000 miles · AZ

1999 dodge grand caravan 3.3l. Serpentine belt slips off pulleys when driving in wet conditions, even slightly. This produces an immediate loss of power steering, water pump, etc., and within 15-20 seconds the vehicle overheats. This creates severe safety hazard with impaired steering ability along with attempts to remove vehicle from traffic before it overheats, stalls, or engine catches fire. This slippage occurs consistently to the point we must avoid driving when raining (even drizzling) or even if roads are still moist after a rain. We found hundreds of the same complaint affecting numerous model year dodge caravans, as well as chrysler town & country van. Two independent mechanics stated the cause is poor design of the pulley system. Two of the pulleys are smooth-surfaced and one side of the serpentine belt is smooth. When a liquid (rain/snow/lubricant, etc.) is introduced to the pulley system, these smooth surfaces allow the belt to easily slip off. Dodge offers to replace the two smooth pulleys with grooved pulleys, as well as provide a serpentine belt with dual sided grooves for around $400. This is not a matter of normal wear and tear, but rather a poor design that has continued for over a decade despite early complaints. Consumers have spent hundreds if not thousands in towing and repairs for this problem. Consumers should not be required to pay to fix the manufacturers' safety defects and add to their profits in doing so. Was it an intentional defect to boost service dept profits? This problem needs to be addressed immediately and should warrant a recall to replace the two pulleys and serpentine belt.

Filed Jul 9, 2009 · Engine, Steering · MD

The serpentine belt came off several times in the rain , on our 1999 dodge grand caravan, resulting in loss of power steering. I had gone through a puddle and as I turned a corner I lost power steering. I made it onto the side grass as I was unable to complete the turn. I was only a couple feet away from hitting a brick building. This was a very unsettling experience. I should not have to be terrified to drive in the rain.

Filed Dec 25, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · NC

Three times in six weeks, the serpentine belt (which powers the power steering, alternator and water pump) has slipped off the pulleys. In one of the three instances, the drive belt was shredded. After a quick search of the internet, literally hundreds of complaints about this were found. Fortunately, in our case, there has not been an injury to date, however a loss of power steering at the wrong moment could easily cause an accident. Likewise, loss of accessories such as the alternator and water pump could leave someone stranded. On this vehicle, the belt tensioner has been replaced and the belt has been replaced three times in less than 1,000 miles.

Filed Jul 31, 2008 · Engine, Steering · 85,000 miles · FL

1- noise serpentine belt. 2- sudden temporary loss of power steering while driving in rain. Occurs everytime it rains. Resulting in temporary extremely dangerous situation as I am unable to steer even though I am a strong 350lbs. 3- have changed serpentine belt several times but problem persists.

Filed Feb 22, 2008 · Engine · KY

Driving home in ice storm our 1999 dodge caravan lost power steering, lights dimmed, overheated. Apparently this is a recurring problem with the caravans and the serpentine belt and tensioner.

Filed Jun 9, 2006 · Engine · FL

I have repeatedly had the serpentine belt come off while driving in my 1999 dodge grand caravan. This is unsafe. I lose power steering, A/C or defroster, the van overheats unless you park it instantly. This has happened at least a dozen times and I have replaced the tension pulley and it still didn't help. This needs to be recalled.

Filed Nov 17, 2003 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · OH

While driving gear can be easily moved from drive to neutral. Vehicle would lose power while driving.

Filed Oct 1, 2003 · Engine · 26,215 miles · MO

When driving at 30 MPH and without warning, the serpentine belt disconnected from vehicle, which causing the vehicle to lose power steering and all other functions controlled by the belt.*ak. The consumer stated a new belt and tensioner was installed at 26,215 miles and less than 10,000 miles later the belt fell off again.

Filed Oct 30, 2001 · Engine · NY

Camshaft broken in half on expressway while doing 70mph. Suddenly lost power and started skipping and making noise. Vehicle was able to coast to a safe stop, but no warning or indicator light were displayed. Dealer was able to replace camshaft, but didn't explain what caused it to break.

Filed Jan 24, 2001 · Engine, Steering · IL

A worn bushing/bearing in the tensioner pulley allowed the drive belt to slip off while cornering. The loss of power steering assist nearly caused the vehicle to drive off the road. The vehicle then quickly overheated leaving my wife and children stranded on a county road in a potentially life threatening situation. The actual temp was +5 f with a wind chill of -30 f. They were thankfully rescued within about 20 minutes thanks to her cellphone. I understand chrysler has issued a tsb for belts that slip off when driving through snow or water due to pulley failure. This is an extremely dangerous situation and should be subject to a recall. Thank you. Roger stites.

Filed Nov 19, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I am very concerned about the safety of my 1999 dodge grand caravan in rain storms. Twice now the serpentine belt came off when water in the road sprayed onto the belt. When this happens, the power steering, alternator, water pump, and all other components powered by the belt stop functioning. The loss of power steering is very dangerous because it can happen at high speeds. Service bulletin 07-02-99, "serpentine belt slips off idler pulley" installs a bracket to prevent this. My concern is that no one knows about this service bulletin until the belt comes off. There is undue risk to owners of these vans. This needs to be a vehicle recall not a service bulletin. I have contacted chrysler via the internet (reference number: 7904321) and written to james holden's office, chrysler president . I was informed to contact the federal safety agency as the information was proprietary. I have friends with the same van that have had the same problem in rain storms. It is very dangerous to allow this to continue. Do people have to be killed before chrysler takes a proactive approach to solving this on all vehicles effected? A vehicle recall is needed immediately to prevent injuries. I am very dissappointed in chrysler for allowing me and my family to be exposed to this design flaw for the past couple of years. Just today a friend has had the same problem with her chrysler mini van.