Whenever it rains, and water is sprayed under the vehicle, the serpentine belt is knocked off. Vehicle looses power steering and engine temperature gets very hot.
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan engine complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 87, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and hitting a pot hole, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic. After diagnosis, they advised her that the serpentine belt had failed. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately two months later, the failure recurred. The contact received whiplash due to the stalling. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. The current mileage was approximately 73,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the serpentine belt constantly failed. The vehicle was personally repaired several times by the contact. The manufacturer was notified who stated there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 281,000.
The serpentine belt on my 2000 dodge grand caravan comes off everytime that it rains. I lose power steering which makes it nearly impossible to drive and the temp gauge jumps all the way up.
The serpentine belt comes off whenever it rains. I have had the belt, harmonic balancer and the tensioner arm (2 x's) replaced but it still comes off in the rain. I have since found out that this is a very common problem with this car. This is dangerous. I lost control of the car momentarily each time and had near accidents. Luckily I was strong enough to steer the car off the road. But a small woman would probably not be able to. This should be a recall not something the owner should have to pay for.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where a certified mechanic detected that the serpentine belt dislodged and was reconnected securely. The failure occurred at various speeds. The serpentine belt was replaced seven times by an independent mechanic and the problem continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the engine serpentine belt failed. The serpentine belt detached each time a water puddle was driven over. The failure was experienced several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that a shield be placed over the serpentine belt. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer installed the shield cover over the serpentine belt. The failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH in wet weather she suddenly loss power steering, and heat malfunctioned. The mechanic was contacted, diagnosed the failure at the scene and advised her that the serpentine belt came off and needed to be replaced. The serpentine belt was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
While driving on a slushy city street the serpentine belt came off and I was unable to steer the car. I was stranded and blocking traffic. I had it towed and they put the belt back on. The second time it happened was during a severe thunderstorm when I drove through a puddle of water the serpentine belt again came off. This happened just as I was pulling on to the highway and I was barely able to turn the steering wheel to pull car over on to shoulder. Thankfully, there wasn't a semi coming or it could have been deadly. I was just informed there is a fix by gates for this and will be having it installed. *tr
For the 2nd time in less than a year, the serpentine belt came off the belt-tensioner in my 2000 grand caravan sport. This incident results in power steering, engine cooling, air conditioning and other systems to stop working immediately. Both incidents happened while driving in the rain, it is an obvious design flaw with chrysler family of mini-vans.
Over the past 5 years, the serpentine belt continuously slips off on my vehicle. When replacing the belt, it was noticed that the tension pulley appeared to be bent. Replaced tension pulley and ensure all pulleys lined up. New belt placed on, but when starting the vehicle, it immediately begins to slip off again. Over the past 3 years alone, have replaced upwards of 5 serpentine belts and the tension pulley on my vehicle.
Driving on a rainy day. Went through a puddle and immediately lost my power steering. Managed to get van into nearby parking lot to find my serpentine belt hanging from underneath the engine. Had vehicle towed and belt replaced.
My 2000 dodge grand caravan's serpentine belt comes off the pulleys every time I drive the vehicle in the rain. We have replaced the tensioner, tensioner pulley and the belt and still have the same problem. I have researched this problem online and found several other dodge owners with the same problem. There has been a after market kit made to resolve the problem with the pulley, but this is at the owners expense. I feel dodge needs to take full responsibility for this malfunction. I have filed a complaint with dodge regarding this matter. This is very dangerous, I loose power steering and electrical functions on the vehicle when this happens.
I have at 2000 dodge grand caravan. The serpentine belt has fallen off twice while I am driving in rain. This latest time, a vehicle coming in the opposite direction went through standing water, splashed my van and caused the belt to come off immediately. I lost power steering with cars behind me and turning a corner. My young son was with me in the van at the time. This is very, very dangerous. It is a known problem. My shop is very good, they know about the problem and try to do everything to help prevent it. Shields are in place, but are no help.
While traveling this past winter a snow plow ran me into a pile of snow in the middle of the road. Immediately after this happened the serpentine belt slipped off. After having this problem fixed the serpentine belt then slipped off several more times before I found a part called a pulley bracket to put on because there is no cover on the serpentine belt to prevent this problem.
I was driving my 2000 dodge grand caravan to run to the store. While driving people were jumping up and down waving. After seeing the third or fourth person I realized something must be wrong. I rolled down window and they were screaming your van is on fire. The fire department was called and fire investigator present stated I was extremely lucky one more push on the gas could of blown my van up. He stated engine malfunction was the cause of the fire.
Van stops for no apparent reason. Just started in summer heat. Transmission acted up, had it serviced---now transmission made huge noise, no reverse, loud whining, all going out. Loud squeaks in supports, brakes replaced but still squealing even when pedal not pushed. Horrible fogging problems, have had to pull over and wipe windows inside and out when raining. Almost wrecked when vehicle stopped in traffic. Can't see due to fogging when raining. Just an accident waiting to happen---going to the junk yard. Manufacturer needs to own up to problems. Won't own another.
Serpentine belt keeps sliding off during slight moisture, whether raining, drizzling or splashing up water. Steering and brake failure multiple times. Had to use ford wheel that has a "lip" on it to keep belt from slipping any more.
My dodge 2000 grand caravan serpentine belt can come off the drive when the vehicle is driven into a deep puddle of water or through a snow bank. And when the belt comes off, I lost the control to the vehicle because the belt drives the power steering pump. It is the serious safety issue obviously. Please check the web site: http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_30931.html to see how many complains. Many people reported this problem to you. But so far no action from you has been taken. Dodge also keep ignoring the complain. Are you blind or deaf?
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge grand caravan. While driving at various speeds through any amount of water, the serpentine belt slips off. The vehicle loses power steering and brakes. The dealer stated that they were aware of the failure, but would not provide a free remedy since there was no recall. The contact filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 160,000.
Serpentine belt keeps falling off whenever the vehicle goes through a puddle, rendering the power steering useless, engine overheats, alternator stops. 2000 dodge grand caravan 3.3l with AC, 132,000 mi, serpentine belt, tensioner, and water pump replaced; the belt slipped off once per week for three weeks, each time during a heavy rain 3/4/2008, 3/27/2008, 2/28/2008.
Drive belt jumping off while driving through a puddle. Loss of power steering and over heating of engine.
Rear coolant lines corrode and drain all engine coolant on 2000 dodge grand caravan sport.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge grand caravan. While driving 25 MPH in the rain or through a puddle, the serpentine belt detaches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they replaced the serpentine belt twice; however, they were unable to determine why the failure occurs only when it rains. The manufacturer advised the contact to call the federal safety agency. The current mileage was 90,625 and failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 03/11/08.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the serpentine belt detached without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and the serpentine belt was replaced. Months later, while driving through a small puddle of water, the serpentine belt failed again. In addition, the battery warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel and the power steering failed. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and they repaired the motor mount for the serpentine belt and installed a disc to hold the belt in place. After the repair was made, the serpentine belt would continue to detach without warning. The failure usually occurred in rainy conditions. The manufacturer has been unable to correct the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 131,000. Updated 02-19-08 *bf updated 02/19/08
This has happened 2 times in the last year. Hit a small puddle of water while making a right hand turn. Water sprayed up on the serpentine belt which threw the belt off of the idler pulley and tensioner pulley. Both times we were making a right hand turn... Which made it very dangerous because we loss the power steering. The first time was with my wife driving...which would be very hard to control for a lady... The second time I was driving, which was better... But still very dangerous. I am planning on purchasing the goodyear replacement kit that has been mentioned on several websites and this website. Daimlerchrysler should be recalling all these vans and replacing all the pulleys with these safer kits.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge grand caravan. While driving 70 MPH, the contact experienced a loss of steering and the instrument panel lights illuminated. He looked under the hood and discovered that the serpentine belt was detached. The contact re-attached the serpentine belt. The dealer was notified. The current mileage was 96,000 and failure mileage was 95,000.
I filed a complaint on 28 aug 2007 regarding my vehicle and the serpentine belt issue. I had to have my vehicle towed and it is going to cost approx. 500.00 to repair the vehicle for the 7th time. I have found the answer to the problem that 30+ folks on this site alone are having. #1 the belt is smooth on one side and grooved on the other side so when oil, rain etc. Touches the belt, it slips off. What I found it that there is a drain hose that sits on the left side of the belt when the water from rain comes through the drain from the windshield into this hose, and drips right on top of the belt causing it to be faulty. The hose has to be directed into a different place . I also found that g. Auto makes a kit that comes with the belt, tensioner and all accessories to fix the problem permanantly. The difference is that the hose and the tensioner is grooved to provide no slippage. I have spoken to 2 auto dealers that have advised me that they have had numerous problems with this issue including a shop in tennessee that said that they have worked on 15 2000 dodge grand caravans in the last 2 months with an average of 4-8 belts being lost and having to be replaced for each van from 2000. There is nowhere to complain, so you would not be aware of the severity of this issue with out checking inventories. I have been told by dodge dealers that they know about the kits and the problem and I have contacted dodge corporation but as you and I know, a recall will cost them millions of dollars. What about the lives that may have or might be lost when you are driving and the steering goes out. This should be taken seriously. The issue is that folks bought these cars in good faith and they have paid hundreds and maybe thousand out of their own pockets that they should never have had to if this problem was taken care of in the beginning. The consumer provided emails corresponding with the manufacturer. Updated 09/23/07
We purchased new a 2000 dodge grand caravan. Within 2 years while I was driving not knowing what was going on the steering on the car went out with no warning and I almost hit a tree. I found that it was the serpentine belt. From that point on I have almost had 2 additional accidents because the belt either was chewed up or came off. My husband felt the experience yesterday when the steering went out. This will be the 6th belt problem that we have had with this vehicle. I have contacted dodge but to no avail. What happens when the belt goes and you are traveling 60-70mph and you have no control of this car. Is there anything that we can do? I have not complained because dodge says that there is nothing they can do. They have admitted ti me that there are problems with the serpentine belts. I did not even know you existed otherwise you would have heard from me long ago and we may have saved a lot of money time and luckily no lives have been lost to this point. Thank you.
My 2000 grand caravan (87000), has the dash board crack on the drivers side, from the windshield to the speaker grille, (and traveling). This is a common problem with chrysler vehicles due to news reports recently. Chrysler should address this problem before people get hurt ect.. I have replaced the evaporater, A/C compressor, & belt $2300.00. The transmission is shifting badly and today check engine light came on. This is my 7th chrysler vehicle in the past 30 years, and will be the last if chrysler doesn't step up, on this dash problem this time.
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