1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Jun 26, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Dt*: the contact stated since the vehicle was purchased in 2002 from an independent dealer, the vehicle has been having on going problems with the electrical wiring, alternator, radiator, thermostat, cooling system. Diagnostic testing is needed for gross pollution. The vehicle has failed under fair weather conditions three times since purchase. Events leading up to the failures of the fan, radiator and transmission occurred when vehicle started to run hot, causing transmission to blow out. Service for these components were performed at an independant auto shop.

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Body, Suspension · 70,000 miles · AZ

Vehicle safety issue (chrysler tsb 23-044-02), rust through of upper strut towers 1996-2000 chrysler, dodge, plymouth minivans. Collapse of strut tower would result one or more of the following: 1/ sudden change of steering geometry; total loss of steering; lockup of one of the front wheels, blowout of one of the front tires. This is a problem which chrysler has known about for years. They only issued a tsb once most of the vehicles involved (96-98) were beyond the manufactures rust perforation warranty. This should not be merely a "service" recall, but a "safety" recall. This is due to a manufacturing defect which failed to seal between component panels allowing moisture to penetrate and cause hidden rust issue which reveals itself only when the structural damage is already done. The recommended repair is also questionable -- utilizing only epoxy to afix a cap to the top of the strut. The inner rust perforation is not cut out, only covered up. The treatment is primarily cosmetic. I am very concerned about this issue and feel it has not only endangered life, but devalued the vehicle. I have paid to have the problem repaired but feel that this should be chrysler's responsibility. I would appreciate any follow up you can do on my behalf and that of other minivan owners. (I've no doubt that the vast majority are yet unaware of the condition of their vehicles.) sincerely kelvin ironside mesa az.

Filed Sep 2, 2003 · Suspension · 87,000 miles · WA

A mounting bracket on the driver's side front strut tower that secures the upper end of the connecting arm between the strut tower and the front stabilizer bar failed catastrophically. The failure occurred while driving on the freeway at 60 MPH resulting in an immediate, severe dive and pull to the left. Then the free end of the arm, still holding the bracket remnant, swung out and down into the inner tire sidewall resulting in a blow out. It was all that I could do to get the van safely to the side of the road. I consider this failure to be life threatening and structural in nature as there was no sign of corrosion and no warning of the impending event. The break at the strut tower showed very clean metal.

Filed Sep 11, 2002 · Tires · SC

1. Tire tread separation with left rear tire, and 2. Left front bead seal blowout.

Filed Aug 8, 2002 · Tires · MA

Recall97v2000000 concerning tire failure. On prior year for same problem. Engine damage could occur.