THE STRUT TOWER ON THE 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, THAT HAS ONLY 85,500 MILES RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. DODGE ADMITTED TO A DESIGN FLAW FOR THE PREMATURE RUSTING STRUT TOWERS. A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN FROM CHRYSLER DATED OCTOBER '02 EXPLICITLY STAT…
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THE STRUT TOWER ON THE 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, THAT HAS ONLY 85,500 MILES RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. DODGE ADMITTED TO A DESIGN FLAW FOR THE PREMATURE RUSTING STRUT TOWERS. A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN FROM CHRYSLER DATED OCTOBER '02 EXPLICITLY STATED THAT ALL '1996 TO 19'99 CHRYSLER VANS PLYMOUTH, DODGE, AND CHRYSLER, HAD THE PROBLEM WITH THE STRUT TOWERS. ALL OF THEM WILL EVENTUALLY RUST FROM THE BOTTOM UP. AS I STATED, THE STRUT TOWERS WERE DEFECTIVE IN THERE DESIGN. CHRYSLER HAS A WARRANTY PART NUMBER 05086513AA BUT REFUSES TO FIX A KNOWN DANGEROUS DEFECT, BECAUSE THE VAN IS OVER THE 7 YEAR, 100,000 MILE, WHICH EVER COMES FIRST WARRANTY. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS VAN HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DODGE DEALER FOR ALMOST ALL MAINTENANCE NEEDS AND YEARLY STATE OF MAINE SAFETY INSPECTIONS, AND THIS ISSUE WAS NEVER MENTIONED. CLEARLY, WHEN THE RUSTED STRUT TOWER GIVES, THE STRUT WILL COME UP THROUGH THE HOOD. AT THAT POINT, LIVES WILL BE IN DANGER, AS THE PROBABILITY OF LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS INEVITABLE. PLEASE CONSIDER THIS MY FORMAL COMPLAINT. WILL CHRYSLER LIVE UP TO THE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPAIR THIS KNOW DEFECT FOR THOSE OF US OUT OF THE WARRANTY TIMELINE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10196573
82,000 miles · Jul 6, 2006
Suspension
SUMMARY: CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ON NATIONAL BACKLOG: WIDES-SPREAD OCCURRENCE OF THIS DEFECT INDICATES THE NEED FOR RECALL ON THESE PARTS. DETAILS: OUR DODGE CARAVAN IS IN NEED OF NEW CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, HOWEVER THERE IS A NATIONAL BACKLOG FOR THESE PARTS AND THEY WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR 4-8 WEEKS OR LO…
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SUMMARY: CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ON NATIONAL BACKLOG: WIDES-SPREAD OCCURRENCE OF THIS DEFECT INDICATES THE NEED FOR RECALL ON THESE PARTS. DETAILS: OUR DODGE CARAVAN IS IN NEED OF NEW CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, HOWEVER THERE IS A NATIONAL BACKLOG FOR THESE PARTS AND THEY WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR 4-8 WEEKS OR LONGER. WE BELIEVE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT IS A NEEDED AND FAIR WAY TO HANDLE THIS, AS THIS DEFECT IS OBVIOUSLY SO WIDE-SPREAD AS TO BE UNMANAGEABLE UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. WE HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER DIRECTLY AND THEY HAVE INFORMED US THAT THEY WILL NOT TAKE ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION. VIN: VB482644, MILEAGE: 82,000. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10161721
110,000 miles · Mar 28, 2006
Suspension
DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER IN BOTH OF MY CHRYSLER MINIVANS 97 CARAVAN & 96 TC ARE RUSTING EXCESSIVELY. MY 97 CARAVAN LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BREAK THROUGH SOON. MY MECHANIC CLAIMS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY CHRYSLER MINIVAN'S. THE REPAIRS COST MORE THAN THE VAN IS WORTH. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10153885
99,700 miles · Mar 22, 2006
Suspension
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING A STATE INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP NOTICED CORROSION ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT DEALER, WHICH DETERMINED THE STRUT TOWER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER IS AWAITING THE REPLACEMENT PART.
NHTSA ODI #10153403
Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2005
Suspension
1997 DODGE CARAVAN TWO FRONT STRUT TOWERS ARE IN A DEFECTIVE STATE.*MR *JB
NHTSA ODI #10117341
95,000 miles · Dec 13, 2004
Suspension
THIS IS RELATED TO COMPLAINT 10090457. MY 1997 DODGE CARAVAN HAS EXCESSIVE RUST AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVER-SIDE STRUT CAP. LARGE CHIPS OF RUSTED METAL CAN EASILY BE REMOVED WITH A SCREW DRIVER.*AK I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RISK IN CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN LATE 1996, AND HAVE KEP…
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THIS IS RELATED TO COMPLAINT 10090457. MY 1997 DODGE CARAVAN HAS EXCESSIVE RUST AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVER-SIDE STRUT CAP. LARGE CHIPS OF RUSTED METAL CAN EASILY BE REMOVED WITH A SCREW DRIVER.*AK I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RISK IN CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN LATE 1996, AND HAVE KEPT IT IN MINNESOTA SINCE. THE REST OF THE BODY HAS EVIDENCE OF EARLY RUST THAT, IN A COUPLE YEARS, WILL BE UGLY, BUT LOOKS OK NOW AND IS TYPICAL FOR AN 8-YR OLD CAR IN MINNESOTA. CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN, WHICH DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM AS COSMETIC, BUT THEY HAVE ALSO PROVIDED A REPAIR KIT. THE KIT USES EPOXY TO GLUE ON A REPLACEMENT CAP, SO THAT SUGGESTS THE PROBLEM REALLY IS COSMETIC. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE IT FIXED BECAUSE THE BODY-SHOP MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE KIT IS OUT OF STOCK. IS IT SAFE?
NHTSA ODI #10102871
14,000 miles · Nov 2, 2004
Suspension
STRUT TOWERS RUSTED THRU GREAT LOOKING VAN ON OUT SIDE I HAVE SEEN MORE OF THESE .THE LOCAL WELDIG SHOP DOES THESE JOBS VREY OFTEN FOR 1200 BUCKS!*AK
NHTSA ODI #10098162
87,940 miles · Feb 24, 2004
Suspension
DAIMLER CHRYSLER CORP. WON'T REIMBURSE FOR REPLACEMENT OF CLOCKSPRING BECAUSE REPAIR WASN'T DONE FROM A DAIMLER CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP. (NAR) *LA
NHTSA ODI #10059890
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentLatches/locks/linkages
WE BOUGHT THIS VAN ONE YEAR AGO AND SO FAR WE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OXYGEN SENSOR, SPEED SENSOR, HEAD GASKET, WATER PUMP, THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK WHENEVER THEY WANT NOT JUST THE 16 MPH THING, BALL JOINTS ARE CLUNKING, THE CD PLAYER QUIT AND THEN SOON AFTER FM RADIO ONLY AM WORKS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10056554
144,000 miles · Oct 21, 2003
Suspension
SHOCK TOWER WAS DECAYING.*AK CONSUMER WATCH TOWER STRUT RUST TO THE POINT WHERE THE METAL WAS RIPPING APART. DEALER LOOKED AT IT AND STATED THEY WOULD REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATED PART IS STILL ON VEHICLE AND AVAILABLE TO LOOK AT. *PH *JB
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON THIS COMPONENT FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRIM WITH FOAM BLOCKERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED CHILD SEATS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS RESTRAINT ON THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT CAN BECOME DIFFICULT TO EXTRACT WHEN THE SAFETY BELT LATCH PLATE BECOMES CONTAMINATED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE LATCH MECHANISM. AN EXTENDER WILL BE ADDED TO THE EMERGENCY RELEASE ANCHOR FOR THE CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELTS SO THAT THE RELEASE CLIPS ARE MORE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE OPERATOR IN THE EVENT THAT THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. IN ADDITION, AN INSTRUCTIONAL OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH P215/65R15 GOODYEAR CONQUEST TIRES MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEEL. THE TIRES CAN EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN AIR PRESSURE LOSS WITHOUT WARNING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIRES THAT WERE MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEELS.
THE MASTER CYLINDER REAR SEAL, BETWEEN THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND THE VACUUM RESERVOIR, MAY NOT SEAL ADEQUATELY ALLOWING HYDRAULIC FLUID TO BE DRAWN INTO THE POWER ASSIST VACUUM RESERVOIR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AS THE HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR DECREASES, THE LEVEL SENSOR WILL DETECT THE LOSS OF FLUID AND ILLUMINATE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE WARNING LAMP. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED CAN RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. ADDENDUM (4-14-97): VEHICLES INSPECTED PER CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 707 AND FOUND TO BE OUTSIDE THE LISTED SUSPECT MASTER CYLINDER DATE CODE RANGE, MUST NOW HAVE THE MASTER CYLINDER PRIMARY PISTON REPLACED (CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 714).
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
7
PE02004 · Rear Seat Belt Malfunction
Opened Jan 16, 2002 · Closed Mar 11, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:rear/other
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED JANUARY 16, 2002, BASED ON SEVEN REPORTS ALLEGING THE THIRD ROW SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FAILED ON CERTAIN 1997 AND 1998 MODEL YEAR CARAVAN AND VOYAGER VEHICLES.THE REPORTS INDICATED A TAR LIKE SUBSTANCE ENTERED THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM, THUS CAUSING THE RETRACTOR TO JAM OR BIND.IN THIS CONDITION THE SEAT BELT IS RENDERED INOPERABLE, AS THE WEBBING CANNOT RETRACT OR BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE RETRACTORS FOR USE.RECALL SCOPE:THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE 1997 THROUGH 1999 DODGE CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER, AND CHRYSLER TOWN & CONTRY BUILT ON A SHORT WHEEL BASE CHASSIS.THE INCLUSIVE DATES OF PRODUCTION ARE JUNE 1996 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 1999.RECALL REMEDY: DAIMLERCHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MASTIC SOUND BARRIER PATCHES WITH FOAM BLOCKERS, AS WELL AS, INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL THIRD ROW REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES CONTAMINATED BY THE MASTIC PATCH.
EA01007 · Air Bag Clockspring
Opened Feb 21, 2001 · Closed Nov 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
RQ00008 · Dc Minivan Fuel Injector Rail Leak
Opened Mar 9, 2000 · Closed Mar 18, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA99013 · Post Collision Fuel System
Opened Jun 11, 1999 · Closed Aug 10, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
No summary supplied.
PE99010 · POST-COLLISION Fuel System Integrity
Opened Feb 3, 1999 · Closed Jun 11, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
There is no summary currently available
EA97003 · Integrated Child Seat Belt Lockup
Opened Jan 31, 1997 · Closed Aug 19, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Child Seat
THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Child Seat
THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.
Child Seat
THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.
ODI CONTINUES TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LATCHING/RETRACTOR MECHANISM PROBLEMS.CHRYSLER'S ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEM INDICATES THAT OWNERS OF THE VEHICLES ARE NOT ADHERING TO THE CLEANING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SEAT.THE SEAT APPEARS TO MALFUNCTION IF CRUMBS OF FOOD OR BEVERAGE RESIDUE ACCUMULATES ON THE LATCHING TONGUE IN THEWELL LOCATED BETWEEN THE CHILD'S LEGS.ODI HAS 19 COMPLAINTS OF RETRACT LOCKUP.SEVEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS REPORT CUTTING THE STRAPS TO REMOVE THE CHILD.TWO OF THE SEVEN CONSUMERS ALLEGE THE CHILD WAS CHOKING.CHRYSLER REPORTS 60 OWNER/FIELD REPORTS WHICH INDICATED 19 HARNESSES WERE CUT TO REMOVE THE CHILDREN.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO FULLY ASSESS THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AND TO EVALUATE THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION'S RATIONAL FOR NOT CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN.
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