1999 Dodge Caravan

555 complaints on file, page 1 of 28.

1. Filed Aug 17, 2022Failure Feb 4, 2004202,335 milesGrass Valley, CAEngine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Belt

   The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the serpentine belt failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The serpentine belt was replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer a third time where the serpentine belt was replaced again however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified the third time. Additionally, The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V268000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that a friend had jumped his vehicle due to the battery had failed when gasoline started to spill onto the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure multiple times but the contact stated that the service rep disconnected and the call would be redirected. The failure mileage was approximately 202,335.

   NHTSA complaint 11479845
2. Filed May 18, 2022Failure Mar 1, 2022200,000 milesGrass Valley, CAEngine

   The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to function as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11465162
3. Filed Jul 22, 2020Failure Apr 5, 2020Richmond, VASteering

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

   NHTSA complaint 11340839
4. Filed May 28, 2020Failure Jan 1, 201956,172 milesMilwaukee,, WITires

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE CARAVAN EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR TIRES, TIRE LINE: ALL SEASON ASSURANCE, TIRE SIZE: 215/65/R15, DOT NUMBER: MD5UJV1R2317. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE PULL TO THE LEFT AND THEN TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TIRE SHOP AND WAS INFORMED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,172.

   NHTSA complaint 11326352
5. Filed May 27, 2016Failure Apr 27, 2016112,000 milesMesa, AZAir bags

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V480000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000.

   NHTSA complaint 10871165
6. Filed Feb 10, 2016Failure Feb 9, 2016NO Bruns, NJSteering

   "TAKATA RECALL" THGE SERPINTINE BELT KEEPS BREAKING OR COMMING OFF WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY. I VE HAD IT REPKACED NUMBEROUS TIMES. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE PULLEY, I CHANGED THAT. AND THE BELT HAS COME OFF AGAIN!

   NHTSA complaint 10825479
7. Filed Nov 3, 2015Failure Oct 31, 2015194,875 milesTyler, TXFuel/propulsion system

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,875.

   NHTSA complaint 10788076
8. Filed Jul 16, 2015Failure Mar 4, 2015134,000 milesConroe, TXAir bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Cruise control

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND CRUISE CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 134,000.

   NHTSA complaint 10734482
9. Filed Mar 3, 2015Failure Dec 15, 2013Toccoa, GAExterior lighting, Seats, Suspension

   MY SUSPENSION BOTTOMS OUT ON ME NO MATTER WHERE I AM AT. MY FRONT SEATS WILL NOT MOVE BACK AND FORTH AT DUE TO THE HANDLE MECHANISM BREAKING. MY HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES DO NOT PUT OUT THE RIGHT BEAM OF LIGHT THE IT NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO SEE PROPERLY AT NIGHT. I NEED YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER PLEASE. *TR

   NHTSA complaint 10691924
10. Filed Feb 9, 2015Failure Feb 8, 2015Kissimmee, FLElectrical systemFire

    WHILE DRIVING VAN SPEED WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 35MPH, I PULLED OVER TO FIND WIRES BURNING IT WAS THE FUEL INJECTOR HARNESS AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS OF THAT LOCATION. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10682042
11. Filed Nov 25, 2014Failure Aug 4, 2014Tulsa, OKBelts and associated pulleys, Steering, Bumpers

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE MAIN DRIVE BELT WOULD DETACH FROM THE ENGINE AND THE POWER STEERING WOULD SUDDENLY STOP FUNCTIONING. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. IN ADDITION, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT BUMPER WOULD SUDDENLY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE AND FALL TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

    NHTSA complaint 10660871
12. Filed Sep 8, 2014Failure Sep 9, 2013167,000 milesRacine, WISuspension

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TOWER STRUT WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10631531
13. Filed Jul 23, 2014Failure Jul 22, 201428,000 milesAllen Park, MIService brakes

    REAR BRAKE LINES RUSTED AND BURST WHERE THE STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED LINES ARE WELDED TO THE REGULAR STEEL LINES ARE CONNECTED, CAUSING BRAKE FLUID TO DISPERSE AND LOOSE PRESSURE AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF BRAKES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD LEAD TO A FATAL ACCIDENT. THANK GOD MY 70 YEAR OLD MOTHER WHO OWNS THE VAN WAS NOT DRIVING IT. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10615784
14. Filed Mar 18, 2014Failure Jan 20, 201477,700 milesGretna, LAPower train, Suspension, WheelsCrash

    PREPARING TO EXIT A PARKING LOT, THE GEAR SHIFT WAS ACCIDENTALLY CAUGHT BY MY SLEEVE AND PULLED DOWN TO THE "DRIVE" POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING, BUT IT BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD. BEING ON SOMEWHAT OF A SLOPE, THE VEHICLE PULLED ONTO A BUSY STREET. I GRABBED THE WHEEL TO TURN THE VAN AWAY FROM TRAFFIC, BUT IT HIT AND SCRAPED AGAINST A HIGH CURB, FLATTENING 2 TIRES, DAMAGING THE WHEELS/RIMS OF THOSE TIRES, BENDING A STRUT AND OTHER DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION (I GOT A REPAIR ESTIMATE FROM FIRESTONE, WHICH TOTALED OVER $1,900.00). I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR THE GEAR SHIFT TO MOVE WITHOUT HAVING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, BUT MOVE IT DID AND SO DID THE VAN. OTHER THAN BEING FRIGHTENED AND SHAKEN, WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT NO PHYSICAL INJURIES OCCURRED. HOWEVER, HAD I NOT HAD THAT SPLIT SECOND REACTION TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY BAD COLLISION WITH AT LEAST TWO VEHICLES DRIVING DOWN THE BUSY STREET. WONDERING WHY THE GEAR SHIFT WAS ABLE TO MOVE WITHOUT THE CAR RUNNING AND WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT CHRYSLER KNOWS ABOUT THIS GRIEVOUS OMISSION AND DID NOT WANT TO SPEND THE EXTRA $9.00 PER VAN TO INSTALL A BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. I'M INCREDULOUS! I INTEND TO WRITE TO CHRYSLER IN HOPES OF BEING REIMBURSED FOR THE DAMAGES SUSTAINED TO MY VEHICLE, BUT FIRST WANTED TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10573289
15. Filed Mar 9, 2014Failure Mar 15, 200110,000 milesGretna, LAElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND FOR NO KNOWN REASON. DODGE TOLD US THAT IT WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING IN THE DASH THAT CAUSED THE COMPUTER TO SHUT DOWN. THE TECHNICIANS INSISTED THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT COULD NOT BE REPLICATED ON DEMAND. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN PERIODICALLY, MOST RECENTLY IN JANUARY 2014, WHEN THE COMPUTER WENT OUT, SHUTTING DOWN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE WHEELS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTINUED FORWARD, WHICH PUSHED THE VEHICLE INTO A CURB, FLATTENING TWO TIRES AND DAMAGING THOSE RESPECTIVE RIMS. ALTHOUGH NO ONE WAS INJURED, HAD THERE BEEN A VEHICLE NEXT TO THE VAN, AS OPPOSED TO A HIGH CURB, THE DEFECT IN THE VEHICLES WIRING AND COMPUTER WOULD HAVE CAUSED A COLLISION. THERE IS NEVER ANY WARNING PRIOR TO THE ELECTRICAL AND INSTRUMENT PANEL GOING OUT. THERE IS NO KNOWN TRIGGER THAT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. IT IS NOT TRIGGERED BY GOING OVER A BUMP, DRIVING AT ANY PARTICULAR SPEED, STOPPING OR ACCELERATING. I WANTED TO REPORT THIS, BECAUSE A WITNESS (WHO HAPPENED TO BE A POLICE OFFICER) TO THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT ADVISED US THAT THIS IS A KNOWN AND COMMON ISSUE IN DODGE CARAVANS BUILT IN THE LATE 1990S/EARLY 2000S. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10567998
16. Filed Oct 30, 2013Failure Sep 18, 2013165,000 milesBenton Harbor, MIAir bags

    I WAS DRIVING AND I NOTICED A DING DING SOUND THAT WAS TRYING TO INFORM ME THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM UNTIL I LOOKED UP AND SAW THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAD POPPED ON AND AFTER A MOMENT OR SO I TRIED TO USE MY HORN, IT DID NOT WORK THERE WAS AN ENGINE LIGHT ON AT THE TIME IT CAME ON ALSO WHAT WAS NOT ON PRIOR TO THE AIRBAG LIGHT POPPING ON. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10550284
17. Filed Jul 13, 2013Failure Jun 1, 2013148,000 milesBurnsville, MNBody

    WHILE REPLACING REAR BRAKE DRUMS IN MY GARAGE, IT BECAME NECESSARY TO JACK THE VEHICLE TO RAISE THE REAR LEFT SIDE AND REMOVE THE REAR LEFT WHEEL. I BROKE THE LUG NUTS LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE GROUND, THEN, USING THE JACK SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLE, I FOLLOWED THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TO POSITION THE JACK IN THE RECOMMENDED LOCATION TOWARD THE LEFT REAR AT THE IDENTIFIED JACKING LOCATION. I RAISED THE VEHICLE JUST ENOUGH TO REMOVE THE WHEEL. AS I WAS SPINNING THE LUG NUTS OFF, THE CAR FELL OFF THE JACK. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE RUST HAD COMPROMISED THE STRUCTURAL METAL AT THE JACKING LOCATION AND THE WEIGHT, WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING RAISED, CRUSHED THE WEAKENED STEEL. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT TOO CLOSE AND WAS NOT CAUGHT UNDER THE WHEEL OR OTHER BODY PART. UPON CLOSE INSPECTION IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE STRUCTURE OF THE CAR, AT THE RECOMMENDED JACKING LOCATION, HAD BEEN SEVERELY COMPROMISED BY RUST. THE EXTENT OF THE RUST DAMAGE WAS NOT OBVIOUS UNTIL THE CAR FELL OFF THE JACK. AT THAT POINT THE PAINT WHICH HAD BEEN HIDING THE DAMAGE HAD FALLEN OFF AS THE STRUCTURAL STEEL UNDER IT COLLAPSED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR. THERE IS ALSO A RUBBER PAD THAT CONTRIBUTED TO CONCEALMENT OF THE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE SINCE IT COVERED MOST OF THE DAMAGED AREA SURROUNDING THE STUD USED TO PROPERLY LOCATE THE TOP OF THE JACK. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE INJURY TO ANYONE WHO FOLLOWS THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN CHRYSLER'S OWNER'S MANUAL. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10524685
18. Filed Dec 3, 2012Failure Dec 3, 2012123,000 milesBelding, MIBody

    DURING AN INSPECTION OF OUR VAN IT WAS NOTED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER IS RUSTING THROUGH. AFTER LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE ON LINE I NOTICED MANY CASES WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM TRYING TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS ANY RECOURSE TO GET THIS CONDITION REPAIRED. ALSO I AM TRYING TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS SOME TYPE OF WARNING BEFORE THIS CONDITION FAILS RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10487221
19. Filed Nov 1, 2012Failure Oct 11, 2012190,000 milesBellflower, CAFuel/propulsion systemFire

    WITHIN 30 MINS. AFTER PICKING UP MY VAN FROM THE DEALER (CERRITOS DODGE) FOR THE FUEL RAIL RECALL. I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GAS,( I THOUGHT WAS O.K. SINCE FUEL RAIL HAD JUST BEEN REPLACED) AND I LOOKED AT THE DASHBOARD AND NOTICED GAS GAUGE FLUCTUATING MOVING BACK AND FORTH, AND SMOKE STARTED. COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. I CALLED [XXX] (CERRITOS DODGE SERVICE DEPT.) WHOM I HAD BEEN TALKING TO ABOUT MY VAN WHEN IT WAS IN SHOP. I CALLED HIM TO INFORM HIM ABOUT THE GAS/GAUGE. HE TOLD ME TO GO TO NEAREST GAS STATION. I DID. AFTER THAT, I TOOK CAR HOME, PARKED IT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THAT EVENING. THE NEXT DAY, SAME THING (SMELL OF GAS)AND FLUCTUATING GAS GAUGE), WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING TO GET OIL CHANGED,FUEL BELL STARTED RINGING. I CALLED MR. RICHARDSON, HE SAID TO BRING VAN IN, BUT.HE DIDN'T KNOW IF THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO CHECK IT OUT THAT DAY. AT THAT POINT I WAS FRUSTRATED,BECAUSE THEY HAD THE VAN (3) DAYS MORE THAN THEY PROMISED. BOTTOM LINE, IS VAN WAS AGAIN CHECKED OUT, NOW HE SAYS ITS THE FUEL PUMP. PRIOR TO THE FUEL RAIL BREAKING. I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH MY FUEL SYSTEM. I WAS INFORMED OF ANOTHER RECALL WITH THE FUEL PUMP WITH THE 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ( BUT, WAS TOLD NOT WITH MY MODEL.) THAT CLEARLY IS A FORM OF BIASED DISCRIMINATION. AND, YET MY 1999 VAN HAS THE IDENTICAL FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10482883
20. Filed Oct 10, 2012Failure Sep 6, 2011115,000 milesChicago, ILElectrical system, Suspension

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS RUSTED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT STRUT TOWER ASSEMBLY WAS ALSO FOUND TO BE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE ALIGNED AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

    NHTSA complaint 10479640