Ltr on behalf of (in) re 2 known defects (seat belt latches & gear shift interlock) in Dodge Caravan requesting an investigation into possible safety recall fm owner of a 1998 Dodge Caravan. The consumer found the generation 3 seat belt latches have been known to unbuckle, on some vehicles, while the vehicle was in motion. The consumer stated he didn't experience the incident with his vehicle, but it was scary to think that it has been known to happen. The vehicle was not built with a gear shift interlock. The consumer stated someone including a child could move the gear shift into drive or reverse without the ignition being on, or without stepping on the brake.

- Chesterton, IN, USA

Consumer fender/bumper hangs pulling it lower to the ground. The consumers vehicle was damaged when being towed by a tow truck.

- Bronx, NY, USA

My A/C stopped working right after my 3 year 36 mile warranty ran out. Dealer said it was the evaporator coil. Costs me $400. Right now my A/C just quit. My van has 58,000 miles on it. I go through belts like crazy. My mechanic can't figure it out. And other mechanics say it's an epidemic with Caravan. Please help.

- Tampa, FL, USA

5 batteries since purchased new. Three were noted as having leaked battery acid. In may/June 2003, the wiring harnesses (main ones) had been eaten by battery acid causing all sorts of electrical problems. The harnesses are routed under the battery pan. Stupid placement. Dealer spliced wires together to get it running at his cost, at my insistence. Van continues to start inconsistently. Horn doesn't work since dealer spliced wires. Turn ignition key - click, repeat 10-20 times, starter will catch on one. Design defect is routing of harnesses and lack of shield to protect them.

- Augusta, GA, USA

I only have 35,000 miles on this car and of course the warranty is expired. And all of a sudden, the car acts like it has 135,000 miles on it. This has already cost me over $200 to repair brakes because of rotors, not bad brakes. Now I need $1000 head gasket work. Starter only seems to start when it wants to. Very temporamental. What is going on here that a 35,000 mile car would have so much wrong so soon.

- Medina, OH, USA

Engine aservice and air bag warning lights indicate a potential safety problem. Dealership /manufacturer has been unable or unwilling to correct the problem.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

During January 2001 the transmission would completely shut off in mid traffic or at a turn then either stall or turn back on by itself. We had it into the dealership 3 times before engine check light came on and they could tell us what they say the problem was : the egr valve and some kind of transmission leak. They completed the work for several hundred dollars and now in October 2001 the transmission while driving started making revving (accelerating) noises then stalled with no warning, now it will not shift from first gear without stalling and another Chrysler dealership says we need a whole new transmission for over two thousand dollars.

- Earlville, IL, USA

Engine warning light was on, and consumer saw something hanging from under the car, it was serpentine belt. Then, there was no steering or braking.

- Rockville, MD, USA

Engine check light came on due to gas cap failure.

- Queens Village, NY, USA

Belts in the tire slipped resulting in tire failure (dot number: M6vfhkor12 tiresize: 215/65R15)

- Walhalla, SC, USA

Serpentine belt failed for the 4th time while driving. Had heard a funny noise prior to no steering. This caused a loss of steering control. First 2 times was at 35mph. 2nd 2 times was while starting vehicle. Been to dealer each time to have belt replaced. Power steering, water pum, alternator and air conditioner failed.

- Shelton, CT, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Apache Junction, AZ, USA

The location design of instrument panel indication are not visible due to steering wheel obstruction, possible design flaw of indicator location causing poor visibility.

- Magalia, CA, USA

12/15/1999 accident at @ noon, I struck the rear of a leaf collection vehicle, resulting in @ $7000 worth of damage to my car majority of damage in front, air bag never deployed, after car was repaired I air bag light remained continuously on when car was on.

- Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

While driving engine light comes on, indicating there is a problem. But dealer cannot determine the problem. Vehicle repaired and 45 days at repair shop due to bad wire to sensor.

- Crossville, TN, USA

Cup holder spring broke.

- Chino, CA, USA

Continuous water leak from dash on passengers side.

- Beverly, MA, USA