This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I purchased my 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan from a private party in 2009, and shortly after the gauge cluster stopped functioning while I was driving. Check engine and ABS lights came on which on checking with my mechanic said my ABS system is non-functional as is all other instrument related readings. A short time later, the panel came back on and worked for awhile than shut off again. Someone said hit the panel face and the gauges should come back on. I did and it did. For awhile. Over time the gauge failure interval grew shorter and shorter, and hitting the panel finally failed to return the use of the gauges. To replace this gauge cluster is an $800 plus repair in a shop with a rebuild panel costing over $200 by itself. I don't want to know what a dealer will charge. Upon further investigation, I have learned the gauge failure culprit is cold solder joints on the back side of the circuit board of the gauge cluster and is an all too common problem with this class of vehicle. This deficiency can easily be avoided by better quality control from the manufacturer.
While driving at low speeds, the van lunged forward. The actual cause was undetermined, but the dealer stated the engine's front cylinder malfunctioned. This condition was considered a defect per mechanic(s). This problem existed in this make/model for some time and had many complaints and repairs. There was no help given by the dealer.
Clockspring "sprung" 3 years after manufacture but was out of warranty due to mileage horn didn't work, airbag didn't work, cruise control didn't work. Other incident is rough engine during idle and power surge if going up hill
While vehicle is at idle, the rpms show anywhere from 1000 to 3000 and the speedometer reads 30 to 40 mph, vehicle was lurching back and forth and the engine light illuminated, the dealer stated that a new upstream oxygen sensor needed to be installed, after repairs the vehicle is still lurching, especially while travelling uphill.
Clockspring unit fails to provide power to airbag, horn and cruise control switches in steering wheel. This unit can fail in an accident and prevent airbag from being deployed. DC has sold over 150,000 replacement clocksprings at over $250 a piece. This is an obvious manufactures defect. I was unable to blow my horn at another driver to get his attention. Luckily no accident occurred. However unit has to be replaced as I am with no horn, no cruise control controls, and an airbag malfunction light.
Air bag light has come on and stayed on, and cruise control will intremittently not work. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
Airbag light stayed on and cruise control stopped function. Dealer replaced "clock spring" assembly to repair problem. Airbags not working is a big safety issue.
While driving clock spring became inoperable, forcing air bag to disengage, and horn to become inoperable along with cruise control. Also windshield wipers when used at high speed completely shutdown.
Air bag light illuminated, the horn fails to function, and the cruise control system is inoperable. Dealership has not examined vehicle to determine cause of the problem. Possible clockspring failure.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Jupiter, FL, USA