1998 Dodge Caravan 3.0

Summary:

Good except for this problem and the lack of dealer awareness and resolve by Chrysler to resolve it!

Faults:

Serpentine belt is misaligned.

General Comments:

During routine check of my 1998 Dodge Caravan 3.0L; while changing the oil, the mechanic noted the serpintine belt was partially off the rear pulley. He replaced it, ran the engine and it immediately went back to running with the belt half off the pulley. The pulleys are obviously misaligned.

The belt tensioner seemed to be good. After checking the power steering pump and pulley against a replacement part, he concluded that changing those parts would not change anything. They suggested I take it to the dealer.

I am glad I looked up this problem on Google and found these postings. Typical reaction by Chrysler, to put their head in the sand until the cost (in lives) forces them to make some changes.

Hopefully the Gates Kit will solve this problem, but isn't it a shame that Chrysler couldn't have taken the initiative to resolve such a serious safety problem.

I will be adding my complaint to the list received at NHTSA.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th June, 2007

1998 Dodge Caravan 3.3L V6

Summary:

Unexpected severe, unsafe problem

Faults:

My transmission blew at about40000 Kl.

Serpentine belt coming off under wet conditions.

General Comments:

It has been a very nice van in the past untill the A/C compressor was replaced by the Chrysler dealership.

Now the belt keeps coming out under wet conditions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th January, 2007

1998 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3 liter

Summary:

A very good car, but cheaply made

Faults:

Well, not much went wrong with this van until about 6 months before we sold it. Our tag lights were constantly on the fritz. When we bought the car the windshield wipers would always go on about 30 seconds after you move the switch. Also when we bought it, the A/C compressor didn't work, but we weren't concerned right then because we were moving to Rhode Island in December. Well we became concerned when we moved back to Florida during March and we went the whole summer of 2004 with out A/C, also a busted window motors in the back ones and the passenger window. In March of 2005 the Transmission went out. Luckily we have a mechanic in the family, and he fixed it. Soon after small things just kept commiing apart and we had finally had enough and sold it for a Plymouth (ya real reliable).

General Comments:

The 1998 models aren't bad. Of course all of them have crappy transmissions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th December, 2005

1998 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3 V6

Summary:

The car has literally fell apart before my eyes

Faults:

Steering linkage replaced at 50,000 miles.

Rear brake cylinders at 50,000 miles.

Oil pump went at 70,000 miles.

Engine started making noise and needs replacement at 70,000 miles.

Transmission started slipping at 60,000 miles.

Rack and pinion and power steering lines started leaking at 77,000 miles.

Driver's side strut mount rusted through and will eventually break through at 77,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car has had constant problems and has needed continual repair.

Absolutely the worst car I've ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd October, 2005

3rd Sep 2006, 20:26

I completely agree with this review. I own a 1989 Dodge Caravan SE and it is falling apart before my eyes as well. From one thing to another I will never own another Dodge Caravan.

18th Oct 2006, 14:12

I have owned 2 caravans... the second one had so many improvements, I thought I would have a better experience than the first tin can, but in fact it's worse. After 3 years and only 35,000 km, it feels like I'm driving a 15-year old clunker. the rack and pinion just gave out, seems like a common problem on this model. unfortunately when I complained about this six months ago they said there was no problem, and now - six weeks after the warranty expired - it needs to be replaced. next year i'll buy anything japanese.

1998 Dodge Caravan

Summary:

Slow, but Comfortable Dodge

Faults:

Transmission basically went out at 70,000 miles.

Rear view mirror came off at 80,000 miles.

General Comments:

This Dodge Caravan was such a gracious and reliable car to me. Nothing was wrong with it except for bad acceleration and a sluggish upkeep. Otherwise, the AC was so cold all the time, and powerful. It was rather economical for a minivan, and cheap to maintain. The transmission was bad; I mean REAL bad. I felt like it would just stop in the middle of the road. I had to keep getting the transmission fixed: I did it about 4 or 5 times. Still its giving me problems, but I sold it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2005