Faults:

LEMON. This van has caused us so much grief, aggravation and financial burden. We've spent more than the purchase price in repairs since we've bought it, but have kept it for one reason, which is we can't start over with a new car loan right now.

Dodge replaced a defective gas tank, along with the recalls that came out when we first bought it -- the tail gate problem for one.

We have the transmission rebuilt three times, have had axles replaced, strut problems, the oxygen sensor, the gas gauge constantly dings and flutters up and down. If we drive it on a trip for a few hours, it sometimes just dies as we are exiting the freeway -- this is very dangerous. Takes a few minutes or longer and starts again. The windshield wipers come on by themselves all the time. The radio stayed on long after the van was turned off -- key removed -- killed the battery twice on that. The cracking sounds coming from the front end are quite scary. We cannot get rid of the oil leaks -- Dodge can't even stop the oil leaks! This isn't even the tip of the iceberg, people.

General Comments:

We have spent a tremendous amount of time and money on this hunk of CRAP. We will NEVER buy another one or another Chrysler in general EVER. They do not stand behind their products and in fact rig future repairs once they know the car is no longer under warranty. Oh, I should mention that this was the replacement provided to us by Spitzer Dodge in Homestead, FL who had already sold us another lemon that they, after numerous attempts could not fix!!! LEMON, LEMON, LEMON!!!

Faults:

Transmission exploded (!) at 1100 miles. Dealer replaced under warranty. 6 other 1996 Caravans were lined up at this dealer for same problem!

ABS system is hung from undercarriage and is constantly splashed from tires, causing it to disintegrate over time.

Steering column electronics went out one by one. Warning lights come on for no reason, at random times.

Door trim and armrest padding comes loose constantly.

General Comments:

This van is roomy, comfortable, easy to drive. Great on long trips.

Mechanically, this car is junk!!!

Faults:

Transmission went at 69,000.

Wipers come on by themselves.

The clockspring (wiring harness in the steering wheel) is broken that causes my airbag, horn and cruise control not to work. This will cost $149 for labor and $95 for the part. Chrysler charges you the $77 diagnostic fee, even though they are fully aware of this problem, and have a TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN for this problem.

The airbag and horn won't work for this problem, yet they won't do a safety recall on it. The NHTSA is investigating this problem now!

See this site for more info on the clockspring problem:

http://rnn9ny.tripod.com/chryslerminivanclockspringdefect/

Brakes are terrible. Rotors warp all of the time. ABS goes off when I hit bumps.

Struts leak and creak.

Glove compartment broke.

I didn't know that my horn didn't work until I had to use it in an emergency situation, and almost got killed, along with my two children.

General Comments:

Chrysler does not stand behind their products. You are stuck footing the bill for poor quality and defective parts.

The van may cost less than others, but you will end up paying much more for it, due to the expensive repairs you'll have to make.

My advice to Chrysler; DON'T WAIT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO MANDATE A RECALL FOR A SAFETY DEFECT, CARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR CUSTOMERS, AND MAYBE YOU MIGHT GET A RETURN CUSTOMER.

It's pretty damned irresponsible to allow your customers to drive around in unsafe and dangerous vehicles, just so you don't have to dish out the money.