9th Aug 2003, 09:16

I have a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan with 85,200 miles on it. There have been several problems that I have had with it. One being that the windshield wipers come on at any time they want to.

Another problem that I had was the car would over heat when I had the air conditioning on, but would be fine while I drove without it being on. I found that the solid state fan relay was defective and had to have it replaced at my local dealership with me footing the repair bill for both parts and labor. I then found out that this was a recall on the 1996 models, but not on the 1997 model.

I also had a problem with the engine stalling out, and had to have a part in the emissions replaced, again at my expense. In order for the problem to be found I had to drive around with a special monitor connected to my auto's computer system, and when the problem occured I had to push a button to have it recorded. When they finally found the problem thay replaced the part, which was a sensor. This new sensor also was defective and they had to replace it again.

The dealership was very accomadating and I have no issue with them, but I think that I should be reimbursed for my expensis by Dodge, especially for the relay that was a recall for the year before.

Another problem was that the overhead console display would not light up at times and the relay for that was replaced because of another recall at no charge to me.

I also have a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan which already had several recalls, one being for the gas tank. Another was a computer reprogramming. I also have a problem with the clock gaining time, and will have to have the entire radio changed because of this problem.

I don't think that I will buy another Dodge product again simply because of all that I had to go through, and the lack of confidence I have with the poor practices of Dodge. All of the time and money that I already have invested just doesn't warranty me to consider another Dodge product.

Marty G.

19th Sep 2003, 00:15

Everyone who complain about their problem with their Dodge Caravan never said anything about how to get recall work done.

Thank you.

RE Ward.

29th Sep 2003, 01:35

I just recently purchased a used Caravan 1996 model 79K on it. The wipers did go off without reason and I had the dealer replace the multifunction switch. No problem after that. Everything else so far is OK. Good thing I paid $1500 for an added care warranty. Warped rotors were also an issue at purchase.

29th Sep 2003, 22:24

I also have a 1996 Plymouth Voyager with same problems...i.e. wipers. brake lights, cruise control, headlights, airbag light, and most recently. HORN BLOWS CONTINUOUSLY until I take fuse out! My auto repair dealer says "will cost you more for me to chase the electrical problem than it's worth" But I can't pass inspection without my horn! Any suggestions??? AND THANK YOU.

1st Oct 2003, 10:49

About the horn blowing constantly - I had this problem on a 1975 Dodge Ram truck. The problem was the horn relay.

Hope this helps.

25th Jan 2004, 13:39

I have a 1996 Dodge Caravan and have put a new rebuilt transmission from Dodge that had a 36,000 mile warranty and then wouldn't you know that its on its way out again! My wipers to have a mind of there own. We have replaced the condenser to the AC and my heat controls get stuck on Defrost and won't go back to floor or anything. Weird. My friend has one and her window gets stuck down and doesn't go back up till its warm. I won't buy another Dodge in my life! How come dodge won't do something about there Transmissions! Michelle.

29th Jul 2004, 13:48

I have a 1997 plymouth voyager, I have had it for almost 2 years and no problems until now; the cooling fan relay switch went out and the clutch for the a/c is going out.

I have not been able to get any answers from the dealership about the recall, if any one knows how I can find that info out please contact me.

Thank you

Michelle P.

Granbury, TX.

8th Nov 2004, 20:55

I also own a 1996 Dodge caravan and the transmission leaked $1000.00 for that. The clock spring went out was lucky that it was covered under a recall. And just the other day paid $235.00 for a new MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH. Not a happy consumer.

13th Nov 2004, 20:46

I went to the Dealership to have them look at the check airbag light. They advised that my 98 Caravan had to have the clock spring replaced. They didn't have the part so they returned the van to me for 2 weeks until it came in.

A day later I was driving and all of the interior lights were coming on, the locks were locking, the low gas bell is ringing, and door ajar light flashes. I figured maybe, hopefully, this was due to the clock spring. This would occur intermittently throughout the next couple of weeks.

Just imagine driving behind me at night time with my possessed caravans lights flashing on and off. It does make you laugh, but on long trips it can be maddening.

So, we get the clock spring replaced last week, and the horn works, everything is kosher. Two days later the possession continues. I am not sure what to do. I was going to call the Dealership Monday, but wanted to see if anyone else had these issues.

25th Nov 2004, 17:54

Our 96' Caravan is great expect for 2 very important things. 1) The wipers don't work most of the time. The dealer wants over $600 to replace something called a 'body computer' to resolve this seemingly simple problem. 2) The headlight covers are 75% filmed over. The film will not come off using headlight polish. The dealer wants over $400 for this.

To me, these are majors safety issues that Dodge should pay to fix because they are not related to wear and tear, but to faulty design and poor quality.

9th May 2005, 10:59

I purchased a 98 Dodge Grand Caravan new and paid cash for it. In 2004 I took the Van in for the recall clock spring. For the past few months my Van has been acting possessed. Door locks clicking, overhead lights flashing, door ajar light flashing. This goes off and on at random. Last week I went out to the Van to go to my Dr. appointment. as I approached the van I heard weird noises coming from within. I turned the overhead light wheel on and off again and the noises stopped for a few minutes. I inserted the key and --nothing--. Something had drained the battery. I recharged the battery. I still get all the weird clicking and flashing and also the windshield control lights flash and the A C light doesn't come on. I called the Dealership and they said there was no recall on these problems. I have heard several others having the same problems that I am having. Also I have had the belt comming off several times in wet conditions. My headlights are filmed over. I agree with others that all these are major safety issues that Dodge should pay to fix because they are not related to wear and tear, but to faulty design and poor quality. Dodge used to be reliable and their vehicles up to par. I seems like this is not the picture we see now.