1999 Dodge Grand Caravan SE from North America - Comments

Serpentine belt has been replaced every year (2000, 2001, 2002)

Serpentine belt has fallen off 5 times after tensioner replaced 3 times in 3 month period: 26-Aug-02 to 18-Nov-02 (72509-77603kms.

Brake rotors have to be replaced every year (2000, 2001, 2002)

I am completely shocked that Chrysler cannot or will not fix the problem with my serpentine belt and tensioner, especially given the premature belt failures after 1 and 2 years.

I also can't believe that Chrysler Canada's Customer Service line had the nerve to tell me the following: 1)that they have no similar problems documented, and 2) that it is essentially tough luck for me since I took my van to an independent service center before taking it back to a Chrysler service department.

Good review. Chrysler should have fixed your van. I bought a 1992 Grand Caravan lemon. Finally got rid of it last year at 128,000 miles. Had practically rebuilt it though - new transmission, torque converter, motor, alternator, etc,... I did buy a 1999 one back in 1998 before I started having problems with the 1992 van, and so far, I have not had major problems. Replaced started at 75,000 miles. With 85,000 miles on it, I am getting worried though about he transmission.

I would like to add one comment to this. I recently bought a used 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport, I had the tensioner actually snap at the bolt, it is a good thing I was parked in a parking lot. It took me 3 hours to get the new one on. Definatley not a shade tree's buddy. I feel that dodge should look in to this issue.

My 98 Caravan is my last. Currently I have thrown the serpentine belt 5 times in two weeks since getting the compressor replaced. The mechanics keep saying. "Don't drive through water" :)

Today, there is another brand new directive from Chrysler and they are putting on a new motor mount with some kind of shield. Wish me luck.

I just presently bought a used 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan SE w/80,000 miles on it, and 3 weeks later I start my van and the belt snapped in half, but is still in contact with the pulleys. I was told to get a Good Year Gator back belt for $38.00 and I bought it so we will see if it stays on and if it breaks. So hopefully it will last I know nothing about the van from previous owners so I don't know if they had same problem. I checked on all data.com, but they didn't have anything on minivans just cars, does ne1 know of anything that would fix this problem someone had mentioned something about a engine bracket so please email me @ riley_12@netzero.com. Ty.

Bought a 1998 caravan, daily driver of 80 miles a day.

The belt will come off again and again in wet conditions or snowing conditions. I also am installing the shield wish me luck also.

I have a 99 Dodge Grand Caravan SE. In past two years, my van belt has come off twice. They all happened when I were driving under rain. Without the belt, I almost could not steering.

I'm frankly surprised at all of the negative experiences... We bought our 1999 caravan new, replaced the belt once because it split/frayed and was hitting parts of engine. We are about to replace it again due to slight noise. Routine precaution. Vehicle has 155,000 km now. If anything, I will say tensioner is an issue, seems to cause belt to squeal especially in the hot weather with full load of a/c compressor running. We've tightened adjustment on many occasions, and noise stops. Considering that these are not expensive vehicles to begin with, I have no complaints. Routine and regular maintenance saves huge headaches. Friends of ours have same vehicle,same year and to my knowledge, just routine servicing.

I'd definately buy another one.

Bought my first caravan in 84, then another in 99, now another in 05. Love the caravans, but with the 99, I like a lot of others have problems with the serpentine belt coming off. Tried different brands, replaced the tensioner pulley, still comes off in mostly rain or cold weather. Read on one website it could be in the wiper module drain tube. I've got to check that out. Also read something about a splash shield under the van. That makes since to keep the water off the belt. Why can't Dodge acknowledge there is a problem with their serpentine belts on this model van? My new 05 is a great van with different design on the belt. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks, Kevin.

I lost the serpentine belt 2 times on our 98 Caravan 3.8, once due to deep water, the 2nd time due to a cracked radiator hose spraying coolant on the belt.

There is a large plastic splash shield that for the most part keeps water off the belt / tensioner pulley. After the 2nd event, I found another tensioner pulley with outside ridges that holds the belt in place... I had to use a belt sander to grind down the back side of the plastic to clear the spring loaded pulley arm.

We have over 60K on the van since that modification with no problems.