MyCarTSB

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Steering Problems

54 owner-reported steering complaints from NHTSA data

54
Complaints
4
Crashes
Jan 2012Dec 2018
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (54)

highSTEERING,AIR BAGS
Filed: Mar 2023

Your 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-396, which involves the steering and airbag systems. You should contact a Dodge dealer immediately to have this recall addressed, as it relates to potential safety concerns with these critical components.

NHTSA #: 11511735
highSTEERING,AIR BAGS
Filed: May 2021

You received a recall notice for your 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan affecting the airbags and steering system, but when you took it to the dealer, the replacement part wasn't available. You feel the manufacturer has taken too long to provide the part needed to complete the recall repair. You haven't experienced any actual failure with these components yet.

NHTSA #: 11414972
highSTEERING,AIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2020

You received a recall notice for your 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan involving the steering and air bag systems, but the dealership doesn't have the necessary parts in stock to complete the repair. The manufacturer has been aware of the delayed parts availability for an extended period. Your vehicle hasn't experienced any actual failures yet, but you're unable to have the recall work done until parts become available.

NHTSA #: 11378422
mediumSTEERING,AIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V396000 (AIR BAGS, STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED WOODHOUSE SIOUX CITY - CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT (2101 6TH ST, SIOUX CITY, IA 51101, (712) 277-3221) WHO STATED THAT THE REMEDY PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN INCOMPLETE.

NHTSA #: 11350997
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Jan 2020

HAS THERE BEEN ANY AIRBAG CLOCK SENSOR RECALLS? WHEN I AM DRIVING AND MAKE A TURN THE ESP/BAS LIGHT COMES ON AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATE. THE SYSTEM RESETS AND COMES ON AGAIN EACH TIME I AM DRIVING AND MAKE A TURN. CODES C1219,C123F,C123B,C2200,C123C ARE ACTIVE AND STORED ON COMPUTER OF VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA #: 11302969
mediumSTEERING,ENGINE
Filed: May 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DOUG HENRY JEEP DODGE RAM (4051 W VERNON AVE, KINGSTON, NC 28504) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN FOUR PENDING UNKNOWN RECALLS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A STEERING WHEEL SENSOR THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT, WHICH WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,564.

NHTSA #: 11209062
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2019

WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET (BETWEEN 20 AND 30 MPH) THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES ALSO STOPPED MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STOP OR MANEUVER TO A SAFE STOPPING LOCATION. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF A FAILURE AND THE ONLY INDICATION WAS THE TRACTION CONTROL/STABILITY DASH INDICATOR. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IT WAS PLACED IN PARK AND RESTARTED, THEN DROVE FINE. THERE WERE STILL NO INDICATIONS OF A FAILURE (CEL OR SES LIGHT). NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES WERE STORED ON THE COMPUTER. BECAUSE THIS HAPPENS COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED, IF IT WERE TO OCCUR WHILE GOING AROUND A CURVE OR IN AN INTERSECTION THERE IS A SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA #: 11187477
mediumSTEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2018

WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VAN WILL POWER DOWN COMPLETELY. ENGINE TURNS OFF, POWER STEERING FAILS, AND ALL ELECTRICAL. THE EGR VALVE DANGEROUSLY CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO QUIT EVEN WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD AT 40MPH WITH ALL FOUR OF MY KIDS IN TOW, WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND VEHICLE COMPLETELY QUIT. THANKFULLY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL HARD ON THE WHEEL TO PULL OVER. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VAN. THE VALVE IS APPARENTLY FAILING TO SEND FUEL TO THE NECESSARY AREAS OF THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO SHUT COMPLETELY DOWN. THIS HAS NOW OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND I NO LONGER TRUST THIS VEHICLE AS A SAFE AND DEPENDABLE FAMILY VEHICLE.

NHTSA #: 11164065
mediumSTEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2017

I HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION . WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES IT WILL JUST CLICK. THE MODULE HAS BEEN REPLACED, STILL HAVE PROBLEM. SOMETIMES THE KEY FOB STICKS AND ENGINE KEEPS TRYING TO START. I THEN TURN THE IGNITION OFF MANUALLY. STARTER HAS BEEN REPLACED ALREADY TOO AT MY EXPENSE. I HAVE REPLACED THE STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLIES, BUT I GET ROUGH RIDE STILL.WHEN TURNING I GET A SNAPPING SOUND IN THE STEERING.

NHTSA #: 11001835
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION
Filed: Jun 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AGAIN AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

NHTSA #: 11000572
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2017

THE CLOCK SPRING IN MY GRAND CARAVAN FAILED AND CAUSES THE BAS AND ESP SYSTEM TO APPLY BRAKES RANDOMLY BEFORE FAILING AND OFFERING NO TRACTION CONTROL. THIS HAPPENS EACH TIME I START DRIVING FORWARD AND IS WORST WHEN GOING FROM A STOP SIGN AROUND A TURN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10948900
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Dec 2016

THE ESP BAS LIGHT HAS RANDOMLY COME ON AND THE SYSTEM IS AUTOMATICALLY APPLYING BRAKES UNNECESSARILY. THIS MAKES IT TOUGH TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AT TIMES. THIS FIRST OCCURRED WHEN STARTING THE VAN STATIONARY IN A DRIVEWAY, THE LIGHT HAS REMAINED ON DRIVING ON STREETS AND HIGHWAYS AND HAS THE GREATEST EFFECT WHEN TURNING.

NHTSA #: 10934436
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2016

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE VAN LOSES COMPLETE POWER--STEERING, BRAKES. ELECTRONIC STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON. VERY SCARY/DANGEROUS SITUATION. WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD IN THE VAN!! I CAN USUALLY PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT ANY POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES. AFTER GETTING THE VAN TO A STOP AND SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION, THE VAN WILL FIRE RIGHT UP AND NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS FOR MAYBE A FEW DAYS. THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. TODAY GETTING IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNING IT OFF BECAME A BIGGER PROBLEM WHEN THE VAN THAN DIDN'T WANT TO TURN OVER IT WOULD ACT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO AND THAN NOT THIS PERSISTED FOR 25MIN AND FINALLY TURNED OVER AS I REMAINED PULLED OVER ON A HILL WITH MY SON IN THE CAR NOT A SAFE SITUATION I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES TO TRY AND DIAGNOSIS WITH ABSOLUTELY NO LUCK AND FOR THEM TO MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I AM MAKING THIS UP! *TR

NHTSA #: 10919765
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jun 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKES AND STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A LARGE ROCK AND THE VEHICLE LANDED IN A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V373000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA #: 10872430
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: May 2016

THIS VAN DIES WHILE IN OPERATION, MOST OFTEN WITHIN THE FIRST 5 MILES OF DRIVING IN THE MORNING. IT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE DAY, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY. IT APPEARS TO HAPPEN MOST FREQUENTLY WHEN DECELERATING (UPON TAKING OUR FOOT OFF THE GAS, THE TACHOMETER BOUNCES WAY DOWN (~500RPM OR SO), THEN STUTTERS A BIT, THEN THE VEHICLE STALLS/DIES. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE TURNING AT AN INTERSECTION SEVERAL TIMES, AND WE NARROWLY ESCAPED A COLLISION. WE HAVE HAD 2 KEY FOB RECALLS PERFORMED, AS CHRYSLER HAD ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO FAULTY FOBS/IGNITION SWITCHES....THE MOST RECENT RECALL WAS PERFORMED LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AGO. NO CHANGE WAS NOTED AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED. THE PROBLEM RARELY HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY, ALTHOUGH IT DID HAPPEN TO MY WIFE LAST WEEK WHILE SHE WAS AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE. I'M LISTING TODAY'S DATE IN THE FIELD OF "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?", AS IT DID HAPPEN TO ME TODAY WHILE IN AN INTERSECTION, TURNING LEFT - I IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED IT, NARROWLY MISSING THE CAR TO MY RIGHT WHICH WAS ALSO TURNING LEFT...BUT IT HAPPENS VIRTUALLY EVERY DAY NOW.

NHTSA #: 10862436
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Mar 2016

WHILE IN MOTION, THE VAN WILL COMPLETELY LOSE POWER FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THERE ARE NO WARNINGS, STRANGE SOUNDS OR ANY INDICATOR THAT IT IS ABOUT TO SHUT OFF. THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF--THE POWER STEERING IS GONE, I CAN'T ACCELERATE OR KEEP MOVING AT CONSTANT SPEED. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY OFF AND CONTROL IS BARELY POSSIBLE. IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE, INCLUDING AT STOP SIGNS, DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD, THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION, WHICH MAKES IT A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. ONCE IT IS IN PARK, IT CAN BE RESTARTED, USUALLY AIDED BY PUMPING THE GAS, AND THEN IT GOES ON AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. HOWEVER, SHIFTING INTO PARK ISN'T ALWAYS AN OPTION WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON, SO NO ERROR CODE IS PRODUCED. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER TWICE, BUT THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND CANNOT BE DUPLICATED EASILY, SO THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO FIX, TELL US NOTHING IS WRONG AND SEND US ON OUR WAY. IT IS ALARMING THAT THEY DON'T GIVE MORE URGENCY TO FINDING A SOURCE, CONSIDERING THAT THE CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. OUR IGNITION SWITCH/KEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED AFTER THE RECALL, WHICH WE WERE HOPING WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT IT WAS NOT. IT IS STILL OCCURRING. I HAVE DONE AN INTERNET SEARCH AND IT SEEMS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT UNIQUE TO ME. OTHER DRIVERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. MINIVANS OFTEN CARRY CHILDREN IN THEM. IF THIS PROBLEM WERE TO OCCUR IN A BUSY INTERSECTION, THE RESULTS COULD BE DEVASTATING. I URGE YOU TO SEEK A SOLUTION/SOURCE TO THIS PROBLEM QUICKLY! I WISH WE COULD SIMPLY GO BUY A NEW CAR TO KEEP OUR FAMILY SAFE, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THAT ISN'T OUR REALITY, AS WE ARE STILL WORKING TO PAY OFF THIS ONE, SO WE ARE HOPING THE PROBLEM WILL BE RESEARCHED AND RESOLVED PROMPTLY. YOU ARE WELCOME TO USE OUR VAN TO DO SO!

NHTSA #: 10846317
mediumSTEERING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Oct 2015

WITHIN THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS ON DRIVING VEHICLE 2 BLOCK, MY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON RELATING TO ESP AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT INDICATING UPON EVALUATION BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC THAT ATTENTION WAS NEEDED IN THE STEERING COLUMN MECHANISM (AIR BAGS?), AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR "IDIOT" LIGHT APPEARED CAUSING VEHICLE TO GRASP THE PAVEMENT MORE THAN USUAL, MY TIRES APPEARED OKAY, AND I WAS ADVISED THAT WHEN THE ESP LIGHT COMES ON, TRACTION CONTROL IS AUTOMATIC...PLEASE SEND ME VERIFICATION THAT THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE. I PLAN TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED BY AAA TO SCOTT ROBINSON CHRYSLER, DODGE IN TORRANCE AND WOULD REQUEST COVERAGE OF MY RENTAL VEHICLE FOR ONE WEEK.

NHTSA #: 10783707
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2015

THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS; WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VAN JUST STOPPED RUNNING. LUCKILY WE WERE ONLY GOING 20 MILES PER HOUR AND THERE WASNT A LOT OF TRAFFIC. THE POWER STEERING WASNT WORKING BUT MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VAN OFF THE ROAD TO SAFETY. WE CALLED AAA AND MY HUSBAND WENT TO THE STORE TO GET DRY GAS BECAUSE WE THOUGHT THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN MOISTURE IN THE TANK FROM CONDENSATION. WHEN HE GOT BACK TO THE VAN HE PUT IN THE DRY GAS AND HE DECIDED TO TRY TO TURN THE VAN ON AND IT TURNED OVER. WE WENT HOME AFTER THAT. AFTER THAT THE VAN SEEMS TO WORK FOR A WHILE, THEN ONE DAY MY HUSBAND CAME HOME FROM WORK AND TRIED TO SHUT THE VAN OFF, BUT IT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE HORN STARTED BLOWING AND THE WIPES, WIPER FLUID, LIGHTS AND DOOR LOCKS WERE ALL WORKING ALL BY THEMSELVES. WE UNATTACHED THE WIRES TO THE BATTERY BUT THAT DID NOT WORK AND FINALLY STARTED PULLING FUSES UNTIL IT ALL STOPPED. HE DROVE TO WORK WITHOUT THE FUSES UNTIL WE COULD GET IT FIXED. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AROUND MAY 2015. WE BROUGHT THE VAN INTO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE AND GAVE US NEW KEY FOBS. THE VAN STALLED AGAIN ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK AND WE CALLED AAA TO GET THE VAN AND TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THAT THEY CHECKED ALL THE ELECTRIC AND RAN A PURGE MONITOR TEST AND OTHERS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING THE MATTER WITH THE VAN AND CHARGED US $200. JUST RECENTLY WE WERE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT AROUND 20 MILES PER HOUR AND THE VAN STALLED AGAIN. THIS TIME WE DID NOT HAVE TIME TO MOVE IT AND A TRUCK DRIVER HELPED TO PUSH US OUT OF TRAFFIC. MY HUSBAND TOOK THE WIRES OFF THE BATTERY AND PUT IT BACK ON AND THE VAN STARTED. WE WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND BOUGHT A CAR THAT DAY. WE STILL OWN THE VAN, BUT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.

NHTSA #: 10736022
mediumSTEERING,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jun 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A WALL AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,238.

NHTSA #: 10724305
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY SEIZED. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED NORMALLY AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V373000 (WIRELESS IGNITION NODE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA #: 10720967
mediumSTEERING,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2015

CALL SWITCHED FROM ON TO ACC . THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL KEYS NOR KEY CHAINS ON THE FOB. WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG FOR RECALL REPAIRS TO BE MADE???????? *TR

NHTSA #: 10703333
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2015

ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING!!! DANGEROUS SITUATION IF I WAS GOING FASTER I COULD HAVE CRASHED WITH MY 7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. ISN'T THIS THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED TO GM AND THEY HAD LAWSUITS? RESPOND PLEASE: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA #: 10703365
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2015

THIS RELATES TO CHRYSLER SAFETY RECALL L25 FOR WIRELESS IGNITION NODE. OUR VAN SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND THERE IS NO STEERING AND BRAKING. THIS IS THE PRIMARY VEHICLE WE CARRY 2 YOUNG CHILDREN IN AND IT IS EXTREMELY UPSETTING THAT THIS RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. OUR VAN SHUT OFF 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS WHILE CARRYING OUR KIDS. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPORTS THERE IS A NATIONAL BACK-ORDER AND NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE TO FIX IT. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO? THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA #: 10695078
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2015

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT SLOW SPEED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THE CAR RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF. THE POWER STEERING, THE POWER BRAKES AND THE ENGINE STOP WORKING. IT IS HAPPENING NOW MORE FREQUENTLY - TWICE TODAY AND MY WIFE AND KIDS NEARLY HAD A HEAD ON ACCIDENT. LUCKILY THE OTHER CAR WAS ABLE TO SWERVE TO MISS OUR VAN OTHERWISE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A HEAD-ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS BASED ON A RECALL NOTICE THAT WAS ISSUED FOR THE VAN. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX IT AND THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. HOW MANY PEOPLE NEED TO BE HURT BY THIS ISSUE BEFORE THEY START DELIVERING THE PARTS TO FIX IT? *TR

NHTSA #: 10693707
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Feb 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOSE ON THE POWER STEERING WAS CRACKED. THE DEALER INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

NHTSA #: 10689677
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2014

WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED, THE CAR POWER WOULD BLIP: THE GAUGES WOULD GO TO ZERO, THE CLOCK WOULD GO OFF, THE LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY FIXED SOME WIRING. AFTER THE CAR WAS RETURNED, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND WORSENED. NOW, WHEN THE CAR SLOWED DOWN (AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT) THE POWER WOULD TURN OFF COMPLETELY, THE ENGINE WOULD STALL, LIGHT WOULD GO OFF, CLOCK WOULD GO OFF, ETC. I HAD TO TURNED THE KEY OFF AND ON TO START THE CAR AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY REPLACED TWO DIFFERENT PARTS - THE ABS MODULE AND THE MAIN FUSE PANEL FOR THE CAR. WHEN THE CAR WAS RETURNED, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND GOT WORSE AGAIN. NOW THE CAR, WHEN STOPPED OR SLOWED DOWN, POWER WOULD SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY, SHUTTING EVERYTHING DOWN AS BEFORE, BUT NOW THE KEY WOULDN'T TURN. I COULDN'T TURN IT OFF OR ON OR DO ANYTHING FOR MINUTES AT A TIME. THE CAR POWER WOULD SUDDENLY TURN BACK ON IT'S OWN. SO, ONCE AGAIN, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THIS TIME THEY DID A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO SEVERAL MODULES. I JUST RECEIVED THE CAR BACK FROM THAT VISIT ON 12/17/14. THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. ON 12/22/14, I LOST POWER IN THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT A NORMAL SPEED (30 MPH) GOING DOWN A HILL. THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WENT OUT AND I HAD TROUBLE GETTING THE CAR TO A STOP. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PUT ENOUGH PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE CAR AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. SINCE THEN, I'VE LOST POWER TWICE WHEN STOPPED AT STOP LIGHTS. I'VE BEEN ABLE TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND THEN BACK ON. I CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN. THEY SAID THAT IT'S MOST LIKELY RELATED TO A RECALL AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE PARTS. THEY ADVISED ME TO REMOVE ALL OTHER KEYS AND RINGS FROM THE IGNITION KEY. EVEN AFTER THAT, I STILL LOST POWER ONCE SO FAR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10667928
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2014

VEHICLE JUST QUITS. ONLY THING SHOWING IS THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO CODES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE CONTINUING PROBLEMS OF THE ENGINE QUITTING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10667760
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2014

MY VEHICLE STOPS RUNNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.......THIS HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY BUT IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. THIS MORNING IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CURVE AND I NEARLY WRECKED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10660008
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2014

SEVERAL TIMES SINCE APPROXIMATELY AUGUST OF 2013 THE VEHICLE POWER HAS CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. I HAD THE IGNITION REPLACED ONCE AT MY OWN COST BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN WITH THE LATEST BEING IN OCTOBER OF 2014. I AM AWARE OF THE RECALL BUT WHAT IS THE POINT IF THERE IS NO FIX? THE FACT THAT WE ARE STILL WAITING ON A FIX IS UNACCEPTABLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE NOT AN INCONVENIENCE ISSUE. I HAVE THREE YOUNG CHILDREN AND IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE THEM AROUND IN AN UNSAFE VEHICLE BECAUSE DODGE DOESN'T YET HAVE A FIX. *TR

NHTSA #: 10653953
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2014

WAS STUCK WITH NO WAY TO START VEHICLE BECAUSE PLASTIC FOB KEY WAS CRACKED AND WOULDN'T START VAN. THERE'S A RECALL ON THE PLASTIC IGNITION MODULE BUT PARTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE AND THIS RECALL IS FROM JUNE 2014. THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS MOVED A FEW TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING FROM ON TO ACC. CAUSING HARD BRAKES AND STEERING. LUCKILY IT WAS AT LOW SPEEDS AND NO TRAFFIC AROUND. CALLED DEALER TO SEE IF THERE'S A WAY TO START WITH METAL DOOR KEY AND I WAS TOLD NO. ALSO DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME TO FIX EVEN THOUGH THERE'S A RECALL OUT ON IT. DODGE IS THE CHEAPEST POS AND UNSAFE CARS PERIOD !!! *TR

NHTSA #: 10649547
mediumSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2014

THE VAN DIES WHILE TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS, TYPICALLY IN TRAFFIC. VAN WILL EASILY RESTART AFTER PUTTING IN PARK/NEUTRAL AND CRANKING. HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10648364
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Oct 2014

MY 18YR SON WAS DRIVING THE VAN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (65 MPH) WHEN HE DESCRIBED A SUDDEN INABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING BECAME HARD TO CONTROL AND THE BRAKES HERE HARD TO PUSH. HE THOUGHT THE BRAKES HAD FAILED. DUE TO THE INABILITY TO CONTROL THE VAN HE DRIFTED INTO THE PASSING LANE WHERE A CAR TO THE REAR OF HIM STRUCK HIS REAR QUARTER PANEL, CAUSING HIS VAN TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE SPUN AND CAME TO REST IN THE MERIDIAN. THE POLICE REPORT STATED" NO EVIDENCE OF BRAKES LOCKING UP" AS THERE WAS NO SKID MARKS IN THE ROAD WAY UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS LEAVING THE ROAD SIDEWAYS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE INCLUDES SUBSTANTIAL FRONT, SIDE AND REAR PANEL DAMAGE THE FRONT AND REAR TIRES ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT, EXHAUST PUSHED UP INTO REAR QUARTER PANEL AND THE FORCE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO SLIDE OUT OF PLACE. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ALL ON TO INCLUDE THE AIR BAG LIGHT. WE CALLED CHRYSLER BECAUSE WE SAW THE RECALL ON LINE. MEANWHILE 5 DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT WE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL STATING IT WAS FINE TO DRIVE THE CAN UNTIL THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED.THEY SENT AN INVESTIGATION TEAM TO EXAMINE THE VAN AND DETERMINED THE BRAKES WERE AT FAULT. HOWEVER THE BRAKES WERE NEW INCLUDING ROTORS 2 WEEKS PRIOR AND UPON HAVING MY OWN INSPECTION DONE THE BRAKES WERE FOUND IN WORKING ORDER, NO WARPED ROTORS OR BURNT PADS THAT WOULD SUGGEST A BRAKE LOCK UP AT 65MPH,TIRES(SNOW TIRES AS MY SON WAS HEADING TO COLLEGE IN NORTHERN MAINE ) ARE IN GOOD CONDITION WITH NO EVIDENCE OF FLAT AREAS (AS ONE MIGHT EXPECT WITH BRAKES LOCKING UP) WE HAD ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS CHECKED AND FOUND AN YAW WARNING AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WITH NO OTHER ENGINE CODES NOTED. ALL ENGINE LIGHTS WERE LIT UP AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT MUCH LIKE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHUT THE IGNITION OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ONLY TO RESET UPON NORMAL RESTART. *TR

NHTSA #: 10644389
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
Filed: Oct 2014

VAN BEGAN MAKING LOUD, GRINDING NOISE. NOISE SEEMED LOUDER WHEN STEERING MORE TO THE RIGHT. ON VISIT TO DEALERSHIP FOR IGNITION RECALL ISSUE, THEY LOOKED AT WHERE NOISE WAS COMING FROM - SINCE THEY HEARD IT WHEN THEY DROVE VAN BACK TO THE SERVICE AREA. THEY SAID IT WAS A WHEEL BEARING / HUB ON RIGHT FRONT. DEALERSHIP SAID VAN WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE ENOUGH TO BE A RECALL ISSUE? *TR

NHTSA #: 10643474
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2014

THE VAN COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF MAKING A U TURN. THE ENGINE, THE ELECTRICAL JUST STOPPED WORKING AND THE STEERING WHEEL GOT REALLY TIGHT BUT I WAS ABLE TO GLIDE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION PUT THE VAN IN PARK AND THEN I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. I TOOK IT TO DODGE AND THEY REPAIRED THE POWER STEERING SAYING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. NOT SO, THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE THE FIRST AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. TODAY IS 8/29/2014 AND I AM STRANDED BECAUSE IT WON'T TURN ON AT ALL. WAITING FOR AAA. *TR

NHTSA #: 10629324
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Aug 2014

ON SUNDAY I STARTED MY VAN WITH THE REMOTE AND PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. ONCE IN THE BUSY STREET, THE ENGINE DIED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, LEAVING ME UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO CARS COMING AND I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE IGNITION DIDN'T RECOGNIZE THE KEY, AND THEREFORE SHUT OFF AFTER THE PRESCRIBED TIME OF LETTING THE ENGINE RUN THROUGH THE KEYLESS START. I WANT TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT SEEMS IT COULD BE QUITE DANGEROUS. I HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO THE MANUFACTURER SO THEY CAN BE ADVISED OF IT AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10621581
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2014

MY VAN SHUTS OFF WITHOUT NOTICE - NO WARNING LIGHT, NO HESITATION - JUST SHUTS OFF. I TOOK TO FULLERTON DEALERSHIP - CAR WAS RETURNED TO MONDAY 07/14. I ASKED FOR THE PART THEY FIXED, THEY REFUSED TO GIVE IT TO ME. TODAY, 07/18 WHILE DRIVING THRU A PARKING LOT, THE VAN SHUT OFF AGAIN. THIS IS A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION AS I COULD GET RAMMED FROM BEHIND AND MYSELF AND CHILDREN MAY BE KILLED. I SPENT $580.73 OF MONEY I USE TO FEED MY CHILDREN BECAUSE I NEED TRANSPORTATION AND IT IS NOT FIXED. I WANT MY FUNDS RETURNED AND I WANT MY CAR FIXED OR I WANT ANOTHER CAR. I DESPERATELY NEED YOUR HELP *TR

NHTSA #: 10611419
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: May 2014

PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 6/30/2012 1ST INCIDENT 8/2012 DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AT NIGHT IN WOODED AREA SO IT WAS PITCH BLACK AND HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF, WIPERS RUNNING AND SPRAYING FLUID, HORN STARTED BLARING, OUTSIDE LIGHTS WENT CRAZY, GAUGES WENT NUTS, AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT. PULLED OVER WHEN WE WERE ABLE (TWO LANE ROAD W/NO SHOULDERS) AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES WENT BACK TO NORMAL AND RAN JUST FINE. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WAS IN 10/2012 BASICALLY SAME THING WAS RETURNING FROM SON'S FOOTBALL GAME ON A FRIDAY NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT AND HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT, WIPERS GOING CRAZY, AND HORN BLARING, LIGHTS GOING OFF. DIDN'T DO IT AGAIN FOR AWHILE THEN SINCE 3/2013 ABOUT EVERY 2 TO 3 WEEKS WE HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE, VAN CAN BE SITTING IN DRIVE AND STILL DOES IT. I HAVE HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AND IT SCARES US ALL TO DEATH. WE HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND ON MORE THAN ONE OF THESE OCCASIONS WHEN POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE MAKING A TURN, (IT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN TO MANUALLY TURN IT) WHICH I COULD BARELY DO, AND ALMOST RECEIVED A TICKET FOR FAULTY EQUIPMENT DUE TO THE BRAKE AND REVERSE LIGHTS GOING OFF ON THEIR OWN (COP GAVE ME A WARNING THIS TIME) AFTER LOOKING UP THE ISSUE AND TALKING TO A MECHANIC IT IS A FAULTY TIPM (TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE), WHICH BY THE WAY HAS BEEN ON "BACKORDER" FOR MORE THAN 18 MONTHS CAUSE I'VE BEEN CALLING ON IT SINCE 10/2012. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND APPARENTLY THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, THERE ARE OVER 200 OF THE 420 COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE ABOUT THIS VERY ISSUE AND THOUSANDS MORE ONLINE, YET THERE HAS NOT EVEN BEEN AN INVESTIGATION? I GUESS THE NHTSA IS NOT AS CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AS THEY CLAIM TO BE! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL DONE FOR THIS MODEL AND THE YEARS AFFECTED FOR THE FAULTY PART THAT'S GOING TO END UP WITH SOMEONE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR DEAD! *TR

NHTSA #: 10594620
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: May 2014

AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE STORE THIS MORNING, I WAS TAKING A TURN ONTO MY STREET WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO MUSCLE THE STEERING WHEEL TO COMPLETE THE REST OF THE TURN AND AVOID HITTING ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS TURNING TO GO THE WAY THAT I WAS COMING FROM. THE LADY IN THE OTHER CAR WAS LOOKING AT ME IN FEAR WITH HER ARMS RAISED LIKE "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" I TRIED TO TURN THE ENGINE ON SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO LUCK AS I COASTED DOWN MY STREET FORCEFULLY PUMPING THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. ONCE I TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, IT STARTED. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH OTHER MODELS AS WELL. THERE IS EVEN A RECALL ON DODGE GRAND CARAVANS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM 3 AUGUST 2009 TO 17 JUNE 2010 FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE AND MANY OTHERS THAT THIS ISSUE EXISTS OUTSIDE THESE DATES THOUGH AND THAT THE DODGE COMPANY IS NOT DOING ANYTHING. I HAVE NOT CONSULTED WITH MY DEALERSHIP YET BUT I AM HOPEFUL BECAUSE THEY SEEM TO BE GREAT PEOPLE. WHATEVER THE CASE, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE HAVING MY WIFE DRIVE MY CHILDREN AROUND. I DO NOT FEEL AS IF SHE WOULD BE ABLE TO MUSCLE THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT POWER STEERING DURING A TURN IN THE EVENT THAT THE CAR TURNED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN AS IT DID TO ME. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED TO ENCOMPASS ALL THE YEARS THAT ARE AFFECTED AND NOT JUST THE ONES WHERE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10594051
mediumSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: May 2014

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND SHUTS OFF RESULING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING MAKING MANUEVERING AND CONTROLLING VEHICLE DIFFICULT. MECHANICS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. HAVE DRIVEN AND EXPERIENCED PROBLEM BUT HAVE NO SOLUTION. *TR

NHTSA #: 10588516
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2014

WIFE WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH WHEN TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND SHE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. SHE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION, LUCKILY THERE WAS NO CAR COMING. SHE THEN TURNED THE VAN OFF AND RESTARTED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. SHE SAID SHE IS NEVER DRIVING IT AGAIN BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE. LAST YEAR WE HAD THE TIPM REPLACED AFTER THE SEEMINGLY COMMON PROBLEM OF HORN HONKING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS GOING AND SOLVENT SPRAYING RANDOMLY SEVERAL TIMES. NOT SURE HOW CHRYSLER CAN GET AWAY WITH HAVING ALL OF THESE LIFE ENDANGERING ISSUES WITHOUT HAVING RECALLS AND FIXING THEM. BUT WHAT I DO KNOW IS WE WILL NEVER BUY A CHRYSLER PRODUCT AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10586666
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2014

THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS STEERING ESP BAS BRAKE ABS AND THE ESP SYMBOL WILL ILLUMINATE. A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ESP AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED. THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BRAKES ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPLACE STEERING SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 129,700. *TR

NHTSA #: 10584023
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Mar 2014

WHILE DRIVING, I LOST THE STEERING AND ALL POWER. WITH WHAT FORWARD MOMENTUM THE CAR HAD AND MUSCLE, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. ONCE I PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AND IT RAN FINE. SINCE THAT TIME, THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE ADDITIONAL OCCASIONS AGAIN IN AUGUST 2013 AND MOST RECENTLY, IT HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN A 2 MINUTE TIME PERIOD THIS PAST WEEK. DURING THESE PAST 2 INCIDENCES, I CAN SAY FOR SURE THAT THE TRACTION LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. AFTER HAVING A DIAGNOSTIC DONE ON THE CAR IN BOTH AUGUST AND THIS WEEK, IT SHOWED "NO CODES". THE SERVICE DEALER CLAIMS TO BE STUCK AT THIS POINT AND DODGE IS OFFERING NO SOLUTIONS AND NOT ADMITTING THEY HAVE HEARD THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10573939
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2014

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SXT WILL SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. PLUGS, WIRES AND BATTERY HAVE BEEN CHANGED. WIN MODULE HAS BEEN CHANGED AT MY REQUEST AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING BECAUSE NO CODES HAVE BEEN THROWN. I REPLACED THE FOB RECENTLY THINKING THE KEY MY BE WORN OUT BUT THAT HAS NOT IMPROVED THE SITUATION. DODGE IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL I GUESS SOMEONE ID KILLED. THANKS DODGE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10574112
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2014

I OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE MANUAL SLIDING DOOR AND THEN THE HORN STARTED TO BLOW CONSTANTLY, THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON, THE HAZARD LIGHTS FLASHED, THE REVERSE LIGHTS WERE ON, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAD MANY WARNING LIGHTS ON INCLUDING A RED DOT ON THE BOTTOM. I TRIED TO HIT MY CAR ALARM BUTTON TO SEE IF IT WOULD MAKE IT STOP AND IT DIDN'T. I CLOSED THE DOOR AS MY SON RAN INTO THE HOUSE AND THEN ALL THE DOORS LOCKED. I HAD TO USE THE VALET KEY TO OPEN THE DOOR. I THEN PULLED THE HOOD RELEASE AND OPENED THE HOOD. THE RADIATOR FAN WAS ALSO ON. I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY SO THE HORN WOULD STOP BLOWING. I WAITED ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND WENT BACK OUTSIDE AND RECONNECTED THE BATTERY AND IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. THIS TIME I TRIED STARTING THE CAR AND IT STARTED HOWEVER IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO PUT IT INTO GEAR. I TRIED TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF BUT IT WOULD NOT LET ME. I GOT OUT AND THEN I REMOVED THE FUSES TO THE HORN SO THE NOISE WOULD NOT DISTURB ME OR THE NEIGHBORS. A FEW MINUTES LATER I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND IT LET ME PUT IT IN REVERSE SO I PULLED THE VAN OUT OF OUR GARAGE AND INTO THE DRIVEWAY BUT THE POWER STEERING DID NOT WORK. I TRIED AGAIN TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF BUT IT WOULD NOT STOP. I EVEN MOVED THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN. I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AGAIN BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AS DID THE WIPERS AND HAZARD LIGHTS. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES THE ENGINE FINALLY SHUT OFF. THIS SAME TYPE OF INCIDENT HAPPENED BEFORE TO US IN 2012. SEE VIDEOS I TOOK WITH MY CELL PHONE HERE HTTP://YOUTU.BE/YOFEJJ5HFZ8 HTTP://YOUTU.BE/H0UFSVIU0VE HTTP://YOUTU.BE/JEWQWFFZ73G HTTP://YOUTU.BE/P1N1CWQIVY0. *TR

NHTSA #: 10567869
mediumSTEERING,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2014

WHILE DRIVING,THE ENGINE STALLED. MY WIFE HAD TO PULL OVER WHILE TURNING TO RESTART THE VAN. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS WEATHER THE ENGINE IS COLD OR WARMED UP. WHEN THE VAN STALLS, AN ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE LIGHT GOES OFF AFTER A FEW DAYS. MY MECHANIC CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. I SEE THAT CHRYSLER HAD A RECALL FOR THEIR 2010 MODELS BECAUSE OF AN IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VAN BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHEN THE VAN WILL STALL AND LOOSE ALL POWER. THIS IS SERIOUS BECAUSE WHEN THE VAN STALLS, SHE LOOSES ALL POWER STEERING. MY WIFE HAS TO TRY TO PUT THE VAN INTO NEUTRAL TO GET IT STARTED WHILE DRIVING AND OR TURNING THE VEHICLE. THIS MODEL YEAR VAN HAS NO RECALLS FROM DODGE FOR THIS ISSUE . WHAT AM I TO DO . I DO NOT WANT TO WAIT FOR AN ACCIDENT TO HAPPEN BEFORE SOMEONE FIXES THIS ISSUE. I HAVE READ THE CHAT FORUMS, AND MANY PEOPLE ARE FRUSTRATED BECAUSE THERE ARE NO SOLUTIONS TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10564882
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2013

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR LOSES COMPLETE POWER--STEERING, BRAKES. ELECTRONIC STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON. VERY SCARY/DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM USUALLY ABLE WRESTLE IT TO SIDE OF ROAD WITHOUT ANY POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES. AFTER GETTING THE VAN TO A STOP AND SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION, THE VAN WILL FIRE RIGHT UP AND NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS FOR A FEW DAYS. THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES TO TRY AND DIAGNOSIS. NO LUCK.....I'VE REPLACED BATTERIES, WHEEL BEARINGS, YOU NAME IT. ANY ADVICE?????? *TR

NHTSA #: 10555896
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
CrashFiled: Nov 2012

DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. ENGINE QUIT SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY. STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD, OVER THE CURB AND CAME TO A STOP. NO PROPERTY DAMAGE OR BODILY HARM. IF WE HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, FEAR OF DEATH WOULD HAVE BEEN A REAL CONCERN. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START FOR APPROXIMATELY A MINUTE AFTER THE INCIDENT. ENGINE FINALLY STARTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSED AS A 'BAD WIN MODULE' (WIRELESS IGNITION NODE). THE TECHNICIAN ACTUALLY GUESSED THE PROBLEM WAS THE WIN MODULE BEFORE DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. HE SAID IT WAS A 'FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM'. AN ONLINE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THIS PART HAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH IT IN THE 2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (OUR DODGE GRAND CARAVAN IS A 2008). THE REASON I AM WRITING THE NHTSA IS THE NEWLY REPLACED WIN MODULE IS CLEARLY A REDESIGNED PART. IT LOOKS AND FUNCTIONS DIFFERENTLY THAN THE OLD, FAULTY WIN MODULE. IF DODGE REDESIGNED THE PART, THEY MUST HAVE ASSUMED THE EARLIER DESIGN WAS DEFECTIVE IN SOME WAY. TO JUSTIFY THE NEED FOR A REDESIGN, THERE HAD TO BE SOME DRIVING FACTOR LIKE IMPROVED SAFETY. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THIS DEFECT HAD THE REAL POTENTIAL OF CAUSING DEATH AND I AM REQUESTING THE NHTSA INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. AM I THE FIRST TO HAVE LODGED A COMPLAINT REGARDING THIS PART? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10485944
mediumSTEERING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Sep 2012

WHILE DRIVING TO THE MARKET MY WIFE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN SHUDDER IN THE STEERING/BRAKES PULLING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE DRIVING LANE TOWARDS THE SHOULDER. SHE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A STOP OF THE SHOULDER. SHE NOTICED THE ESP/BAS WARNING LIGHT AND THE SLIPPERY ROAD/TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT HAD BOTH ACTIVATED ON THE DASH/INSTRUMENT PANEL. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED US THE STEERING ANGLE/CLOCKSPRING SENSOR WHICH ACTIVATES THE DRIVERS AIRBAG HAD FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE ITEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND REPAIR WOULD COST A TOTAL OF $508. DODGE RECALLED CARAVANS 1996-2000 FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE. WE HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE ALL THE BRAKES, FOR WHAT WAS TERMED PREMATURE WHEREOUT, AT APPROX 22,000 MILES. WE HAD TO REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC KEYS WHICH BOTH CRUMBLED AFTER THE 3RD YEAR. WHAT'S NEXT???? ANY HELP IN THIS SITUATION WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10477989
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2012

DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH WITH THREE KIDS IN CAR WHEN KEY SWITCHED TO OFF POSITION. STEERING HARD UNTIL I SWITCHED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED IT. THE KEY HAD DONE THIS ONCE BEFORE IN PARK AND ONCE WHILE DRIVING APROX 20MPH ON A DIRT RD. *TR

NHTSA #: 10443680
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Feb 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND EXITING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME ABNORMALLY STIFF. THERE WAS ALSO AN UNUSUAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING LIQUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,508.

NHTSA #: 10381546
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Feb 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE TIE ROD WAS WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL PRIVATE REPLACED ALL FOUR TIE RODS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO CALL NHTSA AND FILE A COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,675 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,147.

NHTSA #: 10381463
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Apr 2010

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON MARCH 31, 2008 AND HAVE HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS. WE WERE HEADED OUT OF TOWN ON VACATION AND HAD TO STOP AT 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS A LONG THE WAY FOR THEM TO TRY TO CORRECT THE PULLING. NEITHER ONE COULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IN THE 2 YEAR TIME IT HAS BEEN BACK IN FORTH TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT SEVERAL TIMES FOR IT PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND EATING THE FRONT EDGE OF EVERY TIRE THAT HAS BEEN PUT ON THE FRONT. TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED REGULARLY AND CROSSED AND STILL HAS THE OUTSIDE TIRE WEAR FROM THE PULL. CAM BOLTS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED BY THE DEALER TO HELP CORRECT THE ALIGNMENT WITH NO RESULTS. IT STILL PULLS. I HAVE FILED A LEMON LAW COMPLAINT WITH CHRYSLER WHO HAS PERFORMED THE FINAL REPAIR ATTEMPT AND IT STILL PULLS. I HAVE TOOK IT TO 2 LOCAL TIRE ALIGNMENT SHOPS HERE AND BOTH HAVE SAID THE ALIGNMENT CAN'T BE FIXED. CHRYSLER'S POSITION IS THAT THE VEHICLE DRIVES AS DESIGNED AND NO FURTHER ACTION WILL TRANSPIRE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A VEHICLE CAN BE DESIGNED TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT IF YOU LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IT IS NOT A DRIFT TO THE RIGHT. A DRIFT DOESN'T EAT TIRES FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND. MY HAND ACTUALLY FALLS ASLEEP WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE THE VAN FOR LONG DISTANCES BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP THE VAN ON THE ROAD. WE HAVE DRIVEN 2 OTHER CHRYSLER VANS FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES AND THEY PULL TO THE RIGHT AS WELL BUT NOT TO THE EXTENT OF MY VAN. I AM STILL IN THE LEMON LAW PROCESS AND DON'T KNOW IF I WILL GET ANYWHERE WITH CHRYSLER BUT SOMEONE NEEDS TO CHECK THE STEERING AND ALIGNMENT OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL. YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FIGHT THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. THIS ISSUE HAS MADE ME DESPISE THIS VAN AND IT WAS PERFECT FOR A FAMILY WITH 3 KIDS. BAD SAFETY HAZARD AND CHRYSLER SHOULD BE MADE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE AND NOT JUST PLAY GOD WITH THE FINAL STATEMENT OF "THIS VEHICLE PERFORMS AS DESIGNED". *TR

NHTSA #: 10328079
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2010

WHILE DRIVING, WITH NO WARNING, VEHICLE STALLS (ENGINE DIES) STEERING COLUMN LOCKS AND BRAKES ARE HARD, THEIR IS NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE AND CAN'T GET OFF THE ROAD. I ALMOST GOT INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, I WAS APPROACHING A MAJOR INTERSTATE HWY WHEN MY VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER MECH CAN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS, NOTHING RECORDS ON THE MEMORY OR FLIGHT RECORDERS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THE MECH WHILE ON A TEST DRIVE, THEY SAY THEY CHECKED ALL THE COMPUTER WIRES AND WANT TO GIVE THE VEHICLE BACK AND STATES IT IS SAFE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10326322
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Apr 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 20,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A HARD VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL. THE ROAD CONDITIONS OR SPEED OF THE VEHICLE HAD NO AFFECT ON THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE S WERE APPROXIMATELY 20,000.

NHTSA #: 10325631

Other 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Issues