Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - BLOWER | |||||
| 240697 | 05/30/1997 | 51939 | Front hvac blower motor resistor connector service. *tw | 07/17/1997 | |
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES | |||||
| 2303400A | 12/15/2000 | 233400 | 616727 | Subject regarding outside mirror glass replacement. *tt | 03/08/2001 |
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - EXTERIOR | |||||
| 2301502 | 04/01/2002 | 2302701 | 634077 | Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *slc | 09/27/2002 |
| 2302701 | 09/21/2001 | 2303400 | 625650 | Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *tt | 11/30/2001 |
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD | |||||
| 235998 | 12/11/1998 | 603158 | Windnoise around fron door glass, especially at top of the b pillar. *ak | 11/17/1999 | |
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | |||||
| 083198 | 07/24/1998 | 602317 | Front windshield wipers self-activate while driving or will not turn off. *yc | 10/26/1998 | |
| 083198 | 06/26/1998 | 601563 | Windshield wipers self-actuate while driving or will not turn off. *ak | 08/10/1998 | |
| 081597A | 06/13/1997 | 52534 | Windshield wipers do not park properly and/or wipe in the intermittent mode properly. *tw | 08/14/1997 | |
| 081597 | 04/04/1997 | 51963 | Windshield wipers do not park properly and/or wipe in the intermittent mode properly. *tw | 07/17/1997 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY | |||
| 04/15/2003 | 72000 | ||
| 1997 dodge caravan. starting at about 30,000 miles, the windshield wipers would mysteriously come on, make 4 to 5 wipes and turn off. we made jokes about the ghost riding with us. it was an intermittent problem, happening about every month or six weeks. it could not be reproduced on demand. finally, at 72,000, the windshield wipers refused to turn on from the stalk--except when the windshield was given a squirt of fluid by lifting up on the turn signal/wiper control stalk, then they gave the regular three wipes and turned off. the dealer replaced the entire switch unit. it did not help. then they called chrysler's super tech 800 number and no help was provided. since the car could not be inspected with no wiper function, the entire body control module was replaced (computer) which fixed the problem. cost: $741.00. since all of the mechanical parts of the wiper system worked, if this happened again, i determined i would simply pull a hot wire through the dash to an on-off switch and connect that up to the wiper feed--estimated cost of less than $10.00. | |||
| 1 | 08/01/1997 | ||
| The tailgate and the right arm that hold it up snapped, as a result the arm fell onto the consumers left arm. the arm on the sunvisor snapped. *nlm | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM | |||
| 01/15/2004 | 70000 | 5 | 11/14/1999 |
| Dt: consumer complained about electrical problems. instrument panel did not work. the instrument cluster was digital. buttons for air conditioner and rear defroster flashed constantly. consumer took vehicle to garage, and they recommended dodge dealer. also, windshield wipers came on their own. vehicle did not have to be on running for windshield wipers to come on. they came on about every two weeks. also, traveling interior lights came on. consumer stopped lights from coming on by putting tape on door. consumer believed these were different issues. he replaced fan control module last year, and that did not help.*ak consumer added that pounding on the dashboard made the dash light illuminate. *tt | |||
| 01/01/2002 | 6 | 12/01/2096 | |
| I recently learned about your web site service and decided to use it. because i have experienced too many problems (various in addition to this list) over the past years with this vehicle. dt | |||
| 09/16/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer noticed water on the passenger side floorboard, dealer determined the hvac housing was leaking.*jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| Engine had leaking seals which caused exhaust manifold to leak. fumes would come from blower (defroster) when it was turned on. there was an electrical short in engine. also, windshield wipers were erratic & would come on or off by themselves, and having a lot of problems with starter. *ak gasoline leaks from the tank due to the seal failure. inside door panel on drivers side is broken. *yh | |||
| As soon as vehicle is started up and starts to move carbon monoxide fumes start to come through the ventilation system, choking the consumer. dealer has tried to remedy the problem, but can't find the source. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1998 | |||
| Windshield defroster design problem. | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - BLOWER | |||
| 07/20/1999 | 1 | 09/22/1996 | |
| Wiring for blower motor resistor failed causing the blower motor to only work on high. nlm | |||
| VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR | |||
| 04/25/2008 | 150000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. the rear driver side vent window is stuck in an inward position and cannot be opened. while driving at any speed, the instrumental panel lights begin to flash and the vehicle shuts off. the vehicle can only be restarted after waiting 15 minutes. the dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. the failure mileage was 150,000. | |||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES | |||
| 05/02/2001 | 1 | 06/01/1997 | |
| While driving mirror detached from windshield. *ak | |||
| 4 | 11/01/1996 | ||
| Exterior rearview mirror design distorts vision. | |||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - INTERIOR | |||
| 10/17/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| The windshield wipers would automatically come on while traveling on the road. they would come on for two to four wipes and then stop. this intermittent problem was rare at first, then started to happen more frequently. we finally took it in to the dealership for repair. they replaced the windshield wiper switch at no cost to us. (only because we were under the 36mo./36,000mi. waranty.) the next problem was the battery went dead. we took it in for repair, and the dealership replaced the battery at no cost to us. (only because it was under the 36mo./36,000mi. waranty) . the other problem was that the inside rear view mirror became unglued from the front windshield. i went to a auto repair store and purchased a rear view mirror glue kit. i glued the rear view mirror on myself. ( i don't have confidence in the dealerships glue) thank you ........ richard maldonado. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer stated the windshield wipers come on and go off on their own. *jb | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD | |||
| 02/23/2008 | |||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. two weeks after the vehicle was purchased, the check engine light illuminated. the dealer stated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. two weeks later, the transmission failed and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. they took three weeks to repair the vehicle and, before the contact could pay for the repairs, the new transmission failed. the dealer informed her that she would have to pay for any new repairs made to the vehicle at the cost of $900. while the vehicle was at the dealer for three weeks, someone in the service center caused the front windshield to crack. the mileage information and vin were unknown. | |||
| I've had my windshield chipped twice while driving behind a dodge caravan. i've noticed that on newer vans probably '96 and up the side of the rear wheels are exposed and need rear mud flaps | |||
| 1 | 04/01/1997 | ||
| Front window seal failed. nlm | |||
| Consumer was driving at approximately 30 mph when the window on the sliding door shattered, exploded mostly in the inward position which could have caused injuries. *ak | |||
| 07/22/1997 | 4 | 07/09/1997 | |
| Vehicle leaks fuel while driving. owner notes problem has been corrected 4 different times, but problem returns. cause unknown. *ak consumer states that problem began at 55 miles when the service engine soon light illuminated, dealer stated vehicle was fixed, however engine light illuminated 30 miles later, dealer replace the fuel tank, problem occurred again and dealer replaced the o-ring and holding nut, problem still exists. left side door glass was bowed. unusual noise occurs when vehicle shifts from park to reverse, neutral to reverse, and neutral to drive, dealer stated this was normal. oil pan bent, dealer replaced. *slc | |||
| Distorted windshields results in distraction and unsafe driving conditions. | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | |||
| 01/15/2004 | 70000 | 5 | 11/14/1999 |
| Dt: consumer complained about electrical problems. instrument panel did not work. the instrument cluster was digital. buttons for air conditioner and rear defroster flashed constantly. consumer took vehicle to garage, and they recommended dodge dealer. also, windshield wipers came on their own. vehicle did not have to be on running for windshield wipers to come on. they came on about every two weeks. also, traveling interior lights came on. consumer stopped lights from coming on by putting tape on door. consumer believed these were different issues. he replaced fan control module last year, and that did not help.*ak consumer added that pounding on the dashboard made the dash light illuminate. *tt | |||
| 07/19/2004 | 117000 | 1 | |
| The consumer was driving and the windshield wipers turned on by themselves, and run erratically, and will not shut off at the correct position. when it's raining, wipers cannot be controlled. the dealer told consumer that similar make, model and year vehicle have experienced the same problem. *la | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| Windshield wipers come on by themselves all the time, sometimes they stop after a few swipes and sometimes i need to turn the switch on and then off again to make them stop. so far they have worked when i needed them but it may only be a matter of time before complete failure. this should be a recall item, it is very unsafe! (1999) airbag light comes on and stays on nearly all the time now. (jun 2003) sliding door lock doesn't always engage or disengage when using the power locks. *jb | |||
| 05/07/2003 | |||
| While driving the vehicles windshield wipers came on by themselves. *nlm | |||
| 04/18/2003 | 115000 | 1 | |
| The windshield wipers worked intermittently. *jb | |||
| 01/05/2001 | 40000 | 08/10/1997 | |
| Fuel tank, been a problem since we bought it, every time we go to bring the vechicle in for them, then could not find an answer after about the 4th time we brought it in, we said this is to much and we brought it in more then 3 times for the same problem, and we should get repaired free, i belive by lemon law?, well nutthing yet 3 years and running, with several several problems, should all be a recall cause that tomany problems, such as on alldata.com and read about the 97 dodge caravan 3.3l, my lord ever problem on that sheet i have, realy getting on my nerves... | |||
| 99 | 12/01/2098 | ||
| The windshield wipers start up sporadically on their own (no one turns them on - they just start wiping). this problem has gotten progressively worse. our mechanic tells us that dodge is aware of the problem, but can not isolate what causes it. instead, they recommend you start with one expensive repair to see if that works, and if not, you move on to progressively more costly repairs. i believe this is a safety hazard because you never know when they will go off and it is sometimes startling when they do. you then have to take action to turn them off taking your attention away from what you are trying to do (driving!).*ak | |||
| While driving windshield wipers will automatically come on and rest in the middle of windshield, causing a disturbance with view of driver.*ak | |||
| 08/03/2001 | 1 | 02/01/2001 | |
| The airbag warning light came on. at the same time, the horn and the cruise control ceased to function. in addition, the wipers come on at random, but especially upon using turn signals (wiper controls are incorporated into the turn signal lever).*ak | |||
| 04/01/2000 | |||
| Windshield wipers come by there self while driving down the road or making a turn. *ak | |||
| 1 | 03/01/2000 | ||
| Windshield wipers come on without driver intervention. so far, no accident but this indicates a problem with this essential safety system. this happens about twice a month. the car is driven daily. dealer has no explanation. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Engine had leaking seals which caused exhaust manifold to leak. fumes would come from blower (defroster) when it was turned on. there was an electrical short in engine. also, windshield wipers were erratic & would come on or off by themselves, and having a lot of problems with starter. *ak gasoline leaks from the tank due to the seal failure. inside door panel on drivers side is broken. *yh | |||
| 11/19/2000 | 50 | 10/01/1996 | |
| Driving along and the windshield wipers come on without notice. also numerous times having to change out the fuel injection electrical parts. all of these have been told to us that they were not covered by the warranty. we have been told that there was a recall of the master electrical system under the hood of this model of car but we have never received any information of this situation. please notify us if such a recal exists. we would be very appreciative of this information. we are affraid that it will cause the car to have an elecrical fire.*ak | |||
| 09/01/1999 | 1 | 09/01/1999 | |
| Windshield wipers comes on when in the off position.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2000 | 1 | ||
| Windshield wipers self activate while driving. dealership has been notified about the problem. problem will be repaired at owner's expense. *ak | |||
| 12/01/1996 | |||
| Windshield wipers occassionally come on by themselves (even when the wiper switch is in the off position) and run until the driver jiggles the switch a little to stop them. *ak | |||
| 10/13/1998 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| The windshield wiper turns on sometimes on its own. yh | |||
| 10/17/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| The windshield wipers would automatically come on while traveling on the road. they would come on for two to four wipes and then stop. this intermittent problem was rare at first, then started to happen more frequently. we finally took it in to the dealership for repair. they replaced the windshield wiper switch at no cost to us. (only because we were under the 36mo./36,000mi. waranty.) the next problem was the battery went dead. we took it in for repair, and the dealership replaced the battery at no cost to us. (only because it was under the 36mo./36,000mi. waranty) . the other problem was that the inside rear view mirror became unglued from the front windshield. i went to a auto repair store and purchased a rear view mirror glue kit. i glued the rear view mirror on myself. ( i don't have confidence in the dealerships glue) thank you ........ richard maldonado. *ak | |||
| 1 | 06/18/1997 | ||
| Windshield wipers go on automatically for no reason intermittently. mjs | |||
| 09/25/1998 | 1 | 10/01/1996 | |
| Camshaft broke in half at 59,000 miles, necessitating engine replacement. service mgr. & technician both iniststed this was very unusual in any engine, especially one with this low mileage. dodge refused to help with repairs as car was out of warranty. the wipers turn on by themselves every now and then, sometimes when just opening the doors. the whole brake system had to be replaced at 43,000 miles as it had never been properly looked at, even though service records showed inspection at three occasions before breaking down. original dealer was dutchess dodge, 614 south road, poughkeepsie, ny 12601 (914) 462-7700. they never responded to correspondence regarding the brakes & wipers. the engine was repaired at hyde park motors. i've contacted dodge (daimler/chrysler) and the district mgr. (phil fornabaio) but they refuse to help with the engine and wouldn't even meet with me. | |||
| 1 | 12/01/1998 | ||
| Windshield wipers work intermittently causing poor visibility. *yc | |||
| Whenever making left turn the windshield wipers would go off, now they go off at anytime. *ak | |||
| 1 | 08/01/1997 | ||
| Windshield wipers comes on for no reason. *yc | |||
| 07/10/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| I was parked at burger king, turned the ignition and put my caravan in reverse to get out of my parking space. to my surprise, the car gave a sever jolt, and would not go into reverse....i tried again and the same jolt occurred, this time sounding like stuff inside was being smashed up (like a trash compactor sounds). i tried to get it into drive (even though i was almost as far up as i could go) and it wouldn't budge either...the sounds getting worse. afraid i was crushing things inside, i turned the car off. my two children and i walked the mile or so home and i called a tow truck. the mechanic said it appeared to be a transmission problem. once he looked it over and took the transmission out, it was a severe problem, bizzarre is the exact word of the mechanc who asked me if i had any warning signs. i had none. he said he couldn't believe the extent of stuff broken apart inside the transmision like broken glass...and said he could not even come up with an explanation of how it might have occured since it was so unlikely for a car this new (97) with only 43000 miles and then for the rear planetary (sp) gear carrier to have been mutilated like it was without the front happening. i have photos to show the horrific damage. and i am reporting this because, god forbid, i had not been parked but stopped for a light or something or on a dark road or wherever, i cringe at the thought of the accident that could have occurred with this happening with absolutely no warning and i feel chrysler should answer to this!!!!!!!! i did call their customer svc center to report this and to demand restitution as it cost me $2134; they did not want to know nothing since i had not brought it to a chrylser/dodge dealer to be fixed....the catch 22 is that i did not do so because i was passed my warrantly and my experiences with dealers' service center prices for major work has been beyond my pocketbook!!! please investigate this matter | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 11/07/1997 | ||
| While driving windshield wipers will intermittently come on without manual operation. cause unknown. *ak | |||
| 06/19/1998 | 3 | 05/26/1997 | |
| Windshield wipersonly work on intermittent slow speed. | |||
| 05/05/1998 | |||
| While driving the van, the windshield wipers come on without application. the dealership was notified about the problem. the problem has been corrected by dealer. *ak | |||
| 04/04/1998 | |||
| Intermittently the windshield wipers will sweep across the windshield once or maybe twice, then stop. consumer will be contacting the dealer about the problem. *ak | |||
| While driving the windshield wipers turned on without applying the windshield wiper switch. please provide details. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER - LINKAGES | |||
| 08/04/2003 | 1 | ||
| When making a left turn and without warning windshield wipers would shut off, causing a distraction to consumer's view. dealer has been notified. *ak windshield wipers turn on when steering wheel is turned or theturn signal turns off.*ts | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER - MOTOR | |||
| 06/30/2006 | 49900 | 25 | 07/07/1998 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 mph on normal road conditions the windshield wipers started working every time the turn signal lights were operated. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealership however the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer states while traveling and without any indication windshield wipers would start working. dealer has been contacted. *ak | |||
| 02/01/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states that the wipers work intermittently. dealer has been contacted. please provide any further information. nlm | |||
| 07/24/2001 | 1 | ||
| Windshield wipers come on by themselves when turning left or right. dealer has been contacted. *ak *scc | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER - SWITCH/WIRING | |||
| 08/17/2006 | 107500 | 1 | 06/07/1997 |
| Have owned a 1997 dodge caravan (bought as new) for 108,000 miles. recently we've had a problem with our windshield wipers. for several years, we've had the problem of the ghost wipers where they would come on on their own. but it would only happen very rarely. now, we have a problem where the switch does not regulate the speed of the wipers. the intermittent part does not work at all. we recently had it taken to a goodyear dealer and they diagnosed the problem as a body control module going bad. this is an expensive fix. have noticed a previous complaint (#10154526) and also several complaints posted on carspace automotive forums. some say the bcm is the problem and others say it isn't. *nm | |||
| 10/01/2004 | 104000 | 1 | 04/04/1997 |
| Purchased dodge caravan new. at 40,000 miles, windshield wipers began random wiping action unrelated to time or weather conditions. they would turn on, wipe four or five times and turn off. at 104,000 miles, without warning, wipers refused to respond to switch except for wash and wipe cycle. vehicle could not be inspected as wipers could not be turned on for inclement weather. three trips to the dealer resulted in a body control module being replaced for a cost of $741.00 in order to make them work. if they had stopped during a blizzard, it could have been very bad. (please note, dates are from memory and could be slightly off). *nm | |||
| 2 | 11/01/1996 | ||
| Windshield wiper switch failed. mjs | |||
| 02/24/1997 | |||
| Windshield wiper switch malfucntioned, causing windshield wiperd not to operate, making it difficult to see in inclement weather. | |||
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | |||
| 07/09/2012 | 114000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. the contact stated while driving 25 mph, the power steering failed and the windows became foggy, causing very dangerous conditions for the driver. the vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced; however the contact had just replaced the serpinitine belt 2,000 miles prior. the manufacturer was notified, but offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 114,000. | |||
| 07/09/2012 | 114000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. the contact stated while driving 25 mph, the power steering failed and the windows became foggy, causing very dangerous conditions for the driver. the vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced; however the contact had just replaced the serpinitine belt 2,000 miles prior. the manufacturer was notified, but offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 114,000. sm. | |||
| 07/09/2012 | 114000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. the contact stated while driving 25 mph the power steering failed and the the windows became foggy causing very dangerous conditions for the driver. the vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis and was informed the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. however the contact had just replaced the serpinitine belt 2000 miles prior. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 114,000. dt | |||