Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 669 of 913 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
296 complaint records1 fire report8 crash reports
"BRAKES WENT OUT COMPLETELY WOULD NOT EVEN STOP IN NEUTRAL HAD TO PUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. REPLACED BRAKE CALIPER. TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Seat belts
181 complaint records7 crash reports
"CENTER SEAT BELT 2ND ROW BENCH SEAT BELT ANCHOR METAL HOOK CLIP BECAME BRITTLE, THEN BROKE, WON'T LOCK, NOT FIXED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seat belts parts in the directory →
Power train
118 complaint records2 crash reports
"PURCHASE VAN NEW AT 60,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION NEED TO BE REPLACE AND THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEED TO BE REPLACE . TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA97020 opened Sep 1997 | closed Jul 1999 | Visibility | FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER - led to recall 99V189000 ALLEGED FAILURES OF WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS |
| EA97005 opened Apr 1997 | closed Dec 1997 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FAILURES - led to recall 97V149000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE97013 opened Apr 1997 | closed Sep 1997 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WHILE IN USE |
| DP97001 opened Mar 1997 | closed Apr 1997 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON 1989 AND LATER CHRYSLER MODELS WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPIRIT/ACCLAIM: DYNASTY/NEW YORKER/LANDAU; LANCE/LEBARON; SHADOW/SUNDANCE;... |
| EA96027 opened Oct 1996 | closed May 1997 | Structure | ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE - led to recall 97V079000 THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEAR RESULTING IN SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR. |
Show 9 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE96035 opened May 1996 | closed Oct 1996 | Structure | ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE - led to recall 97V079000 THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFT GATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEER RESULTING IN THE SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR. |
| PE96008 opened Jan 1996 | closed Jun 1996 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION There is no summary currently available |
| EA95029 opened Sep 1995 | closed Nov 1996 | Steering | STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION - led to recall 96V229000 AFTER AN EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS, CHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED THE DEFECT AS A FATIGUE FAILURE, ORIGINATION IN THE HEAT AFFECTED REGION OF THE PROJECTION WELDS OF THE STEERING WHEEL HUB TO STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE ATTACHMENT.THE HUB IS THE PORTION OF... |
| EA94028 opened Jul 1994 | closed Jun 1996 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS - led to recall 96V099000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE94024 opened Mar 1994 | closed Jul 1994 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS There is no summary currently available |
| EA94005 opened Jan 1994 | closed Oct 1995 | Structure | LIFTGATE LATCHES LIFTGATE LATCHES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE FAILED IN LOW AND MODERATE SPEED IMPACTS RESULTING IN OCCUPANT EJECTIONS, INJURIES, AND FATALITIES.THERE ARE TWO FAILURE MODES ASSOCIATED WITH LATCH FAILURE: FORK BOLT-DETENT LEVER BYPASS, AND INERTIAL... |
| PE93084 opened Sep 1993 | closed Jan 1994 | Structure | REAR HATCH LATCH FAILURE There is no summary currently available |
| EA92033 opened Oct 1992 | closed Apr 1993 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW SHATTERING There is no summary currently available |
| PE92053 opened Jun 1992 | closed Oct 1992 | Visibility | WINDOW SHATTERING There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99V189000 | Visibility | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LEFT HAND WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT DRIVE ARM WAS NOT MECHANICALLY STAKED TO THE PIVOT SHAFT. | Normally free |
| 97V149000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. THE CENTER REAR SEAT, RIGHT OUTBOARD SIDE, SAFETY BELT ANCHOR HOOK CAN BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE BODY ANCHOR POSITION. | Normally free |
| 97V148000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. COVERS ON THE SOLID STALK MOUNTED SEAT BELT BUCKLES CAN BECOME DISLODGED CAUSING THE RELEASE BUTTON TO STICK INSIDE THE COVER. THE BUCKLE WOULD THEN BE ONLY PARTIALLY LATCHED. | Normally free |
| 97V079000 | Structure | THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE STRUT TO THE BODY AND THE REAR LIFTGATE CAN ACCUMULATE FATIGUE DAMAGE IF THREE FACTORS COMBINE. | Normally free |
| 96V229000 | Steering | THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN. | Normally free |
| 96V099000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION. | Normally free |
| 92V147000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FUEL TANK FLANGES WERE NOT BENT AS REQUIRED TO ALLOW THE SPECIFIED CLEARANCE FOR THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAPS AND FUEL LINES AT THE TANK. | Normally free |
| 92V015000 | Steering | THE ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT. | Normally free |
Show 1 more recall campaigns
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91V170000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE BRAKE PEDAL PAD ATTACHMENT TO THE PEDAL ARM MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE STRENGTH DUE TO MISLOCATION OF WELDS, AND COULD BREAK. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999145 1999-07-30 | Visual System | 163,025 | On certain vehicles, the left hand windshield wiper pivot drive arm was not mechanically staked to the pivot shaft. This may allow the drive arm to disengage from the shaft and lead to a loss of wiper function. |
| 1997162 1997-09-29 | Seats And Restraints | 153,541 | The first row rear seat outboard side seat belt anchor hook can become unattached from the body anchor position. Also, the covers on solid stalk mounted seat belt buckles may become dislodged. |
| 1997104 1997-05-28 | Structure | 246,405 | A combination of no bolt torque, high pressure in the strut and a severe duty cycle can create the potential for the liftgate strut attaching bolts to separate. |
| 1996198 1996-12-09 | Steering | 77,024 | The steering wheel armature stamping may crack and separate from the centre hub of the steering column. This could adversely affect steering control and result in a possible crash without prior warning. |
| 1996063 1996-04-29 | Brakes | 24,055 | Note: Vehicles equipped with Bendix-10 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Vehicles with ABS brakes may experience premature actuator piston seal wear in the ABS hydraulic control unit and/or actuator pump motor deterioration. |
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992147 1992-11-19 | Fuel System | 512 | IMPROPER STAMPING OF THE FUEL TANK FLANGES COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAPS AND/OR THE FUEL LINES WHICH IN TURN COULD RESULT IN FUEL TANK SEPARATION OR FUEL LEAKAGE. |
| 1992018 1992-02-13 | Steering | 2,829 | A steering column coupling bolt may fracture due to hydrogen embrittlement, causing loss of clamping load on the steering column shaft coupling with resultant loss of steering control. |
| 1991152 1991-11-13 | Brakes | 11 | The brake pad to pedal arm strength may not be adequate due to mis-location of welds. Should the brake pedal separate, loss of vehicle braking integrity may occur. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1802002 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC | |
| 0801001 May 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT | |
| 0800600REV Dec 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB | |
| 2300800B Nov 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 082700 Sep 2000 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT |
Show 40 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 230800 Mar 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 080600 Feb 2000 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT | |
| 083799 Nov 1999 | Air Bags | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 233599REVA Oct 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS | |
| 210599A Sep 1999 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT | |
| 233599 Sep 1999 | Seats | INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 220399 Apr 1999 | Tires | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO SMOOTH ROAD HIGH-SPEED VIBRATION OR SHAKE CONDITION. *TT | |
| 210699 Apr 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | CONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. *TT | |
| 210599 Mar 1999 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING REUSABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT | |
| 210499 Feb 1999 | Power Train | SERVICE AND PARTS INFORMATION ON 1999 RUNNING CHANGES TO TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) *TT | |
| 081798 Dec 1998 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC | |
| #9851 Sep 1998 | Visibility | A 30 DAY WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT SURVEY. *AK | |
| 081798 REV B Sep 1998 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING THE AIRBAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. *YC | |
| 08!798 Jul 1998 | Air Bags | DISCUSSION ON AIRBAG ON- OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES *AK | |
| 210798 Apr 1998 | Power Train | SUBJECT ON DELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT. *AK | |
| 081698 Apr 1998 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK | |
| 970919083297 Sep 1997 | Air Bags | AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *YC | |
| 0832097 Sep 1997 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING NHTSA AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *NLM | |
| 241197 Jul 1997 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH A/C EVAPORATOR ODOR. *NLM | |
| 210997 May 1997 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON 41TE/42LE SERVICE INFORMATION. *NLM | |
| 070397 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VARIOUS CAR OWNER'S HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN USING ENGINE COOLANTS MADE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL INSTEAD OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL. *YC | |
| 210597 Mar 1997 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH 41TE/42LE TRANSAXLE SHUDDER DURING AN EMCC (ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED CONVERTER CLUTCH) SHIFT. *NLM | |
| 180997 Feb 1997 | Power Train | VEHICLE SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER EMCC (LOCK UP) OPERATION/DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 38. *TW | |
| 230397 Feb 1997 | Structure | DIFFICULT TO CLEAN LIGHT COLORED "CHALKY" RESIDUE FROM PLASTIC BODY COMPONENTS THAT ARE MOLDED IN BLACK. *TW | |
| 180597 Feb 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES - INTAKE VALVE DEPOSITS - DRIVEWAY DIE OUT, ROUGH IDLE, LACK OF POWER, SAGS OR HESITATION. *TW | |
| 081695REVA Oct 1995 | Vehicle Speed Control | BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-16-95, DATED APR. 14, 1995. IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR **REPEATEDLY** PRESSES AND RELEASES THE SET BUTTON WITH THEIR FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR (A 'LIFT FOOT SET' TO BEGIN SPEED CONTROL OPERATION), THE VEHICLE MAY ACCELERATE AND... | |
| CH210695 Jun 1995 | Power Train | UNKNOWN | |
| CH240695A May 1995 | Equipment | UNKNOWN | |
| CH240895 May 1995 | Equipment | UNKNOWN | |
| CH081695 Apr 1995 | Vehicle Speed Control | CRUISE CONTROL OVERSHOOT/UNDERSHOOT DURING INITIAL SET SPEED SELECTION. *TW | |
| 180795A Mar 1995 | Power Train | HARSH TRANSAXLE SHIFTS. *T2W | |
| 110295 Mar 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHAUST NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING OR WHEN VEHICLE IS UNDER MODERATE LOAD. *TW | |
| 212794 Feb 1995 | Power Train | MANUAL TRANSAXLE LOCKED IN NEUTRAL OR LOCKED IN REVERSE. *TW | |
| 180795 Feb 1995 | Power Train | HARSH TRANSAXLE SHIFTS. *TW | |
| 070294A Dec 1994 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF PULLEYS. *TW | |
| 240594A Dec 1994 | Visibility | LOW HEATER PERFORMANCE. *TW | |
| 070394A Dec 1994 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF PULLEYS. *TW | |
| 241794 Nov 1994 | Electrical System | PCM NOT PROPERLY DISENGAGING A/C CLUTCH VIA THE RELAY ALSO THE PCM MAY NOT ENERGIZE THE A/C CLUTCH RELAY. *TW | |
| 182694 Jan 1994 | Power Train | IMPROVED TRANSMISSION SHIFT QUALITY. *TW | |
| 230693 Feb 1993 | Structure | REVISED SLIDING DOOR CENTER AND LOWER TRACK OVER-TRAVEL STOPS. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Pull and release every belt.A belt that retracts slowly or a buckle that will not latch matches this vehicle's seat-belt cluster.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 9 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Dodge Caravan →