Dodge Caravan 1993 - Structure - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints

Dodge Caravan 1993

Recalls
Technical Service Bulletins
Defect investigations
Consumer Complaints

Recalls

Campaign	Manufacturer	Manufacturing date	Type	# of units affected	Date Owner notified Mfg	Recall Initiated by	Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products	Report Recieved Date	Record Creation Date
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
99V213000	DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION	from 08/01/1990 to 06/30/1994	V (Vehicle)	1318189	08/30/1999	ODI	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	09/02/1999	10/15/1999
Defect Summary	Vehicle description: mini vans. the bolts used to attach the strut to the body and the rear liftgate can accumulate fatigue damage if three factors combine. if the bolt is loose, the gas strut is over-pressurized, and the frequency of opening and closing cycles is higher than for the average customer, the bolt can fail.
Consequence Summary	Personal injury could occur if the bolts break allowing the liftgate to fall suddenly.
Corrective Summary	Dealers will inspect for loose fasteners, if the fasteners are loose, the strut (and integral bolts) will be replaced. if the bolt shows evidence of torque, the bolt will be removed, larger washers will replace the existing washer and the bolt will be reinstalled and hand tightened to the target torqued.
Notes	Owner notification began during august 1999. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chrysler at 1-800-992-1997. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Bulletins

Bulletin	Bulletin date	Replacement Bulletin	Item no.	Summary	Added
STRUCTURE - BODY
233599REVA	10/01/1999	233599	612160	Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *mjs	06/06/2000
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
231393A	06/01/1993	23-13-93	39529	Outside door handle replacement. *tw	11/01/1995
230693	02/01/1993		39541	Revised sliding door center and lower track over-travel stops. *tw	11/01/1995
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS
230397	02/14/1997		51942	Difficult to clean light colored chalky residue from plastic body components that are molded in black. *tw	07/17/1997

Investigations

NHTSA ID	Manufacturer	Date open	Date close	Subject	Recall campaign
STRUCTURE
EA96027	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	10/31/1996	05/16/1997	ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE	97V079000
	The retainer bolt of the rear liftgate support cylinders may shear resulting in sudden collapse of the rear hatch door.
EA94005	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	01/31/1994	10/25/1995	LIFTGATE LATCHES	95I001000
	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 unlatching.nhtsa analyses of chrysler and peer minivans took the form of static and dynamic crash testing, engineering evaluations, complaint and field analyses, and real world data analyses.a technical report discussing these analyses can be found in the engineering analysis technical report in the public viewing file.chrysler has advised nhtsa that it will conduct a campaign to replace the latches on all the subject vehicles.the chrysler campaign will consist of notification letters to all owners; free replacement of all latches with stronger, safer latches regardless of the age of the minivans; national advertising to promote customer awareness of the campaign; quarterly reports regarding campaign completion rates; as well as additional measures to ensure a high completion rate, above and beyond the actions that normally would be taken in a formal safety recall.these include follow up written and telephonic notifications to owners who do not bring their vehicles in for corrective action.nhtsa firmly believes that the crash performance of the latches on these minivans raises serious safety concerns, and that the campaign addresses these concerns.the chrysler corrective action will increase the strength of the liftgate latches and decrease the potential for inertial unlatching, thereby reducing the risk of crash-related openings of the liftgate and possible occupant ejection through the liftgate opening.owners of chrysler minivans will get a stronger, safer latch free of charge at the earliest possible time, without the need for further technical investigation and complex and time-consuming litigation with an uncertain outcome.based on the above, odi is closing this investigation.
PE96035	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	05/06/1996	10/31/1996	ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE	97V079000
	The retainer bolt of the rear lift gate support cylinders may sheer resulting in the sudden collapse of the rear hatch door.
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - SUPPORT DEVICE
RQ99004	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	04/19/1999		REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT	97V079000
	The liftgate support attaching bolts may break.this could result in the liftgate falling unexpectedly which may injure someone standing under it.
RQ99004	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	04/19/1999		REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT	99V213000
	The liftgate support attaching bolts may break.this could result in the liftgate falling unexpectedly which may injure someone standing under it.

Consumer Complaints

Fail date	miles	occurences	Purchase date
STRUCTURE
		1
	Spring missing from hood ornament causing it to lay down on the hood.
STRUCTURE - BODY
03/15/1999			06/01/1993
	Peeling paint from roof and hood. can hurt someone as it flyes of the vehicle. no safety defect mentioned in the summary. *ak
09/28/1994		8
	Wheel well out of adjustment.
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
		1	07/25/1998
	The ball joints and starter failed, the brake line was broken, the side door fell off, the vehicle experienced oil and coolant failures. also the vehicle needed an outer rod end installed and a new transmission within one year of purchasing the vehicle. jg jb
01/04/2002
	Driver's side door opened while driving. door will not remain shut without tape being used. deale has yet to be contacted. please provide further details.*ak
03/12/2001
	Side sliding door will not stay in place when passengers are getting in or out of vehicle. *ak
08/01/2000
	Sliding door needs to be repaired second time, will not shut or close properly, it just hangs there. *ak
12/03/2000		1
	Sliding door would not open intermittently. dealer was not notified at this time. ak the consumer says the only way to open the door was to continuously press the electic unlock button. yh

	Power door lock system does not unlock rear passenger's sliding door. door cannot be unlocked manually. dealer has not been contacted. *ak
04/11/2000		1
	Freon was leaking from air conditioner. leak was coming from under dashboard. took vehicle to mechanic, and they had to go under the dashboard, they fixed the leak. one month before, had to put a brand new transmission. then driveshaft belt broke. consumer has had nothing but problems with this vehicle. ak left door switch failed. heater core, evaporator, condenser, o- rings and seals all replaced. starter failed. engine timing case cover, gaskets seals belt and tensioners failed. yh
		3
	Power locks on passenger's side sliding door are inoperable. door does not lock from the inside or outside cause unknown. please give any further details. *ak
10/22/1999
	Bolt broke from the trunk lid door , and plastic electrical wires on the inside of the door are coming apart due to the liftgate support bracket being loose. consumer had vehicle in repair shop three times, and dealer can't determine the cause. *ak
12/15/1998		1	08/01/1996
	The repair shop indicated that they've seen this exact problem on another minivan. i know of someone else with the identical problem. the dealership said they never saw this before. no mention of safety defect within sunmmary. *ak
05/11/1998
	Driver's side and the passenger's side sliding door handles fell off. the dealer has been notified. *ak

	Vehicle's passenger's side door is loose with in the interior and outside unit due to a part breaking within the door. *ak
09/01/1996		2
	All three door handles broke. *ak
06/10/1996		1
	Driver's side door misaligned.
05/02/1995		2
	Gasket on drivers door loose, causing it to leak.
07/25/1995		5
	Side door won't unlock.
04/15/1996
	The sliding door jumped off the track when inserting the key into the lock. please describe. *ak
05/04/1995		2	08/01/1993
	# pe95-012 the steering belt tensioner was making noise consumer replaced it . tt also electric motor failed unable to operate door locks.*jb
11/26/1994		6
	Door handles on all 3 doors disconnected.
05/13/1995		3
	Replaced driver's door twice.
06/19/1995		1
	The stopper broke on the sliding glass door on van, causing the door to fall off the van and onto the ground. *ak
04/21/1995		1
	Side sliding door failed. *skd
05/05/1995
	Sliding door fell off and fractured drivers foot. tt
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
02/11/2004		1
	Passenger and driver doors are not working properly, passenger door can't open up from inside or outside. dealer replaced the hinge, but the problem was not resolved, still can't open the door. *ak

	Metal that is in the passenger's side door that hinch is welded too has broken , causing door not to close. also, door may fall off.*ak

	Weld hinch broke off passenger's side door when opened without any force.*ak
05/01/2001		0
	Front and passenger's side door hinges are poorly designed. both hinges are strating to separate from door. please provide any further information.*ak
08/01/2000		1	08/01/1993
	Sliding door fell off the vehicle while attempting to close door. consumer felt someone could have been seriously injured. *akthe consumer feels this item should be recalled because of the weight of the door. nlm
04/01/2001		0
	Driver's side and passenger's side door hinges broke loose. when going to close door latch willnot support the brackets. dealership is aware of problem. *ak
01/02/2001		1	04/01/1999
	Sliding door on passenger side fell off when i was closing it. *ak
12/01/1996		2	02/20/1994
	Vehicle parked; when sliding door was being opened it came completely off track. was held on by top hinge. in process, driver's shoulder was injured trying to keep door from hitting ground. this was the 2nd incident that has happened with door. at the dealership, technican replaced door part first time. *ak
07/11/2000		1
	Driver side door will not shut due to broken hinges. mechanic told consumer that door hinges were welded wrongly. *ak
08/08/2000
	Consumer has multiple problems with vehicle. passengers door didn't stay close/ back door hinge broke & consumer's son busted his head. seat belt isn't child safe, it chokes the child. consumer has been dealing with manfacturer and dealer, but hasn't received satisfaction. *ak
03/04/1999
	Passenger's side door is coming off the vehicle by the hinge. driver's side door is currently making noises, but not disconnecting. had taken vehicle to body shop &consumer was informed of a manufacturer's defect. manufacturer would pay 50% & owner pay other 50%. problem of the door was noticed after vehicle was involved in an accident. paint is also coming off the roof by the drip system & the hood. *ak
03/20/1999		1	03/01/1997
	Passanger's front door weld at hinges broke loose, door not shutting correctley. had to have temporary weld on hinges while trying to locate replacement door. door was not usable at this time. dealer estimated cost for door replacement up to $1500.00 was told that this problem happens regularly with this make, and has been reported to dodge, but nothing is being done. was also told that door could fall off at any time. seems very dangerous to a family of two small children. want to know if dodge is doing anything to warranty this problem since it is a factory defect. *ak

	Driver's door frame cracked, causing the door to separate from the hinges,resulting in the door not properly shutting. please give any further details. *ak
09/15/1997
	The hinge attachment on the door is breaking free from the welds and is failing. manufacturer cannot duplicate the problem and vehicle is not under warranty. *ak
10/10/1997
	When opening the sliding door it fell off the hinges. the dealer is aware of the prolbem. the problem has not been corrected. *ak

	During normal operation of sliding passenger door, while in locked position, door doesn't stay attached or locked. the hinges as well do not appear to be holding. please describe. *ak
02/19/1997
	The shock absorber brackets for the rear door broke hitting owner in the head and door fell on his back.
10/21/1996		1	02/01/1994
	Failure on the sliding door, consumer went to open the sliding door and the door failed, causing injuries to the occupant. ak jb
02/02/1996
	The passenger's side door is coming loose from the hinge.*ak
06/17/1996
	Driver door came unbolted from the frame and cracked. describe more in detail. *ak
10/02/1995		2
	Three out of four hinge welds cracked.
10/15/1995
	Front passenger welding on door loosens and breaks lock; weak welding points in door hinge; door does not closed. *ak
04/06/1995		6
	Interior lights/warning bells go on when going over bumps. *skd
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
10/09/2006		15
	Dt*: the contact stated that there were brake problems at various speeds. prior to the problem there was extended stopping distance and brake light illuminated under normal braking conditions. nature of failure worsened over time. campaign id # 96v099000 was observed online by the contact pertaining to service brakes, hydraulic, antilock. the dealer confirmed that the vehicle was included in the recall however the dealer stated that the piston was covered under the recall and there were other repairs that needed to be done to the brake system not covered under recall. the vehicle was not serviced yet. the rear hatch struts were replaced
08/05/1996		1	07/01/1993
	Hatchback window blew out, causing injury.
06/18/1995		2
	Rear lift gate opened by itself while driving on the highway. tt
05/26/1995
	During inclimate weather applied brakes went into ditch passenger seat belt unlatched drivers did not retract and rear tailgate flew open. tt
04/06/1995
	Witness report: rear liftgate came open after broadsided by another moving vehicle that ran a red light; luggage flew out into traffic. tt
07/29/1994		1
	Crossing intersection hit on driver's rear wheel liftgate flew up and threw daughter and dog out of vehicle, injuries recieved bruises. tt
03/11/1995
	Mr. philips witnessed incidence of ejection of a child when vehicle was hit broadside, then rear liftgate flew open, resulting in fatal injuries. tt
06/13/1994
	In a rear end collision the rear tailgate popped open, and the transmission shutters at about 35mph. tt
01/23/1995		1
	Vehicle was hit from rear at 6:00 position, speed 50 mph, rear liftgate came open, ea94-005 active. tt

	Vehicles rear hatch gate opens while driving with no warning and at times is very difficult to close. tt
05/01/1994		1
	While driving rear hatch lift gate opened and all cargo in vehicle fell out no warning lights came on stating hatch was open.drivers avoiding cargo in hwy. tt
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
11/01/1997		1	11/16/1992
	Prior to recall (99v-213) the liftgate broke, causing the tailgate to fall. took vehicle to the dealership and they replaced both rear hatch support and total parts. consumer paid for labor $ 250.00. ak the abs light stays on when starting the vehicle due to paricles found in the brake fluid. the vehicle vibrates when coming to stop due to both front and rear brakes worn out and rotors were bad too. yh
02/20/2000		1	11/21/1992
	Prior to recall liftgate supports and bolts are broke (999v-213). yh
04/10/1999		1
	Vehicle experienced failure of the recall component prior to recall notification, requesting reimbursement due to defect (99v-213). *mjs
08/07/1999		1	12/31/1994
	Recall component failed prior to recall notice (99v-213), the liftgate support bolt broke causing the liftgate to collapse unexpectedly. *mjs
		1
	Bolt that holds the hydralic pump to the vehicle snapped causing hatch back to fall on the back and neck of consumer knocking him out. nlm
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - SUPPORT DEVICE

	While the trunk lid was opened the trunk shocks gave away and caused injury. please provide further information. *ak
02/15/1999		9
	Had parked vehicle. lifted rear hatch. it wouldn't stay up. kept closing on its own. right hydraulic cylinder bolt had broken off of frame. strut was hanging out. the bolt looked like it had been sheared off. *ak
08/05/1996		1	07/01/1993
	Hatchback support rod screw came off.
06/28/1995		8
	Replaced sheared rear door support rods.

	Hydraulic cylinder lift struts inoperative, won't stay up, will decend unexpectedly, without warning. tt
STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
03/05/1996		5
	Hood bolts broke, causing hood to fly into windshield. *sd
03/05/1996		5
	Bolts securing hood broke, causing hood to fly up in front of driver blocking vision, causing injury. *dsh
STRUCTURE - BODY - ROOF AND PILLARS
04/01/2003		1	08/01/1993
	I have a 1993 dodge caravan. i believe the paint on the car is defective. i have seen moer than 50 other dodge cars with the same problem. the paint first wears off on the roof of the car then the hood of the car, leading to rust and corrosion.i am seeing the same pattern in almost all dodge caravans. thank you. *ak
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE
10/01/2001			12/01/1993
	The liftgate support had broken off. i closed the liftgate not knowing this was the case. the hydraulic arm rammed through the window shattering glass everywhere including my eyes. i flushed my eyes and secured a doctor's appointment. the examination did not reveal any damage. i paid geico insurance company my deductible of $200 and had the window replaced. i would like to know if it's possible to be reimbursed for my out of pocket expense. *ak
10/21/1999		2	07/01/1993
	Breaks - at 21,000 miles began to experience break problems - 1st a bad break spring later - 48,000 abs pump replaced; 56,000 break problems again and was told they could not duplicate problem; at 80,000 piston assembly (recall) was replaced again due to light staying on and breaking failure engine - 18,000 miles oil leak was discovered; bad gaskets 48,000 informed dealership van was using excess oil, they stated no problem 62,500 cylinder gaskets had to be replaced, car had to be towed to the garage 81,000 car died out - bad intake vale, all exhaust guides bad, heads needed redone, and a new valve job tailgate - rattled at 18,500 and was adjusted; 21,800 instrument panel light stayed on and door was hard to closed; tailgate has never been correct air conditioner - does not stay cool, dealership checked for leaks and recharged ; following year it is was not cold again radio - at times it does not turn on, or it just turns off on its own other not listed - window seals seem to be leaking air
07/01/1996
	Recall related 95i0001, in for repair lift gate failed due faluty support, senloid burned out.*ak

	Vehicles rear hatch gate opens while driving with no warning and at times is very difficult to close. tt
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
	120000	2
	The rubber that seals the tailgate and blocks carbon dioxide from entering the vehicle separated. this resulted in carbon dioxide entering the vehicle and the driver sustained carbon dioxide poisoning. ph nlm
03/26/2001		0
	Consumer turned windshield wipers on, and linkage almost fell off. also, liftgate needed support washer and steering plates. the dealership is aware of the problems. *ak
07/12/2000
	Grandson was getting groceries out the back, and the went to pull the door close, and the shock broke and the door came down on the wife.*ak
10/22/1999
	Bolt broke from the trunk lid door , and plastic electrical wires on the inside of the door are coming apart due to the liftgate support bracket being loose. consumer had vehicle in repair shop three times, and dealer can't determine the cause. *ak
06/30/1997			12/15/1992
	Bolt securing right side tailgate lifter/shock to frame fell off while vehicle was idling at stop sign. *ak
08/26/1997		1	02/01/1993
	Right liftgate support attachment bolt: attempted to lift the gate to load some things, the attachment to the body of the van broke off and the liftgate fell on my back. *ak
07/11/1997
	While shutting the rear gate door the strut that holds the door up froze and then broke through the door and into the ceiling of the van. *ak

	Ea-96027, alleged rear liftgate support failure. the cylinders that support the liftgate are broken. the gate does not stay in the open position. could cause serious injuries. the problem has not been corrected. *ak
07/01/1996
	Recall related 95i0001, in for repair lift gate failed due faluty support, senloid burned out.*ak
STRUCTURE - BODY - TRUNK LID
		1
	Recall repair completed (95i-001) however the trunk has collasped on the consumers head due to failure after repair work. *mjs
		1	06/01/1997
	Trunk snaps on lifting due to broken piston. yh
10/22/1999
	Bolt broke from the trunk lid door , and plastic electrical wires on the inside of the door are coming apart due to the liftgate support bracket being loose. consumer had vehicle in repair shop three times, and dealer can't determine the cause. *ak
04/01/1999		1	04/01/1993
	Rear trunk lid (liftgate) experienced failure prior to recall notice (95i001005). *yc