Six problems related to automatic transmission park/neutral start switch have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer discovered that foot does not have to be on brake to shift vehicle into gear. Consumer very concerned about safety of children in vehicle. Consumer's vehicle came w/2 built in css.
Vehicle was placed into park so that consumer could exit vehicle. When consumer began to exit from vehicle transmission gear had slipped out of park into reverse gear, and vehicle began rolling. Dodge has not been contacted.
Consumer states she is able to shift gears without applying brake.
Child started vehicle without applying brakes. Child was able to shift gear into reverse, resulting into an accident, and causing minor injuries. Mechanic stated there was a locking mechanism that prevented gears to shift without applying brakes.
I believe the vehicle is design with the kids in mind, the case has been reported and even show on odi board with number odi id 515856. The problem is reported to Chrysler but turned it down to be an option on the vehicle which supposed to be error to the vehicles. I am making claim to recall the vehicle because of this problem. The problem is the transmission can be easly out of parking by kids. Other cars even my 1991 Toyota needs you to depress the brake before you can engage the transmition. D/ Chrysler is claiming that is stated on the manual not to leave the kid in the car. Buy this is not an excuses to put amercan kid in danger. I was advised to sell the car but I am not willing to put another kids in danger, please talk to chysler to stop putting this as option but as part of savety in the car. Why ordinary cars in other model are equiped with this safety in mind and why should we allow chrisyler to put our kids in danger because of their selfish act?. For a reminder , the problem is the ''transmission engage easly from parking even if the ignition is not on or key on the ignition. If you are reviewing this case, America kids life is in your hand. Please handle with care. Thanks.
Vehicle not designed with interlock system, allowing child to engage gears.