Ten problems related to tank assembly have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer states that he notice that gas was leaking from the gas tank, causing gas fumes inside the vehicle. Ts.
Consumer was at the gasoline station when he filled up gasoline tank. Gasoline was leaking from bottom of tank. This has happened more than one occasion. Also, there has been gasoline smells coming inside of vehicle. Dealership is aware of problem.
This was a fuel leak on the top of fuel tank at one of the openings for the three items that connect to the tank. This was diagnosed in March, 1999. However, we had noticed a gas smell prior to this (1998-1999 most likely) and reported it, but nothing was found. We live on a steep hill and from Aug, 1997-Dec, 2000, we primarily parked the van in the garage where it was level. In Dec, 2000, we started parking it on the hill and started noticing a gas smell and a gas drip from the tank when the car was parked up hill. Most likely the leak has been from day one and when we had a full tank and drove up the hill, some of it would leak out. The servicing dealer (hayes Chrysler, lawrenceville, GA) identified the problem in March, 2001 and estimated a ~$700 repair to replace the tank, as the gaskets were most likely the problem, but it was more reliable to replace the whole tank. I believe, this was an improper and high quote and stated such and then I requested a repair under safety considerations and asked them to contact the manufacturer's rep. They did and Chrysler provided the tank and I paid the labor ($198) -- I probably should not have paid the labor. I know they have had some recalls related to simlar issues and rollovers. I do not understand the signature requirement -- I assume you relay the vehicle information, but not my personal information, correct?.
Fuel tank leaking gasoline near left rear tire.
While traveling down the highway at 55 mph driver was trying to swerve due to a piece of metal on the road. In doing so, the metal was run over with the tire and struck the fuel tank, puncturing a whole and causing a leak. The dealer has been contacted.
I have a 1997 Dodge Caravan that I purchased new in June of 1997. I have had my van to the dealership (roberts Dodge) in meriden approx. 6 times for a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. So far they have added extra padding to quiet the noise, replaced the gas tank, and replaced the rear shocks. To me this sounds like they admit to have known about a problem. I brought a mechanic for a ride on 11/12/98 to show him the noise is still there, he admitted to hereing the noise and they contacted Chrysler. The service man (bob) called me back after he heard from Chrysler and told me that they have done all they can do for me but I still have the problem. I also found this bulletin: service bulletin number: 14-09-96 bulletin sequence number: 158 date of bulletin: 9609 NHTSA item number: sb049112 make: Dodge truck model: Caravan year: 1997 component: structure:frame:members and body summary: 'thud/thump' sound when accelerating from a stop &/or when stopping quickly.
Consumer can smell fumes getting into the vehicle when the gas tank is full. Vehicle has been into the shop for service, and they can't determine the problem.
Gas moves violently in the gas tank upon initial acceleration.
Noise caused by fluid motion in the fuel tank , thud/thump sound when accelerating from a stop and/or when stopping.
Grommett split during van conversion, causing fuel leak.