Ten problems related to front suspension strut have been reported for the 1998 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Strut tower corrosion - failure in near future 1998 Dodge Caravan 86000 miles quoted $ 800 to repair this should be a general recall by manufacturer !!!!!.
Left strut tower rusted almost through. Mechanic refused to replace strut. Currently searching for repair alternative.
Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for routine maintenance, and mechanic determined that the strut tower needed to be replaced due to corrosion. A recall was issued for this problem but the consumer's vehicle was not included due to vine. The consumer had to pay $500 for the repairs.
Preparing for trip, noticed large amount of rust/corrosion on driver side strut tower. Large chuncks of rusted metal loosened when lightly touched. This was within two weeks of an oil change, lube and filter at the dealership where purchased in 1999. Had checked by local mechanics, all said, "get rid of the car". Did research and discovered service bulletin was issued regarding this problem. Dealership stated "never seen this before. .
While driving the vehicle consumer heard a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Took the vehicle to the dealership, and mechanic determined that the struts rusted.
The left front strut tower assembly was rusted, which could cause the strut to come out on the side of the vehicle. Consumer anticipated that this could cause the front end of the vehicle to drop unexpectedly.
Driver's side strut tower rusted and was coming through the top of the vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, but problem was not resolved.
Consumer states vehicle's left front strut tower is cracked on top. Dealer notified. The mechanic stated that this wasn't an unusual failure and without repair, the problem will get worse until the suspension breaks.
1998 Dodge Caravan with strut problems concerning rust. Customer states that the struts mount totally rusted out. Customer states that this could cause a serious accident if this problem goes un-repaired. The consumer was informed by a mechanic, that there is a design defect with Caravans. The mechanic went on to say the struts were mounted under the hood. The consumer received several opinions and was told that eventually the struts will force their way into the engine compartment. The manufacturer was aware of the problem and provided dealers with a repair kit which welds a new strut over the old one.
The vehicle had significant rust on strut towers, so much that it would mot pass inspection and severla mechanics expressed concern about the suspension falling out of the vehicle.