Frame And Members problems of the 1999 Dodge Caravan

Both strut tower caps rusted out.

Corroded strut tower on driver's side 1999 Dodge Caravan. Mechanic says this is a very common problem for 1998-1999 model years. Bulletin 23-044-02 describes the problem as "cosmetic. " mechanic says repair (using Chrysler repair kit) should run $350-450 usd. If Chrysler is and has been aware of this "safety related" issue for so long, why are they not responsible for the repair. I believe this should be a recall item for the manufacturer.

I have a 1999 Dodge Caravan in which the strut housing is rusting out. I inquired about it some time ago but Dodge did not have a fix. This problem is a common occurrence with this vehicle . It is now at the point where it will punch through and cause the car to crash on the right side of the car.

I was driving slowly through the local meijer's parking lot when I hit a pothole. This would not normally be a cataclysmic event but this time the strut tower collapsed allowing the wheel to hit the inner fender. I was traveling at less than 10 mph so there were no injuries but if this were to have happened at highway speeds death would be guaranteed. There is no reason for any vehicle less than 10 years old to have the degree of structural rust that this van has. I have since seen many more vans with the same structural issues as mine.

Rusting strut towers causing structural damage.