Gasoline Engine problems of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan

Camshaft on 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan failed (broke into two pieces) while driving down the ohio turnpike with family (two young children) in the van - failure of all power assist and foward motion (other than coasting) was immediate. The vehicle was in the middle lane at the time and if the road had been busier the potential exisited for a major accident and possible injury/death. The vehicle had approximately 98,100 miles on it at the time (3. 3l engine). This failure may be related to Chrysler TSB 09-008-01 which discusses camshaft failure with camshaft bearing wear. I would like to see daimler/Chrysler "step up to the plate" on the potentially dangerous situation and correct the problem prior to the failure occuring. I will be contacting d/c to pursue reimbursement for the new engine as an event like this should not occur.

While driving engine stallled without a prior warning. Consumer tried to restart vehicle, but engine could not be restarted. Had to be towed to dealer then repaired. Please provide more information.

Consumer noticed vehicle smoking, vehicle started to have flames come out, consumer had complained about vehicle idling fast and dealer could not find cause, claim 52-2509-400.

Consumers daughter informed her that vehicle was smoking, consumer walked out to see vehicle smoking and in flames, prior to the fire the consumer had complained that vehicle idled fast and dealer could not find cause, claim 52-2509-400.

The engine is riuned due to a 'domino' effect of damages beginning with the a/c compressor locking up.

Could not find any recalls. No safety defect mentioned.

Consumer started the vehicle and the engine caught on fire, claim 33-0270-578.

Consumer was dropping off niece and noticed smoke coming from under the hood, consumer lifted up the hood and thought it was okay, after driving past 4-5 houses, consumer saw orange and stopped, vehicle was on fire, consumer had heard that there was a recall on the fuel line, claim 49-3238-941.

While driving, consumer saw smoke coming from under the hood, consumer looked under the hood and thought it was okay to drive, about 4 or 5 houses down, vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment, claim 49-3238-941.

Vehicle caught fire in carport in the engine compartment, claim 03-3171-084.

Vehicle caught fire in engine compartment while parked in carport, claim 03-3171-084.

Like 1,000 of others, our engine cuts out any any speed causes lose of steering.

Vehicle was parked on the side of the road when it caught on fire in the engine compartment, claim 04-1215-889.

Vehicle was parked on the side of the road when it caught on fire, claim 04-1215-889.

Consumer took children to school and could smell gas, consumer had received a recall regarding the fuel pump, however after speaking with the dealer he did not believe this problem had to do with the recall, after package, vehicle went into house, neighbor called her and stated her vehicle was on fire and was totaled, claim 20-5211-880.

This is a dameged truck since the beginning, is a failure truck, I dont want it.

Have had to add 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles since 1996; dealer would not do anything about it until 8/99; they said it was normal oil usage; have used mobil 1 5w30 oil since new per owner's manual and had oil changed at mt. Ephraim Dodge regularly since new; they monitored oil usage and I brought in car to get oil added and recorded from 8/99 to present; I think the engine piston rings are defective.

All of these break downs have come with in the 9 month period there are other break downs that have not been said like the main comp (emc comp),3 sensors and about 5 recalls in this time period we contacted dealership to see if there was any major problems with this van prior to purchasing this van and to see if there was anything they could do and nothing was done. We feel this van was a lemon and will cont to have problems we ask that Dodge stand by there name and do something about this.

No summary listed for this vehicle.

Engine surged when brakes were applied and resulted in a minor crash.

Vehicle stops without wandering for no apparent reason while driving. Many occurrences but dealer cannot locate problem and denies any reports of similar occurences with other vehicles. This is a serious defect in the vehicle waiting for an incident to happen. Please investigate. There are several notices of this problem type under edmunds. Com. Thank you.

Vehicle caught on fire.

While driving vehicle caught on fire in engine compartment area, the cabin was filled with black smoke.

While driving, speed dropped from 60 mph to 35 mph, followed by 'service engine soon' light coming on/speedometer failure and gear indicator lights coming on.

While driving about 60mph engine cut off without warning. Mechanic said transmission needed to be replaced.

Engine would shut off during driving at normal speeds. Also steering wheel locks up, making it difficult to steer away from traffic.

The engine caught fire after being parked for 2 minutes. Vehicle was totaled.

Engine fire.

Engine died 3 times. Called customer service rep. Audrey who was very rude and unhelpful.

Dealer said using 1 qt oil/1,000 miles is normal but it is not.