Nine problems related to strut tower have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Nothing has happened yet, but fear of front end collapse is mounting. The strut towers look severely rusted even though older and newer vehicles of the same make and model do not demonstrate this potential failure. It seems that if this fails that the strut would push through the tower causing front wheel to move up and back resulting in loss of control, sudden swerve, and potential catastrophic collision.
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the brakes were applied but the vehicle did not respond. The contact added brake fluid to the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic discovered that the strut tower was rusted and the wheel cylinder had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified and told the contact to bring the vehicle in for repairs at the contact’s expense. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,852.
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. While inspecting the vehicle the contact noticed the front driver side strut tower was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians informed the contact that there was a kit that could be installed to repair the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Front strut towers rusted through. Nothing has been done to correct the failure yet, but if it completely rusts, I'm sure an accident will happen because nothing will be supporting the front of the vehicle.
I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan se that has 105,000 miles on it and the strut towers have rusted through. I have checked the internet and this is a common problem with the Grand Caravans. I would like to know if Chrysler has to stand behind the repair of these as they have ignored the fact that this is a common problem.
While getting having the vehicle serviced, the consumer noticed that the body strut mount tower had completely rusted out on the driver side. The consumer was told by a certified mechanic that after a few more miles the entire front suspension would collapse.
Car taken to dealership on two occasions for front end noise in the last 6 months. Dealership failed to properly diagnose problem. Upsold other service repair work as "needed" but not related to front end noise. Vehicle taken to outside service station for noise and told needed struts (previously done earlier in the year already) mechanic unable to perform repair due to rusting of both front strut towers. Vehicle brought back to dealer for further inquiry regarding rust of towers. Service manager acknowledged problem when I pointed it out. He had no explanation why his technicians failed to indentify on prior service visits. Chrysler contacted and willing to offer goodwill of 1/2 cost for body shop repairs. No loaner car provided. Waiting for adhesive needed to complete work, parts ordered 6/24/03, car left with dealership for 1 week. No repair done, no notification of delay. Car picked up unrepaired on 7/1/03 and forced to now drive an unsafe vehicle until such time they receive parts to do repairs. Unable to obtain whereabouts or shipping info on parts still needed as of 7/7/03. Consumer called on 7/21/2003 to say the vehicle has been fixed by the dealer.
The consumer stated the left strut tower rusted through, which increased the risk of a front suspension drop.
Left front strut tower rusting through with danger of collapse and vehicle accident. Dt.