21 problems related to air bag have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I purchased my 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan from a private party in 2009, and shortly after the gauge cluster stopped functioning while I was driving. Check engine and abs lights came on which on checking with my mechanic said my abs system is non-functional as is all other instrument related readings. A short time later, the panel came back on and worked for awhile than shut off again. Someone said hit the panel face and the gauges should come back on. I did and it did. For awhile. Over time the gauge failure interval grew shorter and shorter, and hitting the panel finally failed to return the use of the gauges. To replace this gauge cluster is an $800. 00 plus repair in a shop with a rebuild panel costing over $200. 00 by itself. I don't want to know what a dealer will charge. Upon further investigation, I have learned the gauge failure culprit is cold solder joints on the back side of the circuit board of the gauge cluster and is an all too common problem with this class of vehicle. This deficiency can easily be avoided by better quality control from the manufacturer.
Consumer complained about a clock spring problem.
No airbag, no horn.
I understand this has been an ongoing safety problem and having to pay nearly $300 for something that has been under review is very unsatisfying. Hope a conclusion will be reached on this issue. No safety defect mentioned.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Investigation reveals that Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth has sold thousands of replacement clocksprings. Since failure of this component afftects two safety features, airbag & horn, I believe their should be factory recall and I should be allowed to recover the cost of repairs.
Clockspring is defective, yet chrylser who knows this, insists on cust paying for it out of pocket - this is a safety concern!!!.
Electrical connection, clockspring, for the air bag failed. Airbag, horn, and cruise control inop.
Airbag, cruise control and horn were inoperable causing a safety issue.
Horn doesn't work. Clockspring was bad.
I received the failed clockspring assembly and can provide it to ntsa. I understand this item is currently under investigation, but wanted to further validate this problem with a complaint.
Repaired by dealer "clock spring" $217. 80 not covered by warr. Common problem per dealer.
Clock spring failed, disabling horn, airbag, and cruise control. When we brought it to the dealer, we were told that it is a common problem, but that since the vehicle was out of warranty we would have to pay $250 for the repair. Since then, two other friends with the same car have had their clock spring fail, and they have had to pay for the repair. Chrysler has issued a service bulletin (08-010-01) for the repair, but refuses to provide the repair at no, or a reduced, cost. As the horn and airbag were disabled, I feel that this should have been covered as a safety issue recall.
Clock spring failed while vehicle was being driven, caused loss of air bag, horn, and cruise controll. Clock spring failed where the manufacture placed a plastic strip on the spring cable that put a severe bend in cable causing it to break the circuit and loose the vital safety functions of the vehicle.
After extensive research I have determined that this is a highly common problem with Dodge caravans. When the clock spring fails, the airbags are prevented from deploying in a major accident. If Chrysler has intentionally installed a faulty safety device into their vehicles, they should be responsible for replacing it, not the consumer. A critical safety part should not fail so early in the life of an automobile.
Winshield wipers and horn failed.
While traveling air bag indication light would stay on. Also, horn did not not work. Consumer also states cruise control does not work as well, consumer was advised by dealership the air bag probably needs to be reloaded and the estimated cost would be $400-$500.
The consumer received a recall in reference to the clockspring assembly. The air bag was in fact faulty and the clockspring was replaced. Mr scc.
Premature wear of rear brake shoes, needed replacement. Also, clock spring failed which caused horn to be inoperative.
Clockspring "sprung" 3 years after manufacture but was out of warranty due to mileage horn didn't work, airbag didn't work, cruise control didn't work. Other incident is rough engine during idle and power surge if going up hill.
While driving clock spring became inoperable, forcing air bag to disengage, and horn to become inoperable along with cruise control. Also windshield wipers when used at high speed completely shutdown. Please provide any further information.