Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan - part 2

I have a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3. 0 l engine. I have been experiencing the belt slipping off the tensioner during wet weather. The first time we hit a small (1 - 2" deep) puddle of water when turning a corner. We immediately lost power steering. I contacted my local, independent mechanic, who told me this is an on-going problem with 1996 - 2000 caravans. He even went so far as to print out a service bulletin detailing the problem. The second time it happened was less than two weeks later, hit a small puddle of water on a rainy day, lost power steering again. Luckily, I was going slowly both times, but worry about a serious situation of going at highway speeds. I have contacted the dealership, who acknowledge that they have heard of such a problem, but there is no service announcement from Dodge/Chrysler, and no "fix" - only to replace belts and tensioners. I then researched through internet, found situation as stated by first (independent) mechanic listed on multiple websites by many owners. Chrysler is avoiding acknowledging the problem, yet 2 aftermarket parts companies have developed parts to fix this issue. Both gates and goodyear acknowledge a safety issue, so I believe Chrysler/Dodge should have to ensure the safety of their vehicles. These are Mini-vans. Sold primarily to families. So, the typical scenario is a mother with kids stranded in the rain. I now fear driving my van in the rain, and am petrified of driving highway speeds in the rain.

Serpentine belt has come off during highway speeds twice on this vehicle. Appears the tensioner pulley design is not robust. Second time the engine overheated destroying 2 cylinders and the head stranding my wife and 5 boys on the interstate. The resulting failure modes could have very serious consequences - recommend improvement to the design by recall.

2000 Dodge Grand Caravan sport with the 3. 3l engine has lost its serpentine belt in rain. This results in immediate loss of power steering and leads to serious overheating. This is a known problem that has been experienced by many owners for many years.

Serpentine belt is thrown when van is driven in wet conditions. Causes loss of power steering and cooling systems. Van is very difficult to control and must be towed to repair facility. Thrown 3 times in last six months with 2 occurrences being in past 3 weeks.

I have been informed that the serpentine belt on Dodge caravans have a tendency to come off in heavy rain and/or snow. It happened on our vehicle the other day when my wife was driving. She lost the ability to steer the vehicle and narrowly missed getting into an accident. Dodge is aware of this problem since they have issued a tech bulletin about it and have a kit that they feel will remedy the problem. However no re-call has been issued. I do not feel that I should be required to pay $150 to $200 to remedy this potentially dangerous defect.

Upon going through puddles of water the accessory belt, which drives the power steering pump, disengaged. This happened twice, causing the vehicle to lose power steering. Consumer contacted the dealer, who stated that this was a common problem.

While driving on the interstate in rainy weather serpentine belt got wet and came off. When this occurred there was no control of the vehicle, which included steering and brakes. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, who suggested that consumer contact NHTSA and complain. They did not provide any assistance for this defect.

Tensioner assembly replaced 4 times within 12 month period. 3 of within 60 days. As a result the shaft and pulley on the power steering was bent requiring replacement. Dodge is aware of the issue and provided a part to hold the belt onto the tensioner. It did not work. The belt has been replaced 6 times under 70k miles. Mopar part warranties have been used, however, $100 deductibles for an extended warranty has been collected 3 separate times. Fortuneatly, to date, no injuries have occurred.

Serpentine belt keeps slipping off the main drive. . Have had into the shop 4times for same problem. Dealer said it is a moisture/snow hitting the belt off.

While driving at 45 mph serpentine broke. This is the fourth time such an occurance has happened with components related to this system. Each repair averages 250-300 dollars. This poses a risk to us as as a family as the vehicle fails without warning, in a highway this could prove disastrous.

While driving 35 mph in the rain consumer noticed that check engine light came on. A few seconds later vehicle lost control, and consumer nearly had an accident. Vehicle was towed to a dealer, who found that the serpentine belt had slipped out of the pulleys.

Serpintine belt tensioner broke on 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan requiring vehicle to be towed to dealer for repairs.

I just found this web site. And never realized how many people have had the same problems. My first problem was when my 3 year old daughter drove my car on the neighbors lawn because you do not need to step on the brake to pull it out of gear. I then looked in the owner manual which stated it was equipped with that feature. I have contacted everyone I could and no one is willing to help or solve this problem. My next incident was when my serpentine belt broke which caused my power steering pump and pulley to break and had parts dangling. Thank goodness I was in my driveway. I have had my brakes done 3 times, and my latest problem was my heater core and there was water leaking inside my car. I wish someone could help I paid a lot of money for this car!.

Serpentine belt slipped off of idler pulley. Belt wrapped around crankshaft pulley, which made the timing belt slip. Power steering failed, causing my 18 year old son to find a place to pull over. Engine failed due to timing out of sequence. Cost to repair: $460 for timing belt replacement. Belt failed a second time. Idler pulley was replaced for $260.

Serpentine belt came off every time consumer hit a puddle. The belt came off four times, and was being serviced again.

While driving 25 mph, the power steering went out, dealer determined the belt tensioner bolt had sheared off causing engine to loosen up.

Consumer states that the serpentine belt have broken and replace for the third time while driving, the problem is reoccurring for the fourth time. Dealer notified. Nlm.

The 3/8 inch fastener that connects the serpentine belt tensioner failed. It appears to be a clean shear near the base of the bolt. This happened as the vehicle was being backed into a garage and nearly stopped. As a result of this failure, the power steering was rendered non-functional. It is my firm belief that if this failure had occured while moving, a serious accident would have resulted. The failed component has been replaced ans saved for any future evaluation of the failure mechanism. When this problem was reported to the dealer, indications were that this has happened several times in the recent past.

Year 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan - serpentine belt tensioner failed resulting in shredded belt and towing. Van had only approximately 47,500 miles. Repaired at goodyear for approx. $200 (including new belt) who indicated this is a common problem such that the Dodge dealer had more than 15 in stock. Fortunately this occurred near a police station where my wife got assistance (since steering, etc. Had no power and not on the highway or rush hour traffic which would have been hazardous. I have also read other complaints from owners with this same issue.

Serpentine belt had broken while driving. Dealer repaired vehicle. Please provide further information.