Engine Belts And Pulleys Problems of Dodge Grand Caravan - part 1

While coming to a stop the vehicle will shut down. There is a ding like the a seatbelt isn't buckled, the lights flash and the vehicle just shuts down like someone turned the key off. This has happened both when the vehicle is cold and warm it starts back up but when it does the time on the radio is has to reset it self and the atc unit is all off and has to be manually reset as of now it's only happened while I was applying the brakes scared this could happen on the highway. I've only had the vehicle 2 weeks bought is used with 48000 miles on it.

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The vehicle was serviced last year for the same issue. The head was replaced twice then they replaced the wiring harness for the main computer. The van still has the issue that comes and goes. It will be fine one day and then one day going up a hill it will get real jerky and bumpy for another few days. It happened last February so we took it to a local dealer who replaced the oil sending unit under warranty. Also they had to replace the alternator and belt which was $700 out of pocket. I feel there is something wrong with this engine because other people are complaining about the same thing. They replaced a head on 1-15-2016 then replaced it again on 1-29-2015. They replaced the wiring harness on 3-4-2016. The alternator and belt was on 2-27-2017. Now we have the same issue happening again.

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The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving in rain or snow between approximately 20 to 70 miles per hour, the serpentine belt slipped off the pulley and the power steering ability was reduced. Also, the battery indicator illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was caused by the design of the vehicle, and there was no remedy. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

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The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. Without warning, the serpentine belt detached out of place. The contact replaced the serpentine belts and the pulleys, but the failure continued. The dealer indicated that there was no service campaign and recall to provide a solution. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving the vehicle on several occasions, the serpentine belt detached from the drive pulley. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was able to place the serpentine belt back on the drive pulley. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred several times only while it was raining. The contact also stated that the clock spring in the steering wheel failed, which caused the horn to fail and the front driver's air bag to become inoperable. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v480000 (air bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 186,425.

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The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 25 mph and attempting to make a turn, the power steering failed and the battery and temperature gauge lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the timing belt fractured and the timing chain and engine cover needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 153,000.

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My 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan has the serpentine belt issue. It falls of if it rains. This problem is due to a design flaw from Dodge. They used smooth pulleys instead of groved. In addition gates had to make a kit to fix this one single issue because it is so common. This is a very common issue and Chrysler refuses to do anything about it (like normal). This is a very dangerous situation.

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While slowing down motor will try and shut off. If you come to a stop it will shut off. Seat belts do not lock in place. Rear windshield wiper will not move. Passenger side cargo door will not unlock. Some settings for heat and ac will not work. Left turn signal won't shut off after turning.

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The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver as the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that the serpentine belt had become detached from the vehicle. A splash guard was installed to prevent the failure but the failure three times as the contact was driving in rainy weather. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Whenever it rains, and water is sprayed under the vehicle, the serpentine belt is knocked off. Vehicle looses power steering and engine temperature gets very hot.

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 5 mph in the rain, the belt on the engine of the vehicle disengaged. The contact stated that the failure recurred every time it rained or when the vehicle was driven through water. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.

High pitch noise from engine and dealer found no issues . The sound periodically returns to during cold weather days currently until the car is warmed. I have had the tension belt adjusted but still the sound returns.

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The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and hitting a pot hole, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic. After diagnosis, they advised her that the serpentine belt had failed. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately two months later, the failure recurred. The contact received whiplash due to the stalling. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. The current mileage was approximately 73,000.

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the serpentine belt constantly failed. The vehicle was personally repaired several times by the contact. The manufacturer was notified who stated there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 281,000.

While driving the car home at only 35 mph, my wife heard a large bang and immediately lost the power steering, but was able to pull off the road. When I was able to check under the hood of the vehicle, I found that the aluminum casting had broken that holds the bracket for the alternator. The alternator and serpentine belts were laying near the left side of the engine compartment. I took photos of the problem since I know it is not usual for the casting to break. I had the car towed to the Chrysler dealer that we have had all the service for the vehicle performed. I explained that I was concerned that the casting broke and they seemed concerned also at that point. They stated that they had not seen this problem before. I had the repairs made at a cost of over $1500. 00. They had to replace the cvr pkg-engine because the break was part of the casting for the cover of that part. I then contacted the Chrysler Dodge costomer service department and told them I was concerned about the safety of the vehicle and that if my wife had been going 75 on the expressway and rounding a curve in heavy traffic, such a break could easily cause catastrophic damage, injury, or death. I told them that I believe that this is not a normal wear and tear or maintnance item, but a manufacturing defect since the aluminum casting broke and not the bracket. The customer service case manager only came back with a statement that the vehicle had 138000 miles and they could offer me only $465. 00 toward the repairs. There was no acknowledgement, or concern that this was a safety issue. While I believe that Chrysler should pay for the entire repairs, I am more concerned that this could be a potential life threatening situation for other unknowing drivers. I have the pictures and I have the part in my posession if anyone needs to investigate this!.

I have had so many major problems with my 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan! I bought it used in 2008 w/ 68k miles. At that time the transmission had already been replaced. I had to replace the entire power steering system ($2000), auto window regulator, ac blower, tires, alternator belt, water pump, etc. The engine light has been on for some time now and mechanic says misfiring spark plugs. When serviced for problem(@ 170k miles) discovered original factory sp still in. Horrible corrosion/build up, had 2 fuel system flushes. Light on again. Newest & most dangerous problems,on multiple occasions now, van has completely turned off while driving, idling, and parked. It happens randomly and unexpectedly. More frequently while at lower speeds or parked but once while I was actually driving. When it cuts off the oil light remains illuminated. The car turns right back on. 5 times while driving 25-50mph has gone into cruise control by itself, and I loose control until it decides to give it back! today, for the first time, after parking and turning car off myself, it would not restart. Ignition not responding, no noise, nothing. Tried to jump it and nothing, notices that lights and other electrical components not effected. Fortunately an observer also happened to be a mechanic, he took out the starter fuse and stuck some wires in the socket and had me turn the key, it started!!! he said that it seems there is an ignition communication problem, a. K. A. Computer problem. I have 4 kids that are always with me and this is our only vehicle. If the vehicle is dependent on the computer to function, then I have zero room for communication problems. I have reviewed all of the complaints for this make/model/year, there are multiple complaints that are similar if not identical to mine. I wonder how many complaints have to be filed before action is taken? does someone have to die first?.

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The serpentine belt on my 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan comes off everytime that it rains. I lose power steering which makes it nearly impossible to drive and the temp gauge jumps all the way up.

The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel would refuse to turn. A local mechanic replaced the serpentine belt but after a month the belt failed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure and the current mileage was approximately 118,000.

The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving approximately 35 mph the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who stated the serpentine belt detached from the vehicle. The serpentine belt was replaced. The failure occurred intermittently four times. The mechanic installed a tensioner to hold the serpentine belt in place. The failure continued to occur. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,500. The consumer stated the belt tensioner and idler pulley was replaced on 03/04/12 updated 03/30/12.

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact¿s residence, where a certified mechanic detected that the serpentine belt dislodged and was reconnected securely. The failure occurred at various speeds. The serpentine belt was replaced seven times by an independent mechanic and the problem continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised that there was an electrical issue and they reset the system. Later, while driving at highway speeds the vehicle suddenly decelerated before stalling. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and it was taken back to the dealer where she was advised that the cam sensor had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the driver side rear third row seat belt suddenly locked with a passenger in the seat. While trying to loosen the seatbelt, it only continued to tighten around the passenger. The seat belt was eventually cut and the passenger received minor bruises to the abdomen as a result. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again where they replaced the seat belt. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500 and the current mileage was approximately 4,200.

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Tl-the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle hit a small pothole and the contact lost power steering. Also, the vehicle overheated and the alternator warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnosed the failure but decided to replaced the serpentine belt as a safety precaution. The failure recurred several times mostly when it rained or hit a pothole. The contact stated that the serpentine belt came off several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 143,000. Pmb.

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While driving on a slushy city street the serpentine belt came off and I was unable to steer the car. I was stranded and blocking traffic. I had it towed and they put the belt back on. The second time it happened was during a severe thunderstorm when I drove through a puddle of water the serpentine belt again came off. This happened just as I was pulling on to the highway and I was barely able to turn the steering wheel to pull car over on to shoulder. Thankfully, there wasn't a semi coming or it could have been deadly. I was just informed there is a fix by gates for this and will be having it installed.

When driving in the rain we hit water on the road and the serpentine belt comes off, you lose power steering at the time if it happens in heavy traffic you could have a crash. When looking for a solution for the problem I found it happens to a lot of people. Gates makes an after market fix part# 38379k. Dodge will not fix it.

For at least six months, I have heard a whining sound coming from my engine, normally after driving on the interstate for about fifteen miles. When I slow down, the whining lowers in pitch; when I accelerate, the pitch goes up. In recent weeks, the whining has gotten louder. I have had the car for under two years. It has handled well and has been regularly serviced. The Dodge dealership, after spending seven hours, informed me that the steering fluid was low due to a leak and that the steering rack would have to be replaced at a cost of $1250 plus labor (it would be an all day job). They also indicated that I would soon need a serpentine belt, which would cost $125 plus labor. Upon researching on the internet, I have discovered that this problem has been common in 2006 Grand Caravan models but that Dodge has chosen not to recall them. I have looked at pricing of the parts needed to do this and find the rack available for a tenth of the price this dealership (shelby motors in champaign, illinois) wanted to charge. I have also read numerous accounts of the successful remedies that were used instead, including replacing a faulty steering fluid reservoir. The power steering has not worked any differently that it did the first day I purchased the vehicle. The pitch is not affected by turning. I also read that these parts should not need replacing in a car with such low mileage. I have seen no evidence of any leak on my garage floor.

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I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan le 3. 8. In the last 2 months the serpentine belt slipped off 2 times when it is raining outside or the van goes through a puddle of water. I have almost been killed twice. I have read that other Dodge owners have also had this problem. The wheel cannot be controlled when this happens, and my wife is scared to drive this car now. I think that Dodge has some explaining to do as they have been made aware of this defect, and are not taking any responsibility for this repeated serious safety fault.

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph in wet weather she suddenly loss power steering, and heat malfunctioned. The mechanic was contacted, diagnosed the failure at the scene and advised her that the serpentine belt came off and needed to be replaced. The serpentine belt was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving approximately 45 mph in rainy weather, the steering became difficult to maneuver and the brakes would not respond when depressed. The vehicle began to overheat and was driven to an independent mechanic for inspection. The mechanic advised that the serpentine belt detached from the vehicle. The mechanic replaced the serpentine belt and the tensioner. The failure recurred one month later and the contact was able to place the belt back in place. The failure recurred five times and only when driving in rainy weather. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

The serpentine belt has come off of the pulleys on multiple occasions in wet weather, including rain and snow/slush, especially when a puddle is gone through by the right front side of the vehicle. On two of these occasions, I was turning a corner when the belt came off, lost control of my steering and almost hit the car which was stopped across from me. The belt coming off also causes the engine to overheat. This issue causes a loss of control and will lead to injury or death. Chrysler claims it is not a safety issue. . There is an updated belt/pulley kit which has a double-sided-grooved belt and pulley which is supposed to correct this issue but the cost to the consumer is approx $400-500 since Chrysler claims that this is not a safety issue. However, this is most certainly a safety issue considering the loss of steering control on wet roads especially if driving on the highway, as I do, where the speed limit is 55-65mph or turning a corner at an intersection where other cars are stopped.

While driving on a wet road the serpentine belt flew off the pulleys. This made the power steering pump, alternator, water pump and the air conditioning system to all become unable to work in an immediate fashion. This problem appears to happen often; meaning several times a year to many caravan owners. My mechanic said his best advice was to not drive in wet or snowy conditions. This is a manufacturers defect that Chrysler should make right by installing a belt guard to hold the belt in place.

1999 Dodge Grand Caravan 3. 3l. Serpentine belt slips off pulleys when driving in wet conditions, even slightly. This produces an immediate loss of power steering, water pump, etc. , and within 15-20 seconds the vehicle overheats. This creates severe safety hazard with impaired steering ability along with attempts to remove vehicle from traffic before it overheats, stalls, or engine catches fire. This slippage occurs consistently to the point we must avoid driving when raining (even drizzling) or even if roads are still moist after a rain. We found hundreds of the same complaint affecting numerous model year Dodge caravans, as well as Chrysler town & country van. Two independent mechanics stated the cause is poor design of the pulley system. Two of the pulleys are smooth-surfaced and one side of the serpentine belt is smooth. When a liquid (rain/snow/lubricant, etc. ) is introduced to the pulley system, these smooth surfaces allow the belt to easily slip off. Dodge offers to replace the two smooth pulleys with grooved pulleys, as well as provide a serpentine belt with dual sided grooves for around $400. This is not a matter of normal wear and tear, but rather a poor design that has continued for over a decade despite early complaints. Consumers have spent hundreds if not thousands in towing and repairs for this problem. Consumers should not be required to pay to fix the manufacturers' safety defects and add to their profits in doing so. Was it an intentional defect to boost service dept profits? this problem needs to be addressed immediately and should warrant a recall to replace the two pulleys and serpentine belt.

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Driving on a rainy day. Went through a puddle and immediately lost my power steering. Managed to get van into nearby parking lot to find my serpentine belt hanging from underneath the engine. Had vehicle towed and belt replaced.

My 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan's serpentine belt comes off the pulleys every time I drive the vehicle in the rain. We have replaced the tensioner, tensioner pulley and the belt and still have the same problem. I have researched this problem online and found several other Dodge owners with the same problem. There has been a after market kit made to resolve the problem with the pulley, but this is at the owners expense. I feel Dodge needs to take full responsibility for this malfunction. I have filed a complaint with Dodge regarding this matter. This is very dangerous, I loose power steering and electrical functions on the vehicle when this happens.

I have at 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. The serpentine belt has fallen off twice while I am driving in rain. This latest time, a vehicle coming in the opposite direction went through standing water, splashed my van and caused the belt to come off immediately. I lost power steering with cars behind me and turning a corner. My young son was with me in the van at the time. This is very, very dangerous. It is a known problem. My shop is very good, they know about the problem and try to do everything to help prevent it. Shields are in place, but are no help.

The belt tensioner on my 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan se 3. 3l engine is a safety hazard. It has a design flaw, the belt comes off when the van is driven through puddles. I have owned my van for 2 years and I have had to replace the belt and coordinating parts about 7 times. I am at the point where I do not feel safe driving my children around during wet weather conditions nor do I feel comfortable selling this vehicle to another family and passing this severe problem on to them. Please come up with a solution to this design defect and do a recall!!!!!.