| NHTSA Complaint Number: 005053643 |
Incident Date: Nov, 16 2005 |
| Consumer's City: POTTSVILLE |
Consumer's State: PA |
| Vehicle Transmission Type: AUTO |
Manufacturers Name: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) |
| Model Name: GRAND CARAVAN |
Model Year: 1997 |
| Vehicle Involved in a Crash:
No |
Component's Description: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys |
| Vehicle Involved in a Fire:
No |
Persons Injured: 0 |
| Vehicle's VIN#: 1B4GP44R8VB |
Date added to File: May, 23 2021 |
| Date Complaint Received: Jan, 22 2006 |
Complaint Type: IVOQ |
| Incident Reported To Police:
No |
Purchase Date:
Mar, 14 2001 |
| Was Original Owner:
No |
Anti-lock Brakes:
Yes |
| Number of Cylinders: 0 |
Date of Manufacturer: - |
| Was Vehicle Towed:
- |
Description of the Complaints:
I have a 1997 dodge grand caravan. in february 2005 we had the serpentine belt replaced, and all parts related to it adjusted and cleaned. this was done due to a horrible screeching sound. in november of that year the serpentine belt came off during a period of cold & rainy weather, and left me without steering or cooling fans. i was almost in an accident because i could not steer. the belt was replaced. six weeks later, again-in cold and rainy weather. it happened again, and today, 3 weeks later, yes, cold and rainy weather it has happened for a third time. my garage is set to replace the steering fluid pump, thinking it might be leaking on it, the belt, tensioner and a pulley. hoping it will fix the problem, this will be a $500 bill at least. however, after much research i have found this to be a regular problem for this make and model, crossing several model years. i contacted dodge, who told me there is nothing they can do about it without a recall, but agreed there have been technical service bulletins (tsbs) regarding the problem. i told them i did research on these tsbs, as well as various websites where auto mechanics post, and there has not been a single repair that works in each vehicle. this should be a huge safety concern. this belt controls the steering, the alternator and the fans. this is a mini-van, made for families. i am fearful of allowing my three children to ride in this vehicle now, knowing that even after the repairs coming up this week, the problem may not be fixed. due to the severity of the danger which could occur , losing steering on a major highway in poor conditions, i believe this issue should become a recall.*ak
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