2002 Grand Carivan endless PROBLEMS!
lakos
11-23-2005, 03:12 PM
I own a 2002 Grand Carivan EX with 35,000 miles and with MAJOR problems.
- Alarm issues and door locks not working at 4,000 miles
- ABS sensor replaced at 10,000 again at 10,800, again at 10,900 along with every rear hub and bearing replaced.
- Battery at 15,200.
- Transmission at 16,800.
- Alternator at 21,000.
- Brakes and rotors at 23,000.
- Rear heater tubes, ANOTHER battery, sway bar links and bushings, spark plugs and all wiring at 35,000 miles!
MY QUESTIONS: Anyone experience similar problems?
The dealership I bring it to seems to think this is just "NORMAL" yet when I called Dodge Corporate they seem so suprised. We have filed a complaint with Dodge Corporate and have alerted Consumer Affairs and Consumer Reports. This last "little" service cost us $1500! If anyone has any other suggestion ... PLEASE, PLEASE let me know!!!!
Makes you want to buy a Dodge!!!
Would love to get rid of it .... it kills me because we paid $26 for the thing 3 years ago and I can maybe get $8000. I really want to cut my loses because this is a money pit --- a piece of junk. The first time we ever bought an American car and if you didn't figure it out yet the LAST TIME!!!
Thanks for reading my laundry list of problems.
- Alarm issues and door locks not working at 4,000 miles
- ABS sensor replaced at 10,000 again at 10,800, again at 10,900 along with every rear hub and bearing replaced.
- Battery at 15,200.
- Transmission at 16,800.
- Alternator at 21,000.
- Brakes and rotors at 23,000.
- Rear heater tubes, ANOTHER battery, sway bar links and bushings, spark plugs and all wiring at 35,000 miles!
MY QUESTIONS: Anyone experience similar problems?
The dealership I bring it to seems to think this is just "NORMAL" yet when I called Dodge Corporate they seem so suprised. We have filed a complaint with Dodge Corporate and have alerted Consumer Affairs and Consumer Reports. This last "little" service cost us $1500! If anyone has any other suggestion ... PLEASE, PLEASE let me know!!!!
Makes you want to buy a Dodge!!!
Would love to get rid of it .... it kills me because we paid $26 for the thing 3 years ago and I can maybe get $8000. I really want to cut my loses because this is a money pit --- a piece of junk. The first time we ever bought an American car and if you didn't figure it out yet the LAST TIME!!!
Thanks for reading my laundry list of problems.
Mrbizness1
11-25-2005, 05:35 PM
I own a 2002 Grand Carivan EX with 35,000 miles and with MAJOR problems.
- Alarm issues and door locks not working at 4,000 miles
- ABS sensor replaced at 10,000 again at 10,800, again at 10,900 along with every rear hub and bearing replaced.
- Battery at 15,200.
- Transmission at 16,800.
- Alternator at 21,000.
- Brakes and rotors at 23,000.
- Rear heater tubes, ANOTHER battery, sway bar links and bushings, spark plugs and all wiring at 35,000 miles!
MY QUESTIONS: Anyone experience similar problems?
The dealership I bring it to seems to think this is just "NORMAL" yet when I called Dodge Corporate they seem so suprised. We have filed a complaint with Dodge Corporate and have alerted Consumer Affairs and Consumer Reports. This last "little" service cost us $1500! If anyone has any other suggestion ... PLEASE, PLEASE let me know!!!!
Makes you want to buy a Dodge!!!
Would love to get rid of it .... it kills me because we paid $26 for the thing 3 years ago and I can maybe get $8000. I really want to cut my loses because this is a money pit --- a piece of junk. The first time we ever bought an American car and if you didn't figure it out yet the LAST TIME!!!
Thanks for reading my laundry list of problems.
I've had very few problems, none major with my 98 with 104k purchased new.
First, your car is worth around $12k trade in value with 35k miles, unless the cosmetic condition is bad and around $15k retail according to NADA.
Since it's less than 3 years old and under 36k miles most of the repairs you list are covered by the factory warranty.
Hubs, bearings and front end parts should last at least 100k under normal use providing you don't make a habit of bouncing off curbs. If you paid for any repairs covered by the factory warranty I would take the dealer to small claims court if Chrysler Corp. doesn't give you any help.
If a dealer told me that the kind of repairs you had were normal I would have found another dealer ASAP.
Warranty work can be performed by any factory dealer, you don't have to return to the selling dealer you purchased the car from.
Something doesn't sound right here.
- Alarm issues and door locks not working at 4,000 miles
- ABS sensor replaced at 10,000 again at 10,800, again at 10,900 along with every rear hub and bearing replaced.
- Battery at 15,200.
- Transmission at 16,800.
- Alternator at 21,000.
- Brakes and rotors at 23,000.
- Rear heater tubes, ANOTHER battery, sway bar links and bushings, spark plugs and all wiring at 35,000 miles!
MY QUESTIONS: Anyone experience similar problems?
The dealership I bring it to seems to think this is just "NORMAL" yet when I called Dodge Corporate they seem so suprised. We have filed a complaint with Dodge Corporate and have alerted Consumer Affairs and Consumer Reports. This last "little" service cost us $1500! If anyone has any other suggestion ... PLEASE, PLEASE let me know!!!!
Makes you want to buy a Dodge!!!
Would love to get rid of it .... it kills me because we paid $26 for the thing 3 years ago and I can maybe get $8000. I really want to cut my loses because this is a money pit --- a piece of junk. The first time we ever bought an American car and if you didn't figure it out yet the LAST TIME!!!
Thanks for reading my laundry list of problems.
I've had very few problems, none major with my 98 with 104k purchased new.
First, your car is worth around $12k trade in value with 35k miles, unless the cosmetic condition is bad and around $15k retail according to NADA.
Since it's less than 3 years old and under 36k miles most of the repairs you list are covered by the factory warranty.
Hubs, bearings and front end parts should last at least 100k under normal use providing you don't make a habit of bouncing off curbs. If you paid for any repairs covered by the factory warranty I would take the dealer to small claims court if Chrysler Corp. doesn't give you any help.
If a dealer told me that the kind of repairs you had were normal I would have found another dealer ASAP.
Warranty work can be performed by any factory dealer, you don't have to return to the selling dealer you purchased the car from.
Something doesn't sound right here.
cyclonicblade
11-25-2005, 09:40 PM
I've had very few problems, none major with my 98 with 104k purchased new.
First, your car is worth around $12k trade in value with 35k miles, unless the cosmetic condition is bad and around $15k retail according to NADA.
Since it's less than 3 years old and under 36k miles most of the repairs you list are covered by the factory warranty.
Hubs, bearings and front end parts should last at least 100k under normal use providing you don't make a habit of bouncing off curbs. If you paid for any repairs covered by the factory warranty I would take the dealer to small claims court if Chrysler Corp. doesn't give you any help.
If a dealer told me that the kind of repairs you had were normal I would have found another dealer ASAP.
Warranty work can be performed by any factory dealer, you don't have to return to the selling dealer you purchased the car from.
Something doesn't sound right here.
if all else fails call states atternys office
First, your car is worth around $12k trade in value with 35k miles, unless the cosmetic condition is bad and around $15k retail according to NADA.
Since it's less than 3 years old and under 36k miles most of the repairs you list are covered by the factory warranty.
Hubs, bearings and front end parts should last at least 100k under normal use providing you don't make a habit of bouncing off curbs. If you paid for any repairs covered by the factory warranty I would take the dealer to small claims court if Chrysler Corp. doesn't give you any help.
If a dealer told me that the kind of repairs you had were normal I would have found another dealer ASAP.
Warranty work can be performed by any factory dealer, you don't have to return to the selling dealer you purchased the car from.
Something doesn't sound right here.
if all else fails call states atternys office
lakos
12-01-2005, 10:34 AM
Thanks for your help.
Car Value: I do know what the NADA qoutos $12k which is why I have an issue with what the dealer told me. When I complained to Dodge Corporate they seemed to be a bit suprised at the low quoto. But I have the piece of paper from the Sales Person stating a little over $8k. By the way, the cars exterior and interior are in excellent condition. On my last visit I did speak with a different Sales Person and they were somewhat suprised at the figure I was quoted (at least off the top of their head they seemed to be suprised!) and the next time I am there I will get a new quoto ... I would still like to get rid of this thing!
Repairs: Yes, a good chunck of the repairs were covered under warranty as you had mentioned (or I would really be jumping all over Dodge!!). The Brakes and rotors cost us about $400 because they were not covered under the warranty. It was considered normal wear and tear which at 23k miles I have a hard time believing. The last bill for $1500 did not have any parts that were covered under warranty. We did fight the battery charge since the dealer just switched it a year ago and they did reimburse us the $64 charge (the cost of the battery). We are still submitting all the information to Dodge Corp. to see what they will do.
Dealership: This is, unfortunately, our SECOND Dealership. The place were we orginally purchased our car was horrible. Soon after we left, I had heard the Service Manager had been fired. We had some run ins with him and less just say it was not a pleasant experience for my wife. Oil changes would take 4-5 hours and the gentlemen (if you can call him that) was rude and totally inconsiderate to my wife on more then one occassion. Probably not even worth mentioning more. So we are on our second dealership ... the repair group is much nicer, they have provided car service for my wife on several occassions, and have been timely in the repairs (that is, the do and complete the job when they say they will). But, they do seem to think that the repairs on the car are not totally out of the ordinary ... they claim they have seen this sort of thing before. So that leads me to believe I am not the only one with some of these problems.
Lakos
Mrbizness1]I've had very few problems, none major with my 98 with 104k purchased new.
First, your car is worth around $12k trade in value with 35k miles, unless the cosmetic condition is bad and around $15k retail according to NADA.
Since it's less than 3 years old and under 36k miles most of the repairs you list are covered by the factory warranty.
Hubs, bearings and front end parts should last at least 100k under normal use providing you don't make a habit of bouncing off curbs. If you paid for any repairs covered by the factory warranty I would take the dealer to small claims court if Chrysler Corp. doesn't give you any help.
If a dealer told me that the kind of repairs you had were normal I would have found another dealer ASAP.
Warranty work can be performed by any factory dealer, you don't have to return to the selling dealer you purchased the car from.
Something doesn't sound right here.[/QUOTE]
Car Value: I do know what the NADA qoutos $12k which is why I have an issue with what the dealer told me. When I complained to Dodge Corporate they seemed to be a bit suprised at the low quoto. But I have the piece of paper from the Sales Person stating a little over $8k. By the way, the cars exterior and interior are in excellent condition. On my last visit I did speak with a different Sales Person and they were somewhat suprised at the figure I was quoted (at least off the top of their head they seemed to be suprised!) and the next time I am there I will get a new quoto ... I would still like to get rid of this thing!
Repairs: Yes, a good chunck of the repairs were covered under warranty as you had mentioned (or I would really be jumping all over Dodge!!). The Brakes and rotors cost us about $400 because they were not covered under the warranty. It was considered normal wear and tear which at 23k miles I have a hard time believing. The last bill for $1500 did not have any parts that were covered under warranty. We did fight the battery charge since the dealer just switched it a year ago and they did reimburse us the $64 charge (the cost of the battery). We are still submitting all the information to Dodge Corp. to see what they will do.
Dealership: This is, unfortunately, our SECOND Dealership. The place were we orginally purchased our car was horrible. Soon after we left, I had heard the Service Manager had been fired. We had some run ins with him and less just say it was not a pleasant experience for my wife. Oil changes would take 4-5 hours and the gentlemen (if you can call him that) was rude and totally inconsiderate to my wife on more then one occassion. Probably not even worth mentioning more. So we are on our second dealership ... the repair group is much nicer, they have provided car service for my wife on several occassions, and have been timely in the repairs (that is, the do and complete the job when they say they will). But, they do seem to think that the repairs on the car are not totally out of the ordinary ... they claim they have seen this sort of thing before. So that leads me to believe I am not the only one with some of these problems.
Lakos
Mrbizness1]I've had very few problems, none major with my 98 with 104k purchased new.
First, your car is worth around $12k trade in value with 35k miles, unless the cosmetic condition is bad and around $15k retail according to NADA.
Since it's less than 3 years old and under 36k miles most of the repairs you list are covered by the factory warranty.
Hubs, bearings and front end parts should last at least 100k under normal use providing you don't make a habit of bouncing off curbs. If you paid for any repairs covered by the factory warranty I would take the dealer to small claims court if Chrysler Corp. doesn't give you any help.
If a dealer told me that the kind of repairs you had were normal I would have found another dealer ASAP.
Warranty work can be performed by any factory dealer, you don't have to return to the selling dealer you purchased the car from.
Something doesn't sound right here.[/QUOTE]
Mrbizness1
12-01-2005, 07:49 PM
Trading a car in to a dealer will always result in a lower price, since they will have to mark it up to make a profit when they sell it. If they give you an inflated price on a trade then they are selling the new car for a higher price. If you are buying a new car from a dealer your best bet is to sell your car privately, although some times that can be a hassle.
You can price out simular used cars here.
http://www.edmunds.com/
You can price out simular used cars here.
http://www.edmunds.com/
mfulper
12-08-2005, 08:30 PM
I own a 2002 Grand Carivan EX with 35,000 miles and with MAJOR problems.
- Alarm issues and door locks not working at 4,000 miles
- ABS sensor replaced at 10,000 again at 10,800, again at 10,900 along with every rear hub and bearing replaced.
- Battery at 15,200.
- Transmission at 16,800.
- Alternator at 21,000.
- Brakes and rotors at 23,000.
- Rear heater tubes, ANOTHER battery, sway bar links and bushings, spark plugs and all wiring at 35,000 miles!
MY QUESTIONS: Anyone experience similar problems?
The dealership I bring it to seems to think this is just "NORMAL" yet when I called Dodge Corporate they seem so suprised. We have filed a complaint with Dodge Corporate and have alerted Consumer Affairs and Consumer Reports. This last "little" service cost us $1500! If anyone has any other suggestion ... PLEASE, PLEASE let me know!!!!
Makes you want to buy a Dodge!!!
Would love to get rid of it .... it kills me because we paid $26 for the thing 3 years ago and I can maybe get $8000. I really want to cut my loses because this is a money pit --- a piece of junk. The first time we ever bought an American car and if you didn't figure it out yet the LAST TIME!!!
Thanks for reading my laundry list of problems.
I had battery problems with my 2000 caravan. Replaced the battery after one year, then replaced that batttery 18 months later, then replaced that battery about in about another 18 months. Each time before the battery would go, the alarm system would act crazy. If they have not addressed this problem, have them check the control module associated with the alarm system.
I also have had a lot of problems with my car which now has 72K miles. I have had to have the master brake cylinder replaced, the lifters done, and transmission work, oh, and replaced the engine.
- Alarm issues and door locks not working at 4,000 miles
- ABS sensor replaced at 10,000 again at 10,800, again at 10,900 along with every rear hub and bearing replaced.
- Battery at 15,200.
- Transmission at 16,800.
- Alternator at 21,000.
- Brakes and rotors at 23,000.
- Rear heater tubes, ANOTHER battery, sway bar links and bushings, spark plugs and all wiring at 35,000 miles!
MY QUESTIONS: Anyone experience similar problems?
The dealership I bring it to seems to think this is just "NORMAL" yet when I called Dodge Corporate they seem so suprised. We have filed a complaint with Dodge Corporate and have alerted Consumer Affairs and Consumer Reports. This last "little" service cost us $1500! If anyone has any other suggestion ... PLEASE, PLEASE let me know!!!!
Makes you want to buy a Dodge!!!
Would love to get rid of it .... it kills me because we paid $26 for the thing 3 years ago and I can maybe get $8000. I really want to cut my loses because this is a money pit --- a piece of junk. The first time we ever bought an American car and if you didn't figure it out yet the LAST TIME!!!
Thanks for reading my laundry list of problems.
I had battery problems with my 2000 caravan. Replaced the battery after one year, then replaced that batttery 18 months later, then replaced that battery about in about another 18 months. Each time before the battery would go, the alarm system would act crazy. If they have not addressed this problem, have them check the control module associated with the alarm system.
I also have had a lot of problems with my car which now has 72K miles. I have had to have the master brake cylinder replaced, the lifters done, and transmission work, oh, and replaced the engine.
Alexandra Spears
12-10-2005, 07:21 PM
Trading a car in to a dealer will always result in a lower price, since they will have to mark it up to make a profit when they sell it.
Very true. Buy low, sell high.
Very true. Buy low, sell high.
harryliuusa
12-10-2005, 08:58 PM
I have non stop battery problem--it is my 6th battery for my 1999 T&C @105K.
Bushing, CV-joint, sway bar, radiator, brake rotor...you name it. Luckily, I have not touched tranny and enine--knock on wood!
Bushing, CV-joint, sway bar, radiator, brake rotor...you name it. Luckily, I have not touched tranny and enine--knock on wood!
ibin69
12-15-2005, 12:06 AM
Dealerships are snakes I always buy and sell with a private party. Better deals!!! Cash transactions and vehicle history seem important to me.
Mrbizness1
12-15-2005, 08:11 PM
I have non stop battery problem--it is my 6th battery for my 1999 T&C @105K.
Bushing, CV-joint, sway bar, radiator, brake rotor...you name it. Luckily, I have not touched tranny and enine--knock on wood!
With that many battery problems you must have a short someplace or the alternator is overcharging the battery. I replaced the OEM battery after 6 months, and just replaced that one after 6 years.
Bushing, CV-joint, sway bar, radiator, brake rotor...you name it. Luckily, I have not touched tranny and enine--knock on wood!
With that many battery problems you must have a short someplace or the alternator is overcharging the battery. I replaced the OEM battery after 6 months, and just replaced that one after 6 years.
Mrbizness1
12-15-2005, 08:17 PM
Dealerships are snakes I always buy and sell with a private party. Better deals!!! Cash transactions and vehicle history seem important to me.
There are many good dealers. Buying privately can be a little cheaper, but you lose certain consumer protections with private sales.
There are many good dealers. Buying privately can be a little cheaper, but you lose certain consumer protections with private sales.
harryliuusa
12-15-2005, 10:03 PM
With so many batteries replaced, I agree prrobably the alternator maybe is in trouble but the dealer checked and said OK on it...
Well, my recent battery installed has a long warranty from Chrysler. Might as well let them eat the loss.
Well, my recent battery installed has a long warranty from Chrysler. Might as well let them eat the loss.
MStarr13
12-19-2005, 05:38 PM
While I am glad to see this stuff is rare, I have had similar crap with my 05 Grand Caravan. I it was 17k right now, so far I have had More circuits replaced than I can shake a stick at, 3 or 4 visits for those. Right power window gone, Power steering return hose replaced, Interior body panel on door, reear window defogger, small body panel on stow and go seating, and for some reason they cannot ever get the alignment done right. This has been my first non GM vehicle and my last attempt at buying american. It is gonna kill me but I do actually need to make house payments, feed my family, all that fun stuff. At this rate this freaking thing is going to cost me a fortune when the warranty expires.
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