2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Suspension Problems

“I own a 2001 Dodge caravan that I purchased from my father two months ago. Last night I noticed a rubbing sound when I turned corners. Looking at the front drivers side wheel, I noticed that the lower control arm came out of the bolt. After doing some research on recalls for the 2001 caravan I saw that there is a recall out to repair this problem. My father said he never received a recall notice and he has lived at his current residence for 30 years. My complaint is how are you suppose to know of a recall when you are not contacted by chrysler? The NHTSA campaign id number is 01v152000.”

“Driving around a curve at 35 MPH the car would not straighten out and instead began fishtailing and spinning out of control. Car ran off the road up an incline where it came to rest. Right front wheel was perpendicular to car with tire hanging off of rim. We later learned that the right control arm had snapped. Manufacturer claims I must have hit a very deep pothole, but we are unaware of any such occurrence. No deep potholes existed on area of road where car went out of control. Also, the tire rim was not damaged.”

“I purchased a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan in august of 2005 with 73k miles. Vehicle smelled musty (stagnant water). Three trips to shop to diagnose and fix sway bar link, bushing, strut and strut mount problem to cure a clunking sound on front end. Transmission slips out of gear to neutral at whim. Also, shifts through first 3 gears (automatic) at whim causing vehicle to lurch. However, shop cannot duplicate these problems or the problem with my non working cruise control. At this point, I have spent a lot of money for non-diagnosis. …”

“Front end was making clunking noises since about 24,000 miles,each time I went to the dealer since then it was brought up, but nothing found by them. Finally at 44,070 they looked once again and (now that my warranty was over) they found that my front sway bar links and bushings were bad and replaced. Chrysler did goodwill the repair under extended warranty but I still had to pay $100 for the deductible (which should have been covered under my previous warranty work when I paid the $100 and they didn't do the work until I called chrysler after I already left and had to go back). …”

“While driving at any speed consumer heard a rattling sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Dealer examined the vehicle, and found that the sway bar links broke. This problem occurred twice. The sway bar link, bushings and nuts were all replaced.”