I spoke to the quality rep in the plant and sent him a list of some of your complaints. He has since sent a copy to the person who handles the chasis components. The stall repairmen suggested looking at the half-shaft as the source of your noise. There was a change to them shortly after the launch of this new van for whatever reason. If I hear of anything else more concrete I will forward it to you guys.

 

I am bringing in the van to service next week, has anyone had the suspension issues resolved from the dealer, and if so, what was the problem?

thanks.

 

well had my 2008 sxt back to the dealer and they are now saying that chrysler is suggesting putting different struts and shocks on the vehilce. The dealer says they are ordering them and will call me when they are ready to put them on. Hope this will get rid of the clunking noises. a brand new van shl=oul dnot sound 5 years old from rattles and clunkiy suspension.

 

Any news on the new struts and shocks?

 

Anything new on this? My 06 does it and so did my 03.

 

Front end noises, especially a clunking noise, on an 06 (4th Generation) would likely be sway bar bushings. The bushing loses its grip on the sway bar (dry squeaking noise at first), the bushing subsequently wears, the bracket then becomes loose and clunks against the chassis, getting louder as the wear increases. My experience is that the Passenger's side is likely to be the culprit and would replace that one first. These aren't expensive and fairly easy to replace yourself. Another common noise, although much less so, would be the sway bar links.

As to the 5th Generation (08 and newer), front end noises seem to be an issue per Posts on the Chrysler Minivan Forum at http://www.chryslerminivan.net/ but more pertaining to squeaks than clunks. The other common problem seems to be a sticky gear shifter and keyfob.

 

I have not experienced this.

 

Hi folks
I took my 03 caravan sport to privet mechanic for similar front end thumping noise that I was noticing more when going over small bumps on the road and he replaced
2 Large bushing I believe it was sway bar under the engine took ½ hour and 80$ CAD parts in clouded. And as per mechanic it’s a common problem he also showed me as what had happened to the old bushing and since then no more noise,
Hope that help.

 

My 2004 Caravan pops real bad. I drove it tonight and it popped and crunched like crazy over rediculously small bumps. Thought I was about to start loosing peices. I need to check my bushings I guess. A 1995 Dodge Neon I had and a 1993 Dodge Spirit also done this. I'm at 54,500 miles now. I feel my van is a ticking time bomb of problems. After Google-ing about the van for a few days, I no longer trust the van to stay together past 75,000. Thats sad.

 

You can't compare the 08 Grand Caravans to previous years. It is a completely new body design.
I don't own an 08+ van but I have rented several for extended time and haven't noticed any objectionable front end noises.
I have experienced several with intermittent power door lock / RKE operation though...