My mechanic noticed that the rear axle of my 2013 Dodge Caravan (125,000 miles) is rusting through. He says that is not normal and he remembered a similar problem and safety recall on Ford Windstar rear axles. I checked with Service Dept. at Dodge dealer and they had no recall on record. They also say they have never heard of an axle rusting through. Since no recall, I am expected to pay for full repair. Since both my mechanic and the Dodge dealer say this is not something they have ever seen before, seems like poor materials used and a highway safety issue to me that should be a recall. Has anyone else heard or had similar experience? I realize the vehicle is old, but using it just as a "train station" car for commuting locally daily, not sure what the cost would be to repair. Thanks for feedback.

 

Have you used this van in places where the road crews use high amounts of salt? The axle on my NorthEast '03 has been rusting for many years, but I don't believe it's anywhere close to rusting out. Our town uses more sand than salt, and I suspect that if one of these vans is given a brine bath many time over all of those Winters (and washed off infrequently), it might speed up the process to the point yours is at right now. If you post a few pics, I'll take a look at mine and try to compare the rotted-out location(s) on yours.