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1998 Dodge Van problems

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The Dodge Ram Van (also known as the Dodge B-series) is a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from the 1971 to 2003 model years. Replacing the Dodge A100, the Ram Van transitioned to a front-engine drivetrain configuration. Mostly offered as a cargo van and a passenger van, the model line was also initially offered as a cutaway van chassis.

The B-series van line was produced across 32 years of production, making it among the longest-lived platform designs in American automotive history. Much of the exterior and chassis underpinnings saw only gradual changes during their entire production, with three distinct generations developed. Alongside its use by Dodge, the full-size van range saw rebranding during the 1970s for both Fargo Trucks and Plymouth (marking the debut of the Plymouth Voyager nameplate).

For much of its entire production run, Chrysler produced B-platform vans at the now-demolished Pillette Road Truck Assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; prior to 1980, the model line was also produced at Saint Louis North Assembly (Fenton, Missouri). In 2003, the Dodge Sprinter (a rebranding of its Mercedes-Benz namesake) was introduced, replacing the B-series van entirely from 2004 to 2009. Since 2014, the Ram division has offered the ProMaster to the full-size van market, a rebranded Fiat Ducato.

1998 Dodge Van

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Common 1998 Dodge Van problems

The Dodge Ram Van 1500 and 3500 models from the late 1990s and early 2000s have been reported to have several common issues based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems:

  • Loose Steering: Loose steering is another issue that has been reported by Dodge Ram Van owners. This problem is most commonly reported in the 2001 Ram Van 3500, with 1 complaint. Loose steering can make the vehicle difficult to control and can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Cracked Dashboards: Several Dodge Ram Van owners have reported issues with cracked dashboards. This problem is most commonly reported in the 2001 Ram Van 3500, with 1 complaint. Cracked dashboards can be a cosmetic issue, but they can also affect the functionality of the vehicle's controls.
  • Rust Holes in the Frame: Rust holes in the frame have been reported by Dodge Ram Van 2500 owners. This problem is most commonly reported in the 2003 Ram Van 2500, with 1 complaint. Rust holes in the frame can weaken the vehicle's structure and make it more susceptible to accidents.
  • Dash Falling Apart: Some Dodge Ram Van owners have reported issues with the dash falling apart. This problem is most commonly reported in the 2001 Ram Van 2500, with 1 complaint. A falling apart dash can be a cosmetic issue, but it can also affect the functionality of the vehicle's controls.
  • ABS Brake Light On: The ABS brake light has been reported to come on in some Dodge Ram Van 2500 models. This problem is most commonly reported in the 1997 Ram Van 2500, with 1 complaint. An ABS brake light can indicate a problem with the vehicle's braking system, which can be a safety concern.
  • Dash Board Cracking: Dash board cracking has been reported by Dodge Ram Van 2500 owners. This problem is most commonly reported in the 2003 Ram Van 2500, with 1 complaint. Dash board cracking can be a cosmetic issue, but it can also affect the functionality of the vehicle's controls.
  • Stalls While Driving: Some Dodge Ram Van 2500 owners have reported that their vehicles stall while driving. This problem is most commonly reported in the 1999 Ram Van 2500, with 1 complaint. A stalling vehicle can be a safety concern, as it can make it difficult to control the vehicle.
  • Transmission Issues: Transmission issues have been reported by Dodge Ram Van owners. These issues can include transmission failure and a short in the transaxle control module. Transmission issues can be expensive to repair and can affect the vehicle's drivability.
  • Engine Problems: Engine problems have been reported by Dodge Ram Van owners. These issues can include complete engine failure and a check engine light that constantly turns on while driving. Engine problems can be expensive to repair and can affect the vehicle's drivability.
  • Interior Accessory Issues: Interior accessory issues have been reported by Dodge Ram Van owners. These issues can include power windows that don't work and seats that don't adjust properly. Interior accessory issues can affect the functionality and comfort of the vehicle.

These are some of the most common problems reported by Dodge Ram Van owners. It's important to note that not all vehicles of these models will experience these issues, and some may not experience any issues at all. However, if you're considering purchasing a Dodge Ram Van from this time period, it's important to be aware of these potential issues and to have them inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase.

1998 Dodge Van engine

1998 Dodge Van car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Van problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Latches/locks/linkages problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Dodge Van vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Dodge Van complaints

The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Dodge Van.

2017-08-08

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-08-08
  • VIN: 2B6KB31Z6WK
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: ON AUG. 8, 2017 I WAS DRIVING A LEVEL 2 LANE SECLUDED ASPHALT ROAD IN MY 1998 DODGE CAMPER VAN. THE VAN IS DODGE 3500 EXTENDED MODEL, MODIFIED BY SPORTSMOBILE INTO A CAMPER VAN IN 1999. AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 50 MPH SUDDENLY A LOUD NOISE OCCURRED AND PIECE OF TIRE BEGAN TO FLY OFF. THE TIRES HAS BEEN RECENTLY ROTATED AND PRESSURE ADJUSTED TO ABOUT 80 PSI BY LES SCHWAB TIRES. WE HAD BEEN ON A ROAD TRIP SO I CHECKED TIRE INFLATION ABOUT EVERY DAY. THE TIRE TREAD HAD DISINTEGRATED AND PART OF IT HAD FLOWN OFF BUT THE TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED (AND STILL IS). ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE TREAD IS GONE. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AND WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER AND REPLACE THE TIRE. HOWEVER UNDER NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING AND ESPECIALLY IF THE TIRE HAD BEEN IN FRONT I BELIEVE I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND THE VAN WOULD LIKELY ROLLED.
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2006-04-05

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-04-01
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y1WK
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS; HOWEVER THERE IS NO OVER RIDE FOR THE LOCKS. THE DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED.
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2005-09-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-09-03
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN; RATTLING SOUND FROM ENGINE AREA FOR A FEW WEEKS, INTERMITTENT. SOUNDED FINE WHEN WE BOUGHT IT, USED, IN JULY. TOTALLY LOST THE TRANSMISSION OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND, STRANDING MY HUSBAND AND I AND OUR 6-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ALMOST 2 HOURS FROM HOME. NOW HAVE TO INVEST NEARLY $2,000 TO REBUILD THIS TRANSMISSION. *NM
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2005-08-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-07-11
  • VIN: 1B4GP54LXWB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 1-AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON 2-CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING 3-HORN STOPPED WORKING. *NM
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2005-05-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-04-26
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y4WK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: POWER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR MOTOR FAILURES - TRAPPING OCCUPANTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. OPERATING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS NO EFFECT, NOR CAN THE LOCKING ROD BE RAISED MANUALLY; DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE BY THE DOOR HANDLE OR TURNING THE KEY LOCKING/UNLOCKING MECHANISM. DEALER HAS TO REMOVE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL, DESTROY THE ACTUATOR MOTOR, AND INSTALL A NEW UNIT AT APPROXIMATELY $200.00 PARTS & LABOR. OLD ACTUATOR WAS RETAINED BY FLETCHER CHRYSLER-DODGE DEALERSHIP IN ROGERS, AR.
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2005-05-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-05-03
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y4WK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: POWER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR MOTOR FAILURES - TRAPPING OCCUPANTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. OPERATING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS NO EFFECT, NOR CAN THE LOCKING ROD BE RAISED MANUALLY; DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE BY THE DOOR HANDLE OR TURNING THE KEY LOCKING/UNLOCKING MECHANISM. DEALER HAS TO REMOVE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL, DESTROY THE ACTUATOR MOTOR, AND INSTALL A NEW UNIT AT APPROXIMATELY $200.00 PARTS & LABOR. OLD ACTUATOR WAS RETAINED BY FLETCHER CHRYSLER-DODGE DEALERSHIP IN ROGERS, AR.
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2005-05-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-09-03
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y4WK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: POWER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR MOTOR FAILURE - TRAPPED PASSENGER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. EXITING THE VEHICLE REQUIRED CRAWLING OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE, AND EXITING VIA ANOTHER DOOR WITH A STILL FUNCTIONAL LOCKING MECHANISM. DEALER HAD TO REMOVE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL AND DESTROY THE ACTUATOR MOTOR, AND INSTALL A NEW UNIT AT APPROXIMATELY $250.00 PARTS & LABOR. OLD ACTUATOR WAS RETAINED BY FLETCHER CHRYSLER-DODGE DEALERSHIP IN ROGERS, AR.
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2005-02-09

AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-09-12
  • VIN: 2B4GP25R0WR
  • Components: AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: I STARTED THE VAN THAT MORNING AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINED ON. I WAS NOT AWARE AT THAT TIME THAT MY HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE ALSO AFFECTED. I FOUND THAT THE HORN DIDN'T WORK WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I ALMOST HIT IT. AFTER THAT I CHECKED THE FUSES AND RELAYS BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I EVEN TOOK THE HORNS OFF THE VAN AND WIRED THEM UP DIRECTLY TO THE BATTERY. ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL WORKED FINE UNTIL THE PRODUCT FAILED. NOW THAT DODGE FIXED THE CLOCKSPRING THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS OFF, I DON'T KNOW IF THE AIRBAG WILL WORK ? THE HORN WORKS BUT IT'S NOT AS LOUD AS IT USED TO BE, AND OF COURSE THE CRUISE CONTROL DON'T. THE CRUISE LIGHT FLASHES OR STAYS ON FOR A SHORT TIME AND I HOPE IT DON'T SHORT OUT AND CAUSE A ELECTRICAL FIRE OR THE CRUISE SYSTEM TURNS ON AND I CAN'T TURN IT OFF? I CALLED TO TAKE THE VAN BACK THE NEXT DAY AFTER I HAD SAT AT THE DODGE DEALER FOR A COUPLE HOURS THE NIGHT BEFORE TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED, AND I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AN $80.00 CHARGE UNLESS IT WAS SOMETHING THAT THEY CAUSED. I TOLD THE PERSON THAT IT HAD BEEN WORKING FINE UNTIL THERE PRODUCT FAILED,AND I DIDN'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY. REGARDLESS TO SAY I DIDN'T TAKE THE VAN BACK. I DON'T HAVE AN EXTRA $80.0 O GIVE AWAY. OH AND A STRANGE COINCIDENCE, THE ESTIMATE FOR THE CLOCKSPRING IS $80.00 WITHOUT A RECALL NOTICE, IF YOUR VEHICLE IS ON THE LIST. I WAS SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT BUYING A NEW DODGE TRUCK BUT AFTER THIS I MIGHT JUST GO WITH TOYOTA. I NEVER GOT TO SEE THE PART THAT FAILED. *JB
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2005-01-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-01-11
  • VIN: 1B4GP44R3WB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: MY WIFE AND I NOTICED A SMOKY ODOR IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VAN A YEAR AGO. AFTER REPLACING SEVERAL ENGINE GASKETS AND PRESSURE-WASHING THE ENGINE BLOCK TO RULE OUT BURNING OIL, THE SMELL CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. FINALLY, MIDAS DISCOVERED A CRACKED CROSSOVER PIPE WAS ALLOWING ENGINE EXHAUST TO ESCAPE AND ENTER INTERIOR OF THE CAB. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS PART HAS BEEN ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER WITH DODGE FOR OVER 3 MONTHS AND OVER 1,000 OF THESE PARTS ARE ON ORDER ACROSS THE COUNTRY. ACCORDING TO MIDAS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE GRAND CARAVANS AND LONG DELAYS DUE TO NATIONAL BACKORDERS IS TYPICAL FOR THIS PART. THE DANGER IS THAT LARGE AMOUNTS OF CARBON MONOXIDE ENTERS THE VEHICLE. MY SON HAS BEEN COMPLAINING OF HEADACHES WHILE RIDING IN THE VAN. AFTER 3 MONTHS OF WAITING, WE FINALLY WORKED OUT WITH MIDAS A CUSTOM RETROFIT OF ANOTHER MANUFACTURERS CROSSOVER PIPE AND THAT SEEMS TO HAVE WORKED. THE DODGE PART NUMBER IS 4694374. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS SOMEONE WHILE THEY ARE DRIVING. *NM
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2003-12-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B4HB15Y7WK
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY BRAKES FAILED. DRIVER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING UNDER THE VEHICLE DUE TO A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. *AK
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2003-04-10

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
  • VIN: 2B4GP453XWR
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: NAR 04/10/2003 THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS DONE ON AIR BAG ASSEMBLY. AFTER REPAIRS WERE MADE A RECALL WAS ISSUED. THE CONSUMER HAS INCLUDING RECEIPTS OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR REPAIRS BUT DODGE HAS REFUSED TO MAKE PAYMENTS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *CB
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2002-07-01

STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-03-03
  • VIN: 2B5WB35Z5WK
  • Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
  • Summary: LEFT FRONT BEARING FAILED AT 36,000, AGAIN AT 52,000. RIGHT FAILED AT 63,000, BOTH AT 65,000. RIGHT FAILED AGAIN AT 69,100. BOTH BEARINGS AND SPINDLES REPLACED. RIGHT FAILED AGAIN AT 69,146.*AK
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2002-01-23

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-01-11
  • VIN: 2B7LB31Z8WK
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: B3500 MODEL VEHICLE - VALVE STEM IS SEPARATING FROM RUBBER AND METAL, CAUSING TIRES TO DEFLATE FASTER. VALVE STEM IS MANUFACTURED BY SCHRADER PART # TR-600HP. YEAR OF VEHICLE 1998.*AK *TT
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2002-01-17

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B4GP4531WR
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE MAKING A TURN INTO DRIVEWAY, VEHICLE STALLED, DEALER STATED THE AUTOMATIC IDLE SPEED MOTOR THAT REGULATES THE IDLE OF THE MOTOR WAS CARBONED AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. *SLC
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2002-01-17

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B4GP4531WR
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE MAKING A TURN INTO DRIVEWAY, VEHICLE STALLED, DEALER STATED THE AUTOMATIC IDLE SPEED MOTOR THAT REGULATES THE IDLE OF THE MOTOR WAS CARBONED AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. *SLC
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2001-01-01

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-12-01
  • VIN: 1B4GP44G8WB
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: LOW SPEED WOBBLE - TSB 22-02-99. *AK
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2000-05-22

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B6HB11YHWK
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. ALSO, DEALER PREVIOUSLY REPLACED TWO OTHER FAULTY FUEL TANKS WHICH LEAKED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
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2000-05-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-05-18
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y8WK
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: AS OF THIS DATE, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS AT 8,000 MILES, REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS, CALIPERS, AND BRAKE PADS. THE SECOND INCIDENT, I HAD THE VEHICLE BACK IN 4 MONTHS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS DATE, 05-18-00, I AGAIN HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND HAS ONLY JUST TURNED 20,000 MILES. I FEEL THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT IN THE PARTS OR IN THE MANUFACTORING OF THE PARTS. *AK
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2000-05-18

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-04-10
  • VIN: 2B6KB31Y5WK
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL LEAKAGES HAVE OCCURRED ON AT LEAST THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. ON EACH OCCASION, PROBLEMS WERE "FIXED" BUT LEAKAGES SUBSEQENTLY OCCURRED.*AK
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1999-09-08

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B4GP25ROWR
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: DOOR LOCK.
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1999-09-08

INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-01
  • VIN: 2V6HB11Y3WK
  • Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: INTERIOR LIGHTS.
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1999-09-08

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B7HB11X1WK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER WILL QUIT WORKING DURING OPERATION, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY . DEALER HAS REPLACED MOTOR TWICE, BUT DEFECT KEEPS REOCCURRING. *AK
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1999-05-05

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-16
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: CONSUMER APPROVED FOR THE ON/OFF AIR BAG SWITCH, HOWEVER DEALERSHIP WILL NOT PERFORM WORK. MJS
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1999-02-01

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B7JB21Z9WK
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: REAR DOOR LOCK FAILED. NM
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1999-01-22

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELTS ARE PLACED IN THE WRONG SPOT. WHEN PULLING THE RESTRAINT ACROSS THE SHOULDER, THE LAP PART OF OF THE BELT IS POSITIONED UP AROUND THE WAIST INSTEAD OF THE HIPS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
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