There seems to be a problem with early head gasket failure Chrysler vans of a certain vintage.  Let us know if this has happened to you or someone you know.  Here are a few examples.

Jeri of Hummelstown, PA:

I've put three head gaskets in my '88 Dodge Caravan in the last 6 years, by dealers and privately owned garages. I've since been told on numerous occasions that all Dodges have the same problem, they keep blowing the head gaskets. It's quite an expensive problem for something that recurs so frequently. I'm sure my car and situation is too old for you to help in my instance but if you need to add my statistic to the problem or get some testimony, I'd be very willing to help others in this circumstance!

M.A. of Woodbridge, VA writes:

My 1997 Dodge Stratus has logged 50,200 miles. I was informed that the vehicle has a head gasket problem and needed to be repaired. The repair shop also informed me that this problem seems to be too common with this model of engine.

I took the vehicle to a chrysler dealership to be repaired. They applied to Chrysler for relief and I was denied, based on service history and mileeage. I contacted Chrysler and they again denied my claim with a follow up call the next day. I continued to call and they continued to stonewall me.

I contacted Steve Grimwood the district manager for Chrysler and he reiterated the same denial. I was later offered $161 to pay for the parts to the vehicle but I would have to pay for the rest of the estimated $818.40.

I repaired the vehicle and informed Mr. Grimwood that his good faith assistance of $161 was hurtful and insufficient. I took the vehicle to get it inspected at a Merchant service center and the service representative pointed out another car in the parking lot with the same problem.

A head gasket is not normally expected to wear at all. If such a problem does occur it usually occurs well into the life of the vehicle. If my vehicle was the only one with the problem I would be angry but I would get over it. Now it seems to be a cover up by Chrysler who must be privy to the inherent engine problems of their Cars (Stratus, Cirrus, Breeze, Neon).

I own two Chrysler vehicles but I am very inhappy with the corporate help I have received from them and I will not purchase a Chrysler vehicle in the future.

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