2008 Grand Caravan rear bumper issue

External Since: Aug 02, 2006 Posts: 95

I have noticed that the black vinyl bumper protector is lifting at the
center, especially when the car sits out in the sun. The dealer says
he'll have to order another strip to correct the problem (I was
thinking just a little contractor's cement would work, but the fix is
his choice). Is anyone else having this problem? I've seen several
others on the road with the same problem. Did a replacement fix the
problem? (This is the black strip just below the tailgate to protect
the bumper from scuff or drag marks as you load/unload the cargo
area).
TIA

Joined: Sep 19, 2008 Posts: 1

Hi. I dont know if you have gotten ant response from anyone on this isssue yet but I'll try and shed some lite since I'm dealing with it right now. The trim piece or tread plate on the rear bumper is not the real issue. The tread plates have clips molded to the bottom of them that are designed to snap into pre-manufactured holes in the tops of the bumper covers themselves. During the manufacturing process Chrysler/Dodge made one of these holes to large for the clip to lock into rendering useless allowing the tread plate to warp and buckle. Chrysler/Dodge are trying to be as cheap and quiet about this as possible and use an inexpensive adhesive to repair a huge manufacturing screw up THEY made. The only correct and permanent repair for this problem is a new bumper cover with the correct diameter holes for the clips on the tread plate to lock into. Obviously far more costly for Chrystler/Dodge, but that's too damn bad in my opinion. People spend 25,000-40,000 for a new vehicle they should get what they pay for and the problem should be repaired correctly. If I wanted it jury rigged I'd have just duct taped it myself. Long story short, If you complain long enough and loud enough at your local dealership they WILL replace the bumper and make the correct repair. Hope I wasn't too late to help. Rogerjr1