On June 17, 2025, we purchased a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT from Hurricane Car Lot for over $15,000. At the time of purchase, we pointed out minor rust on the passenger upper rear fender, a noticeable misalignment of the passenger-side door, and unusual noises during the test drive. Sales agent Samantha told us every vehicle is inspected, that the van has a clean Utah title, and that the sale included a limited 30-day warranty, and that Hurricane Car Lot would pay 70% of covered repairs.
After purchasing, the transmission fluid was severely overdue for service, so Color Country kept the van to flush and replace the fluid. We also discovered badly damaged engine mounts. After back-and-forth with Hurricane Car Lot and warranty administrator Liberty Shield, Hurricane Car Lot paid 70% of the engine mount replacement; Liberty Shield refused coverage, and we cancelled that plan and received a refund. Because payment and authorizations were delayed, Color Country kept the van longer than expected,d and we missed planned family events (July 4).
Over the next few months, we returned to Color Country multiple times. AutoCheck shows severe frame damage dated January 27, 2025--less than five months before our purchase. Color Country's inspections and repairs indicate that the frame damage was never properly repaired, which likely caused the engine mount failures. To date, we have paid $1,741 in repairs (transmission fluid service, remaining engine-mount costs, AC recharge, and other items).
On April 3, 2026, Jiffy Lube in Hurricane told us the plastic oil housing needed a metal replacement (~$1,200 with labor) and reported there was no transmission fluid. That same day, Color Country tested the transmission fluid in neutral and found it acceptable, but the fluid smelled burnt -- a sign the transmission is severely damaged and likely needs repair or replacement, which will cost $3,500+. That smell indicates the transmission was neglected before our purchase and was not properly inspected.
On April 4, 2026, at about 8:45 PM, while stopped at a red light at Telegraph Road and 500 West in Washington City, UT, the van stalled when I accelerated. My youngest child was with me; I moved her to the sidewalk for safety. After several minutes, the engine restarted long enough to pull over near Walmart. The Washington City Police dispatch was contacted. Because Color Country was closed and we did not have their after-hours contact, we had the van towed by SG3 Towing and Recovery through our insurance. Everything is documented from purchase through these incidents.
We consider this van unsafe, unreliable, and misrepresented. On April 6, 2026, we sent Hurricane Car Lot a letter of rescission. We have received no response. We have consulted our attorneys and my father, a master mechanic with 50+ years' experience. Next step: proceed with serving legal papers. We expect Hurricane Car Lot to resolve this matter promptly. read more
