Transmission Noise problems of the 1996 Dodge Caravan

While driving vehicle started making a loud noise. Wheels were dragging like it did not want to pull. Took vehicle to an auto body shop, and mechanic indicated needed new transmission.

I've started experiencing problems with my transmission about at 51,602 miles, the back-up lights were not operating when I was in reverse. The dealership notice that when I had my car in for service, they tried changing the lights with no success. Then they realized there was a "gap" in the transmission, the technician was able to put his hand in the gap!! they pulled and replace valve body and seals. Still, I was always telling my friends that my car was making strange noises with the transmission. Around 72,000 miles I've started experiencing bigger change with my vehicle. It would not accelerate or change gear in second after I've pressed on the gas pedal, until it suddenly jumped to the third gear. Very scary and annoying. I though it was weather related since it was in the middle of the winter in west virginia. After a while I've contacted my dealer in ansted they told me to have it check and deciced to replace the defective part. I was appaled since I have low mileage on my car, 74,000 miles. There is a long list of problems with my van, brakes pad and rotors, sway bar bushings, front struts( changed the first time at 12,000 miles) engine and a/c problems to name a few. I've been pretty patient with Chrysler so far. I've called them this morning ref#8474912, to be told there is no such thing as a secret warranty, and since I was out of my warranty time frame I was regarded as less than a Chrysler customer to my surprise. Could you do anything for me please? thanks.

While traveling at approximately 35 mph a clicking noise came from under the van. I removed my foot from the accelerator and the noise softened. I then reingaged the accelerator to resume speed at this point there was a loud noise from under the van and I observed pieces of metal and fluid exiting the rear of the van. The transmission was disengauged and I coasted about 1/8 of a mile to and area were I could safety exit the roadway.

I have had to replace the transmission twice since I purchased it from the dealer. The first time was at around 45000 miles, and the second was around 55000 miles. I have the windshield wipers turning on and off by themselves, the horn stopped working and the air bag light went on. There is a loud wind noise under the car when you drive over 40 mph. The vehicle had approximately 29000 miles when we purchased it, and it has caused us grief ever since. We cannot trade it in, and get what its worth, because of these awful defects, nor do we want to put our children in jeopardy. I cannot drive out of my local area because I am afraid of the vehicle breaking down on the highway.

I have taken the vehicle to three different dealers with complaints about the front end, the rubbing & clunking noise when making turns, the steering wheel shimmy and transmission problems (ie. Applying brake and trans not backing down, vehicle lurches).

We had to have transmission rebuilt after it was determined that there was a major problem with it . I am not clear on the specifics of it because I know very little about transmissions, but I have all the paperwork on what exactly was done. Anyway at roughly 42000 miles, we began hearing loud "klunking noise" coming from under minivan. Had it checked and we were given the great news that it definitely was the transmission, and it was shot. Contacted Dodge and they stated it is out of warranty, so sorry. We took it to very good and respectable transmission shop and they rebuilt it for around 1000 dollars I believe. It just pisses me off that a transmission does not last past 40000 miles of normal driving conditions. And we had only owned the vehicle for less than a year. And that Dodge says sorry, but your over 36000, so we cant help you.

Transmission failed twice once at 38,000 miles and again 130,000 miles due to a harden pin that went into transmission , snapped off and failed. Manufacturer used this hard pin instead of rolled type pin. Consumer felt this was a safety defect because transmission failed without warning, and there were no replacement parts available. Consumer had taken vehicle to dealer due to putting it in park and it starting to roll, dealer stated everything was okay, however 7000 miles later transmisison failed, consumer went to put it in drive and there was a grinding noise, vehicle just stopped, transmission was replaced and 92000 miles later transmission failed again, consumer has had 3 of the same vehicles and they hav all experienced transmission failures, consumer is requesting reimbursement.