Six problems related to differential unit have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Transmission failure. Numerous repair shops report that premature transmission failure is a near-certainty on this make and model year vehicle, due to a design flaw in the differential gear lubrication system. The manufacturer is aware of the problem but denies responsibility.
Experienced incident where automatic transmission failed to shift from first gear. Attempts to shift from n to d failed to correct problem. Transmission corrected itself after bringing vehicle to a complete stop, placing in p and restarting engine. Have also experienced numerious incidents during past 6 years where transmisson fails to shift from p to r and r to d and requires to be reshifted to p and then to desired selection. Research into problem by questioning various private tranmission specialists that an undetermined design flaw in differential, in 1995 and later models, causes both problems and has even resulted in differential completely failing and exploding.
This Mini van is my 5th such vehicle. Each one except for my 2000 (which only has 25000 miles) has experienced transmission troubles earlier than I feel they should have. My 1996 Grand Caravan has just been put in the shop due to transmission failure. Differential gear had a tooth break off causing loud clunk on acceleration. Chrysler corp has known for years that their mimivan transmissions are trouble some however have not seemed to want to improve the reliabilty of them. Is there any recourse for consumers to get some compensation from Chrysler for these lemon transmissions. Please contact me with any info that could help me seek renumeration.
The pin fell out of the differential and poked holes in the transmission, ruining it. The property damage referred to is the cost of a new transimission. It is likely this one cannot even be rebuilt, which means it will cost another $500 to fix it. Since this happened I have heard from many people that Chrysler has lots of problems with transmissions and I have heard several stories of this exact problem, including a previous complaint to NHTSA.
Differential pin flew out and tore a hole in the transmission casing.
As explained by the dealership service dept transmission bearings wear until differential pin is ejected and damages housing. Began with clicking noise (pin), then all transmission fluid leaked out. Problem fully anticipated at time of purchase due to common knowledge provided by other caravan owner's that we know. Reason why we purchased an extended warranty for approximately $1000. Stuck with Dodge as they were only ones on market with double sliding doors at the time. We needed this feature due to back injury prevention issues. Trannie replacement took over a week and cost $2208 (we paid the $50 deductable on our extended warranty). Dealer reps explained that due to poor trannie design, there was a backlog of replacement tranny orders nationwide. When asked if Chrysler had engineered the problem out of their trannies. The answer was no. Why should they, they make lots of money on this problem as it almost always occurs after the original warranty period expires and owners are forced to pay. I noticed that other complainants list unexplained cracked trannies. More than likely this damage is same engineering defect and ejection of the pin.