Transmission Fluid Leaking problems of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan

At 130000 mile a pin within the transmission broke off/or got loose and wore through the side of the transmission causing the transmission fluid to leak. There is no way to repair the transmission, so it needs to be replaced.

1996 Dodge Grand Caravan se. Transmission completely failed. Third owner at 155,000 miles. Happened to first owner as well. Leaked transmission fluid everywhere, rear gate was covered with fluid. Went through over 2 quarts of fluid a day for a 5 mile drive to work. Diagnosed as a loose pin which wore a hole in the transmission case. Could not have been prevented. A hole the size of a fist was blown through the top of the case when it finally failed. Also, this part is in such demand due to the number of failures with this model that a rebuilt transmission was almost $2000. Chrysler was contacted and refused to provide any assistance with the cost of this repair. Was on the road in a snow storm when transmission failed, which could have in turn caused a serious accident while stuck in the middle of the road.

I purchased my minivan from bedard bros. On Feb. 21, 2000. On April 3, 2000 it had a rebuilt transmission put in by bedard bros. Because while I was driving it suddenly dropped into a lower gear. Then it started leaking fluid. Bedards said a pin caused a hole in the transmission case. On may 10, 2000, I had the same problem with the transmission dropping into a low gear and the check engine light coming on. A mechanic at bedard bros. Hooked his computer to the vehicle and reset the codes not being able to duplicate the problem. In oct. 2001 I again felt a "clunk" and it dropped into a lower gear but that somehow corrected itself. But, now the transmission is leaking again. I brought it to bedard bros. On 10/15/01 and they said they replaced the front pump seal. I picked up the vehicle on 10/17/01. On 10/18/01 I noticed the transmission still leaking so I drove it back to bedard bros. The put some type of dye into the system that will help them locate the source. He stated it may be a crack or something but it has to go back for a look on 10/22/01. My concern is that these are defective transmissions. I talked to a person from fenn st. Transmission who said these vehicles are known for these problems and that there is a pin that breaks loose and often goes through the transmission case.

1st date of transmission replacement was in April 1999. Stuck in second gear. Still under warrantly, still had to pay deductible. Mileage was 35,000. Now 2nd transmission replacement at 96,000 stranded on the freeway with my children in the car. Transmission stuck and leaking fluid. Was not driveable. For a wopping cost of $2700. 00.