Transmission Failure Problems of Dodge Grand Caravan - part 2

At 91,000 miles the vehicle had a sudden and catastrophic transmission failure. Given the fact that we have had a number of neighbors & friends also experience Grand Caravan transmission problems in 97 & 98 models, there obviously is a major design problem. I had owned a 1989 Grand Caravan that had two transmissions replaced under warranty. I took a chance going back to Chrysler and lost the bet. While Chrysler "customer no service" has told me "sir, when you signed the dotted line, you knew the warranty was 36,000 miles", clearly the public perception is that transmissions in $30,000 automobiles should last more than 90,000 miles. While Chrysler can hide behind the warranty all they want, they clearly are breaking with the public''s trust. The fact that Chrysler has had 100,000 mile drivetrain warranties on other years of Grand Caravans bespeaks to the levels that they: 1. Had to go to gain public trust 2. The recognition that they may have design problems. Lastly, as I have learned, their "customer no service" department is a very short one way street. When I called, I described the problem and inquired about the process to file a complaint. I was shocked to learn in very short order that the first person I talked to was also the last person that I would to talk. He quickly made the decision the Chrysler was not interested in helping in any way and that his decision was final. There was never any "I am sorry about this problem, but there is not much that I can do". It was "you knew what you purchased, and I am not going to help you in any way". In fact he kept reminding me how long we spoke on the phone and that I was wasting mine and implicitly his time. All in all a very poor experience with a lousy product and non-existent customer service.

See all problems of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan: massive transmission failure. The shaft of a pin extending into the core (sorry if I have the technical details wrong) sheered of completely and destroyed the entire transmission at around 50,000 miles. Shortly after the failure when the vehicle was first being looked at by my mechanic, the transmission "locked up", meaning the vehicle could not be started or moved. The reason I am reporting this is because my mechanic indicated that had this "lock up occurred" at the wrong time and place that there is good chance my wife (who drives this vehicle daily) and my children (who ride in this vehicle daily) would have been seriously injured or killed. I have digital pictures showing the failure and damage inside of the transmission, and my mechanic is available to provide any further technical details or information.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

The transmission failed in my 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan sport with less than 66,000 miles on it. I was able to get it to the dealership where I bought it using the "limp home" mode! I contacted daimlerchrysler and asked them to pay for the repairs and they declined. I was aware of this problem when I bought it four years ago but was told that it had been resolved!.

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

I own a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan sport. The transmission has failed with less than 66,000 miles on the vehicle. From my research, daimlerchrysler has known about the premature transmission failure for over 15 years but have refused to remedy the situation while continuing to install the same transmissions in all Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth vans. In 1992, Chrysler renamed the a604 ultradrive as the 41te transmission to escape bad publicity! why is the government letting this continue? do we have to wait until someone gets killed?.

Transmission failure - returned the vehicle to dealer for warranty service. Dealer diagnosed problem, removed transmission, and overhauled the transmission replacing the front pump, seals and fluid.

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Transmission failure. The transmission in my 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan began to slip and stay in second gear around 50k miles. I had it diagnosed by the dealer and the cost of repair is more than I could ever afford. I have taken it to two other mechanics and there is not much variation in price. Generally the cost is going to be from $16,000 to $2,400. I cannot afford a new car either. I am reading all of the complaints about this, so why hasn't there been a recall? the dealer should gladly replace the transmissions since they are aware that this is occurring on a regular basis. It is because they do not want to absorb the cost themselves. They will recall something small like brakes or fan belt. I also have had the serpentine belt slip off twice when driving through puddles of water. Both times my engine overheated and the steering column locked, both fatally serious probems. What is the deal? I demand relief! no one is going to trade this piece of junk with me. What is the dealer willing to do?.

Complete transmission failure at 65,000 miles. Van needs complete replacement at cost of $2,400. Previously repaired one month earlier with transmission valve problem at same dealer. Opening cases with cfas and zone rep also. Please advise.

1996 Dodge Grand Caravan se. Transmission completely failed (parked and running in driveway) with no advance warning. 81,000 miles, meticulously maintained. Diagnosed as a loose pin which wore a hole in the transmission case. 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's chairman's office was contacted (case #11518366) and refused to provide any assistance with the cost of this repair.

See all problems of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

My 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan had a complete transmission failure while I was driving it late one evening. It would no longer respond to any gear change and in fact, it sounded and smelled terrible! I was completely stranded for several hours on a dark windy road until I could obtain help. Upon investigation on the internet I saw that this is unfortunately a commonly known problem for Dodge owners. I have never towed anything with my car and had all routine maintenance completed. The transmission repair shop said they see this all the time with Chrysler products. Dangerous!!.

The transmission failed while driving. The consumer felt and heard a loud bang under the vehicle. When the consumer checked under the hood, transmission fluid was flowing out. The mechanic found a pin that had flown through the transmission and ripped apart.

The transmission failed, which caused the vehicle to stall, consumer stated the vehicle was on its third transmission.

Consumer was driving and the transmission failed. Dealer was contacted.

Consumer states while wife was driving the vehicle at 10mph the automatic transmission failed prematurely. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts.

Transmission failure occurred at 58,822 miles on the 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan I own. The problem with my transmission was that the splines of the front planetary stripped because they were made with a softer metal than the underdrive clutch hub. I feel this is a design flaw that daimler Chrysler should address. When I contacted daimler Chrysler, I was told the problem was my fault, because I had not changed the transmission fluid at the recommended service interval, and I was 22,000 miles outside of warranty. However, there is not a transmission fluid I am aware of that will make those splines stronger. Ts.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Consumer stated that while driving at any speed and without warning transmission failed causing the vehicle to accelerate. Dealer notified. Ts.

Vehicle exprienced a complete transmission failure and required a new transmission with only 55,000 miles on the vehicle. In our research, we have seen numerous complaints of this type with Dodge Grand Caravans.

While in traffic traveling aprox. 35mph vehicle suddenly dropped to lowest gear,rpms shot up,speedometer failed,service engine light came on. To shop immediately where mechanic said he has seen many Dodge carvan transmission failures and to take it back to the dealer. I am the 2nd owner and don't know if the original owner had this problem and perhaps thats why he traded it with only about 40k miles on it?dealer says probably a sensor,can't fix today - come back Monday.

While driving transmission failed, almost causing a collision.

Vehicle was at a stop sign, and without prior warning, front wheels locked up because of transmission failure.

Transmission failed for the second time, manufacturer states out of warranty this time. Extremely rude customer service rep at Chrysler hotline stated car is old and no one in the chyrsler corporation can do anything about it. History of this transmission is poor and manufacturer defects are clearly the cause. Please help make Chrysler understand its responsibility for this problem.

Transmission failed suddenly; transmission failure at <70k mi has occurred with 3 other family members - recall needed?.

The transmission failure occurred without warning. I was picking up my kids from school when the car would not accelrate after stopping for a traffic signal. The car was brought to a Dodge dealer and I was told a new transmission was needed. I had the recommended routine maintenance done on the car. I have noticed that there is numerous customer complaints about transmission failure about 45k-55k mileage.

1996 g caravan, 63k miles, transmission failed, $1900 to replace, contacted Chrysler support - they were of no help in covering cost.

The transmission catastrophically failed for the second time on an exit ramp. Fortunately, my wife was able to maintain control of the vehicle. The front barke rotors are warped. My wife was informed by Dodge that this shimmy we were feeling as we applied the brakes was the abs engaging. After taking the vehicle to another Dodge dealership, we were informed the problem is warped front brake rotors. In addition, because the vehicle has over 12000 miles, we now have to pay for the repairs! the leather seating in the rear is 'delaminating. ' (I don't know of a better way to describe it). The rear automatic hatch does not automatically open. This too is a recurring problem.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Transmission failed replaced, no geer shift lock resulting in toddler being able to change geers resulting in crash.

Transmission failed while driving through busy city intersection. After having the vehicle towed to the dealer, I asked the service manager is this is a common problem in caravans. He said no, but he had seen it happen. Cost of repair: $1507. 63. When I questionned this, he said I should have purchased an extended warranty for the transmission.

Transmission failed at 42k + miles. Chrysler has a well-documented history of transmission failures. Although we did not have an accident due to transmission failure, that certainly was a possibility. If the transmission failed during acceleration (high load) onto a highway or pulling out of an intersection, the results could be catastrophic.

The transmission failed at 48,000. When I contacted the dealership the service manager diagnosed the problem over the telephone. When I asked him how he knew what was wrong, his response was " happens on these vans all the time, it's a common problem". When I asked why Dodge didn't do a recall and fix them all, his response was "we would rather handle them on an individual basis". I'm sure it's a cost factor. My position is that Dodge, (Chrysler), has a major transmission problem on their vehicles, they knowingly installed them anyways and have deceived the public. If a survey of Dodge owners was conducted, I'm sure that transmission problems would be frequent. Dodge split the cost of a re-built tranmission with me which cost me $864. 00. I am confident that there are a number of people who have had the costs split like me, had the whole thing taken care of and those who suffered the burden of paying for the entire cost. I feel that Chrysler owes me $864. 00 and that they should be punished for putting "bad" transmissions in cars.

Transmission failed while operating. Engine surged several times, lost acceleration, then stalled. Vehicle operated with only passenger weight. Dealer no explanation for failure. Suggest complete replacement of transmission.

Upon talking to the dealer sales manager and service manager I was told that there was no history of transmissions failures in the Mini van. However, on the net there are thousands of complaints about repeated transmission failures for the vans and that it has been occuring since the late 1980s and Chrysler does not care. They are basically forcing people to pay thousands of dollars to repeatedly repair the transmissions inthe minivans, becasue the owners can not afford a new car after having just paid almost $20,000 for the current vehicle. There has to be some consumer protection soon to help the thousands of people who have already had the problem and for those who soon will. I am very disappointed in Chrysler and any federal agencies who monitor this kind of problem. This time I was stranded at work and my kids were stucj at daycare until 8:30 pm. Where will it happen next time? will one of us be injured? since the transmission goes out with no warning it is a very scary proposition.

I was asked by other owners to post a complaint here in an effort to help others who are having the same problems with their transmissions failing. According to the information I have the transmission had been replaced two times prior to the date I purchased this vehicle. I have had the transmission rebuilt again. I have a web site and have had as many as 80 responses or similar complaints per week. It varies, but there has to be an excessive amount of transmission failures for this vehicle to get that kind of response. I think Chrysler has a transmission problem and refuses to make it right. Thanks,.

Vehicle manufactured with defective automatic transmission. First rebuild occurred in 01/1999, when transmission failed after exitting off freeway. Loss use of 3rd and 4th gears. Mileage 35258. 2nd rebuild occured 12/2000 after loss of performance and detection of transmission oil leak. Mileage 60085. Transmission has inherent design flaw that I feel Chrysler needs to be held responsible for.

Transmission failed causing a serious accident and injury.

Transmission microchip failed.

Transmission failed.