Transmission would always jerk when shifting. Dealer told us that was natural for that transmission. After two years, transmission completely failed and had to be replaced. Previously we owned a 1990 dodge caravan and also had to replace transmission at approximately 80000 miles. Since then we have been told by several transmission specialists that this is common in caravans. Also the bolt holding the engine fan in place has had to replaced twice as it falls out. We did catch the problem both times when the engine overheated while idling.
1994 Dodge Caravan: jerking or lurching
6 of the 643 complaints about the 1994 Dodge Caravan describe jerking or lurching.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 14 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Jerking or lurching by model year
What owners say
It jerks severly when going into gears when shifting sometimes does not shift into first till after 50mph, when you stop has poor take off seems to not want to move, previous owner had pump in transmission and other components change a year before we purchased it in 1997 and now we also have been told this needs to be replaced again, also when putting into reverse does not want to engage at first or when it does clunks badly and we have had the motor mounts checked and they are fine
The overdrive gear was making whinning noises inside of the transmission. This caused the vehicle to shift hard. The vehicle would also jerk when shifting.
Had put child in built-in css & fastened clip for harness; every time it jerked to make sure its locked, would pop open. Both seats have same problem; have not taken to dealer to check.
When driving at various speeds would downshift to stop, it jerks severely; 2nd transmission in vehicle; engine light came on; had it towed; problem had occurred w/1st transmission; jerky motion happened w/1st & 2nd transmission. Took to dealer & a clip was missing.
While driving, experienced abrupt transmission malfunction when vehicle jerked then lunged forward, wouldn't shift into any gear/moved in reverse position.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This bulletin announces the availability and installation of a resuable automatic transmission oil pan gasket
- Subject regarding reusable automatic transmission oil pan gasket
- Service and parts information on 1999 running changes to transmission range sensor (TRS) tt
- Information on 41TE/42LE service information
- Concerns with 41TE/42LE transaxle shudder during an emcc (electronically modulated converter clutch) shift
- Vehicle shudder during torque converter emcc (lock up) operation/diagnostic trouble code 38
- Unknown
- Harsh transaxle shifts
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1994 Dodge Caravan jerking
Is jerking or lurching a common problem on the 1994 Dodge Caravan?
6 of 643 owner complaints about the 1994 Dodge Caravan (1%) mention jerking or lurching. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1994 Dodge Caravan?
There are 0 recalls and 14 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1994 Dodge Caravan
Stalling 47No deployment 32Wipers 27Transmission failure 24ABS 23Power steering loss 15Airbag light 14Brake failure 12Loss of power 12Won't shift 11Door locks 10Overheating 10Seat belt 10Slipping 10Headlights 8Harsh shifting 6Tire blowout 6Ball joint 5Grinding brakes 5
VIN decoder
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