While shifting gears transmission down shifted on its own. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic replaced speed sensor.
1996 Dodge Caravan transmission complaints
Page 2 of 7: complaints 11 to 40 of 184, newest first, as owners wrote them.
We purchased our 1996 caravan new and we have had to replace the transmission 3 times (of those 1 time was rebuilt under manufacturer warranty) the last time we had rebuilt was in may 2003 and is already starting to act up again, it is slipping in first gear (between 10-35 MPH). We have had the fuel pump replaced twice; we are now having problems with gasoline smell coming from under hood. The timing belt just broke this week. We have numerous oil leaks; we are averaging 3-4 quarts of oil per week; we had one mechanic put dye in the oil and he had us drive it for a few days and then checked it and stated there was 4-5 oil leaks and we would be better off to buy a new car; and we have been told this by several mechanics due to the multple problems we have had. We have also had several problems with air conditioner; and the serpentine belt broke several times under warranty and just had to replace it again this week along with the timing belt and cam seals. We had about 2 pages of of warranty work done and right after warranty ran out it went down hill from there. We also had to replace the clock spring and 6 months later there was a recall on the clock spring and now I cannot find my receipt. We are very unhappy with this vehicle and it has more problems than we can count and we very dissappointed that we paid over $18000 for a vehicle and had to put approx more than $4000 in unneccesary repairs that should have never happened. We have been told by several mechanics that the transmissions in these caravans are junk and there aer always problems with them and this doesnt seem very fair to us as consumers because we put out trust into dodge/chrysler corp and we ended up with a lemon. Last year I sent an email to chryler and explained the problems and they basicly just blew us off, of course because it wasnt there problem now since the warranty was expired, I will say this I will never buy another chrysler product again.
Lower left ball joint failed without warning during low speed (2 MPH) driving, causing the wheel to fall off, also destroying part of the sway bar and the left drive shaft. At highway speed, such a failure would have resulted in complete loss of control. The vehicle was in the dealership the prior day for routine maintenance and the dealership also performed state safety inspection four months prior. There was no evidence of ball joint wear or damage prior to the failure.
Consumer stated that while pulling from a stop vehicle felt like it was in neutral. Vehicle was towed to dealer. Dealer stated it was a problem with the driveshaft.
Transmission locked up and went out on my dodge caravan. We will need to have the transmission replaced in order to continue to drive this vehicle. Luckily we were able to pull over for safety on a major highway. We always pay attention to the upkeep of our vehicles and service them regularly.
Failure of transmission.
The consumer heard a rattle in the engine. The consumer was told the cover in front of the engine was removed and the tensioner bearing had fallen apart. The timing belt and tensioner was replaced. There was a delay in the shift, and the consumer had to take his foot off of the gas to get the shift up. When the transmission was cold, it would delay engaging in reverse from park. Scc
Transmission experiencing 2nd gear slippage causing hesitation and degraded acceleration which is a safety issue for entering highway traffic.
Consumer states while driving the vehicle without warning the vehicle would lose power when it rains. Consumer states the steering wheel would lock up. Ts
While driving the motor cuts off without warning. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Ts
The transmission on my 1996 dodge caravan has failed again for the third time. It was replaced once in 1997 at 7,000 miles by chrysler. It was reconditioned in 2000 at 56,000 miles by chrysler. The most recent failure at 81,000 miles in december of 2002. Chrysler refuses to acknowledge a problem with the transmission and refuses to perform any "good will" repairs.
While driving in cold weather the vehicle will not change gears. Also after the vehicle was parked over night it hesitated when moving into the reverse gear then abruptly engaged. *ph
While driving approximately 30mph on highway the transmission shifted itself into neutral without warning. Dealer advised that the transmission "blew up". Ts
Consumer states that the transmission pop out of reverse, the air bag light comes on when turning a corner. Please provide any additional infomation. Ts
The consumer states that while driving at highway speeds, he stopped at a rest area and the vehicle started smoking. Transmission fluid started to come out of the fill tube. The transmission and the torque converter was replaced.
Transmission fluids were leaking from underneath transmission. Dealer was notified and made repairs. Feel free to provide any further information.
Transmission would not shift properly while driving. Dealer notified, and made the repairs. Feel free to provide any further information.
I have reviewed alot of websites and it seems there have been alot of transmission problems reported on this model of car. Some could have LED to accidents, while our car so far involves only transmission fluid leakeage and occasional noise. But, I am afraid this may be prelude to a full failure. It seems prudent to consider a general recall on the transmission since there seem to have been so many complaints posted on the internet. Even our auto mechanic was well aware of the problem and suggested that we complain to the dealer and see if they would be nice enough to honor some type of compensation!
While driving transmission jumps from 1st gear to 2nd gear, causing vehicle to decelerate suddenly.transmission was repaired by an independent mechanic previously; however, problem has reoccurred. Please provide further information.
Car was stopped at an intersection. Just as I started forward, there was a loud bang and the car stopped. The axle broke as soon as torque was applied to it. Luckily I was on a slope and was able to roll the car back off the road. I got the car towed to a repair shop, whose owner stated that broken axles were "a common problem with caravans". I had the dealer check for recalls or service bulletins; there weren't any outstanding on this car. Dealer was sympathetic but did not offer any adjustment.
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.
While driving, transmission drops out of drive and kicks out of gears.*ak
While driving transmission drops out of drive, keeps kicking out of gears.
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.*ak
Airbag light came on and stayed on, no horn or cruise control. A few days later I read about chrysler minivans being investigated because of faulty clockspring assemblies. After reading that, I called our dealer and asked if there was a recall on it. None! This is definitely a safety issue. No airbag, no horn means dangerous driving conditions. We had to pay to have the part replaced. After reading through 96 complaints about this part on your website, I thought I would add my complaint. Chrysler paid for our new transmission, but we had to pay labor. Also paid for the new elect. For AC knob.
Consumer, without warning, shifted vehicle into reverse, and vehicle shook, causing vehicle to shutdown.
Second failure at 83,310 miles on 2/1/02 at 65-75mph on interstate highway.
The norn does not work/ cruise control does not work, and air bag light stays on, parking brake light turns on every time you turn the wheel to the left! Windshield wipers come on and off when they please, we have had the transmission replaced at 68,000 miles, we were told that we cannot pass inspection at our military base overseas until this safety feature is fixed!
Transmission breakdown caused the engine to shut down, consumer feels there is inferior material used in the pin, the consumer is asking for a refund for repairs and other expenses.
Shear pin pulled out and got caught in spider gears. This caused transmission and rear end to go out on vehicle. Contacted dealer. Please add VIN.
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