1996 Dodge Caravan: transmission slipping

Filed Dec 3, 2003 · Transmission · IN

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.

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Transmission · 98,750 miles · VA

Transmission experiencing 2nd gear slippage causing hesitation and degraded acceleration which is a safety issue for entering highway traffic.

Filed Mar 26, 2001 · Transmission · OH

Transmission was leaking, and then some time after that transmission was slipping to the point where vehicle would not move. Contacted dealer ,and then dealer was not willing to do anything.

Filed Mar 7, 2001 · Acceleration, Transmission · CA

While driving at approximately 60mph caravan began to slow down to about 40mph and did not want to accelerate when gas pedal was pushed down. Pulled off to side of road and put van in park. Waited a few minutes then put van in drive and tried to pull back onto shoulder. Van would not move and heard a squelling noise. Put van back in park. Tried again to pulle onto highway, this time it went into drive but seemed to be slipping or not fully engaged in gear. Finally made it to a service station a couple hundred yards from where I pulled off of the highway. Had van towed on flatbed to liberty dodge. Upon initial inspection of transmission found dip stick not properly seated/sealed in transmission. Liberty dodge suggested transmission be pulled and tore down for further inspection. When mechanic started to remove transmission noticed transmission mount busted loose from transmission case and transmission case cracked. Mechanic finished removing transmission fron van and reported to service manager transmission would have to be replaced due to mount being busted and case cracked. Van has only 44,292 miles on it. Service manager and mechanic could not tell me what or how the transmission mount or case could get cracked. Suggested maybe van had ran over something or hit a big pothole in road. Dealership would not pay any part of the replacement cost of transmission because they said the factory warranty was only 36,000 miles and the van had over 44,000 miles on it. Van was broadsided in may 1999 on drivers side. When it was hit it was parked. Was knocked approximately 4 to 6 ft up over a curb and stopped in a grassy area adjacent to parking spot. Had front door, front fender, door jam, replaced with realignment done. Approximately $4,000 to $5,000 damage. Wonder if this might have cracked the transmission case and it evevtually cracked enough to break the mount off and loosing all fluid then quitting altogether.

Filed Jan 30, 2001 · Transmission · MO

When driving transmission slips like it is in neutral. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer stated parts in transmission were broken which which caused the problem. Please provide any further details.

Filed Jun 26, 2000 · Lights, Transmission · FL

Vehicle has experienced failure of the transmission on two occasions, causing transmission slippage.

Filed Jan 3, 2000 · Acceleration, Transmission · NY

Transmission slips and shifts into gears at unusual speeds. At initial start up each day, car lurches into gear when shifted into reverse.

Filed Nov 17, 1999 · Transmission · NH

Transmission engages with loud and forceful "clunck', when engine is cold. Improves when warmed though. Transmission slips from one gear to next: also until vehicle warms up. Was able to drive vehicle "as is" by backing into parking space before shutting down for evening and did not report until january of 1998. Service was done at that time to "adjust bands" but did not correct problem. Have been trying to work with chrysler again, since october for repair, but vehicle is no longer under warranty. Condition is now deteriorating substantially and needs repair.

Filed Oct 19, 1998 · Transmission · VT

While driving gear pin slipped out at 30mhp and shot through the casing of the transmission. Manufaturer was contacted and told the consumer to have the dealer evaluate the situation, but no actions were taken.