1996 Dodge Caravan: complete transmission failure

Filed Apr 1, 2004 · Fuel system, Transmission · 76,000 miles · NC

While driving the vehicle suddenly accelerated and wouldn't reverse. There was a loud noise coming from underneath the hood. The dealership indicated that the transmission failed. Also, there was a fuel leak. The dealership replaced the filler neck front seal. *ak the transmission was replaced. *

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 Jul 10, 2002 · Transmission · NJ

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.

Filed May 10, 2002 · Transmission · MI

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

Filed Mar 16, 2002 · Acceleration, Airbags · MI

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.

Filed Jul 31, 2001 · Electrical, Steering · VA

Clockspring "broke" airbag light came on and horn/cruise control would not work . Replaced, but same symptoms are happening again. Transmission failed and was replaced. I found this has happened in so many minivans made by chrysler.

Filed Jun 28, 2001 · Transmission · AZ

Transmission failure.

Filed Jun 20, 2001 · Transmission · MA

Complete transmission failure without warning. Repair shop says the only fix is complete overhall or replacement at a cost of about $1,850.00. With only 41,000 miles on this vehicle, one would expect some compensation from the manufacturer since they have been well aware of these early transmission failures on these caravans for quite a while.

Filed Mar 23, 2001 · Transmission · OH

Transmission failed twice once at 38,000 miles and again 130,000 miles due to a harden pin that went into transmission , snapped off and failed. Manufacturer used this hard pin instead of rolled type pin. Consumer felt this was a safety defect because transmission failed without warning, and there were no replacement parts available.*ak consumer had taken vehicle to dealer due to putting it in park and it starting to roll, dealer stated everything was okay, however 7000 miles later transmisison failed, consumer went to put it in drive and there was a grinding noise, vehicle just stopped, transmission was replaced and 92000 miles later transmission failed again, consumer has had 3 of the same vehicles and they hav all experienced transmission failures, consumer is requesting reimbursement.

Filed Feb 27, 2001 · Engine · MA

On friday, february 16, 2001, I was on my way home from work and without any prior indication my the engine in my vehicle stopped running. I had been on the highway going the speed limit (65mph) and all of the sudden the engine stopped. I tried to stop but my brakes did not work and I tried to pull off the side of the road and had no steering. The vehicle was towed by aaa to willard's auto for them to look at it. They found that the casing for the transmission was destroyed and was unable to salvage it. I have to replace the transmission which is costing over $2,000.

Filed Feb 9, 2001 · Transmission · MD

Transmission failed completely. Problem is epidemic with 6-cylinder equipped caravans. Our 1991 caravan has had the transmission rebuilt three times!! I believe this should be a recall and the manufacturer should be held responsible for all costs incurred as a result of this defect.

Filed Feb 6, 2001 · Acceleration, Airbags · IN

I was pulling out of a parking lot from a stop and the transmission went out. We had no warning whatsoever.the transmission cost us $1800. To replace. The air conditioner has been nothing but problems, we had a new compressor put in and have had the freeon replaced several different times. The clock spring which controls the airbag,cruise control and horn quit working and cost us $200. To have fixed.