My speedometer is moving eratically back and forth.
1997 Dodge Caravan transmission complaints
Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 133, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving the overdrive transmission failed causing the van to suddenly begin to loose power due to poor construction and design, as the consumer continued to depress the accelerator the vehicle continued to slow down until it would no longer move. Nlm
The vehicle transmission needs to be replaced/overhauled for the second time, the consumer is requesting assistance for the cost of the repair. Nlm
We have already fixed the transmission three times and this will be the fourth. We have had a breakdown a year after the first repair. Exactly a year later it breaks down again. Then eight months later it breaks down for a third time. Now exactly a year later it breaks down for a fourth time. They insinuate it is our driving but then this should have happened with all of the cars we have owned. We are not careless or inexperienced drivers. Who would be responsible the manufacturer or the repair company (in this case aamco)?
Vehicle was placed into park so that consumer could exit vehicle. When consumer began to exit from vehicle transmission gear had slipped out of park into reverse gear, and vehicle began rolling. Dodge has not been contacted.
Was driving vehicle when it started to lose power. Gears were not shifting properly. Then would regain power. Computer was going off. Took to mechanic, and was informed cylinder head gasket was causing problem, and it could be repaired.*ak the head gasket was determined defective by the mechanic. Water was leaking into the engine causing the computer to malfunctions.
3 speed (non aod) transmission failed while trying to pull out of driveway. Teardown revealed massive internal failure.
While traveling at 55 MPH engine immediately shifted down to 25 MPH, and consumer could not go over 30mph. Took vehicle to dealer, and transmission/ engine mounts had to be replaced. There were no recalls for this defect.
While accelerating transmission failed without warning. Nlm
Ongoing problem with transmission not engaging in reverse when weather is cold. Notified dealer, and had some repairs done at an independent shop. But, problem still reoccurring. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Lemon of a caravan - serpentine belt has freyed at the following milage points: 14138, 14661, 47724, 48333, 51280, 97143, 105647. Ghost whipers at the following mile points: 17606, 47724, 105647. Transmission rebuilt at the following mile points: 27000, 78868. Luckly for us our dealer was understanding of our problems, but only after going to the service manager, and getting on a first name basis with the shop manager (who was tired of seeing our van in his shop every few months if not less). I have 24 instances of my van going into the shop, some instances having service bulletins. Our latest adventure is yet another serpentine belt with the new dealership in bellevue, wa saying that the altinator bracket is misaligned. Also, my drivers side sliding door will nolonger open. The new dealership stated that it needs to be taken to a body shop? I've had my van for almost 4 years, and when it's not in the shop, it acts like a good van, but that only lasts for at most 3 to 4 months at a time. My van was also a demo and was purchased with 5,822 miles on the odometer.
Transmission was replaced. Nlm
Car was parked in my driveway, as I started car and put in to reverse drivebig noise (thump) came from engine. It would not move in any gear. Called tow truck have it towed to auto shop guy at auto shop diagnosed engine, transmission problem. Nothing was wrong when I parked my car. This is a very comon problem with chrysler minivan. My neighbour had same problem with plymouth (which is a similar model) at very low milage 40k.
Just don't understand how a transmission can die after three years os services . I have had other chrysler cars that last for 9years and no problems. Some how I need to find out if there is a problem with transmissions . I have heard of other people complaining about thier transmissions as well. I f you can give me any help in trying to get chrysler to replace this with no charge it would be much appreciated.
Had brake trouble; told needed new master cylinder at same time told needed new transmission.... When I asked why both would need replaced so soon, dealer said "these things happen"; both issues could have LED to major safety issue. I use this vehicle to transport my two children, both under age 4; then dealer failed to correct brake problem (left air in the lines) which LED to brakes continuing to lock... Another major safety issue! I was told the calipers needed to be replaced as well... But brakes continued to lock until they finally discovered air in the brake lines! I thought this might be an isolated incident until I checked with colleagues who also own caravan with similar problems... Checked the federal safety agency web site and was shocked at the number of similar complaints!
Parking brake cable failed. Nlm
When putting car in park it made a funny noise, consumer put it in reverse ,and it would not move. Consumer had car towed to dealer. Mechanic said it was transmission, and bits of pieces of metal was everywhere, like it had exploded.
Gasket failed causing oil leak.
Consumer was traveling about 35mph on street. Transmission was replaced by warranty because transmission was making grinding noise, and gears would jerk when put in place. Vehicle would not go into reverse, and there was no power in any of the gears.
Transmission jumped out of gear while driving along the highway. The brake shoes were rubbed into the drum so badly that the drums had to be replaced. No indication of brake wear, noise, or stopping prior to this event.
While driving less than 30 MPH serpentine belt tensioner pulley broke, causing all power steering to be lost. Van was towed to the dealership, where the belt tensioner assembly and power steering pulley was replaced at owner's expense. Dealership stated that this was a common problem,and happened all the time. Owner very concerned for the safety of himself and others. *ak transmission jerks while taking off from stop. A/c does not cool enough.
I feel this vehicle should have a recall on some of the problems it has. They are defenitely a major factor in safety. I hope these problems are fixed in the newer modles because most people purchase mini-vans for their family or company vehicle. Therefore, this particular vehicle I feel could probably fall under the lemon law. Or, manufactors are just making a big profit and are not considering the safety of their drivers. I would like to see them put their family in a vehicle with the problems mine has and quarantee their safety.
I contacted dodge and was told this was not a common problem, however since my transmission failed, I have heard from several people that dodge has this problem with their minivans between 75,000 and 85,000 miles. I even spoke to a mechanic at a dodge dealership who said that it is fairly common.
Vehicle well maintained, was reported today to need major transmission seals and gaskets replaced due to leaks and stress cracks. With only 44,300 this repair bill will cost around $700.seems dodge is having problems with the transmissions because of the 5 other issues 5 of our friends and relatives had with transmission problems. Do you have others who have contacted you with simular problems?
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Vehicle will top out at 30 MPH and not accel and continue with little power until vehicle "warms up". Chrysler contacted but little help. Tried to get problem diagnosed by dealership and told me at least $200 diagnostic fee. Have been told by independent mechanic that problem with torque converter shaving off metal and distributing it throughout engine clogging engine and causing problem.
The coil pack caught on fire and melted.
I took my car in for repair on 3/6/00-dealer could not even diagnosis problem for 5 days. Finally told me that the transmission was gone. Did repairs which took a total of 8 days and charged me almost $2300.00. I reas in consumer report re: the dodge caravan having issues with the transmission going out way before its time, and that the 97 caravans may have defective tranis-so I followed up with a call to the main office and spoke to someone named coleen phelps today at 800‑992‑1997 and she said she knew nothing about that, and these sort of out of warranty issues are dealt with on a individual basis- she put me on hold for a couple minutes and came back and said that-since my vehicle is way out of warranty they would not help me with any of the cost that I had to endure. I explained that it is still not even 100%-it still does not shift properly and I had to pay for 8 days of a rental car last time it was in-do you guys compensate with a vehicle while re-looking at the problem-she said that it is doubtful. But I can ask the dealer-in other words they are not big on keeping customers. My company purchased 4 1997 dodge caravans and all of them have had transmission jobs at least once-some twice-we will no longer purchase any more doge vehicles for this company.
Came home from a long trip, pulled up in the driveway, put gear in reverse and it made a loud bang noise. Kept foot on gas pedal, and transmission wouldn't shift. Tried it in drive and same thing happened. Contacted dealer. Dealer had the transmission replaced for the third time. Manufacturer was willing to pay for parts only.
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