1997 Dodge Caravan: complete transmission failure

Filed Jun 3, 2008 · Transmission, Visibility · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. Two weeks after the vehicle was purchased, the check engine light illuminated. The dealer stated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. Two weeks later, the transmission failed and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. They took three weeks to repair the vehicle and, before the contact could pay for the repairs, the new transmission failed. The dealer informed her that she would have to pay for any new repairs made to the vehicle at the cost of $900. While the vehicle was at the dealer for three weeks, someone in the service center caused the front windshield to crack. The mileage information and VIN were unknown.

Filed Nov 2, 2005 · Transmission · 151,000 miles · MA

Transmission failed, vermont, 2003. Replaced the transmission @ 114,152 miles - wilson dodge, vt - at 134,826 miles, transmission fluid leaking - had noticed clunking occasionally in reverse. Complained to the dealer -ira dodge, medford ma re: clunking: was informed that the leaking or tear down for clunking not covered under warranty - to be my expense - sound not easily repeatable - dealer stated $150 diagnostic charge. Argued with the service manager saying that the transmission was under warranty - he was not sympathetic. Convinced him to have his mechanic test drive the van after fixing the leak (which he indeed did - mileage out was 134828) august 2005 - mileage 148781 - loud bang while backing up in the hotel parking garage. Called mopar customer service at 800‑992‑1997 - date 8/20/05 - told that warranty was good in canada by rep; given the name of the montreal dealership - drove to dealership 8/21/05 (without incident); informed warranty not good in canada. Service manager drove the car. Unable to replicate problem. Drove home (worcester, ma.) no problems. Drove to the dodge dealer in worcester 8/23/05; transmission person was on vacation. Told that a diag would be $150, teardown my expense. Problem did not occur again. 10/27 - entire transmission locked - middle of busy prospect street in cambridge. Van would not move. Taken to the dodge dealership, 900 miles out of warranty. Ira dodge said could do nothing about discounting the labor. They asked me to contact mopar warranty. Called mopar service 11/2/05, told my story, no record of my call on 8/20/05. Transferred to a "senior staff agent" (eddie - employee #9ew) in the business office - he called the dealer while I was on hold. When he came back to the line he was no longer friendly, saying I was beyond my warranty and that dodge would not cover anything. Argued with "eddie", asked for supervisor. Eddie declined.

Filed Jun 3, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · MI

Dt: transmission: contact states vehicle had 28,000 miles when transmission went out. The transmission was rebuilt, and again at 50,000 the transmission went out, the transmission was again rebuilt. At about 70,000 the transmission failed again. Transmission service mechanic stated that these vans needed to be equipped with another cooling system. The transmission was rebuilt and another cooling system installed.*ak engine: contact states the oil warning light comes on even when the vehicle is full of oil. Three different mechanic shops said there is not enough oil pressure to keep oil on the bearings.

Filed Apr 21, 2005 · Transmission · 59,800 miles · AE

1997 dodge grand caravan suffered transmission failure.***no answer required***.*mr in jan 2005 the engine light illuminated after the vehicle was diagnosed, it was determined there was a problem with the torque converter. The consumer was told there was chance that replacing the fluid and filter might resolve the problem, the problem remained and now the transmission is slipping. The consumer was told the only recourse was to replace the transmission which would be for the second time.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · 65,226 miles · MI

The first time my transmission went out was when it had 29000 miles on it on october 1999.oakland dodge replaced the torq conferter and overhaul the transmission at their cost. The transmission went out again after a little over 36000 miles later and now they blamed it on a broken torq converter and put in a remanufactured transmission at my cost. Also this vehicle had 3 serpentine belts replaced in one year because of shredding. It is amazing to me how many people have problems with this vehicle and that there isn't a recall on their transmissions. I will never buy a dodge caravan again.

Filed Dec 11, 2003 · Transmission · 39,000 miles · IL

Transmission failed at 39,000 miles.

Filed May 29, 2002 · Transmission · MO

Transmission failed to go in reverse.

Filed Mar 15, 2002 · Transmission · IL

Transmission failed and was replaced, consumer feels the manufacturer is aware of the problem and should reimburse her for the replacement of the faulty product.

Filed Mar 12, 2002 · Airbags, Electrical · WI

Consumer states transmission is not engaging on cold start. Dealer replaced transmission.

Filed Nov 28, 2001 · Transmission · IL

Consumer states transmission failed, consumer paid $2,500 to replace sensor and transmission, manufacturer notified.

Filed Aug 6, 2001 · Electrical, Transmission · FL

Was driving vehicle when distributor bearings seized up and caused transaxle to loosen up. Transmission then failed. Vehicle is an all wheel drive. Towed to dealership. Mechanic indicated plug on transmission canister cap had melted. This happened at 78,000 miles. Had transmission replaced with new transmission. Problem reappeared in new transmission. Had previously smelled sulfur like fumes inside vehicle. Vehicle gave big jerk , and made a loud noise before coming to a stop. Also, noticed grayish smoke in rear. At dealership, mechanic noticed plug, made of plastic, had melted like the first one.*ak

Filed Aug 1, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · MD

Radiator leak causing anti freeze to enter transmission and cause complete transmission failure. $2100 repair after owning vehicle 1 year, total milage 58620. Seems to be a rather common problem. Please investigate