I have a 1998 dodge caravan with only 66,332 miles the problem's that have come up is first the transmission had a internal pin bust which caused several parts to come apart. This caused the transmissionto break, it had to be rebuilt on 2-17-04 with 61995 miles at the cost of $1685.25. The second problem is the air conditioning system had a failure with the evaporator which seems to be very comon according to several service centers that I have contacted outside the chrysler company. Which spitzer dodge wanted to charge $1100.00 to repair. I know the vehical is 6 years old but with the low milage I think this is a little uncalled for and though it should be reported.
1998 Dodge Caravan transmission complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 103, newest first, as owners wrote them.
When putting the car in reverse to leave for work, I heard a grinding noise. As I let the van run, the noise slowly stopped but the van wouldn't move. I talked to several people with caravans to see if this was common. And to my surprise, everyone said they had to replace/overhaul their transmission. I was informed to look at this site to see if any complaints matched mine and there was at least ten when I stopped counting. I notified dodge and they were of little help because they said my vehicle had 77,000 miles.
On august, 1, 1998, allen and anne mazerolle purchased a new 1998 dodge grand caravan se manufactured by chrysler from lee dodge in westbrook, maine. At the time of their purchase, neither the dealer nor chrysler provided any disclosure to the mazerolles concerning the differential transmission defect. In 2001, anne mazerolle was operating the chrysler minivan with her children in the vehicle. Without any advance warning, a thunderous noise occurred and the vehicle seized and the wheels locked in traffic. Mrs. Mazerolle telephoned chryslers authorized dealer, lee dodge, from the highway seeking assistance. Mrs. Mazerolle was informed that, while it was within three years of the vehicles purchase, the mileage exceeded the 36,000 mile limitation and the mazerolles were out of luck as to any warranty coverage. The mazerolles then inquired as to whether there was any recall or problems concerning the chrysler transmission. They were informed by the chrysler dealer that no such problems had been reported by chrysler and there was no recall concerning the transmission. In the emergency, the vehicle was towed from the highway to a transmission specialist, a&m transmission, in south portland, maine. Mrs. Mazerolle was informed by technicians that there was a serious defect in the transmission and that the pinion gear had seized to the pinion shaft and penetrated the bell housing of the transmission, resulting in the complete lock-up of the vehicles drive train and complete failure of the transmission. *ak *sc
Transmission failure at 115,000 miles.
I own a 1998 v6 dodge caravan. My wife was traveling on the interstate and the transmission literally blew apart. It was not merely a transmission failure, but the transmission case was destroyed along with the transmission. I have checked the transmission monthly since I purchased the van in 1999, and I have properly maintained and changed the fluid. The damage to my vehicle was $2,511.00.
Transmission failed at 80,000 miles. Also, engine head gasket was replaced two months ago.
Consumer noticed grinding sound in front end. Replaced brake pads, noise still exist. Service manager found that noise was coming from vehicle's transmission, and was replaced because inspection revealed that numerous parts had been damaged. *la
Emergency brakes inoperable, airbag light turns on, horn does not work, hard time removing key from ignition and I can go from "p" to "r" or "d" without pressing on the brakes (even if there is no key in the ignition).
Dealer replaced three times the automatic transmission in the last past two years at owner's expense.
Transmission ------------ sudden failure of all forward and reverse gears. Key off-on brings back forward drive for about 100 yards then fails again. No reverse gear at all. Computer diagnostic indicates 3 transmission errors related to shifting. Sensors look ok. Shop had to rebuild transmission at a cost of over $2,000. Brakes ------ extremely excessive wear of front brake pads. Must be replaced at least once a year now. First time it occurred it destroyed one brake rotor -- had to replace that. Now, at the first sign of brake squeal I must check and replace the pads as they are close to wearing out. Generally get less than 15,000 miles per set.
Transmission not properly shifting in 2 nd gears. Air conditioning stills blows semi-warm air. Sway bars replaced.
Six different cases of mechanical problems the vehicle experienced. Problems with head gasket, the transmission twice and three times on the flywheel. *la the mechanic found that the bolts on the flywheel and the torque converter were loose. *sc the consumer was informed that the vehicle was known to have problems with the crankshaft, which causes the flywheel to break off, the consumer was told the crankshaft was out of round, which caused the problem.
While driving at 15 MPH and turning to the left, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician stated that the automatic transmission needed to be replaced. *ak the consumer wanted to know what the criteria was for issuing a recall. *scc
1998 dodge grand caravan se id#1b4gp44gowb500517 with under 100,000 miles ended the life of the transmission with a loud metalic clunk.
Vehicle fire caused from defective transmission system. *mr (under sized transmissions, inadequate sized cooling lines and internal parts) the transmissions did not last over and average of 25k miles and had to be replaced more than once at times. While driving, the dash showed everything being, normal, the vehicle suddenly started to smoke. The transmission was not responsive. The transmission dripped balls of flames. *scc
Transmission failed at 63,000 on the highway, on a cold day, 90 miles from home when I had my children, ages 2 and 5 in the van. This is supposed to be a family vehicle! It should be reliable and safe. I've always had toyotas and hondas and put 200,000 miles on them with no transmission failure. The public is being dumped by daimler chrysler into thinking that replacing transmissions is a normal part of vehicle ownership. I just had to spend $2800 to fix a vehicle that is worth about $7000. I've recently learned that many, many people have had this same problem and that caravans are notorious for bad transmissions and motor failure in under 100,000 miles. If they are going to market family vehicles they should be safe and reliable!
Total transmission failure. We drove to nj from our house, no problems, noises or warnings parked the car and 1/2 hour later go in the car and car would not move either back or forth. Had car towed to mechanic and next day he told me I needed a new transmission, I was shocked, so decide to get a 2nd opinion, took car to amaco , they diagnosed also that a needed new transmission or rebuild transmission. I was going away on vacation on friday , so had no options but fix transmission which cost me $2,021.25. I was glad it didnt brake while we were driving in the highway and no one got hurt. I asked the people at amaco , what made the transmission just die, at 81,525 miles and they told me is a very common problems with this particular car, so I decide to research and found out that they were right, by your own records of complaints. So, I hope the manufacturer will do something about it or be forced to do so. I also found out that there were other recalls that I was never notified about, such as seat belts and fuel system problems.
Problems with fuel rail on 1998 dodge caravan. *mr the consumer had taken the vehicle in for a recall repair for the fuel line in which the dodge dealer repaired it, but there was a continued leak that had come from the engine. The consumer then took the vehicle to good year who replaced the faulty line to stop the leak, and all the dealer did was place a stronger clamp around the leaking line. The consumer was denied a refund, because an authorized dealer did not perform the work. Recall#00v268000 *scc. The consumer also stated the transmission had to be replaced.
On my way home from the dealership I heard a noise in the front end when I arrived home I called a mechanic the next day. He looked at my van on that monday to find the stabilizer bar broke and zippity strip to the strut which was also bad. The dealer let me drive 180 miles with my son in the vehicle, and the front end was like this. The following week I was driving down the road and white smoke started to come from the vents so I returned to the mechanic and paid $105.00 to have freon with dye ran through my system to find the evaporator was bad and needed replaced, which would cost at least $860.00. Then at 36 days of ownership and only 64000 miles the constant velocity joint is bad and a new transaxle is going to have to be put in this week. I have called the dealership where it was purchased and all they can say is were sorry we got the vehicle in 2 days prior to my purchase and was never inspected, there money was more important than me and my son. I then called the daimler chrysler corporation where they were rude and said there is no recalls on your vehicle theres nothing we can do for you. I know from some research there has been a big problem with the evaporators on chrysler products. Please help me I do not know what else to do. This is the van I will be driving my two sons to school in, I starting to wonder how safe we will be.
Transmission failure at 60,400 miles that resulted in having to replace the transmission.
I have a 1998 dodge caravan with a transmission problem at 65,000 miles with a cost of repair at $2140.00, the dealer telling me I have a 15% off total cost to fix. An actual replacement is a $2600.00, a rebuilt at the cost of 2,140.00. A complaint has been made with chrysler, with no response from them as yet. The dealer said the would contact the zone mgr, but not available for me for at least a week. When I asked why this would happen, the dealer did reply, well, the van is 5 years old. Meaning? A disposable van at 5 years or 50,000 which ever comes first. Ridiculous!
I have a 1998 dodge caravan sport with 57000 miles. Today 7/2/03 the transmission failed, it appears that the casting cracked due to an internal failure. I know of two other owners of the same year van that had the same problem. I contacted the chrysler district office and was told I was out of luck..
The air bag light illuminated, which caused the horn and cruise control to be inoperative. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the drivers side frontal air bag had to be repaired. *nlm. Also the transmission down shifted hard *ts
1998 dodge grand caravan sport (68,000 miles) driven on dry pavement on a clear day at speed limit or below (45mph zone) threw differential pin through transmission housing, destroying transmission. Vehicle was transported to dealer and assessed. Repair cost (new transmission) stated to be $3,445. This vehicle was purchased new from herb gordon dodge of silver spring, md. Research indicates that this is a recurring problem with this make and model of chrysler produced vehicle.
Bought used 1998 dodge caravan in june 2002 with 42k miles. Heard noise in engine in october 2002 and took to independent mechanic. Said transmission was bad. Transmission went out while traveling to work in april 2003. Only has 59,500 miles on it.
We bought the dodge caravan se in 1998. Last year, when the vehicle was around 30,000 miles, the car was starting to have problem on shifting. It sometimes locked on the 2nd gear and wouldn''t go faster. After we turned off the engine and restarted, it was all ok again. On feb 21st, 2003 while we were driving on the highway, the transmission gave up and broke. The whole family was stranded, as the vehicle wouldn''t move at all. The vehicle had only 42,000 miles on it and only 6000 miles after the warranty expired. I therefore contacted the chrysler support. They replied plainly that it is my responsibility because it has passed the warranty. I then purchased a remanufactured transmission from phoenix remanufactured transmission in arizona and had kuan''s auto repair, an ase certified repair shop in st. Paul, fix it. I went on and conduct an extended research on chrysler''s transmission. There has to be something wrong if a brand new transmission would broke in 42000 miles. The result of the research is astounding: chrysler had this type of the transmission since 1988 and it is a design flaw in the transmission. The worst part is, chrysler knew about it since beginning and did nothing about it. Thousands of people have the same problem with this type of transmission (a604 41te) on dodge, plymouth, chrysler brands of mini vans. Chrysler''s ignorance to the problem continues to jeopardize the safety of thousands of families with this defected transmission on their mini vans. A mini van is a family car and thousands of mothers and children depend on it. It is time for chrysler to put the safety and quality on their priority and pay for the cost to fix those faulty transmissions.
A humming noise could be heard from the transmission. The transmission also started to slip and the vehicle would jerk forward when the gears were changed.
1998 dodge caravan: (1.)twice in the past two years "flex plate" between the engine and transmission has failed breaking in the center imitating the sound of a failing main bearing. Under 100,000 miles. (2.) transmission failed 100,000 mi., (3.)wiring harness caught fire while engine running - destroyed harness. (sparks shooting out from beneath vehicle - fire extinguished before major damage @ 110,000 miles. ,000 mi. ( 4.) headlight lens plastic turned milky and inhibits proper light projection - difficult to see well at night even when lights are on bright.
I purchased my vehicle in 2000. Two months later my transmission went. 16 months after that my motor went. I had to let my vehicle sit for nine months not being able to drive it and yet still making payments on it before I could afford to replace to the motor. So 3 weeks ago I had the motor replaced and now my transmission has gone again. Supposedly it was replaced with a factory rebuilt transmission the first time around. This seriously upsets me that the transmission has gone again. I still owe 2 and 1/2 years of payments on this vehicle and I am back to I cannot drive it again because I cannot afford to get it fixed. I was told of some factory problem with the transmissions and I wondered if this could be the reason that my vehicle is out of commission again. For the amount of money this used vehicle is costing me I would have been better off to buy a new one. The vehicle is a 1998 dodge caravan.
I was driving down the highway at 60 MPH when I heard a loud noise and my car shook. I pulled over and looked for a flat. There wasn't one. My power train differential pin went through the casing rendering my transmission useless, it had to be towed to the shop. The repair bill is $2500 for a new transmission. The transmission repair shop said this is very common on these vans. A search on the web revealed they usually blow out between 60,000-70,000 miles. This is a major flaw in the transmission. A phone call to chrysler was useless.8jb
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Dodge Caravan?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history