1998 Dodge Caravan: complete transmission failure

Filed Apr 11, 2006 · Transmission · 73,000 miles · KY

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40mph, the transmission began leaking fluid. The dealer determined the transmission failed due to a pin lost inside the transmission. The dealer recommended replacing the transmission.

Filed Feb 12, 2005 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · OH

Transmission failed at 86000 miles. The transaxle was perforated by broken pin. The 2nd transmission at the transmission shop could not be installed because of a crack in housing due to same problem. Transmission #3 that was installed lasted about 3 months and failed in the same manner. #4 could not be installed because it arrived with a crack in housing due to same problem. I now have transmission #5 installed in this vehicle. The failure is a pin in the transaxle becoming loose and flying out at a high rate of speed.the pin then creates a hole in the transmission case and allows fluid to escape causing transmission failure. The pin is usually stopped by the transmission case but it is only a matter of time before one flies out and injures somebody. Roll pin that secures gear pin is breaking. This is a manufacturing defect. Total cost of repairs was $1950.00.

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Transmission · 85,506 miles · OH

While driving at low speeds transmission failed. This caused the vehicle to stall. Consumer had the vehicle towed. Then, dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak. Transmission was replaced twice, but problem recurred.

Filed Apr 4, 2004 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · MD

Transmission failure at 115,000 miles.

Filed Mar 12, 2004 · Transmission · 104,000 miles · IA

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.

Filed Mar 9, 2004 · Airbags, Electrical · 77,950 miles · NY

Air bag light will not go off. Lost use of horn. Replaced transmission in february 2003, this car is terrible. Mechanic advised me that the clock spring is off, suggested I take it to the dealer. I will do so and am purchasing a new car. Do not feel safe riding with kids in car.

Filed Feb 25, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 80,000 miles · NY

Transmission failed at 80,000 miles. Also, engine head gasket was replaced two months ago.

Filed Oct 20, 2003 · Transmission · 63,820 miles · ME

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!

Filed Sep 14, 2003 · Transmission · 81,525 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jul 14, 2003 · Transmission · 60,600 miles · MN

Transmission failure at 60,400 miles that resulted in having to replace the transmission.

Filed Jul 3, 2003 · Transmission · 57,500 miles · NY

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..

Filed Jun 6, 2003 · Transmission · 68,000 miles · MD

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.