2003 Dodge Caravan transmission problems

Filed Jan 19, 2018 · Steering, Transmission · 36,000 miles · WA

I had already sent info to dol (below) on 03 caravan I from unlicensed dealer michael rankin. Please see complaint form inattachment -it's too long to add. They're in process of charging michael rankin on 12 counts for different vehicles sold,and asessing monetary fines. I have done transmission repairs to this postal fleet vehicle.according to experienced mechaniss at 32,300 miles the transmission had already been rebuilt -improperly. I'm complaining because I was stuck on fast moving arterial with leaking transmission (unsafe condition) because of improper repairs ,and could not move the vehicle in conjested traffic 1621-72nd st east,tacoma,wa 98404. Vehicle was stationary at that moment and at another different time when driving.this is the unsafe part. The mechanic charged me approximately $1500 and also told me it had transmission already rebuilt and (4) loose bolts on pump seal, also had a "pre owned" used? Wrecking yard torque converter which was painted black indicating the rebuild ocurred. He also stated how the 2 front half shafts (axels) were worn out and I had to replace those, about $250. It has bad power steering pump-and groaning noises currently (unsafe condition) just like when I got it (32.3k miles) vehicle has a bad air conditioner not unsafe. *I have jpeg photos and receips for parts,axels, transmission repair and fluid I had to buy to keep fluid in transmission. Please see attachment for complaint sent to washington dol , josh is the contact.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · DE

I have read time and time again about the power train module or computer going out on the dodge 2003 caravans and shouldn't this be a recall by now? The van runs beautiful but will stop at any time while driving! Why do we have to wait for so many people to die before it is a recall? I want my van fixed but knowing this has been and still is a problem with dodge and they should be held accountable!

Filed Aug 17, 2011 · Engine, Fuel system · 95,968 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. The contact stated while traveling 50 MPH the accelerator was depressed, but the vehicle failed to maintain current speed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic. The manufacturer had not been contacted, and the vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 95,968 and the current mileage was 95,974. Updated 9/13/11 *cn the consumer stated the problem was with the fuel injection harness which were bare and hitting the intake manifold. Also, the o2 sensor and AC compressor needs to be replaced. Updated 10/31/11

Filed Sep 16, 2008 · Electrical, Steering · NM

Serpentine belt slipping. I have owned several year models of caravan and have found this problem to be constant with all. During rain or other water on the road condition, the serpentine belt slips enough to interfere with vehicle operations until the water is displaced from the belt. If a driver is not paying close attention or is using the cruise control at the time, the driver could lose control of the power steering, electrical problems with the alternator, or lose of engine power to the drive axles. This item should be studied and remedied to prevent future occurrences. If the fix can be retrofitted to previous years, the manufacturer should provide the repairs at no cost to the owner. This condition began with the purchase date through today. This problem is not contained to one engine size.

Filed May 14, 2008 · Transmission · 720,000 miles · FL

Car has been making loud "pop" sounds when steering wheel is turned to the left. The sound is not continuous. It may not happen again for another 2-3 weeks. Car continues to drive until it happens again within another week or two. It came to complete halt while turning in my driveway on may 10th 2008. Towed car to firestone sunday may 11th and on monday may 12th was told that they could not hear any sounds when driven and could see nothing wrong from inspection. Knocking sounds could possibly mean transmission. My car was driven home from firestone by my brother-in-law who also did not hear any sounds. Sounds occur randomly when you least expect. On wednesday may 14th my brother who works at a ford dealership drove it to work for a second opinion they too can see nothing wrong with the car. I am very frightened to drive this car fairing the worst is yet to come. First occurrence was on april 22nd 2008.

Filed Apr 29, 2008 · Airbags, Engine · 18,380 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. While attempting to turn the vehicle at 5 MPH, the contact heard a sound for the first ten minutes of driving, and then it would stop. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer, but the failure persists. The failure mileage was 18,380. Updated 05/20/08. *lj the consumer had problems with the power steering, transmission, rear lights that were hanging, the rear wiper came off, the sliding door did not shut properly. The clockspring was replaced. The engine light was on, the water pump was coming apart the valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket were leaking. Updated 05/20/08.

Filed Aug 10, 2007 · Transmission · 9,365 miles · WA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. While his spouse was driving 70mph, the gear box lit up and the vehicle shut off. The contact immediately merged the vehicle to the side of the road and was able to restart it. After shifting in reverse, the vehicle drove forward. The dealer could not duplicate the problem. The failure continued to occur. The failure mileage was 9,365 and the current mileage was 39,000.

Filed Feb 20, 2007 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · 00

After auto repair shop change the transmission fluid in my 2003 dodge caravan with 3.3l engine (at around 45,000 miles), there is very rough downshifting of the transmission. They used mopar oem transmission fluid and filter. The problem is especially visible when downshifting from 4th to 3rd gear. There was also a little beat rough downshifting before car came to stop, so I believe between the 2nd and 1st gear. This a common problem, and I do not feel safe when it occurs, because the wheels can spin on the wet or snowy roads. Definitely it should be recalled, since a lot of people complain about the same problem on the internet: "the problem you described is called "bump shift" and is pretty common with the 604/41te. Depending on the year, the TCM may need "flashed" or the solenoid pack may be faulty. You'll need to see the dealer to check the TCM, while your there you can get the codes checked.", "the trans controller will take for ever to do a relearn on its own. You will get to the point of dumping it in the river before the bump shift will go away. Basically it is a 4th to 3rd gear downshift bump, and the quickest way to get rid of it is to have your dealer do a quicklearn on the trans control module. Takes all of 45 seconds to reset the transmission controller and give it a new set of baseline values. Do not add any aftermarket additives to the transmission fluid.", "had the same problem. They had to replace the electronic shifting module. Fixed the problem and was covered under warranty." additional information from many drivers complaining about the same problem can be found on: http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_599921/tm.htm.

Filed Apr 18, 2006 · Transmission · 26,000 miles · OK

My caravan has some kind of transmission problem. When it starts to mess up it will not change gears when I am driving or will shut down as I am driving (65 MPH). It has been happening for a year and has been to the shop many (5+) times. It is in the shop right now in johnsons of chickasha,oklahoma(405‑222‑2062) say they can fix it but I don't believe they can. David stanly in midwest city has tried too.

Filed Jan 12, 2006 · Brakes, Transmission · 46,000 miles · AZ

Dt: the contact stated when depressing the brake pedal it went all the way to the floor. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, where the master cylinder was replaced, which fixed the vehicle temporarily. The brakes completely failed a second time a month after the master cylinder was replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The master cylinder was replaced again. The vehicle was driven for two weeks before the brakes failed a third time. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where the master cylinder and the auto transmission were replaced. The contact was not having transmission problems when the brake failure occurred, but the dealer replaced it in an effort to alleviate the braking problems. While driving home from the dealership the brakes failed once again. In four incidents of brake failure speed or road conditions did not appear to play a part.