1990 Dodge Grand Caravan: complete transmission failure

Filed Nov 20, 2002 · Transmission · FL

This vehicle has had a problem transmission since it was driven away from the dealership. The "lurching" motion made by the transmission was reported to the dealer immediately and repeatedly. The dealer insisted that the transmission was normal and refused to repair it. In october 1991 the transmission failed while we were in tennessee and witnessed by the dodge dealership in sieverville, tn. Upon return to florida. The dodge dealer in coral springs replaced the transmission. (or so we were told) the 2nd transmission worked for 5 years and had to be replaced in september of 1996. That transmission was a problem immediately but the dealer refused to repair it. While in wash. Dc in july 1997, the car would not downshift. The engine kept racing and only stoped when I turned off the car. The dodge dealer in wdc said that by turning off the engine we cleared the computer and they could find nothing wrong with the car. The third transmission was eventually replaced and now I have had to have two repairs on the fourth transmission. Currently the vehicle lurches and jerks suggesting that there are more transmission problems. I feel that the transmission is dangerous and could cause someone to lose control of their car. Dt

Filed Oct 7, 2000 · Transmission · MN

A604 transmission failed within 3000 miles after purchase. Completely rebuilt in oct., 1997. Mileage at failure, approx. 82,000. Prior history unknown. Transmission again failed at a little over 122,000 miles. Again, completely overhauled. Spoke with manager of transmission shop, who informed me of countless failures of this transmission type, and that although it was good for his business, he knew of major design flaws within the a604, and its successor, a606. In fact, he had three other vehicles, with mileages ranging from 32,000 to 65,000, all with the same failures. This vehicle has also had the half-axles replaced, three times on the passenger side, twice on the drivers side, and seem to be related to the transmission problems. After researching this transmission on the internet, it is readily apparent that chrysler/dodge has a fundamental, known latent defect in the design of this transmission. I have spent more on the transmission overhauls ($3000) and the half-axles ($1000) than I paid for the van. Respectfully request that the federal safety agency agressively pursue the issue of this expensive, recurring transmission and drivetrain design flaws and their catastrophic failures with the manufacturer. Individual consumer complaints with dealers and the chrysler corp. Are frustrating and pointless. They will not admit that they have a serious, multi-year problem, and individuals bear the brunt of this costly mistake on their part. Please note: chrysler's overhaul kit for this transmission does nothing to resolve the fundamental design flaw; it only prolongs the issue! Chrysler corp., and its dealers' attitude toward its customers with regard to this issue is blatantly unfair, crass, and as of this date, full of lies and denials of the issue.

Filed Mar 19, 2000 · Transmission · FL

Original transmission failed at 66,000 miles. I am the third owner. I was told that dodge was having trouble, but figured that the problem was solved with the replacement of the original transmission. I was told that I had a version # 6 solenoid & computer. It was recommended that I update to a version # 10. The cost to repair is $ 1,900. I am just finding out that dodge is still having problems with this 1990 transmission. Thank you for your help. Leroy j. Hersh.

Filed Mar 10, 2000 · Transmission · NC

While driving on highway transmission dropped into a low gear and had to be reset by restarting vehicle. Transmission was replaced and the second transmission has the same problem. Dealer has been contacted, transmission needs to be replaced again. *ak

Filed Oct 28, 1999 · Transmission · NY

Transmission went into "limp in" mode(2nd gear only) this is the second time that this happened. The first time was at about 45,000 miles. The dealer replaced the transmission at no cost at that time. Now, this time I paid for the repair since I no longer have a warranty in effect. What, if any, is my next step to recovering some of my repair expense?

Filed Sep 2, 1999 · Transmission · FL

Automatic transmission failure premature and sudden. Van suddenly without cause downshifts to low gear. Van also upshifts surging forward. Dealer explains that the transmission assembly and transmission controller needs replacement. Dealer charges almost $1800.00 for repair that the service manager acknowledges is a common defect in the 604 transmission. The dealer is charging us a cost of $800 for this known defect. The service manager also stated, "the manufacturer accepts responsibility for part of the bill due to the known defect in the 604 transmission". The weather was inclement the evening that this suddenly happened, thank goodness that there was no one too close in front or behind of her on this 45 MPH highway. If my wife or I driving with our three children had been on a highway traveling at the accepted speed of 70 MPH and the van suddenly downshifted, we most assuredly would have become a national highway statistic. This is truly a safety issue, and should not be overlooked anymore by the federal safety agency. The right thing for dodge to due is to recall the grand caravan with the 604 transmission and repair the problem entirely at their expense. How many accidents with fatalities have happened already due to this common defect? Is no one to take responsibility?

Filed Jul 15, 1999 · Transmission · CT

Transmission failures have LED to four transmission replacements

Filed May 3, 1999 · Transmission · SC

Transmission locked up while driving 55mph. Had felt a jerking/pulling sensation. Took to mechanic & informed transmission gears were defective & needed to replace transmission.

Filed Dec 14, 1998 · Transmission · OH

Vehicle has had three transmission replacements within less of 100,000 miles of wears. Dealer repaired/replaced two transmissions due to warranty , and the third transmission cost would go to consumer.

Filed Jun 25, 1997 · Transmission · NY

Transmission failed.

Filed Mar 21, 1997 · Body, Engine · CA

Transmission failed , causing gears to jump while accelerating, slip while decelerating.

Filed Feb 21, 1997 · Transmission · MD

Transmission failed three times and rebuilted.