1994 Dodge Grand Caravan: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Nov 11, 2001 · Locks, Transmission · VA

I have had consistant problems with the 94 caravan. As soon as I get one problem fixed, another one pops up. I have been informed by the transmission shop that there is a high failure rate for dodge caravan transmissions. This has me highly concerned as I do not want to have to worry about another transmission failure. This is the 2nd time I am having the A/C system fixed. As for the door latch for the sliding door not working correctly, there is nothing I or my husband am aware of that would cause it to work and then not to work on and off. This is of great concern since this is the family car and I have no idea of when the latch may fail. So far this has not happened with my children in car, just myself . Egr valve was affecting engine performance and milage.

Filed Jun 24, 2000 · Locks · WI

The rear door latch fails to operate correctly now. Dealership service writer said it was due to the rear door latch being bent. We have not done anything that we know of that would have caused this to occur. Suspect too weak a component being used in the manufacture of the vehicle. We have had other min-vans where the side door was used more freguently than on our current vehicle without any of the same problems ocurring. Strongly feel that this is a manufacturing defect and we should not have to pay for any repairs.3 4rrone

Filed Jun 18, 2000 · Body · OH

The sliding door has been an issue since we first got our minivan. At first the dealer claimed that the hinge was bad - it was only a few months old. The next time that I took it in for this they said that we were experiencing normal wear and tear. I refused to pay stating that a new vehicle with less than 20,000 miles doors hindges and latches wearing out is not normal. The next time the door would not close it was the latch, the next time it was the upper hindge then the lower and back and forth. For over six years we have had latches and hindges replaced. Half the time the door wont open, the other half it wont close. Oh, then theres those times the door just flys open as we accelarate or turn a corner. The dealer has stated that we need to buy a new door and then have the frame rebent. As I have spoke with other owners of this same make and model minivan they have had the same type of problems. Or the door has just fallen off. In addition to this all of our paint is peeling off. We had intended to keep this through till the year 2004. However I am becoming increasingly concered since our daughter almost fell out as we turned a corner and the sliding door flew open then as she is fastened in leaned as the door slammed closed. Thank you in advance for your carefull and full investigation into this matter. Given that this is only six years old I feel that the manufature should not claim that this is normal wear and tear.

Filed Apr 11, 2000 · Body · CA

The sliding side door exterior support track in the body panel is worn out. This causes mis-alignment of door latch and stationary latch pin while closing the door. The latch jams on the head of the latch pin. Door appears to be closed but is not secure and comes open while driving.

Filed Feb 2, 2000 · Electrical, Locks · AL

Computer failed possibly due to transmission failing which happened prior. Also, sliding door latch is stuck , which will not allow door to open or close. Cause is unknown.

Filed Sep 16, 1998 · Body · MN

When the door is locked with the automatic door lock , there is no way that one can exit the vehicle through the sliding door. The dealer has not been notified.