1996 Dodge Grand Caravan: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jan 31, 2004 · Transmission · PA

Transmission failure 1996 dodge grand caravan. Will not go into gear, will not drive or go in reverse. Loud clunking noise and car jerked. Could have caused accident.

Filed Aug 15, 2003 · Steering · 89,000 miles · LA

Consumer stated backing out of the driveway, there was a clunking noise, and the steering wheel became very hard to steer. *ak consumer experienced the same problem with their 1991 dodge grand caravan - tensioner pulley. *ph

Filed Oct 18, 2001 · Transmission · MA

I purchased my minivan from bedard bros. On feb. 21, 2000. On april 3, 2000 it had a rebuilt transmission put in by bedard bros. Because while I was driving it suddenly dropped into a lower gear. Then it started leaking fluid. Bedards said a pin caused a hole in the transmission case. On may 10, 2000, I had the same problem with the transmission dropping into a low gear and the check engine light coming on. A mechanic at bedard bros. Hooked his computer to the vehicle and reset the codes not being able to duplicate the problem. In oct. 2001 I again felt a "clunk" and it dropped into a lower gear but that somehow corrected itself. But, now the transmission is leaking again. I brought it to bedard bros. On 10/15/01 and they said they replaced the front pump seal. I picked up the vehicle on 10/17/01. On 10/18/01 I noticed the transmission still leaking so I drove it back to bedard bros. The put some type of dye into the system that will help them locate the source. He stated it may be a crack or something but it has to go back for a look on 10/22/01. My concern is that these are defective transmissions. I talked to a person from fenn st. Transmission who said these vehicles are known for these problems and that there is a pin that breaks loose and often goes through the transmission case.

Filed Sep 10, 2001 · Transmission · NH

This mini van is my 5th such vehicle. Each one except for my 2000 (which only has 25000 miles) has experienced transmission troubles earlier than I feel they should have. My 1996 grand caravan has just been put in the shop due to transmission failure. Differential gear had a tooth break off causing loud clunk on acceleration. Chrysler corp has known for years that their mimivan transmissions are trouble some however have not seemed to want to improve the reliabilty of them. Is there any recourse for consumers to get some compensation from chrysler for these lemon transmissions. Please contact me with any info that could help me seek renumeration.

Filed Aug 19, 2001 · Transmission · IL

On approach to a stop sign, a loud clunk was heard. From stopped position vehicle no longer moved although engine was running. Mechanic stated front axle broke mid shaft. Mechanic also noted no damage or noticeable stress fractures and stated it was probably defective. I can't help but wonder what the result may have been traveling at 75mph!

Filed Dec 28, 2000 · Steering · TX

On freeway, heard clunk, wam...power steering died, about lost control as steering went manual. Tow guy said these fail alot. When will the federal safety agency recall these things...? When some one dies...?

Filed Mar 25, 2000 · Suspension, Transmission · PA

The transmission shifting prolem and clunk in front end have not yet been located by dealer. These problens have existed for 4 and 8 months respectively. This is very frustrating and the vehicle is now out of warranty.

Filed Feb 26, 2000 · Transmission · MD

When first starting out in the morning, I put the shift lever in reverse and noticed a hesitation before it engaged. After backing out I dropped ithe lever in drive and started to pull forward-again hesitation,then a clunk, when it shifted to second. I then drove it to a transmission shop to have them look at it. They said dodge caravan transmission problems were not uncommon. They put the van on their test equipment and nothing showed. The shop owner suggested that since the van had so few miles on it, a filter and fluid change may take care of the problem. When he dropped the pan he found alot of metal in the base of the pan. I am planning to contact dodge monday morning to discuss their shared responsibility in this matter.

Filed Jun 14, 1999 · Steering · CA

When coming to a stop driver heard a loud clunking noise. Right afterwards driver made a left turn which was almost impossible because the bolt which supports the pulley for power steering, sheared off. The vehicle has been repaired. Please provide any further details.

Filed Dec 12, 1996 · Brakes, Steering · MD

Noisy rear brakes; also steering column makes clunking noise when turning wheel.