1996 Dodge Grand Caravan: complete transmission failure

Filed Aug 18, 2005 · Transmission · 93,500 miles · NM

Bought a 1996 caravan new, in august 1999 the transmission went with about 36,000 miles and rebuilt put in - lasted till jan 2005. Transmission went out jan 2005 and a rebuilt was put in and lasted until july 2005 and another rebuilt was put in.

Filed Feb 18, 2005 · Airbags, Engine · 165,000 miles · GA

- 96 dodge grand caravan w/3.8 v6 and 41te 4spd transmision - 2 transmission failures - 1st went to about 125000, then kept hitting the "limp home mode" - 2nd has "torque converter lockup" problem, shops say rebuild again, after only 38000 miles. - fan relay went out before recall was issued, had to replace the radiator out of pocket. - had clock spring replaced after component failure relating to it (horn, cruise etc) - union city ga dealer attempted to fix the fuel return line issue, botched it up and caused major leak when refueling. They re-fixed it after much complaining.

Filed Sep 23, 2004 · Transmission · 115,450 miles · VA

I bought a 1996 dodge grand caravan 3 years ago. This past july I had to take a loan out to pay $2000 for a transmission. After speaking to quite a few mechanics, I was told that the dodges that have the 3.3 liter engines in them have trouble with the transmissions. The mechanics stated that have had a lot of dodges that they have to replace the transmission in and the dodge is aware of this problem and has done nothing about it. I have owed 2 other vehicles that are not dodges and have never had to replace a transmission at all and they are older than my van. I had to purchase my van, so I could put my husband's wheelchair in it. It is easier to get it in and out of the van. I am on a fixed income due to my husband being disabled and we have son in school. So money is very tight. I was lucky I qualified for the loan to get a new transmission, or I would be unable to transport my husband back and forth to doctor appts and shopping. I have spoke with other dodge owners who have all told me they have had to replace the transmission in their dodge 3.3 liter vehicles. But what gets me is that all the transmission experts that I spoke with said, they change at least 2 -3 transmission a week in these dodges. And that dodge is fully aware of this problem. It seems to me that dodge doesn't mind fixing the small problems, but over look that fact that they have a defect that causing a transmission to go out and it costing the buyer at a minimum of $2000 to replace. This has to be stopped and dodge made to be held accountable for our cost. There needs to be a class action suit brought against them for this. One guy I work with had his brand new dodge truck leave him on the side of the road, when the transmission went out and he had only 57,800 miles on it. Dodge knows they put out a defect transmission, but they are making the consumer pay for it. This is wrong and they need to be held accountable.

Filed Aug 11, 2004 · Transmission · 155,000 miles · NH

1996 dodge grand caravan se. Transmission completely failed. Third owner at 155,000 miles. Happened to first owner as well. Leaked transmission fluid everywhere, rear gate was covered with fluid. Went through over 2 quarts of fluid a day for a 5 mile drive to work. Diagnosed as a loose pin which wore a hole in the transmission case. Could not have been prevented. A hole the size of a fist was blown through the top of the case when it finally failed. Also, this part is in such demand due to the number of failures with this model that a rebuilt transmission was almost $2000. Chrysler was contacted and refused to provide any assistance with the cost of this repair. Was on the road in a snow storm when transmission failed, which could have in turn caused a serious accident while stuck in the middle of the road.

Filed Aug 2, 2004 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · NC

While driving vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. Transmission failed to change gears and was replaced, but the failure recurred within 62,0000 miles. Then, transmission was replaced again, but the failure recurred.

Filed Jul 29, 2004 · Airbags, Body · 500 miles · MD

Serpentine belt or tensioner clip has had to be repaired 4 times (towed every time) electrical problems since the beginning; turn the key and the windshield wipers start going, turn the key off and the wipers "keep" going, take the key totally out of the ignition and the wipers go and the "dinging" alarm that tells you the lights are on or the key is in, starts.(I seriously thought the car was possessed) or turn the key and "nothing" comes on except the engine. I've replaced the battery 5 times at least - it's usually better w/ a new battery for a little while. Have had to have the window motor and assembly replaced on drivers side twice and 5 times on the passenger side. Most recent was 4/04, which was replaced 7/04 again. The side sliding doors on both side do not lock, if you push the button down, you can't get it back up. The rear hatch is damaged from closing the door, looks like I was hit in the rear, but have not been. Check engine light was on for months in fall '03, no mechanic could say why. Wanted to get the A/C charged but it wouldn't hold a charge. Dealer couldn't figure it out. Took it to another mechanic who said the A/C unit was totally melted. Had it replaced and then the computer reset. Replaced the transmission at 100000, the "plantatary gears" were cracked. Check engine light is on again in 7/04, failed emisions, replaced o2 sensor, light still on, tack sticks and car won't accelerate at times - I can push it to the floor and it won't go?? Feels like it's choking, no power. Have a 3.8l, should have power. There is no panel/door for pass. Airbag to come out. If I ever got in an accident, what would it do...just bust through my dash? Over time, the dash on that side has gotten soft and mushy, what's that about? My dad bought the same year caravan I did, but he doesn't have the grand caravan le and he doesn't have the 3.8l and he hasn't had a single problem...I guess I got all of them.

Filed Jun 14, 2004 · Transmission · 37,000 miles · NJ

Dealer replaced automatic transmission at 37,000 miles. Then, transmission failed, again, and needed to be replaced.

Filed Apr 6, 2004 · Transmission · 131,000 miles · PA

Transmission failure. Numerous repair shops report that premature transmission failure is a near-certainty on this make and model year vehicle, due to a design flaw in the differential gear lubrication system. The manufacturer is aware of the problem but denies responsibility.

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Transmission · 72,691 miles · CA

At 72,691 miles, the automatic transmission would not shift. The transmission was replaced with a rebuilt transmission. At 120,000 miles transmission slipped out of gear, causing the vehicle to slow down and not move. *ak

Filed Mar 11, 2004 · Transmission · 79,000 miles · WA

While driving 55 MPH transmission failed. Vehicle would not accelerate. Consumer managed pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

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 Jan 7, 2004 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · IL

I have a 1996 dodge grand caravan and it has had 4 transmission failures. Currently, the 5th transmission is in the vehicle. We have owned the caravan since 1/97 when it was purchased with about 50k miles on it. It was a lease turn in vehicle used by a salesman not hauling heavy loads but making tobbacco sales calls. I have spoken with other similar vehicle owners and there has been an issue with the transmission failing. I feel that daimler chrysler should recall the transmission for replacement with a satisfactory one.