1998 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission problems

Filed Dec 29, 2008 · Transmission · 106,258 miles · IL

While driving the rain I went through a midsize puddle due to storm drains being blocked I lost the ability to steer the battery light came on the car stopped and started to overheat. I was thankfully driving in a residential area at 25 MPH with out alot of traffic and was able to pull over right away. Because of going through the puddle the drive belt came off. When the belt slipped off it bent the suspension and spring that hold the belt tight. The belt is fairly new and the car had recently been in for service and checked over. There was no reason for the belt to come off. Can I not drive my car in the rain? If I was driving on the highway at 50mph or the road conditions were snowy or icy I may not be here.

Filed Dec 10, 2007 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · FL · crash

Vehicle only has park intermittently, must use parking brake to insure vehicle does not move.

Filed Jan 21, 2007 · Transmission · 141,000 miles · WA

Transmission failed while going 60 on interstate. Power would come and go leaving me stranded in the middle of traffic and attempting to get to the side of the road without getting hit. The engine light didn't come on until I was pulled off the road. No prior warning of the pending failure.

Filed Dec 7, 2006 · Transmission · 83,988 miles · PA

My 1998 dodge grand caravan was stopped at a light, when I went to move forward, it clunked, and did not move for 1-2 seconds, then jumped forward. Took to tranny shop and was told I will need a new transmission. The shop indicated the transmission was not completely damaged at the time, but recommends that it be replaced.

Filed Nov 9, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · 71,652 miles · CA

Besides all the 1998 recalls on this van, I found a pinhole leak in the head itself. At first I thought it was a gasket leak but its not. When it ran out of water, temperature gauge did not tell me it was hot but instead registered cold. On top of the front speakers goes off and on and the rear speakers do it on occasion. Stereo gets really hot to the touch. Transmission seems to be doing strange things like not kicking down when stopped and then lunging while stopped or accelerating when stopped. I think this whole van should be on recall.

Filed Jul 29, 2005 · Engine, Steering · 25,000 miles · DC

Dt: consumer complained about a rack and pinion steering and other problems. Consumer drove over a rough pothole with a metal flatbed on top at a low speed. While driving at a street at 25 MPH consumer made a right turn and there was popping noise in the steering wheel. The noise was evident only when turning to the left or right. Took vehicle back to dealer, who said there was a problem with front alignment , but that was all. However, insurance company noted there were problems with rack and pinion steering /front alignment/ radiator, and the transmission pan. Also, consumer noted the engine light was constantly on and it smoked after driving a long period of time. Oil was changed regularly. Vehicle has had a recent front end alignment but no other repairs.

Filed Jun 22, 2005 · Tires, Transmission · MO

Dt: the contact owns a 1998 dodge grand caravan. The vehicle is an all wheel drive. Vehicle had a flat tire, and contact used the spare tire that came with the vehicle. After only driving about 5 miles it done damage to the vehicle it broke some of the gears in the transfer case, and potentially could cause damage to the viscous couplings. They had to replace the transfer case. Manufacturer stated that the district manager was going to contact him. However currently they were telling him that the case had been closed because warranty expired. The warranty was not an issue because the spare tire would cause damage to the vehicle if used on this vehicle.

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Suspension, Transmission · 85,000 miles · NE

While driving at approximately 70 MPH, the differential came apart,resulting in vehicle shut down. Driver had to have vehicle towed to a transmission shop. Also, the ball joints on the front left wheel broke apart.

Filed Jan 7, 2005 · Transmission · 103,000 miles · MI

While pulling into a parking space at a low speed transmission locked up. Vehicle immediately came to a complete stop. Vehicle is currently at a transmission shop being serviced. *ak the upper and lower planetary assembly failed.

Filed Sep 21, 2004 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · NY

When parked and without depressing the brake pedal vehicle shifted out of park, causing the vehicle to roll back until consumer gained control. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.