1998 Dodge Grand Caravan: complete transmission failure

Filed Jul 7, 2008 · Engine · 129,580 miles · IL

Tl*the contact's client owns a 1998 dodge grand caravan. After installing a new transmission and driving the vehicle, the contact's client noticed an excessive amount of fuel loss. The following day it was determined that the seam of the muffler had rotted away and was blowing hot air directly onto the plastic gas tank. The current and failure mileages were 129,580.

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 Aug 18, 2004 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · CT

Transmission failure occurred on my 1998 dodge grand caravan at 60,000 miles. Differential pin released and shattered the casing. The car jolted as I was driving as if I fell in a ditch. Luckily I had just pull out of my driveway and was traveling at a slow speed(25 miles/hr). Transmission fluid was released all over the road.. The van is at the transmission shop right now and will cost in excess of $2500. Complete rebuild in a new casing required. I can ask for the old part since the core is no longer usable for a trade in.

Filed Aug 10, 2004 · Transmission · 122,000 miles · AL

While driving 65 MPH transmission failed. As a result, the vehicle shut off in traffic. No impact reported.

Filed Feb 23, 2004 · Transmission · 84,000 miles · NY

While driving 55 MPH transmission blew out. This caused transmission fluid to leak. Consumer managed to pull over ,and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Feb 18, 2004 · Transmission · CT

While driving consumer heard a loud noise coming from underneath the vehicle. Consumer was able to pull over. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission blew out, and needed to be replaced.

Filed Feb 5, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 73,551 miles · TX

November, 2003 - 1998 grand caravan with 73500 miles. Head gasket failure. Leaking coolant to the outside of engine from rear head. Had to replace both head gasket and oil pressure switch. Vehicle has been well maintained and serviced regularly. Driven by "soccer" mom. Also, complete transmission failure-see automatic transmission section.

Filed Jan 5, 2004 · Transmission · MI

Transmission failed at 40 MPH. Transmission was replaced by the mechanic.*ak

Filed Sep 25, 2003 · Steering, Transmission · 57,796 miles · DC

Transmission failure. The transmission in my 1998 dodge grand caravan began to slip and stay in second gear around 50k miles. I had it diagnosed by the dealer and the cost of repair is more than I could ever afford. I have taken it to two other mechanics and there is not much variation in price. Generally the cost is going to be from $16,000 to $2,400. I cannot afford a new car either. I am reading all of the complaints about this, so why hasn't there been a recall? The dealer should gladly replace the transmissions since they are aware that this is occurring on a regular basis. It is because they do not want to absorb the cost themselves. They will recall something small like brakes or fan belt. I also have had the serpentine belt slip off twice when driving through puddles of water. Both times my engine overheated and the steering column locked, both fatally serious probems. What is the deal? I demand relief! No one is going to trade this piece of junk with me. What is the dealer willing to do?

Filed Jul 27, 2003 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · NY

1998 dodge grand caravan: massive transmission failure. The shaft of a pin extending into the core (sorry if I have the technical details wrong) sheered of completely and destroyed the entire transmission at around 50,000 miles. Shortly after the failure when the vehicle was first being looked at by my mechanic, the transmission "locked up", meaning the vehicle could not be started or moved. The reason I am reporting this is because my mechanic indicated that had this "lock up occurred" at the wrong time and place that there is good chance my wife (who drives this vehicle daily) and my children (who ride in this vehicle daily) would have been seriously injured or killed. I have digital pictures showing the failure and damage inside of the transmission, and my mechanic is available to provide any further technical details or information.

Filed May 23, 2003 · Transmission · WI

While driving 55 MPH the transmission blew.