9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,010
Average Mileage:
47,450 miles
Total Complaints:
15 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace with new transmission (6 reports)
  2. rebuild transmission (5 reports)
  3. not sure (2 reports)
  4. software update (1 reports)
  5. traded at a loss (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.

problem #15

Dec 152015

Grand Caravan SXT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,971 miles

I was shocked as hell, when I got in my Dodge Grand Caravan that morning December 15, 2015 to go out of town, it backed out of the driveway in reverse like it always did and when I put it in D for drive and then it lunged forward. I had to call Triple A to come pull it into the Dodge dealership. When they checked it they said the Transmission has came apart, that the Planetary has busted, whatever that is. ONLY 57,971 ACTUAL MILES on this van. What in the world and approximately $4,000 to fix it or more. This is insane...I had to come up with $4,068.41...2 days before Christmas to be able to have my van back for the holidays. I still cannot believe this. I will NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE AUTOMOBILE. I had a Ford Windstar Van that I bought NEW and put over 250,000 miles on it and never had problems with it. I am so disappointed with this van. If this happened with the transmission...WHAT will happen to the rest of it. I am almost afraid now to drive it out of town, wondering what will happen...will I be broke down on the side of the road somewhere. I am 61 years old and travel alone most of the time. I thought since buying this vehicle 5 years ago this one would probably last me the rest of my life, and after putting my money in this van paying monthly payments...what a bad investment it was to buy this VAN. I am disappointed in the DODGE automobiles!!!

- Cathy T., Roanoke Rapids, NC, US

problem #14

Dec 222015

Grand Caravan SLT 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,341 miles

Had to replace the transmission right before Christmas in December 2015. At less than 52,000 miles, that cost me $5,100.00 at the dealership, no warranty. and I have had so many problems with this van since then, modulars going out, cams going out, electrical problems, it is the devil itself. Wish I could find another FORD WINSTAR it was the BEST!!

- Cathy T., Roanoke Rapids, US

problem #13

Aug 172011

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

We had a '94 grand caravan. Transmission went out. Seemed to be stuck in second gear. Sometimes stuck in forward and reverse at the same time. Bought a new dodge rebuild with a 30,000 mi. warranty. $3,000.00

It lasted 31,000 miles.!!!!!!!!! Same problem. They would not stand by it one bit. Found a used one for $500. It lasted six months. Same problem. Junked it.!!!!!!!!!!! Then I found a good deal on a 2008, figuring Dodge had corrected the problem by now. Paid $10,000. It lasted six months!!!!! Same problem!!!!! Sold it for $4,000. Never get a Dodge!!!!! Does anybody know what is wrong with these transmissions?? Or has Dodge fixed this problem???

- Raymond B., North Las Vegas, US

problem #12

Mar 252015

Grand Caravan SXT 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

The transmission on this van FAILED THREE TIMES & each time it required a TOTAL REPLACEMENT at $4000

- James T., Collierville, TN, US

problem #11

Aug 172012

Grand Caravan SXT 3.6L V6?

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,600 miles

The transmission started slamming into gear in both reverse and first. We took the van into the local dealership hoping it would be covered by warrantee or recall (no luck there). After waiting Three weeks for a technician to look at it, we were informed there was a significant amount of metal in the transmission oil pan. The transmission essentially was grinding itself to pieces. The two repair options were to have the transmission rebuilt or to replace it. We opted to replace it not only due to a longer warranty on the repair but also because the estimate on the rebuild depended on if there was any other damage internally.

I have been driving Grand Caravans for 18 years. This is our 4th and last Dodge product. Our 2001 GC is still running fine with only routine maintenance. I don't know what has happened at Chrysler but the quality of their products has declined significantly over the last decade.

- chris in hobbs, Hobbs, NM, US

problem #10

May 082012

Grand Caravan 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Driving home and heard grinding noise from front end. Took van to dealership purchased and they requested to have flat bed towed to transmission shop and have transmission pulled. Called Chrysler and file complaint immediatley (fees from dealership for diagnostic testing $50.00). They said for any Chrysler assistance (b/c warrenty had expired) it had to be at a Chrysler dealer. Had van flat bed towed (cost $100.00) to Chryster dealer and they pulled and confirmed transmission was shot. Dealer rebuilt transmission (per Chrysler and dealer you can not purchase a new trans. for this van and must be rebuilt) total cost of rebuilt expenses was $5,000.00. Chrysler company assisted in paying 40% of total rebuit expenses. Dealership assisted in paying 50% of remaining 60% due and other 50% was our responsibility. Total rebuilt out of pocket for us was $1,908.00. If I was not smart and did not contact Chrysler immediately this would have cost us $5K! Although the $2K bill was still a shocker for a van with only 50K miles and 2008 model year my husband and I go to be knowing it could have been $5K!.

- Chrystal W., Quakertown, PA, US

problem #9

Sep 012011

Grand Caravan V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 52,000 miles

I have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan that has only 52,000 miles on it and the damn transmission went out and i am just wondering why there is not a recall on them because i am not the only who has had problems with the transmission and i was told by several mechanics that that year model is the worse for transmission problems it just erkks me becasue i have to pay out of pocket for the reapirs because the warranty on them suck ass

- tinkerbell, Lebanon, VA, US

problem #8

Sep 012010

Grand Caravan SXT 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,900 miles

No help from Crysler at all! No transmission should fail at this mileage & NO help from manufacturer. Sign of POOR quality and COMPLETE disregard for customer! Traded vehicle instead of fixing.

- jrose, Belleview, FL, US

problem #7

Nov 182009

Grand Caravan SXT 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

tried to say it was a computer issue and ran scanner on it; we drove it off the lot, still making grinding noise, so drove it right back to get the transmission replaced

- coop999, Sistersville, WV, US

problem #6

Dec 312009

Grand Caravan SXT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,500 miles

there was nothing but hamburger in the transmission pan. Dealer said it was the worst he had ever seen. Every Chrysler product I have owned ( 6 of them ) has had to replace the transmission. Why do I torture myself?

- Donald D., Cincinnati, OH, US

problem #5

May 202010

Grand Caravan SXT 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

how in the world does a vehicle less than 2 years old blow a transmission? total failure adding the cost of repairs, parts, and labor of the transmission to the cost. almost $30,000. that is cost of luxury sedan. why in the world should i have to pay for this. no covered under warranty, dodge won't respond.

- vetters, Sykesville, MD, US

problem #4

Aug 042009

Grand Caravan SLT 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,688 miles

HAD A WHINE BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD SHIFTTHEY SAID IT WAS A TRANSFER BEARING, WHICH TOOK THREE WEEKS TO GET, BUT I WAS STILL USING THE VAN. THEY CALLED AND SAID THE PART WAS IN, AND I TOOK IT TO THEM. FIVE DAYS LATER THEY SAID IT DIDN'T FIX IT AND HAD TO ORDER MORE PARTS. THEY CALLED AND SAID PARTS WERN'T AVAILABLE. AFTER SOME NASTY WORDS THE AGREED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER A TOTAL OF 51 DAYS I HAVE NY VAN BACK AND IT WORKS FINE. KIA IS LOOKING BETTER AND BETTER. OH BY THE WAY IT NEED FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS WHICH I WILL DO.

- Bob T., Daytona Beach, FL, US

problem #3

Aug 022009

Grand Caravan SXT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

Total transmission failure without prior warning - had to have the vehicle towed. 2008 6 speed automatic seems to be the problem. Could take 2 months to repair. No replacement transmission available according to dealer.

Very Concerned.

- Thomas T., Salem, VA, US

problem #2

Jul 072009

Grand Caravan SXT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,160 miles

At 13 months old, (26k miles) ((several trips tp Ohio)) came to a stop light and vehicle started a heavy rattle and jerked as I stopped. when light changed to green vehicle failed to move. was able to re-start vehicle and get off road, but with nasty rattle and severe jerking. (luckily only had to go 30 feet to gravel spot on side of road) vehicle was towed to nearest dealer and I left in rental car at my expense. was told they expect to have it back to me that evening. received call that something BROKE loose inside transmission and it requires full replacement. but transmission is backordered with no date of available. told I could be out of a vehicle for some time. (not sure if this is due to transmission problems, or if they are having issues getting parts since they filed bankruptcy?? I am very upset and working with Chrysler to get loaner or rental since I am expecting a long wait before getting my Caravan back anytime soon.

- Aaron M., Virginia Beach, VA, US

problem #1

Jun 032009

Grand Caravan 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Transmission having to be rebuilt at 40,000 miles, under lifetime powertrain warranty

Update from Mar 12, 2010: Transmission started slipping at about 61,000 miles so had to go to dealer to do an update to computer.

- mdennis, Maple Hill, KS, US