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.

- New Kensington, PA, USA

The differential pin came loose making a hole through the transmission case. Transmission fluid leaked into the torque convertor area and then onto my garage floor. This vehicle has only 74,789 miles. The mechanic told me that this is very common with these transmissions. He said it occurs when one wheel spins while the other wheel is stopped. In other words, if you live in a climate with snow or ice, this failure can occur at any time to your vehicle. I have contacted the manufacturer and they tell me this is not a defect and that they do not know of any problems with their differential pins. I contacted the service manager at the local dealership, he said that he has certainly seen this problem before, but since it occured outside of warranty, I am on my own. The minivan has been repaired, but since the replacement differential is the same as before, a serious defect still exists in my vehicle. I have retained the worn/broken differential unit in case Dodge engineers want to inspect it.

- Louisville, CO, USA

Experienced incident where automatic transmission failed to shift from first gear. Attempts to shift from N to D failed to correct problem. Transmission corrected itself after bringing vehicle to a complete stop, placing in P and restarting engine. Have also experienced numerious incidents during past 6 years where transmisson fails to shift from P to R and R to D and requires to be reshifted to P and then to desired selection. Research into problem by questioning various private tranmission specialists that an undetermined design flaw in differential, in 1995 and later models, causes both problems and has even resulted in differential completely failing and exploding.

- Columbia, MD, USA

Differential pin flew out and tore a hole in the transmission casing.

- Phoeniz, AZ, USA

The pin fell out of the differential and poked holes in the transmission, ruining it. The property damage referred to is the cost of a new transimission. It is likely this one cannot even be rebuilt, which means it will cost another $500 to fix it. Since this happened I have heard from many people that Chrysler has lots of problems with transmissions and I have heard several stories of this exact problem, including a previous complaint to NHTSA.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Transmission failed due to pin on the differential cracked the rear-end transmission cover on the vehicle, failure caused vehicle to lock up while driving.

- Stony Poin, NY, USA

While driving transmission broke. Transmission differential pin had separated & caused a hole in the housing. The pin then flew out & cracked the engine block. The vehicle shut down without warning. Vehicle was towed to dealer. Consumer was informed by mechanic that transmission & engine block needed to be replaced.

- Vernon, CT, USA

Transmission planetary gear failed.

- Green Bay, WI, USA