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 Dodge that have the 3.3 liter engines in them have trouble with the transmissions. The mechanics stated that have had a lot of Dodge 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 Dodge 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 Dodge. 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.

- Colonial Beach, VA, USA

The transmission began to operate erratically, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who flushed the transmission, checked the computer and installed a new stater, two weeks later the transmission totally failed, the column shift has to be wiggled in order to get the vehicle into park, half the time the light does not show up in the park indicatior so the vehicle can not be started. Nlm

- Osseo, MI, USA

Transmission experienced leak and then failed with only 46335 miles, dealer stated there was an internal defect and vehicle was out of warranty, consumer feels this is a manufacturing defect and is requesting reimbursement.

- Valrico, FL, USA

Transmission went out while consumer was driving at about 60-65 mph. When checked fluids were all bubbling up, and transmission was burned up. Contacted dealer. Consumer states torque converter was also replaced, also brake pads and rotors had to be replaced.

- Jackson, MI, USA

The vehicles transmission failed causing it to slip out of gear while driving and the ses light to illuminate. Nlm

- Burr Ridge, IL, USA

At 52,00 miles this car should not have transmission trouble that. Dodge will not stand behind their product. I have spoken to many people that have had similar problems with their vans ( all vans are 96-97 ). if Dodge knows there is a problem with there cars isn't it their responsibility to make the nessasary adjustments?

- Beacon Falls, CT, USA

Was not told car was a "rental veh." 4 transmissions in 88,000 K (look on forum groups re: Caravan transmissions. Known problem :(defect!!), can you help"?"

- Livonia, MI, USA

After 2 months of ownership I had my transmission replaced by woodbridge Dodge under the warranty. After 34 months I am now replaceing it for the second time which is not covered under the warranty. I would like to know if there are any manufacturer defects in the 4 speed overdrive transmissions that that would cover the expence for this second transmission within three years. It is my understanding from the research I have gathered that there have been problems with these transmissions.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

We have had multiple problems in most components of this vehicle including but not limited to both rear sliding doors, front and rear wipers, coolant leakage, engine fan & belt malfunctions, intermittent stalling, transmission failure and continuous malfunction, multiple parking brake malfunction and adjustment problems, multiple interior light malfunction, rear quad seat attachment problem, and other more cosmetic related problems with cracking door panel & poorly installed carpet & seat covers.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

Poor quality of repair at outstate dealership. Southern dealership had not been this type of failure. When arriving back in homestaed (Michigan) dealer van was purchased thru stated common occurance and has seen the failure before. Has to take van back for more repairs as flex-plate shipped with rebuilt transmission was not installed with replacement transmission. Vehicle developed imbalance when placed in park so severe steering wheel shook. Also developed cluncking noise when started or engine shut off. Still at colonial Dodge Inc. (810-778-1800 being diagnosed.

- St. Clair, MI, USA