I have experienced transmission problems with uneven shifting from the beginning of ownership of this Grand Caravan. The engine would rev up to a higher RPM than it should have before shifting into higher gear. Initially we were told that the car would adjust to the driver and thus accepted the explanation. There have been at least two different recent occurrences, when in gear, the car did not engage and seemed to be stuck in neutral. The third time, while moving and making a left-hand turn, the car slipped out of gear and into neutral, causing a very dangerous situation and put me in the path of incoming traffic. When I took it in for service, diagnostics indicated a transmission problem and thus needed to take transmission apart. Upon disassembly, it was determined that the gears had been ground off and not repairable and I was told this was no fault of anything I did. The remedy was a $3000 cost to put in a factory-rebuilt transmission. This could have caused a fatal accident except that the incident occurred late at night on a major road when traffic was low. This failure is not unique to this vehicle as other complaints against it have been reported to the NHTSA. This Grand Caravan transmission design flaw needs to be addressed by the manufacturer before fatalities occur. The car owners lives should not be put at risk, nor should they have to spend thousands of dollars fixing a problem which is clearly a manufacturer design flaw.

- Holmdel, NJ, USA

Transmission in 1998 Grand Caravan needs to be replaced. According to the transmission repair shop, I have a broken differential pin.

- Scarborough, ME, USA

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.

- White Plains, NY, USA

The driver got out of the vehicle while in park, vehicle accelerated and hit a gate and some trash cans. When returning to the vehicle, it was still in park. Vehicle will be taken to the dealer on 6/25/2003.

- Royal Oak, MI, USA

While driving 55 mph the transmission blew.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

While driving 45-50 mph the consumer hear a loud banging noise. The consumer pulled and turned off the engine. When the vehicle was restarted it began making a loud noise. It was later determined that the transmission had to be replaced.

- Plum City, WI, USA

While driving, the consumer heard a "pop" then the vehicle stalled. The mechanic stated the transmission pin came in contact with the casing which caused the caused the transmission to fail.

- Pence Springs, WV, USA

Complete transmission failure at 65,000 miles. Van needs complete replacement at cost of $2,400. Previously repaired one month earlier with transmission valve problem at same dealer. Opening cases with CFAS and zone rep also. Please advise.

- Shorewood, WI, USA

The consumer heard a loud noise coming from engine. Soon after, the steering became hard. The consumer pulled over and noticed transmission fluid leaking on to the ground. The transmission had failed.. it was determined the transmission had exited the case

- Medfield, MA, USA

While driving the vehicle suddenly came to a screeching halt. Consumer got out and noticed transmission fluid all over the ground and a rod was sticking through the casting.

- Quincey, MA, USA

My 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan had a complete transmission failure while I was driving it late one evening. It would no longer respond to any gear change and in fact, it sounded and smelled terrible! I was completely stranded for several hours on a dark windy road until I could obtain help. Upon investigation on the internet I saw that this is unfortunately a commonly known problem for Dodge owners. I have never towed anything with my car and had all routine maintenance completed. The transmission repair shop said they see this all the time with Chrysler products. Dangerous!!

- Great Falls, VA, USA

Vehicle exprienced a complete transmission failure and required a new transmission with only 55,000 miles on the vehicle. In our research, we have seen numerous complaints of this type with Dodge Grand Caravan.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

Consumer was driving and the transmission failed. Dealer was contacted.

- Ponte Vedra, FL, USA

Was driving on highway. Came to stop sign and the car lunged forward. Took it to dealer where metal filings found in transmission pan. This van had transmission service at 15000, 30000, and again at 45000 which is why I brought it in there. Nobody touched the engine but the dealer service center. When the dealer got into the transmission, found that the clutches were grinding themselves up. $2050 total in repairs. Nothing from Dodge except I'm sorry.

- Eugene, OR, USA

Vehicle was at a stop sign, and without prior warning, front wheels locked up because of transmission failure.

- Kirksville, MO, USA

A loud bang was heard followed by a dragging sound, the vehicle immediately stalled, it was found by the dealer that a component broke within the transmission and came through the case. Nlm

- Jackson, MI, USA

Known Chrysler minivan transmission problems.

- Jackson, MI, USA

The transmission failed at 48,000. When I contacted the dealership the service manager diagnosed the problem over the telephone. When I asked him how he knew what was wrong, his response was " happens on these vans all the time, it's a common problem". when I asked why Dodge didn't do a recall and fix them all, his response was "we would rather handle them on an individual basis". I'm sure it's a cost factor. My position is that Dodge, (Chrysler), has a major transmission problem on their vehicles, they knowingly installed them anyways and have deceived the public. If a survey of Dodge owners was conducted, I'm sure that transmission problems would be frequent. Dodge split the cost of a re-built tranmission with me which cost me $864. I am confident that there are a number of people who have had the costs split like me, had the whole thing taken care of and those who suffered the burden of paying for the entire cost. I feel that Chrysler owes me $864 and that they should be punished for putting "bad" transmissions in cars.

- Hamburg, NY, USA

The transmission was leaking fluid, when the vehicle was taken to the dealer they claimed they could not find a leak but shortly after that the transmission failed and the dealer said it had to be replaced, consumer feels transmission should have lasted longer than 2 years. Nlm

- Viola, IL, USA

Sensor failed, causing speedometer to drop to zero, and transmission did not shift - "neutral" only.

- Elkview, WV, USA