Transmission failed suddenly; transmission failure at <70K mi has occurred with 3 other family members - recall needed?

- Elkview, WV, USA

Transmission had 35,094 miles and consumer put 48,000 miles on vehicle. Vehicle had 5,000 miles over the warranty to get fixed. Dealer will not consider repairing or assisting consumer. The transmission exploded while the consumer was driving, and the consumer was asking the manufacturer to reimburse him the cost of replacing the transmission.

- Brimfield, MA, USA

A internal part failed in transmission. Minivan was never used for towing. A transmission should not fail at 56000 miles during normal driving conditions. This is not a unusual circumstance, this is a defect.

- Muskego, WI, USA

The problem with this vehicle is that the transmissio had to be replaced with less than 50,000 miles on it. I bought a new vehicle for the security and so that I would not be inconvenienced with major repairs. That theory was thrown out the window with this problem. Differential pin was worn is what the dealership diagnosed as the problem and gave me the choice of rebuilding or replacing transmission. I have to say that I was a little alarmed when I was told how long I would be without the vahicle because the part was on backorder. This leads me to believe that problems with the transmsission are not uncommon. I furhter believe my theory to be true because whenever I mention it to people they are not surprised and basically tell me that it happens all the time to Caravan. So, $2091.25 poorer, I am writing this in hopes that this doesn't have to happen to other owners of Dodge Caravan. The dealership and manufacturer were of absolutely no help when it came to rectifying this problem. Therefore, you have a letter from one extremely unhappy and irate Dodge Caravan owner (although not for long, because I am looking to trade).

- Turner, ME, USA

After transmission was replaced serpentine belt fell off. Then, took vehicle back to dealer, and they said that belt could fell off any time if it gets wet. Consumer had to purchase a cover to avoid to fell off.

- St. Joseph, IL, USA

Wife and 2 children were driving down highway at 45 mph, heard clunk, coasted to side of road where transmission gears and partial shafts fell into road from approx. 4" hole in transmission case.

- Utica, NY, USA

November 1999 transmission leaked. Dealer could not find problem, and leak stopped on it's own. On December 4 while driving 55 mph, heard loud noise, pulled over, and noticed transmission fluid pouring out of vehicle, vehicle at dealer now. Transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer paid only half of the cost of the parts.

- Viola, IL, USA

When driving and upon depressing brake pedal to make a sudden stop pedal traveled to floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. Also, smoke came from brakes. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has replaced entire brake system. Also, when gear was placed in drive it popped out of gear.

- Semoore, CT, USA

Transmission: Down shifts to second gear and will not shift out. Occurred while entering freeway on an on ramp. Serpentine belt slipped off while driving in small puddles of water on highway. Total loss of power steering which resulted in dangerous handling of vehicle on wet roads.

- Lake Dallas, TX, USA

Transmission failed due to a pin shearing off from within, causing a hole, and allowing fluid to leak. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was out of warranty, and nothing could be done. Feel free to provide further details.

- Webster, NY, USA

Transmission was punctured from inside and leaks fluid.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

Transmission failed while operating. Engine surged several times, lost acceleration, then stalled. Vehicle operated with only passenger weight. Dealer no explanation for failure. Suggest complete replacement of transmission.

- Fowlerville, MI, USA

Ongoing problem with V auto transmission working erratically. Took vehicle to dealer, and was informed that nothing could be found. Subsequently, vehicle would only start in 3rd. Gear and remain in 3rd. Gear. Dealer notifed. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.

- Homosassa, FL, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Transmission failed. Nlm

- Goleta, CA, USA

When vehicle is taken out of reverse and put in drive it continues to go in reverse. The dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer has been notified.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

Rear heat and air line running under front of van caused rattle. Dealer had van for over 15 days, replaced transmission, most of the dash was pulled out, all kinds of heat shields were removed and problem still returned. Finally after over 12 return trips to dealer they replaced the lines or clamps and problem is gone. Now the problems are showing up from the dash being remove. Radio, speakers, dash lites & rattles.

- Brooklyn Park, MN, USA

Serpentine belt snaps causing power steering and power brakes to fail as well as causing the car to overheat. This has happened 5 times! steering column has needed to be replaced. Transmission has been in for service 3 times and still is not working properly. This vehicle is a safety problem if any one of these things should fail again.

- Burlington, MA, USA