1989 Dodge Caravan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 25%of 191 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1989 Dodge Caravan, 25% of the 191 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driver cannot shift into reverse, and sometimes truck will get stuck in gear. Other times driver cannot shift into another gear, and there are times when the driver steps on the gas pedal the truck will go forward. This has been an ongoing problem for several different incidents. There was an investigation for automatic transmission failure dp98- 003.”
NHTSA complaint #823277, filed 1998-05“Trunk door, when opening will not stay in up position, will slam shut. Also when vehicle put in drive, it will not take off. Consumer has to drive it in d1 constantly, when she drives it in d2 vehicle will stall.”
NHTSA complaint #882353, filed 2001-03“Valve cover gasket just started leaking 1 week after we purchased the van. 2. Transmission went out on sept. 24, 1999 2nd time in less than a year. The whole thing needs replacing once again.”
NHTSA complaint #714884, filed 1999-11“The hatchback hydraulic cylinder which supports the the lift does not hold the hatch back, resulting in the hatachback falling on the occupant. Transmission failed.”
NHTSA complaint #813526, filed 1997-06Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6 | 26% |
| 2014 | 2 | 10% |
| 2013 | 2 | 7% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 5 | 6% |
| 2010 | 14 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 11 | 4% |
| 2007 | 9 | 11% |
| 2006 | 13 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 22 | 11% |
| 2002 | 27 | 11% |
| 2001 | 19 | 7% |
| 2000 | 86 | 18% |
| 1999 | 96 | 17% |
| 1998 | 103 | 16% |
| 1997 | 133 | 19% |
| 1996 | 185 | 13% |
| 1995 | 93 | 19% |
| 1994 | 111 | 17% |
| 1993 | 101 | 11% |
| 1992 | 110 | 12% |
| 1991 | 57 | 9% |
| 1990 | 75 | 27% |
| 1989 | 48 | 25% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 7 | 10% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 6 | 12% |
| 1984 | 3 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1989 Dodge Caravan
41 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
28 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology