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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1991 Dodge Caravan Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
57about this part
Share
9%of 617 total for the year
Median mileage
97,500miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1991 Dodge Caravan, 9% of the 617 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,500 miles. 2 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.

“This is the third time the transmission has failed. Our 1996 Dodge Caravan's transmission has failed also. We put our faith in chrysler products and now we are stranded. I believe chrysler corp. Should be held financially responsible for all repairs as a result of this safety defect.”

NHTSA complaint #740692, filed 2001-02

“Re:transmission - I realize it is not safety related but thought you would like to know. Re:ABS warning light - dealer will do nothing unless a hard code is shown. The light stays on for days but as with an aching tooth, the pain sometimes disappears when visiting the dentist. Always on when I take it in but leaving the van a day or two at the dealer sometimes causes the light to go out for a short time.”

NHTSA complaint #708231, filed 1999-07

“A written request was submitted to the mechanic asking for an evaluation of the transmission and peeling paint. I was given an oral estimate via phone call expressing the need for a new transmission for $2000.00. The diagnosis, cost of repair/replacement of transmission was not included on invoice, nor was the evaluation/ repair cost of peeling exterior paint.. I paid $65.00 for the estimate, but feel I got nothing in writing. I didn't receive documentation of diagnosis, or cost of repairs.”

NHTSA complaint #716750, filed 2000-01

“Sudden unpredicted downshift from overdrive to second gear while at normal driving speeds on side streets, main thoroughfares and especially whilst on freeways. The occurence happens while driving, the downshift ('slam down') causes persons in the driving compartment to be thrust forward in a manner similar to a rear-end collision. We replaced the transmission in august, 1998; the radiator was replaced in september, 1998 and heating/cooling system repaired and purged in october, 1998 (we had noted some association with engine overheating, but this seems not to be the case). …”

NHTSA complaint #700770, filed 1998-11

“1991 Dodge Caravan. Consumer writes in regards to anti lock brake system recall and seeks reimbursement for repairs. The consumer stated he paid for the repairs on april 20, 2006 and was charged $376.73, even though a recall had been issued. The consumer experienced ABS problems again in december 2013. The consumer stated the recall letter stated if the problem occurred again, chrysler would cover any repairs. The dealer informed the consumer, he had to pay $112 for a diagnostic test, to see if the problem would be covered, under the recall. …”

NHTSA complaint #10574533, filed 2014-03

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2015626%
2014210%
201327%
201233%
201156%
2010148%
200922%
2008114%
2007911%
2006138%
2005132%
200446%
20032211%
20022711%
2001197%
20008618%
19999617%
199810316%
199713319%
199618513%
19959319%
199411117%
199310111%
199211012%
1991579%
19907527%
19894825%
198844%
1987710%
198612%
1985612%
1984317%

Other parts of the 1991 Dodge Caravan

Brakes
215 complaints
Seat belts
90 complaints
Body and structure
80 complaints
Engine cooling
41 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
39 complaints
Steering
38 complaints
Fuel system
25 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaints
Electrical system
19 complaints
Suspension
18 complaints
Seats
14 complaints
Air bags
12 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1991 Dodge Caravan

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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