1995 Dodge Caravan Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“After driving about 350 miles back from a trip, transmission failed. Was driving down the interstate when traffic started to slow down and come to a stop (this was not a sudden stop). I tried to slow down but the vehicle lurched forward and started making grinding noises. I had to steer to the side of the road to avoid hitting the car in front of me. There was no indication of trouble prior to this during the trip. While in idle, there was no grinding noise. When we started to move again the engine would not shift and started making grinding noises. …”

“On august 11 ,2004 our 1995 Dodge Caravan failed to pick up speed on the nj turnpike, while going to newark airport. Although there were no injuries or accidents, it was stop and go on the way home at night. The car was purchased in july 1995 from suburban Dodge in metuchen, nj. I took the car to the dealer (now mcdonagh Dodge) to have the vehicle diagnosed. They said that it was a transmission failure. The car does not run properly now. I have not had it repaired because it is an expensive repair. In addition the AC compressor also needs to be replaced. …”

“After being stopped at stoplight, placed foot on gas, however, van had shifted into neutral, had to reapply the brake to reset - has not yet happened in the middle of the highway - but have heard others say it is possible. I am frightened as I drive 18 miles/highway to and from work in this van - with not even 40,000 miles yet.”

“I notified the dealer as well as the zone manager for the company of the problems, and never received any feedback at all. When I called the service department, they said since they did not do the work, nothing more could be done. This vehicle has been nothing but major problems. The vehicles are known for the transmission problems and nothing is ever done. The transmission began failing at 56,000 miles.”

“Dealer was going to replace the transmission, but after several hours of labor, they decided to replace a differential pin on the transmission after only 52,000 miles. Dealer would not cover cost of repair. It sounds like many people have had similar problem, is there going to be a recall? Also, the dealer has recharged the air conditioner 3 times within the past 3 years. Each time they charged me for it. I find it hard to believe that a charge would last only one summer.”