2001 Dodge Caravan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 7%of 257 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,606miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Dodge Caravan, 7% of the 257 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,606 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have filed several complaints on this car since buying in 2001 this latest one is the heat control knob in the dash has frozen dealer says broken and would cost 400 to fix, at that price it shouldn't break at all!car now has 50000 miles. This is the same car that within the first 72 hours and 200 miles the transmission went out. Tie rod ends were replaced 2 or 3 times at 20000 and 36700 miles motor on window also replaced carpet replaced because water seeping in car I am afraid of this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10107613, filed 2005-01, 200 miles“With just 66000 miles on my 2001 Dodge Caravan, the service department at my local Dodge dealership tells me that the torque converter is locking up and I need a new transmission. Cost to repair - $3300.”
NHTSA complaint #10095589, filed 2004-10, 65,800 miles“My 2001 Dodge Caravan without any notice suddenly locked up and would not shift into gear. The engine would rev and not shift back in gear. I took the van to my mechanic who looked it over and referred me to the dealer. Upon taking my van with 57,000 miles to dealer I was informed that I would need to replace the transmission costing upwards of $3300. I called Dodge to explain that the vehicle had been properly maintained and asked if they were willing to assist with the repair and was told no.”
NHTSA complaint #10088456, filed 2004-08, 57,000 miles“My 2001 Dodge Caravan se has transmission problems at 35,000 miles.the van stop on the freeway for no reason at all. The dealer fix it and 2 weeks after that the car will not shift form 2nd gear. And the gauges didn't work at all. The engine light came on. This is my 2nd Dodge Caravan minivan and the last one .I'll buy a honda for now on when I pay or nearly pay this one. I'm a Dodge man , I have 2002 pt cruiser that I had a recall already. These are the last american made car I'll purchase. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008143, filed 2003-02, 35,000 miles“On the below date I was driving on a mountainous curvy road when the transmission in my vehicle completely failed. Luckily I was able to manuever the van to the side of the road. I then had the van towed to my mechanic who informed me that the transmission had a complete failure. The mechanic put in a new factory remanufactured transmission assembly. On may 19, 2005, less than 7000 miles later that transmission failed as well. The Dodge dealer honored the warranty and fixed it. The day after I got the van back (today) there was a loud clunking noise and the check engine light came on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10123998, filed 2005-06, 52,211 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission 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 2001 Dodge Caravan
43 complaintsSteering
32 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsExterior lighting
30 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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