1989 Dodge Grand Caravan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 46%of 24 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan, 46% of the 24 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“About every 10,000 mi. Transmission needs to be worked on. Of course there is always an excuse from the Dodge mechanics and I end up paying for it. I,m sure the total is around 5,000.00. These problems had also happen to the previous owners because all the receipts have been forwarded to each owner, me being the last.”
NHTSA complaint #712451, filed 1999-09“I purchased this vehicle new with a 4 spd automatic transmission. The transmission has been replaced 6 times, with no cost to me except the time I didnt have my vehicle. I can not believe there hasn't been a recall on this component.”
NHTSA complaint #716698, filed 1999-12“Original transmission had multiple problems before failing at 127,000 miles. Reman. Transmission installed went only 12,375 miles when it failed. Dealer would not replace. Third transmission installed at another dealer went about 65,000 miles and failed also. Many other problems with transaxle controllers, speed sensors. Dealers can't seem to repair without replacing complete transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #711202, filed 2000-04“In a design attempt to increase gas mileage the transmission was built to coasts or freewheels downhill at idle RPM of approx 1000 and zero engine compression braking. The result is excessive acceleration downhill, tailgating and/or excessive brake componet wear.”
NHTSA complaint #754060, filed 2001-11“Air conditioning, paint and transmission as of today has not been repaired yet. My major concern is the transmission. It has the a-604 ultradrive transmission. And it is stuck in one gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10069399, filed 2004-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 40% |
| 2019 | 49 | 20% |
| 2018 | 23 | 8% |
| 2017 | 37 | 9% |
| 2016 | 221 | 22% |
| 2015 | 77 | 27% |
| 2014 | 19 | 5% |
| 2013 | 36 | 8% |
| 2012 | 48 | 8% |
| 2011 | 43 | 8% |
| 2010 | 40 | 5% |
| 2009 | 20 | 4% |
| 2008 | 68 | 5% |
| 2007 | 23 | 13% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 22 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 28 | 13% |
| 2002 | 42 | 14% |
| 2001 | 29 | 10% |
| 2000 | 95 | 21% |
| 1999 | 72 | 17% |
| 1998 | 81 | 14% |
| 1997 | 81 | 14% |
| 1996 | 209 | 18% |
| 1995 | 24 | 22% |
| 1994 | 56 | 28% |
| 1993 | 51 | 18% |
| 1992 | 37 | 15% |
| 1991 | 17 | 13% |
| 1990 | 27 | 49% |
| 1989 | 11 | 46% |
| 1988 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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