1990 Dodge Grand Caravan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 49%of 55 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 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan, 49% of the 55 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission went into limp in mode(2nd gear only) this is the second time that this happened. The first time was at about 45,000 miles. The dealer replaced the transmission at no cost at that time. Now, this time I paid for the repair since I no longer have a warranty in effect. What, if any, is my next step to recovering some of my repair expense?”
NHTSA complaint #714002, filed 1999-10“The transmission would not shift up after stopping. The vehicle went in to have the transmission rebuilt and our mechanic has discovered that there is quite a waiting list for the case because there seems to be a problem with internal cracks on this case. Most mechanics don't even want to work on them. I have been told by one mechanic that they work on these transmissions more than any others.”
NHTSA complaint #720846, filed 2000-03“Original transmission failed at 66,000 miles. I am the third owner. I was told that Dodge was having trouble, but figured that the problem was solved with the replacement of the original transmission. I was told that I had a version # 6 solenoid & computer. It was recommended that I update to a version # 10. The cost to repair is $ 1,900. I am just finding out that Dodge is still having problems with this 1990 transmission. Thank you for your help. Leroy j. Hersh.”
NHTSA complaint #720329, filed 2000-03“This vehicle has had a problem transmission since it was driven away from the dealership. The lurching motion made by the transmission was reported to the dealer immediately and repeatedly. The dealer insisted that the transmission was normal and refused to repair it. In october 1991 the transmission failed while we were in tennessee and witnessed by the Dodge dealership in sieverville, tn. Upon return to florida. The Dodge dealer in coral springs replaced the transmission. (or so we were told) the 2nd transmission worked for 5 years and had to be replaced in september of 1996. …”
NHTSA complaint #769946, filed 2002-11“This van belongs to my son. It has already had the transmission replaced and now it needs it again. I know this is a common problem in this year make and model of van. I used to work for russwood chrysler plymouth in lincoln ne, so I know the facts on this. Chrysler has informed my son that there is nothing they can do as they do not know of this problem. Now I do not believe no one else has complained about this. Can you please help us with this problem. The transmission has over drive and they are the ones that have the problem, the ones without overdrive do not have a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #703202, filed 1999-02Transmission 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 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan
11 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Dodge Grand 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