1994 Dodge Grand Caravan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 56about this part
- Share
- 28%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 56 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan, 28% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When we bought the van in april of 2001 the transaxle would not shift into reverse when cold. The vehicle has apparently been warmed up before we test drove it. The transmission filter and fluid were replaced and the transmission was fine until the next cold season . The fluid and filter were replaced and the transmission was fine until the next cold season. The fluid and filter were replaced again but it did not help. …”
NHTSA complaint #10006629, filed 2002-12, 135,000 miles“Transaxle on 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan le failed causing damage to axles. The axles had to be replaced, one axle had to be replaced twice. They are now failing again. The front end wobbles and shakes, especially when accelerating and the transmission shifts very harshly, with a slam. The transmission has an internal leak so that we have to check the fluid constantly, but no fluid is draining onto the street. It will cost us $2,500 to repair. When we bought the car 2 years ago it had just had the transaxle replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10003376, filed 2003-01, 110,000 miles“I really feel Dodge/chrysler has a probelm with their automatic tranmissions in their mini-vans, everyone I know has had trouble and had to replace them. My turn came last week, reprtedly the new transmission that was installed is re-designed and has a longer warranty. There is something wrong here and it needs to be addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #744013, filed 2001-04“Every caravan owner I talk to tells me about their transmission failing. Why hasn't NHTSA investigated this huge problem? My transmission failed while traveling 70 MPH on the freeway. The shop told me the number one complaint has been the transmission on these vans.”
NHTSA complaint #744691, filed 2001-04“Transmission failure in my minivan at 38,000 miles. Transmission has been replaced, since problem at a cost of $1461.50. I feel that a major component as a transmission should not fail at 38,000 miles. The transmission fluid was changed on 04/01/1999, at 35,262 miles. It wasn't because of the fluid.”
NHTSA complaint #716134, filed 1999-12Transmission 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 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan
33 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsEquipment
10 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 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