My 99 Dodge Caravan transmission started making a ratcheting noise while driving during deceleration. The noise was especially noticeable if the shift lever was moved from Drive to Neutral while the van was moving more than 30 MPH. Although the transmission was still functional, I had the mechanic check it. When he removed the transmission oil pan, he found a dazzling collection of ferrous particles surrounding the oil pan magnet. I was told that the differential within the transmission was damaged and he recommended a complete rebuild ($1800-$2200 ouch!!) I chose to have a re manufactured transmission from the Dodge Dealer installed which came with a 3yr 100K warranty. Of course, I had just paid-off the van a few months earlier, and no warranty! Just so I don't ever have to drive a Dodge again, I wonder if I can find a good deal on a reliable YUGO.
I have a 1999 dodge caravan which we hardly use. Recently it cost me a fortune to replace the transmission. After thorough investigation i found out that every dodge has a transmission problem. I would suggest anyone buying a dodge beware. The quality sucks, better to go with Japanese cars which are more reliable and smooth. I don't understand how chrysler can ignore such a big quality problem. The pin that holds the shaft broke and broke the casing holding it. The only way they can fix is to replace the whole transmission. I don't rely on this vehicle anymore. Please don't buy a dodge.
I find it hard to believe that a major transmission failure occured on a 4 year old vehicle - buyer beware! So far Daimler Chrysler has refused to pay for any of my repair bill. This is our third and last Chrysler van. In my opinion Daimler Chrysler has had to recently increase its warranty to 7 years/115,000km to compensate for quality problems.
My Dodge Caravan started by making a ticking sound. I then got in to drive it one day and the speedometer wasn't working and it sounded awful. We had to have a remanufactured transmission put in at a cost of $2400.00. The transmission place thinks it has other unrelated problems. We have heard from so many people that had Caravans about the transmissions going. Don't buy a Dodge or Plymouth. They are not reliable and will cost you a fortune!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My 99 Dodge Caravan transmission started making a ratcheting noise while driving during deceleration. The noise was especially noticeable if the shift lever was moved from Drive to Neutral while the van was moving more than 30 MPH. Although the transmission was still functional, I had the mechanic check it. When he removed the transmission oil pan, he found a dazzling collection of ferrous particles surrounding the oil pan magnet. I was told that the differential within the transmission was damaged and he recommended a complete rebuild ($1800-$2200 ouch!!) I chose to have a re manufactured transmission from the Dodge Dealer installed which came with a 3yr 100K warranty. Of course, I had just paid-off the van a few months earlier, and no warranty! Just so I don't ever have to drive a Dodge again, I wonder if I can find a good deal on a reliable YUGO.
- Richard J., Tooele, UT, US