8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,890
Average Mileage:
86,250 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. get a new transmission (2 reports)
  2. I called dodge customer support, no help at all (2 reports)
  3. replaced tranny (2 reports)
  4. parked and will sell for parts (1 reports)
  5. replace imput and output sensors, clean electrical connector (1 reports)
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission problems

transmission problem

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2000 Dodge Grand Caravan Owner Comments

problem #8

Sep 012015

Grand Caravan Sport 3.8L V6 Flex Fuel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

slow response when pressing the accelerator

So, I think we have established that these cars are awful. My Grand Caravan Sport 3.8 L was a powerhouse new, but 5 transmissions, a fuel pump, speedometer, ground wire and gas cap, I'm tired. I bought this for 31,000 new, and after my last transmission replacement, my car wouldn't start. My battery was dead so I went down to the junkers to see if I could find one. I got a battery and swapped it in. The car starts, only for me to find that the speedometer isn't working, and the car has gone into limp mode to not damage transmission-engine. I drove the car after I diagnosed the issue as codes p0500 and p1347 (speed sensor malfunction and cylinder misfire) I cleared the codes, but as soon as I got to 15 mph the p0500 came on again. I sent it to the rebuilt transmission place because I am not taking that apart myself. It is not covered under waranty because it's not a sensor at all. The old battery was leaking acid and it dripped on my ground wire. I replaced this for 500 bucks, but now, it whines. Does anybody else engine whine like it's an electric vehicle. My dad (I'm 22) pays for the transmissions but refuses to get me a different car. Btw, my car is not the one in the picture. It looks totally different, almost like a 1999 Chrysler T&C.

- Matthew S., Bellmore, NY, US

problem #7

Feb 192011

Grand Caravan 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

$1500 for a rebuilt tranny. wonder how long this one will last

- April K., Elberton, GA, US

problem #6

Aug 082008

Grand Caravan ES 3.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

The vehicle kept going to limp mode and engine check light remained on. I took the vehicle to a mechanic he ran a scan check on it and said complete transmission malfunction, required complete overhaul. I threw up the bullcrap flag and went to the internet for answers. After several days of research I analyzed the problem to be bad sensors. I took the van to a Dodge dealership and they ran a FREE scan with a DRB III scanner (don't use anything else). They told me after a 200 foot test drive that the scanner was not receiving a signal from the sensors. The technician offered to install the sensors but I elected to install them. He told me to remove the air cleaner to have better access to the sensors. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. I used a 1 inch deepwell socket to remove the sensors, it took about 10 minutes to do both. This can be done by anyone, I would even let my 14 year old son do it. One more thing, there is an electrical connector covering the output sensor. Use a 8MM socket to remove the connector and make sure there is no transmission fluid in there. This is a really bad position for this connector because when you fill the transmission tube and spill some fluid, it does directly into this connector. Reattach the connector, install the air cleaner, reconnect the battery, DONE. I hope this helps a lot of folks out.

- Robert R., Tucson, AZ, US

problem #5

Jan 102004

(reported on)

Grand Caravan EX

  • 30,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

ok this is bullshit i got a dodge piece of crap van it had 28,000 miles on it ok at 30,000 miles the tranny took a sh*t the warranty covered that now at 61,000 miles the second tranny is starting to take a crap.. what the heck is a guy to do about this i cant afford to put a tranny in this thing . DODGE TRANNYS SSSUUUCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!

- Ron C., Blue River, WI, US

problem #4

Jul 012007

(reported on)

Grand Caravan Sport 3.3L V6 FLEX FUEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I bought this van used with 70000 highway miles on it and purchased the extended warranty at time of purchase. The extended warranty had just run out so I was responsible for the new transmission.

- Pam H., Webb City, MO, US

problem #3

Jan 072007

(reported on)

Grand Caravan 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

The tranny just self-destructed, taking the housing with it. This van was not driven hard, never used for towing. The cost of repair is more than the thing is worth. Can't find a used tranny because so many have failed. Wrecker does not want the vehicle because he already has too many of them.

- Riny V., Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada

problem #2

Oct 052006

(reported on)

Grand Caravan

  • 80,000 miles

If I believed what the dealership & transmission shop said was the problem and their solution for repairing the problem I would be out roughly $3,200. Researching the history of transmission problems with the Caravan I couldn't justify spending that amount of money rebuilding or replacing it - why would I want to? It's proved to be a faulty & unreliable. I couldn't find a mechanic that was trustworthy anywhere. Every one of them would see a female coming and then play me for stupid. I don't know much about the new computers/technology in cars today, but I still work on my 68 Z-28 (no specialized mechanic required). So, yeah I know the basics front to rear. Anyway, I started talking with everyone I knew about who they used to work on their vehicles, asking questions about honesty, reilability, pricing, warranty, etc. and I finally found a one man shop. This guy is GREAT! He doesn't feed me any bull crap, does what he says, extremely reasonable in price and time. He repaired my transmission and it's been great ever since. Apparently there is a transmission hose that continually comes loose and the gasket likes to work it's way out, both causing leaks. I have found that fluid level in this transmission is critical - an ounce or two low can make the difference in going into and staying in gear. So have your transmission serviced, replace the hose('s), gasket, etc. and make sure they do it, not just say they will. Check your fluid at lease every two weeks. These minor repairs made all the difference in my trans - I put it in gear and it stays in gear - no slip.

- Linda M., Thousand Oaks, CA, US

problem #1

Feb 062006

(reported on)

Grand Caravan ES

  • 56,000 miles

I gave my husband's van to my daughter in Houston. He passed away and I did this because she needed a vehicle. The transmission went out at 56,000 and before that a new water pump. A year later it happened again and the transmission went out again. I have looked up on the internet and found many people with the same problem with Dodge Caravans. From what I understand Chrysler knew about this problem with their transmissions but don't do anything about it. I will never buy another American car again. It will either be a

Toyota or a Honda.

- eva9222, San Antonio, TX, US

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