8.8
pretty bad
transmission problem
I come from a family of four kids, each of us has repeatedly made the mistake of jumping into a shiny dodge / Chrysler only to be left on the side of the road due to a shot Tranny. The new models are supposed to be much better but in my opinion, it's no surprise dodge has had such a difficult time over the years keeping their heads above water. Seems like 93-2005 chryslers were engineered to FAIL, which they do fail and they do it well. Dad went through a caravan, duster and ram. Sister went through two caravans, other sister left a caravan sitting on the side of the road and I've dropped a tranny into an intreped and REFUSE to do it to this P.O.S... Transmission was serviced regularly and i'm not talking a pressure flush, I did a full drain and fill both times with new filter (NICE AND EASY) to no avail. If you're looking at buying a used caravan, ask yourself why they are soooo cheap and if you can really afford 2k + in repairs should it fail on you too!!!
- deepone, Wesley Chapel, FL, US
My '02 Dodge Grand Caravan has had it share of problems since I purchased it used in '04. First the automatic rear lift quit working in '05, then the power driver slider door broke in '05, the driver side window broke in '07 cost $300 to fix. Thermostat went out, husband fixed for $15-20 in '08 can't really remember, but it wasn't expensive, just had no heat in the middle of winter for a week. Then Transmission went out in '08 cost $2,100.00, unable to trade as I still owed on it at the time and was upside down.The heater fan only worked on high winter of '10, husband fixed for $15, would have cost over $150 if a mechanic had fixed. The driver side lamp cover fell off, had to replace whole light unit for $114 Late summer '10.
Overall this vehicle has cost me more than it was really worth, but it is now paid off and I want to drive it as long as possible, but I won't buy another Dodge Grand Caravan. Next will be a Honda Odyssey.
- Yvonne R., Spring Hill, KS, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
After this happened I found out that Dodge is well known for having transmission problems! So I'm wondering if this is well known why hasn't Dodge fixed this problem?!?! We have no choice but to get it fixed because we are still paying on it!!!! But unless Dodge fixes the problems with the transmissions I will NEVER buy another Dodge!
- SueAnn K., Green Bay, WI, US
Only having 69000 miles on my van, i shouldn't have to drop and new transmission in it! The worse part, 2 1/2 years later and only 27,000 miles, the transmission went out again! And of course, the warranty was only for 1 year so i had to drop another $2600 for the 2nd transmission. I got it back and a week later it was making a clicking sound. Took it back and they had to put in another transmission!!! Thank god this was under warranty. But really, 3 transmissions and it has less then 95,000 mile on it?? I'll never buy a dodge van again. For the money i spent on transmissions, i could have bought a brand new vehicle by now!
- Jeff P., Greenwood, IN, US
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At 46K miles I had to have a complete transmission overhaul. At 52K I was actually on my way to OK city with my cruise control on when the car jerked and I noticed I was losing speed. the check engine light came on and the rest is history. I was towed to the nearest Dodge dealer for yet another complete transmission overhaul. My advice to anyone out there is don't buy a Dodge and if you do make sure you have the extended warranty because the repairs will be costly. My second problem was due to mechanic error (they left a part out the first time, and yes it was done by Dodge dealer mechanic) Dodge has made no effort to compensate me for my time without a car or for the 100 dollar deductible I had to pay twice even though the repairs were not done correctly the first time.
- priscillah, Plano, TX, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I have a dodge grand caravan that we bought from Monarch Dodge in Fort Lauderdale, FL in 2003 as used. Last year we started having engine lights come on, brake fluid leaks, power steering leaks, and transmission problems (grinding and shifting issues)
When I contacted Monarch Dodge about the problem, they told me for the FIRST time that my car was previously a RENTAL, and therefore the Transmission warranty was Void...WHAT...They wont do anything to help me unless I pay full price...Do i have any rights in the transaction???? Dodge should be ashamed, never buy another...
- Mark B., Chester, VA, US
it really sucks, dont thwey have a recall on this thing, why do you need to have a transmission problem every two years.
- Alfred P., Antioch, CA, US
I bought an extended warranty on my dodge, and the transmission went out right after the warranty expired, so I was screwed out of using the extended warranty, and had to replace this. The dealer wanted more than $3K for it, but I found a cheaper transmission place for about $2500. It seemed too soon for the transmission to go out.
- Kimberly A., Federal Way, WA, US
Union Dodge of Garden Grove sold me the van telling me this is the vehicle for you. I bought it after 3 months and 14 days 2,700 miles later the transmission went out. They would not do anything. F*ck Union Dodge. Im done with piece of sh*t Dodge autos they arent worth a f*ckin dime my advice buy a Honda Passport.
- karaffa, Anaheim, CA, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I was driving home with my five kids and snowing realy bad and half way home the transmission goes out. Very cold outside, me and my kids had to wait for two hours for a tow truck to get us off the road and get us home. Only van we own and to get us to work.
- Darrin B., Peru, IN, US