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Chrysler Minivans - Transmission Problems

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Here we go again. First it was head gaskets, then paint and now ... it looks like a rash of transmission problems in these things. Here are some examples ...

Nancy of Carmel, IN, writes:
I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan with 57,000 miles. While driving, the car started making a loud grinding noise and then died. I am told by the local dealer (Palmer South in Indianapolis) that the entire transmission must be replaced at a cost of approximately $2000.

My 1989 Chrysler minivan had two transmission replacements during the warranty period. All Chrysler has done to improve its transmission is to make it last past the warranty period. Jensen told me that it was my fault that I didn't purchase extended coverage. I think that it is Chrysler's fault to make a defective product -- had it not been defective I would not have needed extended coverage to have it replaced. Jensen refused to tell me what the life of a Chrysler transmission is and told me that nobody at Chrysler could tell me that.

I think people deserve to know when they buy a Chrysler that the transmission is going to die and leave them stranded. Jensen asked if I had the transmission service required by the owner's manual and whether I had the receipt. I told him that I thought I did have the receipt. After a long wait, he returned to the phone and said because I had no previous trouble with the transmission, because the A.T. service was not done at a Chrysler dealer and because I was out of warranty, I was out of luck. From his canned response, it was evident that I am not the only one with this problem.

Certainly we should expect a transmission to last longer than 57,000 miles. How come non-Chrysler vehicles don't need transmission replacements? The scary thing is that I now have a rebuilt transmission that probably failed on somebody else and somebody else will get my transmission!

Merle of Manassas writes:
I purchased a 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan LE in April 1995 from John Gunning's Manassas Dodge. With only 500 miles on the vehicle, I suspected transmission/transaxle problems and had the Manassas Dodge service department check it out on 28 April 1995. Again on 09 June 1995 I had problems with the shifting of the transmission/transaxle and again took it in for service. The transmission control module was replaced at this time. The van had only 2,770 miles at this point.

On August 1997 at 27,798 miles, the transmission/transaxle failed to shift into high gear and locked up in second gear. The Manassas Dodge service department removed and completely rebuilt the transmission/transaxle at this time. I was informed that the rebuild transmission/transaxle would be better than the original and I should not expect any more problems with it.

The transmission/transaxle continued to operate normally until 07 October 1999 with 55,505 miles. Just 5,000 miles over the warranty period. At this time the transmission/transaxle again locked up in second gear. I was informed that a part had broken within the transmission and the cost of repair would not be covered by the dealer or Chrysler Corp., because the van was over the warranty period.

I informed them of the past history with this vehicle and was basically told tough luck. The repair of the transmission/transaxle cost me $1,755.19 which was for a total replacement with a remanufactured transmission/transaxle.

I contacted the head of Manassas Dodge Service dept who indicated he would go to bat for me on this issue. However, all I have been given is a stall tactic time after time. I contacted the zone manager who totally refused to talk with me but stated their decision to not cover any of the cost was final.

I then contact a Mr. Andy Love at the Chrysler Corp in Auburn Hills, Mr. Mr. Love was even rude when I asked about assistance in covering the cost of repair/replacement. He informed me that since the transmission/transaxle had operated with no problems for an approximate additional 27,000 miles since the last failure, they would not cover its repair.

I asked about what basis did the company utilize to determine what would and would not be covered in an instance such as mine. It was then that he became defensive and offensive and refused to discuss the matter further.

I stated that I was informed by the Dodge service department that the average preventive maintenance for transmission was to be performed at 35,000 mile intenvals, and that in my case, I would never be able to perform preventive maintenance, as my transmission/transaxle had failed prior to obtaining that mileage.

I feel totally used by the Chrysler Corp. for not supporting the customer. I have purchased eight (8) Chrysler vehicles over the past 25 years and have been a faithful customer. However, after this experience, I will never purchase a Chrysler product again.

Kevin of Havre de Grace, MD, writes about his 1996 Plymouth Grand Caravan:

My complaint is against Chrysler Corp. as a whole. Specifically their recall policy. This vehicle was purchased and I bought an extended warranty.

At 50,000 the transmission failed and left my wife, two daughters, a friend and her daughter stranded on a major Interstate. I got good road side assistance and the van was towed to the local dealer. ...

I know of seven people who have had transmission trouble with these vans and Chrysler is not doing what they should to solve the problem.

Am I to expect the transmission to fail after 50,000 miles? Does my extended warranty now cover this until I reach 60,000 miles on this transmission?

I am concerned that the vehicle is not reliable. I am concerned that my money is not well spent.

August 28 2008

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