18th Jul 2001, 20:11
Do I detect a pattern here? Transmissions, transmissions, transmissions... I've replaced the 4-speed auto in my 91 Grand Caravan LE TWICE now. I can add to the list: fuel pump replaced $686, water pump replaced, radiator replaced, a fire in the steering column that required a replacement ignition switch (luckily it didn't blossom into a full-tilt car fire), daytime running lights controller which locked the headlights on high-beam when shutting off the vehicle, no way to turn off. If that's not enough for you, the rear hatch glass window spontaneously self-destructed while driving down the road, showering my baby girl in the rear seat with glass pellets. Thank heaven mine was before anti-lock brakes, since a friend at work has had to replace her system twice, as well as the transmission, and a long list of other failures. I call it a life lesson learned - NEVER AGAIN will I buy into a Chryco product. My Hondas and my Subaru Impreza have given me a history of bullet-proof reliable service. It's Japanese all the way from here on in. Sorry, Big Three!
30th Sep 2002, 18:54
I bought my 94 Caravan CV with 100k miles on it, I have driven the heck out of it, it now has 192k miles on it and it still drives great, my maintenance history is at 160k, new trans, I got the best deal from my Chrysler dealer, 1,900 bucks, with a 3 year warranty, I have changed oil regularly, and put lots of gas in, I did have to replace the spark plugs twice, and the belt once, new brake pads in front, and had one headlight burn out. This van has given me great service, and has not nickel and dimed me. it is perfect for the maintenance work I do. Sorry to all those who have had problems, I own 3 other Chrysler cars, and have had great service from them also.
20th Jan 2003, 15:01
I bought my 1994 Grand Caravan with 76,000 on it from a friend of mine. To tell you the truth, I didn't expect it to reach 100 grand on the odometer!I just needed a beater with lots of room to get me from eastern Ky to Ft. Campbell and back a few times. I got it at a price I couldn't refuse.I've had zero problems with the transmition or really any part of it. My wife and I love it!
20th Mar 2003, 13:16
Just a note about my 91 Caravan 2.5 (four cylinder). My transmission only began to get weird only when it lost fluid due to a leaking hose to the radiator. It has 170,000 miles at present and running fine.
The motor, probably due to my negligence, was replaced about 5,000 miles ago. It overheated several times due to (I believe) a faulty thermostat and began to use oil profusely. When it overheated for no apparent reason, I merely raced the engine, it opened up and the engine temperature dropped very fast. The newer engine (don't certifiably know it's origin, supposedly from a wrecked Caravan) is used, not rebuilt and runs fine, and does not use oil (lucked out). It cost me a $950, installed at a local San Diego (Steve Auto, not Steve's Auto) shop. Overall, I am quite pleased with my Caravan.
Bob Fox.
22nd Jun 2003, 15:35
We have a 94 Dodge Caravan, we thought it was just our bad luck. It is a good van, but I was driving to Georgia by myself with my six children and it was surging practically all the way! I stopped to get the fuel filter changed. They say I needed a Throttle Position Sensor, turns out that didn't solve the problem. Our sway bar cracked, broke off had to replace that on my trip. I was also told we need new CV axles. One mechanic messed around with the wiring harness, and I didn't have the surging problem on the way home. Some kind of fluid leaked actually poured out on the pedals, but that only happened once and we can't figure out where it came from. We were also told that the surging could be electric and if so the electric body has to be replaced at $1400.00. This whole experience has made me want to pursue a career in auto maintenance.
29th Sep 2004, 14:15
I have two Chrysler minivans. A 1988 Dodge Caravan LE 3.0 with the 3 speed auto. It just turned 170,000 miles. The transmission went about 5,000 miles ago, mostly due to my fault. The front motor mount was missing and it broke the transmission coolant line. I refilled, but didn't purge, so I caused the trans problem. I put in a low miles used engine at 150,000 miles because the head gasket went. Not too bad. Brakes? Put new rotors on last month. First ones it's needed. Put a fuel pump in at 115,000.
I also have a 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager 3.3 with the 4 speed auto. It has 160,000 miles on it. Had to have the trans rebuilt at 150,000 miles. Original engine with even the original plugs. Only maint has been new rotors at 150,000 and a water pump at about the same time.
Neither of these vehicles has need a whole lot of work or a lot of money. We drive them to death. Wouldn't have any other kind of minivan. I know two people with Windstars and they have had nothing, but problems both are under 70,000.
15th Feb 2005, 14:57
I get my dodge van in 2002. It's a 94. I did have to put breaks on it the a cv joint. I was driving with friends and the transmission went with out any warning at all. I was out of town. I'm have a very hard time getting a new one. It's a 3.0 3speed. I really don't want to junk it because its in really good shape.
21st Jul 2009, 12:06
We have a 2000 4-cylinder caravan, and have had great luck. The fuel pump is just starting to go after 144,000 miles and 3 cross country road trips, but other than that it's only been general maintenance.
17th Mar 2010, 11:59
Any automatic transmission will not be good:
#1 If it is not serviced on time every time.
#2 If it is not rebuilt properly.
#3 The way people drive them.
My 94 Grand Caravan/Plymouth Voyager 3.8 with 230k miles ran like a clock till yesterday; now it won't start, no fuel (fuel pump?), maybe a computer. I will figure it out and keep driving this thing everywhere; my family has to get some where!! Shows less wear on this van than some cars with 80k miles.
Greg.
1st Jun 2001, 23:57
I purchased my 1986 Dodge Caravan SE in 1991 with 61,000 miles on it, and it was in almost mint condition. It served me well and was the best vehicle I ever owned. The only problem I had was the carborator idled very fast in cold weather, but I never had to replace it. I've had one fuel pump, one water pump with freeze plugs, one timing chain/belt, and one spring on the emergency brake pedal replaced, and the air conditioner hose sprung a leak (all over a period of time). The brakes were never a problem and although tires usually need replacing around every two years, I did have one set that lasted 5 years. I was going to make the van last as long as I could, and I managed to put a total of 184,000 miles on it. It was still running good when a deer ran in front of me last month and totalled it. Each of my two brothers bought an older caravan and voyager because I had such good luck with mine. The voyager has 143,000 miles on it and the other caravan has 253,000 miles on it.