14th Aug 2002, 11:15
Chrysler mini vans are the best type of van on the market. I have had six of them with all the engine that Chrysler offered for them (2.2,2.5,2.6,3.0,3.3,and 3.8). The only thing. Everyone says that they are bad vehicles, but the truth is that if you don't keep it good then how is it suppose to be good. Maybe the previous owners abused it, and that could be the reason why you says the van is bad, or your mechanic could be ripping you off. I am only 14, but I can tell you anything you want to know about why your van's performace or reliability is not at the level that it should be at. There will always be problems in any vehicle you buy, but it does not automatically mean that the whole fleet is bad.
4th Dec 2002, 18:08
I have a 91 Caravan 3.0L 3 speed automatic with 155,000 miles. Just routine maintenance, change plugs and wires at about 100,000. Is starting to shift late and hard so I may change the tranny oil to see if that helps, don't remember when I changed the tranny oil the last time. Oh I did change the struts about 3 yrs ago along with a half-shaft, Other than that I'm happy. Just waiting for the tranny to die then I'll junk her.
30th Apr 2003, 13:53
I have a 4cyl 2.5 liter 1991 caravan... its been sitting since Dec. when the head gasket blew...hmmmm. Prior to that, in the last year I have replaced the radiator, clutch and have had new tires and brakes (normal wear and tear)...Is there a recall on the head gasket? Is it worth having it repaired? I have 128 thou miles...
30th Apr 2003, 19:54
No, it is NOT worth having the gasket repaired. Junk it. Dodge caravans have numerous problems after 120 thousand miles and it will put a big hole in your wallet/purse.
8th May 2003, 13:23
I have a 1989 Dodge Caravan 2.5L 4 cylinder with the 3 speed automatic transmission. The engine and transmission have over 197,000 miles. The only thing I have done to the engine is change the timing belt. The transmission has never been touched. My suggestion is to fix the head gasket issue. I think there's still some life left in it. JMHO.
6th Jul 2003, 08:03
1991 Voyager 2.5: The three speed non-computerized transmission is a proven work horse and it has an oil cooler add-on in front of the radiator.
The 2.5 is also a proven engine with the exception of the head gasket problem. Replacement gaskets have been modified to improve life, but the problem stems more from the aluminum head on the cast block. These metals expand and contract at different rates which of course make nightmares for gasket designers. Of course aluminum heads on cast blocks is not unique to Chrysler, nor is the problems. Properly assembled the gasket should last over 120k.
Biggest disappointment I have had with them is the paint as the paints with metal flake tend to peel and once it starts it peels quickly to bare metal.
I have had a lot of experience with the Voyager and Caravan as an USAF Transportation Superintendent and they have provide super service even when used as taxi vehicles. P.S. This is my opinion not a USAF endorsement.
17th Jul 2003, 06:58
I have a 1991 caravan with 156,000, only had to replace the head gasket around 110,000 miles. The only problem I am having is the front wipers come on when ever they feel like it. I have replaced the switch and it still does the same thing. One day they work fine the next day there is a ghost in the wipers and they just come on for no reason there is no pattern to this. Has anyone had this problem or heard of it before?
24th Jul 2003, 08:12
This is caused by the switch inside the wiper motor assembly. This switch is the one that parks the wipers when they are turned off. Bouncing of the car causes it to trigger due to being worn from heat and age and then it sticks. If you're handy you can repair it or just replace the motor assembly.
13th Aug 2003, 22:42
I have a 91 Dodge Caravan in which I have had some problems with. I would like to know whether anyone else has had the same problems and what they did to correct them. My wipers go off when ever they feel like it. My dash board is not working properly, its blinking all over the place and the gages will work some of the time, but most of the time it doesn't or one or two will work. The I'm empty fill me up reminder on the dash is constantly dinging and flashing even with a full tank of gas. And the automatic locks on the doors constantly lock and unlock as I'm driving along and if you put your foot on the gas it does it even more!
And finally every now and again it just all of a sudden loses power, like it has shut its self off, then it will click in and go again.
I have pulled the fuse for now on the door locks, but obviously this is not the solution, I need for someone to point to the problem for me so I can fix it without it costing me a arm and a leg!!I have had the grounds checked it does not seem to be the problem. Any suggestions?
I've also replaced my transmission, all in all I guess my Dodge Caravan has been and still is a nightmare.
Help!!!
9th Apr 2004, 02:37
You said yourself you don't bring it in for checkups/maintenance, that explains a lot, I need not say anything...
28th May 2004, 17:21
We have a 91 Dodge Caravan and it has the same problem with the gauges not working and the door locks engaging/disengaging. This has nothing to do with how it's maintained, as it is caused by a part under the dash next to the center column. I am sorry, but I do not know the name, but it was recalled and it can be reset by unplugging the two plugs (blue & yellow). However, this is a temporary fix. I have done this and it successfully reset it for six months and I gained this knowledge from a former line worker of the manufacturer.
10th Jun 2004, 13:19
What many people don't know or understand is that Chrysler actually made a very reliable engine and a couple of reliable transmissions in the 1990's. Chrysler's 2.5L 4cyl. engine is a great engine, with the exception of notorious head gasket failure. Mine lasted 160k miles before the head gasket needed replacing. The older designed, non-electronically controlled 3- and 4-speed automatics are very reliable and long-lasting as well. Again, my 4-speed automatic lasted 182k miles. Chrysler has earned such a poor reputation for 2 reasons: 1) Wide use of the problematic Mitsubishi built 3.0L V6, which had numerous design defects, and 2) Wide use of the ELECTRONICALLY controlled 4-speed automatic, which Chrysler STILL uses on many of it's popular vehicles. An easy way to determine if a Chrysler vehicle has the failure-prone electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission is to shift the car from gear-to-gear, not moving the vehicle, with your door open, in order to hear noises the transmission produces outside the cabin. If you hear what sounds like a light clicking/groaning/ratcheting noise when you shift gears, that is the failure prone transmission you should avoid. This transmission was the sole automatic transmission on the following vehicles: Chrysler Concord/LHS/New Yorker/Intrepid, All 4-speed equipped Chrylser minivans (Town&Country, Voyager, Caravan), Chrysler Sebring convertible, Chrysler Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze. Unless you don't mind driving a vehicle with a transmission that will give out often, avoid these models. Recommended models are: Any Chrysler car with the non-electronically controlled 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, and 2.5L or 2.2L 4cyl. engines. These are very reliable engines and transmissions that typically last close to 200k miles. Hope the info helps! I am very knowledgeable with Chryslers, so if you have any questions or concerns about yours, feel free to email me at palebeachbum@yahoo.com.
4th Oct 2009, 04:58
I bought my Grand Caravan a year old with 40,000 km on it.
Tranny went on it at 60,000 km, replaced on warranty.
It went again with 110,000, but the warranty was over on time. It had a 7 year 120,000 km; most vehicles at the time had a 60,000 5 year warranty.
The tranny I repaired outside the dealership for $1,200. It has been great since the Caravan has over 300,000 now.
The 3.3 liter is a great engine with no problems.
Water pump twice.. simple fix. A few complete exhausts and some brake jobs up to this year.
It is starting to give me trouble now, mostly winter and salt related, and I will part with it. It has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Practically trouble free for 18 years, couldn't ask for much better.
4th Oct 2009, 17:37
Honda and Toyota vans are no better then the American vans, I would say worse - and much more expensive. Ask a mechanic, they will tell you just how much trouble they are having on these import vans.
5th Oct 2009, 20:05
I'm a mechanic. And I PERSONALLY haven't seen many repairs on import vans. But that doesn't mean that they aren't. Just a random fact though, Honda completely based their first minivan on the Dodge Caravan. Dodge even lent them the design plans. It was almost a rebadged vehicle even, the only real differences were a Honda engine and tranny. Everything else was pretty much a Caravan.
2nd Jul 2002, 23:35
Sounds like either you were the luckiest person who ever lived or you work for Chrysler. Either way, for the rest of us, Chrysler = GARBAGE and there's no debating that! the just take a survey or read any reputable used car guide. I must say that never in my life was I treated so poorly or had my intelligence so insulted as when I went back to my "friendly" Chrysler dealer. They build crap, take your money, and never stand behind their product. Garbage service, garbage cars, garbage company.