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Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler Minivan Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

4276 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2006 at 2:11 AM

You are in the Chrysler/Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Voyager, Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Town and Country, Van

Messages Page 2 of 428

#7 of 4276 Decisions, decisions by sharynt1

Nov 04, 1999 (6:22 pm)

It is a confusing, tough decision to make when deciding on purchasing a new minivan. Big money investment! I used to (until recently) sell GM products and after the bad comments from owners on the GM minivans, I wouldn't want one. The quality control is the pits and long term problem-free durability is looking very unlikely. I've always had good luck with the Chrysler products I've owned including a 1988 Voyager. The van finally was sold at around 158,000 miles when it started to "nickel and dime" me which may have been in part due to greedy and B.S. slinging mechanics... I don't know... I'm mechanically inept. So now I'm looking at a 2000 Dodge Caravan Sport. Checked out the Toyota Sienna and didn't like the blind spot on the C-pillar, and seating position wase not as comfortable as in the Dodge. Price on the Toyota is sticker or more. The Honda Odyssey is a nice van... love how the back seat folds down into the floor. But the radio is worse than my Metro's and the local Honda crook... I mean Dealer... is charging a whopping 10 grand over sticker! And that's on a used "demo" model! No way am I paying over MSRP. The Mazda is too small and too underpowered. The Nissan Quest is nice, but crash tests are horrid, back seat can't be taken out, and kinda expensive for an overall mediocre van. Ford Windstar was a nice ride, but for me personally, the seat cushion was too long and hit me in the back of my knee... very uncomfortable. And so I am back to the Dodge. Good discounts allow for me to dip into my pocket and purchase the extended warranty (a good bet with the reputation of these vans). Still don't think any van on the market is worth the price they are sold for, but what can the consumer do? Thought about a used van, but with the low interest rates on the new models, it's actually less costly per month to buy new. Also have the new car warranty so you're not paying car payments AND repairs. Anyone have any comments on the Caravan Sport with the heavy-duty suspension. Good, bad or ugly responses appreciated. I'm interested in the short-wheelbased model, not the grand, which according to Consumers Reports has a better repair record and is Recommended.

#8 of 4276 sharynt1 by dogtrainer

Nov 04, 1999 (6:54 pm)

Personally, I wouldn't touch any DC product with an extremely long pole (even with a Hungarian). Experiences of friends, comments of mechanics whom I trust and reading here was more than enough for me! Remember, even if all of your problems are covered under the extended warranty. What is your time and aggrivation worth? Time spent at the service dept, time spent stranded on the road, etc.


In most parts of the country, you can get an Odyssey for MSRP. Suggest you check out the "Honda Odyssey Prices Paid" topic for recommendations of dealers and stratigies for findig one.

#9 of 4276 Happy to fix it? by gmiller518

Nov 05, 1999 (2:10 am)

The only US vehicle I've ever owned is my current '93 Caravan 80,000 miles, most frustrating vehicle I've ever owned--typical trans. and a/c problems. I also own a 90 Nissan Maxima 152,000 miles routine maintenance and 1 rusted exhaust pipe at 135,000 miles.


What is so interesting is how people accept their fate as a chrysler product owner saying things like "I've only had 1 transmission problem and it was fixed under extended warranty--I like my car". What? Folks, the transmission SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS for at least 150K miles of driving! You SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BUY an extended warranty in order to be a happy customer.

#10 of 4276 You gotta point by sharynt1

Nov 06, 1999 (2:11 am)

I understand where you're coming from concerning the problems that seem to occur on the Chrysler vans. I've talked to owners of these vans and, even with some repairs under their belts, are overall very pleased with the vans. Hmmm... maybe it's the syndrome of just liking the vehicle so much, you're willing to put up with the "quirks." I had an '88 Voyager. Loved the doggone thing! But, had replaced the a/c compressor, had engine work done to the tune of $900 to stop smoking and oil gulping, brake caliper fell apart (130,000 miles), steering rack needed work, then started encountering some computer and/or some other expensive repair at about 158,000 miles that caused the van to want to stall when stopped with the a/c running. So, I got rid of the ol' gal. But boy did I love that van. Why? I dunno... I guess like someone says they love their spouse even though they forced them into bankruptcy and cheated with the FedEx delivery guy/gal... still, you love 'em. I know, doesn't make sense when all those statistically reliable Toyotas and Hondas are cruisin' down the street. But I just LIKE the DC vans... the power seats fit me perfectly and after a rather nasty back injury, comfort is important. I like the Honda too, but refuse to pay sticker plus when the Dodge Caravan stickered at $26,715 is now on sale for $20,986. For a difference of about 6 or 7 thousand from the Honda, I'd rather put the savings in the bank and put that towards a new van when my old Dodge finally bites the dust. It's like anything else I guess, when emotions set in, reasoning goes out the window. And those dang Caravan Sports are just soooo cute! Also, I had purchased a brandy new Honda Civic wagon back in '84. My experience with the Honda was awful. It died in my garage and had to be towed. It rattled and clunked within a year's time like it was 10 years old. The The engine performance and power dropped dramatically after about a year old and the parts and repair bills were astronomical. I traded it in in '87 for a new Dodge Shadow ES turbo. Never had the Dodge back to the dealer for anything! Run like a dream until some moron rammed into the back of me and crushed the life outa the poor thing. But even then, I walked away from the accident angry, a sore neck, but without a scratch after being hit at 45 mph by a Pontiac 6000. So, even with Honda's good record and lots of personal testimonies as to the greatness of these cars... I still say it's a gamble. I had a '91 Metro... great little car... now I bought a '98 and am in the middle of Lemon Lawing it for ongoing brake problems that eat up rotors every two months. Go figure.

#11 of 4276 Never Again by jcg3

Nov 06, 1999 (4:14 am)

I bought the Grand Caravan ES model in May of 1998. All the extras on it. Brand new. At 42,000 miles the transmission goes out on it as I am coming home from a business trip. Towed to the dealership - for a new transmission. Van was exactly 1 year old. I was told from the dealership that I should have taken out the extended warranty. Can you believe that a $30,000 + van has a transmission that goes out in exactly 1 year -with only 42,000 miles on it - and serviced exactly as recommended in the owners manuel. My feeling is that you shouldn't have to take out an extended warranty on a $30,000 van. A van of this type should last well over 100,000 miles if maintained correctly.


I can't wait for my Honda Odyssey to come in. I hope to have better luck with that van. I will pay more for a reliable product. I hope the Honda Odyssey is as reliable as has been written about . I will let you know within a year.


I put over 40,000 miles on my vehicle each year. I won't be buying anymore Dodge / Chrysler products. They may look nice, but having a nice looking vehicle on the side of the road with the hood up - waiting for a tow truck is not my idea of fun.


When you are at the gas station filling up next time, and you see someone with a dodge / chrysler van, ask them about their van. More than likely, they will tell you about their problems with them - especially the transmissions, and what number they are on . (in transmissions)

#12 of 4276 to jcg3 by sharynt1

Nov 06, 1999 (4:01 pm)

I understand your aggrivation with the tranny on your DC van. I've read that around 40,000 miles the transmissions (4-spd) goes kapput. Not good, but it does point out that spending the extra couple bucks for an extended warranty is wise. As for Honda Odyssey... read some of the posts from owners in Town Hall. The Hondas ALSO have been having transmission problems! I've read a suprisingly substantial number of complaints on this van as well. The only van that seems to be very dependable is the Toyota Sienna. It is also very expensive with no discounts (at least at my local Toyota dealer) and I've seen some "off-lease" and used Sienna's that seem to be falling apart. Similar Chrysler vans seem to take the abuse in stride (except for that blasted transmission thing). Reading all this only confirms my opinion that probably the Caravan will be my next vehicle. But I will check out some Toyota dealers in "the big city" first just to see if there are any negotiations and try the van with the power seats.

#13 of 4276 sharynt1 by dogtrainer

Nov 07, 1999 (6:03 am)

Let me be certain I understand. You know the caravan transmission is junk, but you plan to buy one anyhow??? Complete failure is "that transmission thing"?

#14 of 4276 Enjoy buying Transmissions? by jcg3

Nov 07, 1999 (5:59 pm)

You know that Dodge has a transmission problem, but you plan on buying one anyway. No wonder they haven't fixed the problem. You keep buying them, and pay for the new transmissions, or the extended warranty. Who are the idiots? Not Chrysler, if you keep letting them get away with this.

#15 of 4276 Fuel Smell by jhconcord

Nov 08, 1999 (2:49 am)

We are very worried about the fuel smell in our 93 Grand Caravan. At first, the dealer said it was due to cracks in the gas filler tube. That has been replaced, the gas cap has been replaced, the problem has returned, and the dealer has no idea as to the cause. Has anyone else had this problem?

#16 of 4276 pros and cons by sharynt1

Nov 08, 1999 (1:34 pm)

You've got to look at the whole equation before determining your decision. Yes, the transmissions have a reputation for problems (although I've read quite a few comments and spoke to people who've never had a problem). But it is still more cost effective to get the extended warranty and buy the DC van, than pay sticker plus for a Toyota or Honda and still run the risk for repairs that will, on average, cost more than the Chrysler. It's a risk. Yes, Chrysler should re-do those transmissions if the problems are this widespread. But for the six or seven grand difference between a Caravan and Oddey, that's gotta make you go "hmmmm."

Messages Page 2 of 428

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