Problems with 2000 Dodge Caravan POWER TRAIN

Driving in a rainstorm the drive belt came off while driving onto the entrance ramp of c270. the power steering, water pump, generator failed. the car was not able to drive. *tr

On aug. 19 my husband heard a very faint "ping" about a 2 miles from home. nothing seemed to be wrong and he felt it must have been something moving around in the car. on aug. 20, after driving several miles, i heard what sounded like something under the hood self-destructing, the odometer and rpm gauge went wacky, and i had no power. i was fortunate to be perhaps 50 yards from an auto service center and coasted into the driveway leaking fluid and flinging parts. the transmission had blown apart. had i been on a freeway i would likely have been killed or killed someone else. from talking to mechanics it seems that this is a well known defect and dodge manufactured transmissions were not modified, but there has been no recall. we were told that after market parts from another company had the problem addressed. (what recourse do we have. can we ever expect dodge to pay for a remanufactured transmission?) note: the mileage and speed are approximate. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. while driving and turning the steering wheel it seemed as if the power steering malfunctioned. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. the mechanic advised her that the tension and idle pulley failed and needed to be replaced. furthermore, she noticed a squeaking noise which she presumed was in the brake area when the brakes were engaged and occasionally failed to stop the vehicle. she spoke with a representative where she purchased the vehicle; however, he test drove the vehicle and advised her that there were no problems with the brakes. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer or an authorized dealer have not been notified. the current and failure mileages were approximately 138,830. updated 4/30/10 *cn transmission fluid was leaking. updated 06/28/10*jb

My 4 children were in my van while it was parked and my 5 yr old got into drivers seat and pulled gear shift in reverse and van rolled down driveway, across road, and over an embankment and it totaled the vehicle. this should not have happened, the gear shift should not have moved while it was in park without the brakes being applied to get it out of gear. my daughter had to have stitches as a result of this accident. they could have been killed. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. while driving approximately 2 mph the contact suddenly noticed a loud noise coming from under the vehicle. upon examining the vehicle the contact noticed that the transmission fluid was heavily leaking onto the ground underneath the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the failure was due to the transmission pin. the vehicle had not repaired at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was 92000.

Bought new in 2000 (failure)serpentine belt replaced @ 39199 4-12-02 (failure)serpentine belt & tensioner replaced @ 64389 8-20-03 (failure)serpentine belt replacedlate summer 2004 (failure)serpentine belt & tensioner replaced @112,000 jan 2006 timing belt replaced @ 64389 8-20-03 timing belt & tensioner replaced @110,646 11-25-05 multiple sensor failures past 4 years, as well as valve cover gaskets, cam seals,cam packings, crank seal, oil pan leaking. nov 2005 engine light kept coming on,& a slight knocking, dealer couldn't find any real reason, but lugging was present during drives. had to replace leaky transmission solenoid pack & sensor 11-25-05 only to turn around and replace the whole transmission 9 weeks later due to multiple engine failures,@114,043 1-30-06 (with another serpentine belt failure 2 weeks prior to tranny replacement. 3 tows in 2 months!( and over $6,000 out of pocket) virtually all repair work done at dealer tow truck driver noted that he hauls caravans in the most of any vehicle , and mostly for the serpentine belts, many times a "repeat customer in need of another belt" i was one of his many! how many problems have to be reported before any action is taken? *jb

One day on my way to work (about 10 miles from my house) i was going approximately 55 mph when the transmission slammed into second gear and would not shift into another gear. i had my van towed to a shop and it was two sensors in the transmission. the very next day i went to get my van i went to work the van seemed to run like new, and then when i got off of work i rolled down my power window on the drivers side and the window would not roll back up! to have the two sensors fixed was around two hundred dollars and to get the window fixed was one hundred and twenty five dollars and that part for the window was the regulator and the motor, for a new part was like three hundred dollars, i got one used. it has been six months since i got these things replaced and now they are both broke again! the sensors and the drivers side window motor and regulator. i do have the parts that are defective now but i do not have the parts from before. *nm

The differential drive pin in the 41te model automatic transmission falls out , locking up the front wheels. and stalling motor. then transmission will blow apart sending pin and fluid gears randomly. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 40 mph, the transmission failed without prior warning. the transmission pin fell out and transmission locked, causing the vehicle to stall. the vehicle received regular and routine maintenance. the road conditions were clear with no road hazards or debris. the vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. the dealer determined the transmission pin fell out without inspecting the vehicle. *ak

Dt: contact states vehicle can be changed from any gear without pressing the brake. the contact's son got into the vehicle while it was running. took it out of gear without holding the brakes, which resulted in the vehicle crashing through a garage door. at this time the vehicle has not been checked to see why the vehicle will go into gear without pressing the brakes.*ak

While pulling out of a local market parking lot, there was a loud noise coming from the left front undercarriage. the vehicle would not move with the transmission engaged. the vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer. i was informed by the dealer that the left front axle had failed. i requested that the dealer replace the failed component and had the dealer hold onto the failed part. when i picked up the repaired vehicle, i looked at the failed component and saw that it had sheared completely into two pieces. fortunately there were no injuries or damage. i consider this mechanical failure an extreme safety hazard. *nm

With 79,000 miles the transmission went into safe mode and locked in 2nd gear. repair shop hooked vehicle up to diagnostics and vehicle will need a transmission rebuild. vehicle has a history of transmission leaks and transmission lines letting go dating back to first year of ownership. a transmission service (at several hundred dollars) was completed in february at 74,000 miles. owned 96 caravan -transmission failed at 51,000 miles. was assured by salesperson and service manager that transmission on 2000 was a complete redesign or i would not have purchased a second caravan.

While driving at approximately 30 mph, ring and pinion sheared off, causing the vehicle to coast. there was no power to generate gears for moving.the transmission let go at the same time. all this happened without warning. vehicle was currently out of warranty. *ak transmission blew a hole into and through entire transmission. *bf *nm

Sometimes while driving at times my van (automatic 4-cylinder 2000 caravan), it will continuously shift, making the van fell like its pulling and giving/jerky (**scary when this happens**). the van will shake(vibrate). the gas pedal even vibrates. the van sounds loud(front area of car), my son says it sounds like a race car.he gets scared. the wheels seems to be hugging/gripping the ground( another way to describe it, it feels as if gravity was pulling the car downward). the van seems to lose power, and pressing the gas pedal makes the rumbling noise (engine?) louder.*ak

We had 3-transmission failures in our 1990 grand caravan at <72k miles, which dodge handled reasonably well. our 2000 grand caravan sport had to have its solenoid pack replaced today at ~50k miles, so i suspect a transmission is in its short term future as well. iv'e read all sorts of horror stories regarding safety issues during these transmission failures, i.e., drive lines puching through cases, etc.. what is being done about this? isn't a company every liable for its products? my understanding was that the transmissions were fixed, or i never would have bought another caravan, especially if a safety issue was involved. is this a safety isssue or not?*ak

While driving 55 mph transmission failed. as a result, vehicle shut down. *ak

Consumer states that transmission failed at 65,000 miles. as a result, vehicle became inoperable. *ak

While driving, there was a lot of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. the vehicle continued to run. the consumer was advised by the mechanic not to drive the vehicle, because all the fluids had leaked out. please provide any further information. *jb the transmission failed in the consumers vehicle. fluid leaked out a hole blown in the casing but the consumer was still able to drive serveral miles. *tc

The rear end pin snapped while the consumer was traveling at 45 mph. the vehicle had to be towed and the transmission had to be replaced. *jb

2000 dodge caravan with only 56,000 miles had to be towed because the transmission broke down and had to be replaced for a total of $$2250.00. then on 1/11/06 it happened again. we had to have a new torque converter plus all the other parts replaced again. we have maintained this vehicle according to the manual and it had to be fixed at the closest transmission repair shop. i have contacted dodge about this, and they have denied any responsibility and refused to hear of this complaint. the mechanic rutland transmissions (281) 350-1365 told us that he sees many of these dodge caravans with the same problem. he told us that he sees many of these vans with similar transmissions needing replacements that go bad around the time that mine did. this is really a horrible problem that dodge will no realize. what can be done with this kind of problem that seems to happen right after the van is paid for. we did not get the extended warranty thinking that nothing like this would ever happen. *ak can you help? i would appreciate this very much. i can fax the repair invoices if you need them. this is why people are going with japanese cars which prove that american isn't as dependable.

Consumer is able to shift the vehicle out of park without depressing the brake pedal. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

During a 35 mph frontal vehicle collision front air bags did not deploy. consumer sustained neck injures. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak the consumer stated that the vehicle shifts out of the park position without the foot behing on the brake. 4 year old hit the shift lever and the vehicle rolled down the driveway and across the street. *tc

While the was in park, a child was able to shift the vehicle out of park without one's foot on the brake. please provide more information. *jb

Dodge caravan 2000, we've had our transmission failed 3 times, and had it to dodge three times to be fixed. with no results always same problems. van with not go into park. drive, etc.. very dangerous !! *ak

When attempt was made to proceed forward from stopped position, the van failed to move. after several attempts the van was taken home. upon inspecting, transmission oil had leaked out. transmission fluid was put back in to drive the van to a mechanic. the technician informed the owner that a pin inside the casing slips out during a percentage of miles. once this happens, the pinion teeth grinds. the van had a "banner kit" installed but the problem has recurred. the consumer has attached copies of invoice

While the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed that oil was leaking from underneath the vehicle. the consumer called the dealer and was informed that the problem could be with the cooler hose on the transmission and to be safe not to run it with it being dry of oil. *ak *sc *jb

While driving, the vehicle stalled. the consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for an analysis. the consumer was told the transaxle drive pin had sheared off and had blown completely through the transmission and the housing.*ak the transmission and the differential had to be replaced. *jb

While driving 45 mph, the automatic transmission failed. the dealer indicated that the transmission needed to be replaced and would cost $4,800. please provide further information. *jb

Differential pin broke while driving in a normal manner. pin went through casing of transmisson , and reuined the transmission which otherwise would be fine. vehicle only had 75 ,000 miles and always regularly maintained. *ak

While driving the automatic transmission outer case ruptured and the transmission blew out. when this occurred the van stalled without warning. the cause of the transmission failure has not been determined. *nm the differential pin which broke and came out through the case. service dealer have made diagnostics and repairs on transmission on the vehicle. *la

I have a 2000 dodge caravan with a little over 45000 miles. i am in the process of taking the van to the dealer for the 3rd time for a leaking transmission. i will have had the vehicle for 3 years on dec. 26. *la

Computer controlled transmission in 2000 dodge caravan. this transmission has twice been disconnected from the engine by the computer in traffic. the second time i was in heavy traffic on the middle lane of interstate 20 at weatherford, tx. and had to coast over to the emergency lane. the dodge dealer in weatherford who fixed the transmission told me that there was nothing actually wrong with the transmission, but that the computer disconnected the transmission from the engine because of low pressure in the transmission system to keep the engine from tearing the transmission apart. my problem with that kind of scenario is this: what this should happen when i was passing a vehicle on a two lane high way with on coming traffic at what would have been a safe distance away but all at once i find i am coasting in the wrong lane with traffic coming at me head on? *la

At 51,000 miles in a three year old caravan the transmission dropped out and needed a $2300 repair. the dealer told me gleefully my warranty was expired, there was no extended warranty on the transmission and there was nothing they could or would do. *la

While switching into reverse it jumped gears and smasahed into a resturant window. dealer notified. *ak

Moving with the military from mo to nv. van is 35 months old but 10000 miles outside warranty (46k). check trans fluid every day prior to driving. fluid was full in denver. arrived in st. george, ut and transmission stopped going in reverse. took it to the dealer. dealer charged $80 to assess the problem. stated transmission needed overhaul. both dealer and chrysler corp told us to drive to las vegas, our destination. chrysler said they would assist with the repair. upon arrival took it to the dealer. dealer told chrysler that vehicle had no trans fluid and should not be a good faith repair. 1) transmission should not fail at 46000 when properly serviced. 2) st. george was wrong for telling us to drive 120 miles in 107 without transmission fluid. 3) or the dealer is lying about the fluid level to force us to pay. chryler states they cannot say one dealer or the other is wrong so they refuse to assist further. additionally, i have been told that i cannot talk to anyone higher in the company than the customer service agents at chrysler.*ak

The cylinoid pack in the transmission had to be replaced. the vehicle was taken to the dealer four times for problems with the transmission. *tt

Sometimes after my 2000 caravan has sat overnight, it will not go in reverse to back out of the garage. the parking brake will be off and the gear shift will be in reverse but the van won't move. only after repeated attempts at pushing down on the accelerator will the gear pop out and the van finally go into reverse. the van has 35000 + miles and is approaching the end of the warranty. the dealer can not find the problem. what makes this worse is that the very same thing happened after we bought the van new and after three failed attempts by the dealer to figure it out, they put in a new transmission -- after only 900 miles! *jb

The transmission locked into second gear without warning. *jb

Without warning, the transmission began to leak - approximately 1 quart a week - and became difficult to shift. at times it simply failed to go into gear. upon diagnosis of the leak, i was informed that a differential pin had come loose and began destroying the interior of the differential. $1850 to repair on a 3 year old vehicle. according to the mechanic, this is very common on chrysler products.*jb

I have a dodge 2000 caravan whose tranmission went out at 45,000 miles -shortly after the expiration of the warranty. the dealership is unwilling to assist me with the repairs, which cost $2,700.00. i heard a humming noise and five minutes later, my van starting slipping gears and left me and my family stranded. there is obviously a major defect in the transmissions of dodge - it is unbelievable that a transmission would fail with such low mileage on it. i have been reading the other complaints on this website and there is obviously a major flaw with the dodge products and their tranmission. they need to be held responsible for this problem and offer assistance to us consumers - after all, if it weren't for us buying this piece of trash, dodge and its employees would be out of business. i will never buy another dodge vehicle.

My 2000 dodge caravan has experienced a complete transmission failure at only 57000 miles. the transmission exhibits a "whining" noise which increases with engine rpm, has "bad" shifts and burnt smelling fluid. dealer only gave the response that they would have to "tear it apart" to even offer an estimate. a local transmission shop, in business locally for 45 yrs. was able to estimate a full rebuild and unknown repairs to the transmission front pump assembly at $1800-$2200 to repair the condition. although confronted with the extensive volume of information related to problems with this transmission over the last dozen years, both the dealer and chrysler customer service refused to assume any sort of responsibility for repair. *jb

The car will be in drive but will not move due to transmission failure. ph.....*ak

While driving at 45 mph vehicle went into limp home mood(vehicle stuck in 2nd gear)unable to exceeds speeds of more than 30mph. dealership indicated that the automatic transmission had burnt out. please provide more details. ts

I have had 4 complete transmission failures with my 2000 caravan: 2 ofwhich required a complete rebuild and 2 of which required entirely new units (transmissions) and new cv axles as a result of the transmission locking up. the worse of the 4 times was on thanksgiving 2002, less than 2 weeks after a factory rebuild where the front wheels locked up while on the interstate. 3 of 4 repairs were completed at a chrysler/dodge dealership. the 4th and so far final repair was completed at a local transmission shop and it has lasted the longest, over 22,000 miles. after looking on the internet, there are so many complaints about caravan transmissions. i really feel that this warrants a defect investigation. please help all of us people who have dumped $30,000 into junk. this is not an isolated incident. i have much more specifics i would like to provide, but this form is limited to 2000 characters.... my original submission contained 3,493 characters so it has been trunkated to fit in the space allotted. *ak

Automatic transmission overheats and locks in second gear when using a/c while passing or using passing gear. must stop and let it cool off before continuing. this happens almost every day since we own it. *nlm

While driving 65 mph vehicle experienced extended stopping distance and lost control.*ak. consumer could smell the brakes as they became hot. the brake lights illuminate and there is poor brake response. consumer stated the vehicle was leaking transmission fluid, the air conditioner was making a howling noise, the brake booster was replaced. *jg

Consumer stated the transmission failed.ts *jb

Transmission failed at 39,000 miles. seems to be manufacturer's defect. required a "soft overhaul" because it would not shift into higher gears. dealership repaired clutch pack seals that were not holding pressure. i feel that a transmission should last more than 39,000 miles. this is the second dodge i have owned with the same problem - seems to be a transmission defect. dealer repaired under extended warranty so i did incur out of pocket expenses. subsequently traded in the caravan and lost a refund of $700 on my extended warranty due to the transmission repairs, so this repair did cost me $800. know two other people with recently (this past week) failed dodge caravan transmissions.

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

At 5mph transmission went out and consumer could only reverse, but could not put it in drive. cause unknown. dealer notified.*ak