Problems with 2000 Dodge Caravan POWER TRAIN

Why does a 2 year old car with less than 50000 need a $2500 transmission.???? i think it is utterly ridiculous for what you spend on a vehicle today that you can't get 50000 trouble free miles or even three years with no problems. i am a preventative maintenance freak. i always got 125000 to 180000 miles with my gm vehicles and never spent a dime on a transmission let alone a major engine repair. this is totally unacceptable in this day and age. *ak

The transmission slips and goes into neutral while driving. this has now happend on four different occasions. at first i thought i just had not engaged drive all the way, but this last time i actually checked and the gear stick was fully engaged in drive - i.e it did not wiggle around. then as i was rounding the corner at a light it all of a sudden started to rev and i realized it was in neutral. i slipped it back into gear and promptly called the dealer for an appointment. when i was called to tell me my car was done, they said that this happens when the transmission fluid is low, and that my fluid was low due a faulty hose causing a leak. however earlier this year when my fluid level was low the check engine light came on and they added fluid then. this time the check engine light did not come on to indiacate that transmission fluids were low. so i am alittle concern about the problem. however since taking it to the dealer, i have not had any problems with it sliping, yet.*ak

Consumer states that transmission fluid is leaking into the brake line causing brakes to fail. nlm *tt

While driving, consumer heard a loud noise and vehicle would not pull. took to dealer, and dealer indicated differential pin broke in transmission.*ak chrysler paid for half of the bill. *jb

Automatic transmission failure.2000 dodge caravan. with only 54000miles, it felt like it was losing acceleration uphill. immediately pulled over. towed to dealership and they said a hydralic hose broke and that the tranny would have to be rebuilt to the tune of $2700! get real. these trannies are obviously having problems!*ak

The transmission had to be replaced which does not seem right when it is only 2 yrs old with only 47000. *ak

While driving,the transmission indicator light began flashing, soon after the vehicle would not shift to higher gears. dealer has been notified.*ak *slc

Vehicle does not have safety transmission lock in park, pulls out of park without putting the brake on. *jg

Transmission needs to be replaced. dealer has been contacted. please provide further details. *ak

Vehicle was in park for 5 minutes, with the ignition off, and jumped out of gear going forward and then in reverse. consumer's children were in vehicle with another adult. vehicle rolled backwards into a main road. consumer in vehicle managed to get to driver seat to slam on brakes. manufacturer and dealer will be contacted. please add the vin# to the form.*ak

While the vehicle was in park and running a small child was able to put vehicle in drive and was injured badly. could change gears without starting vehicle. consumer feels this is very unsafe. please provide any further information.*ak

Van was running while in park. about 2 minutes later, vehicle shifted into drive and rolled into a ditch. please provide any further information.*ak

The brake master cylinder failed, the brake line leaked, the transmission malfunctioned, the front axle and caliper pads/rotors broke spilling ball joint into the street. *bf there were also screeching sounds, odor(s), vibrations, the steering wheel did not function properly, and the a/c failed.

Consumer stated there is a knocking noise in the steering when turning hard and when turning and not moving, consumer also complained that there is vibration in the steeing, dealer balanced front tires from a previous complaint about the steering.*jb

My minivan was parked (in park, shut off, keys out of ignition) in a driveway (somewhat of a steep incline) when it rolled backwards down the driveway, across the road, off a small cliff into a ditch with my 6 yr. old child in the back seat. *ak

Vehicle can be taken out of park without the key being in ignition. consumer states car can also be pulled out of gear.*ak

4 yr old was able to shift van into neutral without it running. *ak

Noted leakage of transmission fluid form underside of engine - down close to 1 qt. in 3,000 miles. problem traced to loose coolant clamps at radiator. servie department indicated they ahd seen many of these lately.

Vehicle was in park on an incline. key was turned a little, and a child hit the shifter and vehicle rolled backwards, hitting a trailer.*ak *jg

Winding noise when accelerating. took vehicle to dealer, and they said it was transmission. consumer had to put new paper under car at night for transmission fluid leaking. took back to dealer and, and dealer indicated that consumer needed a new transmission. *ak

My car stard knocking under the hud on 1-10-2001, tow it in, they told me nothing was wrong. got it back on 1-13-2001 then on 1-20-2001 my transmission almost fell out of the car.*ak

When going uphill, consumer has to shift vehicle manually or vehicle will stall and lose rpm, dealer contacted.*ak consumer also stated when going downhill vehicle does not hold speed, and would roll out of control if not constantly braking.*jb

I had my 2000 dodge caravan in park and running got out for a second and my daughter yelled "ma the van is rolling back wards". i got the door open . the door hit my counsins car mirror. i ran after it to try and stop it. it hit a wagon and slowed down a bit. i was almost in the drivers seat. the next thing i remember being on my stomach facing the rear tire.my aunt told me to lie still because i was pinned under the drivers side door.my aunt told me to lie still so she could move the van ahead to left the door off me. my aunt said that the van was in reverse . my left arm /shoulder, lower back and right butt area hurt. my aunt then called the police . a report was filed .

A child got inside the vehicle & was able to shift vehicle into gear without applying brakes. took vehicle to dealership & mechanic indicated it was the way vehicle was to operate. owner consider ed problem a safety hazard.*ak

When changing gears there is a very hard bump that one can feel once it's in gear. this happens whenever changing gears. please provide any further information.*ak

Consumer's son climbed inside of car. the key was in the ignition and it was turned on the on with vehicle was in park. he shifted gear into reverse and van rolled into another vehicle. there wwas damaged to the other vehicle. consumer stated that if ignition switch on, and without applying the brakes, gears can be moved. *ak

Transmission interlock system were not equipped on vehicle. the information is listed in owner's manual. *ak