1990 DODGE Grand Caravan

TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE FAILED. I HAD IT REPAIRED AND PAID FOR IT MYSELF. CHRYSLER WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND IT. I am now asking to have it fixed since the transmission completely failed. I take very good care of my vehicles and this Van is still mechanically sound. All I’m asking is that Chrysler do the right thing this time and fix it for me.

Rear hatchback cylinders failed. *ak

Transmission dropped all but 2nd and 1st gear was told at transmission shop it is know to do that... *tr

Car kind of sputtered and then continually running good. as if it all of a sudden was short on gas. happened a couple of times before the engine died. this happened twice. once in wisc., luckily only a few blocks from a dodge dealership. they replaced the fuel pump. again in arkansas, had the fuel pump replaced by an independent on a sunday. still had problems. would run a few block and die. about 4-5 times. waited until monday when dodge dealership opened, took it to them. they said a wire running to the fuel pump ran over the transmission, would rub against it rubbing it bare and short out the fuel pump. this event happened out in the boondocks about 15-20 miles. cell phone died, fortunately a state patrol/ sheriffs car happened by and was able to get us a tow truck. this was on a saturday late day. was towed into the nearest town where was able to get a fuel pump from a jobber on sunday, had an independents mechanic install it, but still car would not run right. on monday had the dodge dealership look at it. they said it was the wire leading to the fuel pump, which was rubbed bare and shorting out. they said a service bulletin had been issued to cut the wire, shortened it, splice it back together and tape it up away from the transmission so i doesn't occur again. this should be a vehicle recall i believe. in the far south it is an inconvenience, a nuisance in the frigid northland it is a life and death situation if you are caught out in the open at 20 below zero with a 20 mph wind blowing and the car suddenly dies. fortunately this happened while i was on a vacation in the south and not in my native northland. and i do sill have the fuel pump i replaced while i was in arkansas. it would be nice if information site as this were made more public knowledge. the first time it happened was about 5-6 years ago the second time it happened was about 3-27-04 i didn't report this to any agency because i had no idea where to report it. *tr

Fuel rail failed while driving the van. i started to smell raw gasoline in the closed cabin, i was about to pass my mechanics shop, so i pulled in to see where the smell was coming from. my mechanic and i were both surprised to see the fuel rail had failed in two places, at the same time!!!, causing the raw gasoline to be sprayed all over the hot engine, (3.3l). i am surprised at how many complaints there already are here on this data base about this very same problem. i was told that there was a recall, and repair parts available, but there was not!!! the new fuel rail is $302.00 plus tax, plus my mechanic needs 1.9 hours of shop time to install it, (at $75.00/hr) plus tax, plus a upper plenum gasket set, ($30.00). that brings the total to over $500.00, heaven forbid if my van had actually caught on fire, and i lost everyone and everything that i had in our family van! i have always had great maintenance done and have all of the records. this was not a problem with abuse or anything like that. it is just a manufacturing defect, period. i have bought another much newer dodge grand caravan, and just found out that it has 6 recalls on it !!!!!!! i am going to sell both as soon as possible, and get me another manufacturers van, or truck. *nm

The fuel injection leaked fuel in two positions.*jb

Mini van needs fifth transmission. original transmission replaced on 10/25/91.

Consumer was driving along and right side back pushed out window and shattered it. also, air conditioning was running at time. dealers had no response to how it could have happened.*ak

While driving on highway transmission dropped into a low gear and had to be reset by restarting vehicle. transmission was replaced and the second transmission has the same problem. dealer has been contacted, transmission needs to be replaced again. *ak *ml

Automatic transmission cooling unit hose that directs transmission fluid flow went out, causing a leak. *ak

Steel pin in the differential is loose, destroying it, and causing transmission to become inoperative. total of 3 times part has been replaced. *ak

The vehicle would not come out of second gear even at high speeds. dlr has rebuilt transmission and problem is occurring again.

Fuel distrubution rail broke and sprung a leak, almost causing a fire hazard. mechanic will replaced part. *ak

The front seat belts do not retract. driver's latching plate cover is cracked & not working. have taken to dealer & informed normal wear/tear & not a recall issue. also, brake rotors were flaking & needed replacing. *ak

Transmission locked up while driving 55mph. had felt a jerking/pulling sensation. took to mechanic & informed transmission gears were defective & needed to replace transmission. *ak

Vehicle has had three transmission replacements within less of 100,000 miles of wears. dealer repaired/replaced two transmissions due to warranty , and the third transmission cost would go to consumer. *ak

Abs brake problems; when applying the brakes and making a quick stop the pedal travels all the way to the floorbroad and the van continues to travel. this happens on any type of road surface. the master cylinder was replaced twice, vaccum booster and all moving parts of the brakes, including the rear brake drums and shoes were also replaced. owner continues to experience a problem with the abs. *ak

Vehicle was in a park position, but engine was still on, park pawl changed from park to drive by itself,sudden acceleration. this defect caused the vehicle to hit another vehicle. *ak

Sway bar broke in two while driving at 30mph, causing loss of control, car was swaying. *ak

While engines is running raw gasoline leaks/drips off the top of engine down onto exhaust manifold. *ak

Center seat/right side safety belt anchorage releases frequently when the belt is in use. *ak

Consumer was driving under nomral condition and the hit an object in the road and punctured the gas tank, causing fuel to leak from the tank. *ak

The driver was in the process of putting up the electric window on the driver's side and a loud noise was heard, and then the door flew open because of a small plastic piece had snapped off, and fell down/jammed the door lock opened. *ak

While driving, at approx. 5mph, suddenly heard load noise, then engine shut down, moments later black smoke and flames started coming from engine, upon exiting vehicle saw fuel leaking from underneath engine compartment, fire dept suspected fuel line rupture. *ak

This vehicle has had a problem transmission since it was driven away from the dealership. the "lurching" motion made by the transmission was reported to the dealer immediately and repeatedly. the dealer insisted that the transmission was normal and refused to repair it. in october 1991 the transmission failed while we were in tennessee and witnessed by the dodge dealership in sieverville, tn. upon return to florida. the dodge dealer in coral springs replaced the transmission. (or so we were told) the 2nd transmission worked for 5 years and had to be replaced in september of 1996. that transmission was a problem immediately but the dealer refused to repair it. while in wash. dc in july 1997, the car would not downshift. the engine kept racing and only stoped when i turned off the car. the dodge dealer in wdc said that by turning off the engine we cleared the computer and they could find nothing wrong with the car. the third transmission was eventually replaced and now i have had to have two repairs on the fourth transmission. currently the vehicle lurches and jerks suggesting that there are more transmission problems. i feel that the transmission is dangerous and could cause someone to lose control of their car. dt

Threaded composite block failed on car jack while jacking up right front portion of mini van while operator was servicing right front tire. defect caused complete and immediate failure of jack and car falling to garage floor.*ak

Fuel rail was leaking. mech said this was extremely dangerous-could have caused fire.vehicle too old for recent recall, which covers vehicles from 1995-2000, but has the same problem.paid $630.76 on 1/13/01 for new fuel rail and o-rings. mech said today (3/30/02) that my car had same problem that he had recently fixed on recalled vehicle. *ak

A604 transmission failed within 3000 miles after purchase. completely rebuilt in oct., 1997. mileage at failure, approx. 82,000. prior history unknown. transmission again failed at a little over 122,000 miles. again, completely overhauled. spoke with manager of transmission shop, who informed me of countless failures of this transmission type, and that although it was good for his business, he knew of major design flaws within the a604, and its successor, a606. in fact, he had three other vehicles, with mileages ranging from 32,000 to 65,000, all with the same failures. this vehicle has also had the half-axles replaced, three times on the passenger side, twice on the drivers side, and seem to be related to the transmission problems. after researching this transmission on the internet, it is readily apparent that chrysler/dodge has a fundamental, known latent defect in the design of this transmission. i have spent more on the transmission overhauls ($3000) and the half-axles ($1000) than i paid for the van. respectfully request that nhtsa agressively pursue the issue of this expensive, recurring transmission and drivetrain design flaws and their catastrophic failures with the manufacturer. individual consumer complaints with dealers and the chrysler corp. are frustrating and pointless. they will not admit that they have a serious, multi-year problem, and individuals bear the brunt of this costly mistake on their part. please note: chrysler's overhaul kit for this transmission does nothing to resolve the fundamental design flaw; it only prolongs the issue! chrysler corp., and its dealers' attitude toward its customers with regard to this issue is blatantly unfair, crass, and as of this date, full of lies and denials of the issue.

This is the second time that the door has fallen out of its' track. mechanics at my shop can't figure out what is causing it to do this. suggested i contact dodge to see if this is a common problem or if it is just an anomoly of my van. they can't even tell if something is worn out and requiring replacement. *ak

The transmission would not shift up after stopping. the vehicle went in to have the transmission rebuilt and our mechanic has discovered that there is quite a waiting list for the case because there seems to be a problem with internal cracks on this case. most mechanics don't even want to work on them. i have been told by one mechanic that they work on these transmissions more than any others. *ak

Original transmission failed at 66,000 miles. i am the third owner. i was told that dodge was having trouble, but figured that the problem was solved with the replacement of the original transmission. i was told that i had a version # 6 solenoid & computer. it was recommended that i update to a version # 10. the cost to repair is $ 1,900. i am just finding out that dodge is still having problems with this 1990 transmission. thank you for your help. leroy j. hersh. *ak

Fuel rail has two metal/metal joints that spray gas on the the engine when the weather is cold. after the metal tube fitting warms up the leak stops. the fuel rail has to be replaced every two to three years. the only detection is when gas sprays on the engine. *ak

Transmission went into "limp in" mode(2nd gear only) this is the second time that this happened. the first time was at about 45,000 miles. the dealer replaced the transmission at no cost at that time. now, this time i paid for the repair since i no longer have a warranty in effect. what, if any, is my next step to recovering some of my repair expense?

Automatic transmission failure premature and sudden. van suddenly without cause downshifts to low gear. van also upshifts surging forward. dealer explains that the transmission assembly and transmission controller needs replacement. dealer charges almost $1800.00 for repair that the service manager acknowledges is a common defect in the 604 transmission. the dealer is charging us a cost of $800 for this known defect. the service manager also stated, "the manufacturer accepts responsibility for part of the bill due to the known defect in the 604 transmission". the weather was inclement the evening that this suddenly happened, thank goodness that there was no one too close in front or behind of her on this 45 mph highway. if my wife or i driving with our three children had been on a highway traveling at the accepted speed of 70 mph and the van suddenly downshifted, we most assuredly would have become a national highway statistic. this is truly a safety issue, and should not be overlooked anymore by the nhtsa. the right thing for dodge to due is to recall the grand caravan with the 604 transmission and repair the problem entirely at their expense. how many accidents with fatalities have happened already due to this common defect? is no one to take responsibility? *ak

Paint is bubled up and pealing off in large sections of front hood and roof of van.

Transmission failures have led to four transmission replacements

This is seconed transmission for this vehicle, was not told that this was a reacouring problem in this vehicle ! please do something to stop this from happening to others!

No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak

Fuel rail has developed a severe leak. called dealer (towson dodge) and was told there have been some problems with this assembly in some dodge products. called another dealer about this part and was told that it is back ordered two months because of the multitude of problems with this part. mechanic said that he thought there may be a recall on some dodge products, but not mine. plastic molding on seatbelt buckles has cracked and can no longer be adjusted properly. passenger seat belt is extremely difficult to release. last year when a tailgate latch recall was completed, i was told there is no recall on the seatbelts ,and that i would have to replace them. *ak

This van belongs to my son. it has already had the transmission replaced and now it needs it again. i know this is a common problem in this year make and model of van. i used to work for russwood chrysler plymouth in lincoln ne, so i know the facts on this. chrysler has informed my son that there is nothing they can do as they do not know of this problem. now i do not believe no one else has complained about this. can you please help us with this problem. the transmission has over drive and they are the ones that have the problem, the ones without overdrive do not have a problem. you can check with any dodge or chrysler plymouth dealership and they will tell you this is fact about thiese vehicles.

This is the third transmission to be put in this van. in 1995 i had it back to the dealership 5 times for the transmission before the finally replaced it. now the replacement has to be replaced. *ak

After releasing the emergency brake, the brakse remain locked, and the car will not move.

Transaxle not shifting properly. yh

Water pump failure caused noise yh

Rear window washer pump failed. yh

Radiator leaked. yh

Fuel injector malfunction.

Fuel injectors in may vehicle failed. leaking gasoline all over the engine. upon smelling the fuel, seeing the puddle of gas on the ground, and the police showing up due to complaints of a gas odor.

Driver side seat belt buckle failed when 50lb pet dog stood on it.

Transmission failed.

Brakes failed.

Transmission: transfer case (4-wheel drive) failure. *ak

Rear hatchback cylinders failed. *ak

Transmission failed three times and rebuilted.

Sheet metal structure of vehicle is designed to transfer vehicle forces. firewall transfers a significant portion of the forces and is therefore subject to stress which causes failure of the firewall/structure due to its inadequate design. the force in this case is a left turning force which after numerous left turns caused a crack (v-shaped)in the firewall, exposing insulation material. aw

Engine stalled while driving, causing accident.

Transmission failed , causing gears to jump while accelerating, slip while decelerating.

Fire wall cracked, exposing some of the underlining insulation material.

Transmission downshifts without warning, causing driver to lose control of vehicle in inclement weather.

When braking at highway speeds, van pulls to the right.

Electric door locks/latches malfunction.

Lights failed, causing poor visibility.

A faulty ultradrive transmission caused the minivan to shudder/vibrate and loose all gears while driving. nlm

Transmission failed 4 times.

A faulty ultradrive transmission caused the consumer vehicle to shudder/vibrate and loose all transmission gears while driving. nlm

Liftgate latches in the subject vehicles have failed in low and moderate speed impacts resulting in occupant ejections, injuries, and fatalities.there are two failure modes associated with latch failure: fork bolt-detent lever bypass, and inertial unlatching.nhtsa analyses of chrysler and peer minivans took the form of static and dynamic crash testing, engineering evaluations, complaint and field analyses, and real world data analyses.a technical report discussing these analyses can be found in the engineering analysis technical report in the public viewing file.chrysler has advised nhtsa that it will conduct a campaign to replace the latches on all the subject vehicles.the chrysler campaign will consist of notification letters to all owners; free replacement of all latches with stronger, safer latches regardless of the age of the minivans; national advertising to promote customer awareness of the campaign; quarterly reports regarding campaign completion rates; as well as additional measures to ensure a high completion rate, above and beyond the actions that normally would be taken in a formal safety recall.these include follow up written and telephonic notifications to owners who do not bring their vehicles in for corrective action.nhtsa firmly believes that the crash performance of the latches on these minivans raises serious safety concerns, and that the campaign addresses these concerns.the chrysler corrective action will increase the strength of the liftgate latches and decrease the potential for inertial unlatching, thereby reducing the risk of crash-related openings of the liftgate and possible occupant ejection through the liftgate opening.owners of chrysler minivans will get a stronger, safer latch free of charge at the earliest possible time, without the need for further technical investigation and complex and time-consuming litigation with an uncertain outcome.based on the above, odi is closing this investigation.

There is no summary currently available