1996-2000 Caravan/Voyager issues

[MiDnIgHt RuMbLeR]

I am looking at purchasing a 1996 dodge caravan or voyager and was just curious as to what common problems these vans have. What should i watch out for when buying a 96 and at how many kilometer's do things tend to break down?

[Ghostman]

Originally Posted by MiDnIgHt RuMbLeR

I am looking at purchasing a 1996 dodge caravan or voyager and was just curious as to what common problems these vans have. What should i watch out for when buying a 96 and at how many kilometer's do things tend to break down?

Buy the newest one you can, they are good vans except for the transmission on far to many of them, example, my 2000 LE 3.8 litre had the solenoid pack and a relay go, cost $640 cdn, then 3 months later two transmission sensors $234 cdn (all work done at dealer) and this on a van with under 50,000 miles, it has taken them far to long to get this transmission right, it first came out in 1989! as the Ultradrive.......to sum it up, only fear the transmission.

[ericb127]

Originally Posted by Ghostman

Buy the newest one you can, they are good vans except for the transmission on far to many of them, example, my 2000 LE 3.8 litre had the solenoid pack and a relay go, cost $640 cdn, then 3 months later two transmission sensors $234 cdn (all work done at dealer) and this on a van with under 50,000 miles, it has taken them far to long to get this transmission right, it first came out in 1989! as the Ultradrive.......to sum it up, only fear the transmission.

I have a 99 Grand Caravan and I was warned about the AC going bad...sure enough one summer later I was replacing the condensor(i think that was it)...it is under the dash! They have to remove the entire dash to do it..you pay nothing but labor on that job...since then NO other problems other than typical wear/tear. I am about to hit 80k on her and we plan to keep it for awhile. Keep up the maintanence and they do fine.

[MoneyMike]

i have a 96 caravan SE, i bought it about 2 months ago, so far i havent had any problems, it runs very very smoothe, so far wat i did since i got it is a tune-up, lubed, and had to change the tires. When i bought it the rear hatch was stuck but the dealer got it opened.

[TorinoGT69]

These vans have more problems than I have room to list here.

[MiDnIgHt RuMbLeR]

TorinoGT69:

You are not very helpful. Please specify on some of the major issues these vans have and if you do have time, list what bad experiences you have had in order to make you think that you do not have enough room to right about them on this page (there is no limit of sentencing ).

So far, i have heard nothing but good things about these vans (not only searching about helpful hints on this forum), you have been the only one who has had anything untasteful to say about them so please do specify.

[TorinoGT69]

These Vans have problems with premature failure of the transmissions, motor mounts, strut mounts, air conditioning system, to name a few. I apoligize if I sounded rude in the prior post. I inspect used vehicles for a living and I see more each type of vehicle and the problems they have than many people see in a lifetime. These vans do not hold up well especially if they are older with high mileage. Many owners of these vans have these problems with their vehicle and do not even realize it. I see people on here constantly praising vehicles which I see every day falling apart.

[MiDnIgHt RuMbLeR]

I would like to know of any vehicle that does not fall apart. I myself have had 9 vehicles in my life time and i am only 23 and have had problems with each and every one with all beeing different makes. Every vehicle has their problems just some more then others. I do agree however with the dodge/plymouth having the problems as you described with the strut towers in my mind beeing the worst for rotting out ( improper maintenance which in my mind could have been prevented if not pro-longed).

[Mbriggs]

I have owned 5 caravan/voyagers(all used) and it's a love/hate thing. Tranny has gone bad on ALL between 80-100k miles. My current 96 tanked at 98k and cost $1,800 to fix. Thought I had lost another on my 92 at 145k(2nd trans) but luckily it was a speed sensor. Head gaskets are an issue, 3 of 5 needed replacement. Those are the 2 big money issues that I've had. Other common problem is the tensioner for the serpentine belt. Not as expensive but when it snaps off and your miles from nowhere, you're screwed.(4 of 5 vans). I've also gotten good at replacing starters(4 of 5).

The big issue is the tranny. At $1,700-$2,200 it can be a killer. I've changed the fluid(used only ATF+3) and filters but you never know how the previous owner treated it. Make sure you check the fluid, if it smells burnt at all, stay away!!!

I've needed the vans as I have a family of 7, and can't afford used Honda's or Toyota's. From all the research I've done, the Ford minivans are even worse than Chrysler's!

Good luck

[th_river]

I have a 94 Grand Voyager LE. It was a one owner when I bought it with 73000 miles. At 110000 the trans went, although had I known about the input and out put speed sensors, and the trans control box on the fire wall, I would have replaced them and would have probably been still using the same trans. I have the 3.8 engine. other than the new trans, I have put a tensioner and serpentine belt at 105000 mi, the motor is fantastic, and the Van is still in great like new shape, it has 147000 on it now, but I have also maintained it strictly and very good with out exception, oil change at every 3000 mi, and have always kept it in very good repair. it has paid off the van still drives as good and seems as though it is a new one.

[moose1]

I just bought a 2000 GC. Watch the tranny fluid and change regularly, brakes go fast but are easy to change, have an extra serpentine belt and know how to change it (have tools in the van). They are good vehicles, have sold millions of them, no wonder some have problems. Service regularly and you will be fine.

[mhssez]

For anyone that is considering a Dodge caravan, as I have one myself. If you buy a new one, keep very good records. If possible have all work, tranny service done at the dealer. I know it will be more expensive but you/and the dealer will have records that you serviced your Caravan properly. It is fairly common that the dealer will attribute any problems to owner neglect. Also again more expensive, get the longest drivetrain warranty as most likely you will need a tranny before 100k. I have had to get 3. Good luck out there
Matthew

[racenut65]

Mbriggs, you hit the nail on the head! I have a '99 T&C AWD with 91,000 miles on it. Miles from no where, the belt tensioner snapped off. Part was only 30 bucks or so but I needed to be triple jointed to install! That was at 70,000 miles. At 86,000 miles the tranny went! Found a bad head gasket while it was in the shop and forked over more of the college tuition for repairs. Thing eats through brakes too, but we do tow quite a bit. Other than that, I really do like the van. Comfortable and spacious and tows our camper well too.

[mnwalleye]

I currently have 93 Voyager that had the 3 speed non electronic transmission go out about a year ago at 112,000 miles. $1,527 to replace and so far so good, my son is driving it. We bought it new and have always kept it well maintained, we did tow a pop up trailer out west one year with it though. I've also had this loaded up with landscape blocks several times.

I also have a 98 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3 that has the 4 speed electronic transmission with almost 90,000 miles on it. I'm really paranoid after reading all the post about these going out. I have owned this van a little over a year and 1st thing I did was have all the fluids replaced: power steering, brake, coolant, transmission along with an oil change. I was lucky enough to buy this used van with a transferrable warranty of $50.00 that really came in handy when the AC evaporato went out, saving me almost$400.

Now this van does not have a trailer hitch on it and I don't intend to put one on unless I want to put a bike rack or something like that on it. I guess I would be a little more leary of a used Chrysler van that had been used for towing as this seems to put more strain and wear on a iffy transmission. I really try to baby mine by avoid jumpy starts. I keep the radiator fins clean especially at the bottom where the transmission cooler is with the thinking that if it's clogged up with bugs all the time, the transmission can't run as cool as it needs to. I love all the room and the way it drives. If I can afford it, I would like to buy a new one someday but will probably opt for the extended warranty.

Good luck but keep in mind how much potenial repairs could cost.

MN Walleye

[2001CHY]

Stay away from the 2000-2003 if you can. Nothing but electrical problems! The only way to fix it is GET RID OF IT!!!! The dealerships NEVER find anything wrong. Back to Pontiac SV6 or Honda for me.