We had just has a major service at 89,329 miles, with a transmission fluid exchange. We did this to ensure that our driving holiday from Seattle to Yellowstone would/should go smoothly. As we drove off for our 2 hour drive to Jackson Hole, the engine warning light came on so we checked the fluids and they all seemed ok. Then as we climbed the pass, the engine made weird grinding type noises a minute before we lost the gears. That was it. 102 degrees, waiting for a towtruck to the auto mechanic who told us the bad news - the transmission was toasted and not sure why - it was a reconditioned transmission that replace the original transmission about 3 years ago. Surely transmissions should live longer than that! So with a two day disruption to our Yellowstone camping plans and $3k later, we had a new reconditioned transmission. Let's see how long that one lasts, hey Dodge?!

I'll add another example of the notorious Dodge failing transmissions. I would NEVER purchase another Dodge product because, based on my experience with this one, they were only engineered to last FIVE years. Here are the things that have failed: transmission, power windows (both passenger and driver), coolant lines to rear A/C (corroded), power lock in sliding door (driver's side), sway bar bushing's (2X), front engine mount, bucket seat levers (a minor annoyance, but symptomatic for this car), oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, evaporative system hoses, and power steering line. With just about every one of these failures (especially the locks, windows, transmission, and coolant line) the mechanic nodded his head and said, "Yup. We see a lot of these on these Caravans." I don't frankly care that Dodge transmissions are better in the 2008 model year. They had a chance to build a reputation with the 2001 model, and blew it. My next van is going to be a Honda or a Toyota.

Driving down the expressway escorting my husband with our other car to the mechanic. praying we would make it. We thought the van was the reliable vehicle, which is why I was following hime. Well, the van was the vehicle which didn't make it. I was traveling about 65mph. All of a sudden the rpm shoot up I press the gas and the Rpms shoot up again. I am able to get over and stop and then I could not get the van into Drive or Neutral and Reverse just screamed. We had it towed to our mechanics, don't trust the dealership (past experience - they always say nothing is wrong or try and overcharge you) Any way, we'll find out after the 1st what is wrong. Would I buy another Dodge, No. We just lucked out on this one lasting as long as it has. We bought it brand new in 2000 and have been blessed with minor problems. (Sway bar) I was in a pile up on the expressway earlier this year and had $6500 worth of damage. Shhh, I think they made the vehicle more reliable.