Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The driver got out of the vehicle while in park, vehicle accelerated and hit a gate and some trash cans. When returning to the vehicle, it was still in park. Vehicle will be taken to the dealer on 6/25/2003.
I have experienced transmission problems with uneven shifting from the beginning of ownership of this Grand Caravan. The engine would rev up to a higher RPM than it should have before shifting into higher gear. Initially we were told that the car would adjust to the driver and thus accepted the explanation. There have been at least two different recent occurrences, when in gear, the car did not engage and seemed to be stuck in neutral. The third time, while moving and making a left-hand turn, the car slipped out of gear and into neutral, causing a very dangerous situation and put me in the path of incoming traffic. When I took it in for service, diagnostics indicated a transmission problem and thus needed to take transmission apart. Upon disassembly, it was determined that the gears had been ground off and not repairable and I was told this was no fault of anything I did. …
I was driving on 95 in virginia in 1998 Grand Caravan le (80,000) , and I heard a banging noise. It sounded and felt like the engine went from the front to the back of the car. There was a puff of smoke in back of me, and the cars behind me backed off. At this point I realized that the steering wheel and brakes did not work. I was able to pull to the right of the highway. It was a frightful experience for all us. We called the state police and they proceeded to call aaa where they towed us into whitten Dodge. All of the fluids had come out of the car and the engine was locked up. Seeing as we were on our way to florida on a Saturday afternoon our only option was to buy another Dodge. We purchased a 2004 Grand Caravan. I have a diary of everything that has ever been done to my van. It was very well kept. …
Transmission failure. The transmission in my 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan began to slip and stay in second gear around 50K miles. I had it diagnosed by the dealer and the cost of repair is more than I could ever afford. I have taken it to two other mechanics and there is not much variation in price. Generally the cost is going to be from $16,000 to $2,400. I cannot afford a new car either. I am reading all of the complaints about this, so why hasn't there been a recall? The dealer should gladly replace the transmissions since they are aware that this is occurring on a regular basis. It is because they do not want to absorb the cost themselves. They will recall something small like brakes or fan belt. I also have had the serpentine belt slip off twice when driving through puddles of water. Both times my engine overheated and the steering column locked, both fatally serious probems. …
1998 Dodge Grand Caravan: massive transmission failure. The shaft of a pin extending into the core (sorry if I have the technical details wrong) sheered of completely and destroyed the entire transmission at around 50,000 miles. Shortly after the failure when the vehicle was first being looked at by my mechanic, the transmission "locked up", meaning the vehicle could not be started or moved. The reason I am reporting this is because my mechanic indicated that had this "lock up occurred" at the wrong time and place that there is good chance my wife (who drives this vehicle daily) and my children (who ride in this vehicle daily) would have been seriously injured or killed. I have digital pictures showing the failure and damage inside of the transmission, and my mechanic is available to provide any further technical details or information.
Dt: consumer complained about a rack and pinion steering and other problems. Consumer drove over a rough pothole with a metal flatbed on top at a low speed. While driving at a street at 25 MPH consumer made a right turn and there was popping noise in the steering wheel. The noise was evident only when turning to the left or right. Took vehicle back to dealer, who said there was a problem with front alignment , but that was all. However, insurance company noted there were problems with rack and pinion steering /front alignment/ radiator, and the transmission pan. Also, consumer noted the engine light was constantly on and it smoked after driving a long period of time. Oil was changed regularly. Vehicle has had a recent front end alignment but no other repairs.
While driving the rain I went through a midsize puddle due to storm drains being blocked I lost the ability to steer the battery light came on the car stopped and started to overheat. I was thankfully driving in a residential area at 25 MPH with out alot of traffic and was able to pull over right away. Because of going through the puddle the drive belt came off. When the belt slipped off it bent the suspension and spring that hold the belt tight. The belt is fairly new and the car had recently been in for service and checked over. There was no reason for the belt to come off. Can I not drive my car in the rain? If I was driving on the highway at 50mph or the road conditions were snowy or icy I May not be here.
My 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan had a complete transmission failure while I was driving it late one evening. It would no longer respond to any gear change and in fact, it sounded and smelled terrible! I was completely stranded for several hours on a dark windy road until I could obtain help. Upon investigation on the internet I saw that this is unfortunately a commonly known problem for Dodge owners. I have never towed anything with my car and had all routine maintenance completed. The transmission repair shop said they see this all the time with Chrysler products. Dangerous!!
Besides all the 1998 recalls on this van, I found a pinhole leak in the head itself. At first I thought it was a gasket leak but its not. When it ran out of water, temperature gauge did not tell me it was hot but instead registered cold. On top of the front speakers goes off and on and the rear speakers do it on occasion. Stereo gets really hot to the touch. Transmission seems to be doing strange things like not kicking down when stopped and then lunging while stopped or accelerating when stopped. I think this whole van should be on recall.
Transmission failure occurred on my 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan at 60,000 miles. Differential pin released and shattered the casing. The car jolted as I was driving as if I fell in a ditch. Luckily I had just pull out of my driveway and was traveling at a slow speed(25 miles/hr). Transmission fluid was released all over the road.. The van is at the transmission shop right now and will cost in excess of $2500. Complete rebuild in a new casing required. I can ask for the old part since the core is no longer usable for a trade in.
Transmission complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 81 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan, 14% of the model year's 559 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (58 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.