1992 Dodge Grand Caravan LE from North America - Comments

Although I have indicated that this vehicle was manufactured in 1992 (October), it is a 1993 Model. It sat unsold until I bought it in July 1993.

Right from the start, this vehicle's transmission would upshift to Overdrive as soon as it possibly could and when attempting to accelerate, even mildly from, say, 60klms per hour to 80 klms per hour or on slight inclines requiring only gentle pedal pressure, it would almost stall, rather than down-shift easily. This often required pressing harder on the gas pedal until it down-shifted with a lurch of speed or manual downshifting into third gear. Dealer suggested the latter, but no other solution.

At only 40,000 klms, the wrist pins on the pistons became worn and all 6 pistons had to be replaced. Thankfully under warranty. The dealership recognized the problem immediately as a bad batch of pistons and there were no hassles in having this major engine job performed. Warning sign... sounds like a diesel at cold start then goes away as the wrist pins expand. Not to be mistaken with piston slap that occurs in this engine momentarily on cold start. Engine has stayed strong ever since. Drove it half-way across Canada and back through the States 6 months later.

Stamped steel Rallye wheels... replaced two within the first year, trying to find out why the vehicle wobbled, especially on acceleration. Eventually bought after-market alloys, but problem persists, albeit to a lesser degree.

Dealer replaced a half-shaft in the first 3 months, trying to eliminate the wobble problem.

Have had to replace the starter motor twice, which is twice more than I have had to replace on either of my 1985 Honda Civics, owned since new and having 275,000klms and 330,000 klms, respectively.

Around 95,000 klms, the transmission started to act up, in that it would hesitate in shifting down to first upon coming to a full stop. This often meant that when stopping to make a right turn at an uncontrolled intersection, the down-shift occured as I was pulling away, causing quite a lurch forward. The response I got from the dealer was less than helpful. They simply said that the computerized diagnostic check revealed no problems with oil pressure in the transmission, nor were there any signs of unusual wear.

At 120,000 klms the transmission failed completely, other than the "limp home wounded mode" that it went into to allow me to get home... but not to a dealership, unfortunately). That cost me $2,000.00 Can., despite my protestations that this transmission showed signs of potential failure while it was still on warranty.

Replace all four shocks while the transmission was being replaced. Total bill...$2,900.00 Can.

This transmission has groaned intermittently when cold and upon engaging reverse, but somehow never when it was left overnight at the dealership. End result... I am humoured by the Service Compartment. No action. A mechanic did speculate that it was just a noisy valve body in the transmission. The dealer tried to charge me for their time to look at the transmission to find the problem, even though the transmission had a one year warranty. A heated argument ensued and I haven't been back to any Chrysler Dealership since. Interestingly enough I had to wait in line for my turn for the heated argument... there were three other dissatisfied customers ahead of me.

The cooling fan began vibrating after about a year. Dealer solution: replace the entire fan and shroud (one unit) at a cost of roughly $270.00 Can. My solution: undid two retaining screws, removed fan unit from the vehicle, tightened the retaining nut on the fan blade which had come loose and added increasing thickness of small patches of duct tape to those blades on the fan that appeared to have lost their balancing weights. Problem fixed.

The factory radio and tape player would eat tapes upon pressing play or after the tape changed sides. It didn't last long... as the on/off/volume control on the radio failed after about two and a half years. Cheapest replacement was another factory unit which I installed myself... and it still eats tapes.

Overall the vehicle is comfortable, capable and versatile. It carried seven passengers easily and the interior trim has held up well.

I chose the Grand Caravan over the short version or over the Ford and Chevrolet vans as, unlike the others, the extra length is placed between the front and rear wheels so this translates in to greater leg-room between the three rows of seating. Being front wheel drive and having a long wheelbase, it handles very well on the open road and long trips in the vehicle (of which there have been many) have been a breeze.

General workmanship is OK, but mechanically it could be more sound.

I wax the thing several times a year so I've had no paint problems, in fact in "Wildberry" it looks great.

I have it shod with 215/65 slightly wider, higher speed rated tires on half inch wider than stock, alloys and it has cruised comfortably and in control at 130klms+ speeds for eight to ten hours or more.

Mine is not equipped with anti-lock brakes, but I drive accordingly and I have had no problems with rear brake lock-up.

I'm writing from Mexico. I agree with your comments. Caravans are great vehicles.A604 Transmission have bad reputation, but the Windstar is much worse. If you are reading this and you are a Caravan Owner, please change transmission oil at 15k or 20k, to protect your investment.