1998 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport from North America - Comments

The first year of ownership my ABS sensor needed to be replaced (Warranty covered).

Then the passenger vanity mirror shorted out (warranty covered).

The instrument panel also kept flashing bright and dim periodically. The dealer couldn't figure out the problem and tried to make me pay for the search even though it was still under warranty. (I've since figured out that it was the cabin light switch...when I hit a dip in the road it would jar the switch and affect the instrument panel light)

The serpentine (accessory) belt started squealing at 40,000 miles. The service shop discovered a tube was disconnected and water from the base of the windshield was dripping on the belt. It probably was disconnected when the Dodge dealership was working on my vehicle for a prior problem. (I stopped going to Dodge after the warranty was up)

Battery died after 3 years. Ironically this caused a lot of problems. (My wife had the A/C on while installing the battery and it caused the instrument panel to flash...reinstalling the battery without the AC on "reset" the system)

I've also needed to replace the starter at 80,000 miles.

Now the transmission just went out at 103,000. This cost me around $3K. I was hoping to get a little more life out of it considering I am not tough on my vehicles.

While waiting for the tow truck, I also noticed the drivers seat tearing toward the bottom (vinyl section)

The rest is normal maintenance (although I was encouraged to change out my rotors on my 2nd front brake job)...I think it was around 50,000 miles.

I also bought the Grand Caravan because of the ability to lug 4 X 8 sheets of plywood and it "was the best selling minivan". Silly for buying into that advertisement. (and for not lugging enough 4 X 8's to feel I bought the right van)

While some of my repairs have been covered by warranty, I am a bit annoyed at myself for not researching vehicle more since transmissions are obviously a problem and I've heard from other owners that electrical issues can pop up.

I still like the look of my van (minus the bumper scuffs compliments of my wife) but am disappointed about the transmission.

Also, at the time Dodge offered a 3/36K warranty...most of my annoying and expensive problems happened after the warranty expired.

I was spoiled because my previous car was a Honda...and that was the most reliable vehicle on earth.

80000 miles for the starter to blow! Wow, my Buick LeSabre has had 6 starters in it's life, and 4 alternators. That's not a problem, it's an inconvenience.