1989 Dodge Grand caravan problems

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1989 Dodge Grand caravan

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Common 1989 Dodge Grand caravan problems

The Dodge Grand Caravan is a popular minivan known for its spacious interior and versatility. However, certain model years have been associated with specific problems. For the 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan, the most commonly reported issues revolve around the transmission, specifically the A604 transmission.

Two of the most common problems with the 1989-2007 Dodge Grand Caravan A604 transmission are hard shifting and slipping. These issues can be caused by various factors, including worn-out clutch plates, damaged transmission bands, or problems with the transmission's internal hydraulic system.

Hard shifting is characterized by a noticeable jerk or shudder when shifting gears, while slipping occurs when the transmission slips in and out of gear, causing a loss of power and potentially leading to a complete transmission failure if left unaddressed.

Another common problem with the A604 transmission is the failure of the torque converter. This can be caused by a number of OE design flaws, overheating, or using the wrong type of automatic transmission fluid. To address these issues, Streetsmart Transmission has taken several steps to improve the A604 torque converter's design, including the use of new cooler bypass valves, upgraded 4-ring stators, and remanufactured pump line bore bushings.

In summary, the 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan has been associated with transmission issues, particularly with the A604 transmission. These problems can lead to hard shifting, slipping, and torque converter failure. To ensure the longevity and reliability of the transmission, it is crucial to address these issues promptly and consider upgrading or replacing the affected components.

1989 Dodge Grand caravan engine

What year is the most reliable Dodge Caravan?

The Dodge Grand Caravans with the best reliability are the 2020, 2007, and 2010 models. Some of the top Dodge Grand Caravan problems include shifting issues, a faulty Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), and engine troubles.

What is the problem of Dodge Grand Caravan?

Dodge Grand Caravan Common Problems

The current Dodge Grand Caravan generation debuted for 2008. Since then, drivers have complained about a number of frequent issues, including premature brake wear, engine stalling, hard gear changes, transmission failure, and faulty air conditioning.

Are Dodge Caravans known for transmission problems?

Dodge Grand Caravan Common Problems

A common problem customers experience with their Dodge Grand Caravan is delayed transmission engagement and hard shifting when driving.

How many miles does a Dodge Grand Caravan usually last?

Typically, a Dodge Grand Caravan will survive 200,000-300,000 miles with excellent care, which places high mileage for the vehicle around the 200,000-mile mark and good mileage at 150,000 miles. Anything better than these numbers is a testament to your effort.

What is the problem of Dodge Grand Caravan?

Dodge Grand Caravan Common Problems

The current Dodge Grand Caravan generation debuted for 2008. Since then, drivers have complained about a number of frequent issues, including premature brake wear, engine stalling, hard gear changes, transmission failure, and faulty air conditioning.

Is the Dodge Grand Caravan a reliable car?

The Dodge Grand Caravan is a reliable minivan with a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal. The Dodge Grand Caravans with the best reliability are the 2020, 2007, and 2010 models.

What year Dodge Caravans are the best?

We recommend the 2007, 2010, 2019, and 2020 selections. We hope this information is helpful! It might feel overwhelming to select the best year for the Caravan, so our knowledge should make the process much easier.

How much horsepower does a 1989 Dodge Caravan have?

150 hp

Shortly thereafter in model year 1989, a more powerful engine became optional, with a turbocharged version of the base 2.5 L producing 150 hp (112 kW). Revisions to the Mitsubishi V6 upped its output to 142 hp (106 kW) that same year, and in 1990 a new 150 hp (110 kW) 3.3 L V6 was added to the option list.

1989 Dodge Grand caravan car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Grand caravan problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Tires problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Dodge Grand caravan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1989 Dodge Grand caravan

The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Dodge Grand caravan. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Dodge Grand caravan vehicles.

2004-11-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-10-27
  • VIN: 2B4GP4435WR
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: RECALL CAMPAIGN 04 V 357 000/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR/MIL: THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THE (CMP) SENSOR AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *JB *SC *JB
2004-04-16

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-04-13
  • VIN: 1B4FK5431KX
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: PURCHASED TWO 205/75R15 COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES FOR FRONT OF 1989 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ON DECEMBER 27, 2002 WITH 143,136 MILEAGE. TIRES HAD STEEL BELT SHOWING BADLY ON INSIDE OF BOTH TIRES AFTER 2,500 MILES. REPLACED ON APRIL 13, 2004 WITH 145,896 MILEAGE(AFTER ONLY 2,760 MILES) WITH TWO MORE 205/75 R15 COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES. COOPER DEALER SAID THAT HE WOULD NOT EVEN BOTHER TO CONTACT COOPER TO ASK FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT. NOW DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION ON DANGER OF THESE TIRES AND THE USELESSNESS OF SO CALLED 45,000 MILES WARRANTY NOW SEEKING WAY TO CONTACT COOPER TIRES TO ASK FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT OF THESE COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES. RICHYT. *AK
2004-01-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-06-15
  • VIN: 1B4FK5433KX
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: AIR CONDITIONING, PAINT AND TRANSMISSION AS OF TODAY HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAS THE A-604 ULTRADRIVE TRANSMISSION. AND IT IS STUCK IN ONE GEAR.
2003-05-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: 2B4FK4168HR
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE IGNITION LOCKED, OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, AND THE SIDE DOOR HAD COME OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. IN AN ATTEMPTED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE CONSUMER REACHED FOR THE COIL WIRE AND THE WARPED SEAL GAVE AWAY AND BURNED THE CONSUMER'S HANDS AND FACE. SCC *JB
2002-03-04

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-02-20
  • VIN: 1B4FK5434KX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: HOW MANY OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE TO FAIL BEFORE D-C OWNS UP TO POOR ENGINEERING/DESIGN??*AK
2001-11-04

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1989-12-19
  • VIN: 1B4GK4438KX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: IN A DESIGN ATTEMPT TO INCREASE GAS MILEAGE THE TRANSMISSION WAS BUILT TO "COASTS OR FREEWHEELS" DOWNHILL AT IDLE RPM OF APPROX 1000 AND ZERO ENGINE COMPRESSION BRAKING. THE RESULT IS EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION DOWNHILL, TAILGATING AND/OR EXCESSIVE BRAKE COMPONET WEAR.*AK
2001-11-04

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1989-12-20
  • VIN: 1B4GK4438KX
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: UNDER VAN SPARE TIRE CARRIER PLATE CORROSION FAILURE, FLAT PLATE BECAME V & DROPPED SPARE TIRE. *AK
2001-11-04

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
  • VIN: 1B4GK4438KX
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WINDSHIELD SUN VISOR MATERIAL SELECTION IS DEFECTIVE, CRUMBLES & DISINTIGRATES WITH AGE, DROPS INTO EYES OF DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER. *AK
2001-11-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
  • VIN: 1B4GK4438KX
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: OVERALL BUILD QUALITY/REPAIR RELIABILITY/PARTS MFRG FAR BELOW AVG WITH NUMEROUS ROAD SIDE FAILURES UNSAFE. NO, SAFETY DEFCT STATED. *AK
2001-08-13

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TIRE TREAD CAME ALMOST COMPLETELY OFF AT 45 MPH CAUSE DAMAGE TO LEFT REAR FENDER AREA. THREE MONTHS LATER THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED BUT DIDN'T COME OFF AS MUCH SO NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THESE TIRES WERE ON THE REAR OF A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. WITH THE FIRST ONE I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE BUT NOW I AM SURE IT WASN'T. BOTH TIRES STILL HAVE GOOD TREAD. I KEPT BOTH TIRES. *AK (DOT NUMBER: HY DRT 195 TIRESIZE: P215/70R14)
2000-09-05

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-15
  • VIN: 1B4FK5437KX
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: AFTER SEEING INFORMATION ON TIRE RECALL. CONSUMER THEN CHECKED HIS VEHICLE TIRES FOUND CRACKS AND TIRES SPLIT. FIRESTONE FR360 205/75 R14. *AK
2000-08-14

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: NOT AVAILAB
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END OF VEHICLE DUE TO THE BALL JOINTS/ CV JOINTS UNDER THE LEFT DRIVER SEAT HAVE GONE BAD AND NEEDED REPLACING. ALSO, SHE HAD TWO OTHER DODGE PRODUCTS, MINI VANS IN WHICH BALL JOINTS FAILED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
2000-04-07

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-10
  • VIN: 1B4FK4436KX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS BEFORE FAILING AT 127,000 MILES. REMAN. TRANSMISSION INSTALLED WENT ONLY 12,375 MILES WHEN IT FAILED. DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE. THIRD TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT ANOTHER DEALER WENT ABOUT 65,000 MILES AND FAILED ALSO. MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH TRANSAXLE CONTROLLERS, SPEED SENSORS. DEALERS CAN'T SEEM TO REPAIR WITHOUT REPLACING COMPLETE TRANSMISSION. *AK
1999-12-31

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
  • VIN: 1B4FK4430KX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW WITH A 4 SPD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES, WITH NO COST TO ME EXCEPT THE TIME I DIDNT HAVE MY VEHICLE. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ON THIS COMPONENT. *AK
1999-10-26

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1B4FK5437KX
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: THE PAINT PROCEEDED TO PEEL OFF AND RUST IMMEDIATELY
1999-09-29

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-05-25
  • VIN: 1B4FK5438KX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: ABOUT EVERY 10,000 MI. TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE WORKED ON. OF COURSE THERE IS ALWAYS AN EXCUSE FROM THE DODGE MECHANICS AND I END UP PAYING FOR IT. I,M SURE THE TOTAL IS AROUND 5,000.00. THESE PROBLEMS HAD ALSO HAPPEN TO THE PREVIOUS OWNERS BECAUSE ALL THE RECEIPTS HAVE BEEN FORWARDED TO EACH OWNER, ME BEING THE LAST.
1999-09-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE WILL DROP FROM OVERDRIVE TO 2ND GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION TWO TIMES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. *AK
1998-09-26

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1B4FK4434KX
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: PAINT PEELING BADLY. CRUISE JUST TAKES OFF WHEN SET. DIES CONSTANTLY ON HOT/HUMID DAYS. SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY AND SOUNDS LIKE AIR IS COMING IN.
1998-09-24

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-09-01
  • VIN: 1B4FK4426KX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL INJECTOR PUMP, TRANSMISSION SENSOR, WIRING HARNESS IN TRANSMISSION AND COMPUTER ENGINE MALFUNCTION.
1997-08-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1B4FK443XKX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO STOP POSITION.
1997-06-30

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-06-29
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1B4FK4430KX
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT 30MPH, THE CENTER SEAT RIGHT SIDE SEAT BELT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE BELT BUCKLE. *AK
1997-04-23

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-31
  • VIN: 1P4FH4430KX
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: FRAME DEFECTIVE.
1997-04-23

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-31
  • VIN: 1P4FH4430KX
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: LOWER ARM DEFECTIVE.
1997-04-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-31
  • VIN: 1P4FH4430KX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AXLE DEFECTIVE.
1997-04-01

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1B4FK4430KX
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK ADJUSTMENT BROKE.

1989 Dodge Grand caravan recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1989 Dodge Grand caravan.

2008-04-14
  • Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
  • Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
1995-03-27
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITH REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.
  • Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
  • Remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES DURING JULY 1996.
1995-03-27
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITHOUT REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.
  • Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
  • Remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING NOVEMBER 1995.
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Additional sources

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