1994 Dodge Grand Caravan

The 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan

The 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan was a popular minivan that offered a spacious interior and a variety of engine and transmission options. It was powered by a choice of three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 122 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0-liter V6 with 150 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.3-liter V6 with 162 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a three-speed automatic and a four-speed automatic.

While the Grand Caravan was a popular choice for families, it was not without its problems. Owners reported a number of issues with the vehicle, including engine problems, transmission problems, suspension problems, electrical problems, exterior problems, and interior problems.

Engine

2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Engine

• Cylinder Head Warping
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace cylinder head
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, no power, catastrophic engine damage
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter V6 Engine

• Valve Stem Seal Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, oil consumption
  • Solution: Replace valve stem seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil pressure, engine knocking, catastrophic engine damage
  • Solution: Replace oil pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Thermostat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, underheating, erratic temperature gauge readings
  • Solution: Replace coolant thermostat
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.3-liter V6 Engine

• Spark Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leaks, whistling noise, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace exhaust manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, catastrophic engine damage
  • Solution: Replace water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Three-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to shift gears, loss of power, harsh shifting
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, no power
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed shifting, inability to shift gears
  • Solution: Replace solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Fluid Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaks from transmission pan, low fluid levels
  • Solution: Replace transmission pan gasket, add fluid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed shifting, inability to shift gears
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Overdrive Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to shift into overdrive, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking struts, rattling, knocking, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Popping noises, poor handling, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, poor handling, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to start vehicle, dim lights, electrical problems
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim lights, electrical problems, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to start vehicle, clicking noises
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to lock or unlock doors, door locks stuck
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to open or close windows, window rattles
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate Hinge Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate sags, difficult to open or close
  • Solution: Replace tailgate hinges
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat belt does not retract, difficult to fasten
  • Solution: Replace seat belt retractor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found