Just thought I would speak in defense of Chrysler transmissions. My understanding is that the problems that were initially encountered have been corrected and their transmissions are no less reliable than other makes (but you gotta use the right trans fluid - see below). The bad PR they got will last for years though, just like the Audi's that suffered from the bad PR of "unintended acceleration", which ended up not being Audi's fault but they paid the price for years afterward.
The following is from a great site, Allpar.com which is not afflilated with Chrysler:
Initially called A604 Ultradrive, this transaxle was the first, and for a long time the only, fully electronic transaxle, and it has come a long way from 1989, when every day a new service bulletin came out revising this part or that procedure...
Now called the 41TE (4 forward ratios, load range 1, transverse mount, electronic), this transaxle still sees duty in minivans and all other Chrysler front-drive transverse applications, like the Pacifica, Stratus/Sebring sedan, etc.
Some definitions are in order -- by fully electronic, I mean that pulse-width-modulated solenoids (remember the ratcheting noise early 604s made?) act directly on the different clutch sets to attain the different ratios. This allows for a simpler valve body assembly, compared to others where solenoids are on/off devices and only act to divert ATF to one shift valve or another. These solenoids are controlled by a dedicated module (TCM) that monitors and adjusts trans ops through several sensors, such as speed sensors on the input and output shafts, as well as monitoring engine data over the data bus.
There are no bands or mechanical holding devices (sprags, roller clutches, etc). All ratios are supplied by five different clutch packs (Low/Rev, Underdrive, Overdrive, 2/4 and Reverse). Compared to other domestic front drive transaxles like Ford's AX4N or GM's 4L40E, the 41TE is lighter, smaller and less mechanically complex while providing improved performance.
Finally, these electronic controls allow the TCM [computer] to monitor the transaxle's performance and adjust solenoid actuation and timing accordingly with the goal of maintaining shift quality throughout the life of the vehicle.
The original A604 was a revolutionary development, but it suffered from Lee Iaccoca's desire to rush it into production. It was the first electronically shifted hydraulic automatic transmission that used fuzzy logic to learn to adapt its shifting pattern to match the driver's habits and tastes, as well as to compensate for internal conditions. No other automaker had attempted to replace the many valves and servos in a transmission with simple solenoids controlled by a computer. What's more, Chrysler was often not followed by others in their use of a "limp" mode, to take the driver home even in cases of control failure. The limp mode deliberately restricted the driver to second gear so the vehicle would be serviced.
Chrysler reportedly put over a million miles of testing on the A604 before its first use in 1989, which is when they discovered that Dexron fluid was not good enough. However, the company did not make this clear to customers, saying that Dexron was good enough if their own fluid, ATF+3, was not available. Nor did they get the word out to oil change places and corner mechanics. As a result, many, many transmissions were destroyed. Even some dealers apparently told customers they could use Dexron. The result was a terrible reputation for quality - we have been told by one transmission rebuilding establishment that the horrific return/repair rate on their own transmissions fell to normal levels when they switched to ATF+3, and that was around ten years after the A-604 was first introduced!
Most of these transmissions are made in Kokomo, Indiana, which is reportedly working on a six-speed evolutionary version to go into the next-generation minivans.
Note: Chrysler is not the only company to require a unique transmission fluid. Dexron has long since passed its prime, and modern transmissions require modern fluids, which more refined properties. Toyota, Nissan, and other major automakers also require unique fluids.
Frank
Not really.