1990 Dodge Caravan

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 278 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 6 times.

Not among the Dodge Caravan years to avoid. Which Dodge Caravan years to avoid →

Most common 1990 Dodge Caravan problems

69 of the 278 complaints (25%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission60
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock · door locks and latches36
301
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · body and frame17
200
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut · body and frame12
202
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame9
000
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor8
202
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine7
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · door locks and latches6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes5
000
Structure › Body › Trunk Lid · body and frame4
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension08E033000
Filed Apr 14, 20086,903 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Chassis Products

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock95I001003
Filed Mar 27, 199572,845 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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 STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING OCTOBER 1995.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock95I001007
Filed Mar 27, 1995360,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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 IN JUNE 1996.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly91V053000
Filed Apr 10, 1991640,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. INBOARD FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY STRAPS CAN SUFFER FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE STRAP NEAR ITS ANCHOR POSITION.

Risk. FATIGUE FAILURE OF SAFETY BELTS IN A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT CONDITION RESULTS IN INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy. REPLACE FATIGUED STRAPS OR RETROFIT STRAPS WITH A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AND REMOVAL OF AN ANTIROTATION TAB TO PREVENT FATIGUE FAILURE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Differential Proportional Valve90V145000
Filed Aug 10, 1990100 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. INCORRECT SCREWS MAY HAVE BEEN USED IN INSTALLING THE LOAD SENSING BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO ITS BRACKET CAUSING THE CLAMPING LOAD TO BE LESS THAN INTENDED.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCONSISTENT FRONT TO REAR BRAKEBALANCE WITH POTENTIAL FOR REAR BRAKE SKID UNDER HEAVY BRAKING CONDITIONS.

Remedy. REPLACE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO BRACKET SCREWS WITH PROPER LENGTH SCREWS.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine89V237000
Filed Dec 27, 1989634,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

Risk. THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.

Remedy. REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 5, 2009141,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO STOP INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING THE FAILURES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE PUMP AT THE COST OF OVER $400. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 90V145000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE), BUT WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR BEING VERBALLY ABUSIVE TO THE REPRESENTATIVE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,124.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 20, 200787,534 milesID

I STARTED NOTICING A SLIGHT GRINDING NOISE 1 WEEK BEFORE THE FAILURE. IT ONLY HAPPENED WHEN IT WAS COLD AND ONLY WHEN TURNING LEFT. I THOUGHT IT COULD BE A BAD U-JOINT. ON THE MORNING OF 2-16-07 8:15 AM I WAS TURNING LEFT AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT. IT CHEWED UP ONE OF THE BEARINGS (WHICH A MECHANIC LATER TOLD ME WAS NOTORIOUS FOR GOING OUT) AND DROPPED THEM ALL OVER THE ROAD. I WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WITH NO WAY TO GO ANYWHERE, BLOCKING TRAFFIC. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I WAS ALSO UNABLE TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHICH HAD AN INCLINE TO IT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE DRIVETRAIN AND PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK HAD NO EFFECT. I HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE INTO SOMEONE'S DRIVEWAY AND LEAVE IT THERE WITH A ROCK IN FRONT OF THE WHEEL. I DID HAVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON BUT I WAS NOT GOING TO TOTALLY TRUST IT TO KEEP THE VAN STATIONARY. THIS IS THE SECOND TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BEEN PUT INTO THE VAN. IT IS A 1990 WITH ONLY 87000 ORIGINAL MILES. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND ONLY PUT 2000-3000 MILES A YEAR ON THIS VAN. THE SECOND TRANSMISSION HAS LESS THAN 25000 MILES ON IT. *NM

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Aug 13, 2004MN

DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM PULLED OVER AND STOPPED SAW WHAT LOOKED LIKE STEAM COMING FROM THE MOTOR. IT WAS DAYLIGHT OUT DID NOT NOTICE THAT HEADLIGHTS DIDN'T WORK JUST THE RUNNING LIGHTS TILL A FEW HOURS LATER. AFTER HAVING HEATER ON HEADLIGHTS WILL COME ON BUT SMELL WHAT SEEMS LIKE WIRES BURNING AND THE SPEAKER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MAKES A CACKLING NOISE. OTHERWISE YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE HIGHBEAM SWITCH TO HAVE HEADLIGHTS ON.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jul 29, 2003CA

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD SMELL LIKE GAS.*AK

Seat Belts › Front
Filed May 16, 2003WI

THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BELTS WERE NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED FOR A PERSON 5'4". THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2003227,000 milesOH

I OWN A 1990 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH THE MOTOR. ONE MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK THE ACCELERATOR STUCK OPEN. I PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE AND REMOVED THE AIR CLEANER COVER AND MAP SENSOR TO SEE WHAT WHY THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK OPEN. I FOUND A SQUARE PIECE OF PLASTIC THAT LOOKS LIKE A LITTLE TABLE WITH A HOLE IN THE TOP. I WANTED TO FIND OUT HOW IT GOT THERE SO I TOOK THE AIR CLEANER OUT AND FOUND THAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO HOLD THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION FILTER IN THE BOTTOM OF THE CANISTER. THE BAD THING ABOUT THIS IS THAT I WAS ON ICY ROADS AND THE ONLY WAY I COULD CONTROL THE VEHICLE WAS TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND COAST INTO A DRIVEWAY. I ALSO REMEMBERED THIS HAPPENING TO THE 1991 PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER THAT I USED TO OWN. THESE VEHICLES WERE PURCHASED USED AND THEREFORE, I SUSPECT THAT AT ONE TIME SOMEONE HAS RAN THESE WITHOUT A FILTER IN PLACE. THE BIG QUESTION IS, OF ALL THESE VANS ON THE ROAD, HOW MANY HAVE BEEN RUN WITHOUT A FILTER. I HAD OWNED EACH OF THESE AT LEAST SIX MONTHS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I FEEL THAT ANYTHING IN THE AIRFLOW PATH ON A VEHICLE SHOULD BE SECURED SO THERE IS NO WAY IT CAN BE DRAWN INTO THE ENGINE. *NLM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 14, 2003140,000 milesCA

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. AT 48,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER, GLENN E. THOMAS DODGE IN SIGNAL HILL. THEREAFTER, EVERY 15,000 TO 25,000 MILES OR SO, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED, PROBABLY 5 TIMES NOW; THE COMPUTER FOR THE TRANS HAS FAILED TWICE, THE MOTOR COMPUTER FAILED 2 TIMES, THE POWER WINDOWS BROKE OFF THEIR TRACKS, THE SLIDING DOOR JAMMED SHUT AND WOULDN'T ALIGN. NOW THE PAINT JOB ON MY WHITE 1990 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (WITH WOOD TRIM) IS PEELING OFF, MOSTLY ON THE ROOF (WHERE IT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE, DOWN TO THE PRIMER, RUSTING THROUGH TO THE ROOF METAL) AND ON THE HOOD AND FRONT QUARTER PANELS. THE PAINT WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED TO THE PRIMER UNDERCOAT OR THE PRIMER WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED SO AS TO ADHERE TO THE TOP COLOR COAT. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER CARAVAN'S OF THE SAME MODEL WITH THEIR PAINT COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PEELED OFF AS I HAVE DRIVEN AROUND. IT IS A VERY OBVIOUS DEFECT OF THE PAINT--THERE ARE NO OTHER VEHICLES OUT THERE WITH THIS KIND OF PAINT FLAKING AND PEELING PROBLEM TO THIS EXTENT. THE PLASTIC COATING ON THE WOOD TRIM IS ALL FLAKING AND PEELING OFF AS WELL. IT MAKES THE CAR LOOK "SHAGGY!" WHAT A MESS. THIS CAR REALLY NEEDS A PAINT JOB TO BE PAID FOR BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE PAID OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR TRANSMISSIONS TO BE REPLACED. I AM ON A THREE-YEAR WARRANTY WITH DODGE FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND ON MY THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILURE UNDER THAT WARRANTY! THE OVERDRIVE UNIT IS FULLY DEFECTIVE AND T

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 7, 2003IL

PAINT ON 1990 DODGE CARAVAN IS PEELING OFF.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Dec 5, 2002CA

FUEL RAIL LEAKING WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED VEHICLE WAS NOT COVER UNDER THAT RECALL. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 5, 2002TN

TRANSMISSION FAILED. *YH

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Jul 15, 2002AZ

FUEL RAIL IS LEAKING OIL ONTO MOTOR, AND COULD CAUSE AND FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 12, 2002OK

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO ANOTHER GEAR/ STARTED JERKING, AND LOCKED IN PARK. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Aug 10, 2001SC

THE METAL TIRE BELTS CAME THRU THE SIDEWALLS, LETTING THE AIR OUT. TOOK BACK TO GOODYEAR DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS UNDERINFLATED. NOT SO! HAD 3 TIRES ALL FAIL LIKE THIS. DEALER SAID THEY WOULD SELL ME THE REPLACEMENT TIRE, BUT THEY DON'T MAKE THIS TIRE ANYMORE. WONDER WHY? ONE TIRE EVEN LOST A SECTION OF THE TREAD, ALA FIRESTONE TIRES.*AK

Power Train › Driveline
Filed May 11, 2001OH

FRONT END LOCKED UP AFTER SNAP RING BROKE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed May 9, 2001OH

FRONT END LOCKED UP AFTER SNAP RING IN VHICLE BROKE. CONTACCTED DEALER. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 9, 2001MD

I KNOW OF 3 OTHER FAMILY'S THAT HAVE THE SAME YR., MAKE & MODEL OF VAN WITH THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 30, 2001NV

THIS SEEMS TO BE A REAL PROBLEM AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE . I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE TRANSMISSIONS CONSIDERING THAT THEY KNOW THE ARE BAD . PEOPLE SHOULDNOT HAVE TO GO TO COURT FOR DODGE TO PAY UP.THERE SHOULD BE A NATIONAL RECALL AS THERE ARE SEVERAL REPORTS ON FILE .THE TRANSMISSIONS LOCK-UP WITHOUT WARNING AND CAN BE A MAJOR CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. THEN WHAT WILL BE DONE?*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Mar 8, 2001OH

FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL. DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE O-RINGS FAILED AT THE FUEL RAIL CONNECTIONS ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE. THIS PROBLEM WAS FOUND ON OTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLES. REFERENCE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V184000.*AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Dec 27, 2000ND

STEERING LOCK UP AND PULLED ALL THE TO LEFT AND COULDN'T TURN IT AT ALL. *AK

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Dec 18, 2000IL

VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AND CONSUMER INSERTED KEY INSIDE OF VEHICLE, AND KEY STARTED VEHICLE FIRST TIME. NEXT TIME IGNITION SWITCH HAD PLAY. SHE CONTACTED DEALERSHIP BECAUSE KEY COULDN'T COME OUT OF IGNITION SWITCH.*AKI

Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
Filed Nov 28, 2000FL

CONSUMER HAD USED JACK THAT CAME EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND IT FAILED AND COLLAPSED WHILE CONSUMER WAS USING IT. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Nov 6, 2000NJ

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Tires
Filed Oct 1, 2000SC

THE FIRESTONE TIRE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO MY TIRES. HAD ONE TIRE LOOSE TREAD LAST YEAR AND NOW ANOTHER TIRE IS STARTING TO DO THE SAME THING. THE STEEL WIRE OF THE BELT IS COMING THRU THE SIDE WALL.*AK (TIRESIZE: 195/75/14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 195/75/14 )

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 20, 2000WI

MY 3.0 L 4-SPEED AUTOMATIC 1990 DODGE CARAVAN RECENTLY BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING INTO OVERDRIVE. IT SHIFTS INTO 1ST, 2ND, THEN 3RD, BUT AS IT TRYS TO SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE IT BUCKS THREE TIMES THAN ABRUPTLY SHIFTS INTO SECOND GEAR SURGING THE PASSANGERS FORWARD. I MUST THEN SHUT OFF THE VAN AND RESTART IT FOR IT TO BE DRIVABLE. I NORMALLY DON'T TAKE THIS TYPE OF ACTION BUT THROUGH MY RESEARCH HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION. WHEN I FOUND AN ARTICLE IN CONSUMER REPORTS (OCTOBER 1999) WHERE THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL I DECIDED TO TAKE ACTION.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 16, 2000IN

A METAL FUEL LINE LOCATED NEAR EXHAUST SYETEM COULD LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE. DEALER NOTIFED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 14, 2000PA

PAINT PEELED OFF ALSO. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Apr 28, 2000NJ

DRIVER SEAT BELT DOES NOT EXTEND FROM THE RETRACTING MECHANISM, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Mar 29, 2000MD

THE BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE STRUT TO THE BODY OF THE LIFTGATE PUSHED INTO THE BODY OF THE VAN, CAUSING THE LIFTGATE TO DROP DOWN ONTO VICTIM'S HEAD. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 16, 2000NC

ATTEMPTED TO GET DEFECTIVE PAINT REPLACED BY CHRYSLER CORP, WORKED THROUGH SERVICE MANAGER AT LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITHOUT SATISFACTION. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED WITHIN SUMMARY. *AK

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Mar 7, 2000WI

AFTER DRIVING AND WHEN LETTING PASSENGER OUT OF VEHICLE THE SIDE SLIDING DOOR FELL COMPETELY OFF, MAKING IT MPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE WITHOUT A SLIDING DOOR . CONSUMER TOOK VAN TO PRIVATE MECHANIC TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AT HIS OWN EXPENSE, FEARS THAT IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN. *AK *ML

Suspension
Filed Mar 2, 2000CA

STRUT MOUNT BROKE OFF FROM LEFT SIDE. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP THAT STRUT MOUNT ON RIGHT SIDE ALSO NEEDS REPLACEMENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 7, 2000IN

WHILE DRIVING ABS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN COMING TO A STOP HIT BRAKES, AND ABS LIGHT WENT OFF. BUT, THEN PRESSING ON BRAKES AND LIGHT CAME ON, AND STAYED ON. *AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock
Filed Feb 3, 2000FL

BOLT THAT SUPPORTS LIFTGATE FAILED, AND THE LIFTGATE FELL ON CONSUMER'S WIFE'S BACK WITHOUT ANY WARNING OF DEFECT. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Jan 11, 2000MN

SEE YOUR SERVICE BULLETIN 094 FOR 1990 DODGE CARAVAN CV W/ 3.3 OVERHEATING. THIS HAPPENED IN THE MOUNTAINS BEFORE A STEEP GRADE TWICE! YOU LOSE ENGINE, BRAKES, AND STEERING AS A RESULT. SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED; RADIATORS NOT SUFFICIENT IN THESE MINIVANS AND AS MINIVAN FLEETS AGE THE PROBLEM CAN ONLY GET WORSE... WE DON'T OWN IT ANYMORE; IT'S UNSAFE! *AK

Equipment › Mechanical › Carrier/Rack
Filed Dec 16, 1999NY

WHILE DRIVING ON BUSY CITY STREET VEHICLE BEHIND CONSUMER'S WAS SWERVING AND BLOWING HORN TO GET CONSUMER'S ATTENTION. PULLED OVER AND REALIZED THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLE BROKE, CAUSING THE SPARE TIRE TO FLY ACROSS THE HIGWAY. CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO HELP, OUT OF WARRANTY. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 22, 1999MD

POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE IS CAUSING VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE NO REVERSE / NO FIRST GEAR. *YC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 20, 1999OH

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE IS STALLING AND SHIFTING HARD. ALSO, THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 26, 1999VA

TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED A TOTAL OF SIX TIMES. MJS

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Aug 5, 1999PA

ON TWO OCCASIONS CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT A PINCHED WIRE MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE SHORT THAT RESULTED IN A FIRE. CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY MANUFACTURER AT NO COST TO CONSUMER. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Jul 22, 1999MN

THE FUEL INJECTORS HAVE LEAKED 3 TIMES. DEALER REPLACED FUEL INJECTORS EACH TIME. *AK

Tires
Filed Jul 6, 1999WI

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOWOUT EIGHT DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, TIRE MAY HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE. *YC

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 22, 1999MD

WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND, TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. RESTARTING ENGINE WILL ALLOW VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN FIRST ONLY. ATTEMPTS BY VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO SECOND WILL THROW TRANSMISSION IN TO NEUTRAL. HOWEVER, IF THE VEHICLE IS ALLOWED TO SIT FOR 1/2 TO 2 HOURS, THEN TRANSMISSION OPERATES NORMALLY. PROBLEM CAN OCCUR AFTER DRIVING FOR 1/2 HOUR OR MORE AND/OR IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I HEAR THAT THIS OR VERY SIMILAR PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED TO MANY OTHER DODGE CARAVAN OWNERS. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION? *AK

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed May 12, 1999TN

WHILE OWNER WAS SHUTTING THE SLIDING DOOR , DOOR CAME OFF THE TRACK AND FELL OFF ONTO THE GROUND. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed May 12, 1999CA

DEFECTIVE FUEL LINE, CAUSING A LEAK. IF THERE WAS A SOURCE OF IGNITION A FIRE MAY HAVE STARTED. MANUFACTURER IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND PARTS HAVE BEEN ON BACK ORDER FOR MONTHS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)
Filed Apr 7, 1999NY

THE SHIFTER IS VERY HARD TO PUT INTO GEAR. THE SHIFTER LOCKS IN WHATEVER GEAR IT IS SET IN. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES IT RELEASES. THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AT THIS TIME. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Mar 11, 1999OH

BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Feb 9, 1999MT

FUEL RAIL FAILED RESULTING IN LEAKAGE.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 2, 1999NY

THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION HAS LOCKED UP IN LOW GEAR. CONSUMER HAD PREVIOUSLY REPLACED TRANSMISSION TWICE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 29, 1999IA

NO SUMMARY

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 31, 1998WA

TRANSMISSION IS MAKING LOUD NOISE. ALSO, VEHICLE LURCHES FOWARD WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *AK *ML

Complaints 1-50 of 278, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1996
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20171100Routine
20162000Routine
201523000Routine
201420000Routine
201330010Routine
201287030Routine
201178010Routine
2010172260Routine
2009118230Routine
2008302260Above average
200781411Fatalities reported
2006173620Routine
2005537900Above average
200465830Routine
2003195951Fatalities reported
200224510111Fatalities reported
20012571031Fatalities reported
20004701354Fatalities reported
199955514140Above average
199862914231Fatalities reported
199771415374Fatalities reported
19961,40318479Fatalities reported
1995489470High concern
1994644563Fatalities reported
19939491071Fatalities reported
199291311133Fatalities reported
199161711121Fatalities reported
1990 — this page278671Fatalities reported

Compare every Caravan year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 14, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.