1994 Dodge Caravan

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 644 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 5 times.

Avoid One of the Dodge Caravan years to avoid: 2.2× the complaints of a typical Caravan year. Which Dodge Caravan years to avoid →

Most common 1994 Dodge Caravan problems

97 of the 644 complaints (15%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission84
311
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags49
38034
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock · door locks and latches33
505
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes30
606
Air Bags · airbags30
709
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine29
010
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner20
010
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame19
001
Electrical System › Ignition19
001
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · body and frame14
502

1994 Dodge Caravan transmission problems

15% of all complaints

97 of the 644 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • shifts hard, late or not at all9% · 9
  • slips or will not engage a gear8% · 8
  • drops into neutral6% · 6
  • stalls5% · 5
  • leaks oil or fluid5% · 5
  • jerks, lurches or bucks4% · 4

Share of the 97 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
105,000 mi
median of 6 reports
Peak year of filing
1999
21 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
4 · 1 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
None
“Consumer is having problems with transmission. Transmission will not shift/change gears after approximately 20 MPH. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 9, 2001
“Transmission began slipping at low gears, then pausing and jumping into gear. Began sticking in 1st gear causing driver to stop, restart engine to reset transmission or drive at speeds under 30 MPH. Rebuilt in 5/99 but transmission is slipping again and will not shift into higher gears.this proves dangerous when driving on highways and cannot accelerate to a safe speed.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 23, 2000

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1995: 145 complaints, 5 about the transmission'951996: 106 complaints, 10 about the transmission1997: 63 complaints, 15 about the transmission'971998: 51 complaints, 11 about the transmission1999: 93 complaints, 21 about the transmission'992000: 83 complaints, 19 about the transmission2001: 37 complaints, 4 about the transmission'012002: 31 complaints, 4 about the transmission2003: 17 complaints, 6 about the transmission'032004: 3 complaints, 1 about the transmission2005: 6 complaints, 1 about the transmission'052006: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmission2007: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'072008: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmission2009: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'092010: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission2011: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'112012: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2013: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'132014: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission2015: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'152016: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2017: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'172018: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmissionRecall 95I001005 (door locks and latches)Recall 95I001001 (door locks and latches)Recall 99V113000 (airbags)Recall 99V213000 (body and frame)Recall 00V305000 (steering)NHTSA investigation DP03002NHTSA investigation RQ00011NHTSA investigation EA98006NHTSA investigation PE97049NHTSA investigation PE97046NHTSA investigation DP96014NHTSA investigation PE96008
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1994 Caravan peaked in 1995, with 145 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 15% of the complaints. In 2018 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar00V305000
Filed Oct 12, 2000679,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH 2-SPOKE LUXURY WHEELS MANUFACTURED JULY 1992 THROUGH JUNE 1993; OR EQUIPPED WITH 4-SPOKE SPORT WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1992 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1993. THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.

Risk. IF THE STEERING WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN, LOSS OF CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR CRACKS AND ANY WHEELS WITH CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IN THE EVENT CRACKING OCCURS.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments99V213000
Filed Sep 2, 19991,318,189 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE STRUT TO THE BODY AND THE REAR LIFTGATE CAN ACCUMULATE FATIGUE DAMAGE IF THREE FACTORS COMBINE. IF THE BOLT IS LOOSE, THE GAS STRUT IS OVER-PRESSURIZED, AND THE FREQUENCY OF OPENING AND CLOSING CYCLES IS HIGHER THAN FOR THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER, THE BOLT CAN FAIL.

Risk. PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR IF THE BOLTS BREAK ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL SUDDENLY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR LOOSE FASTENERS, IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE, THE STRUT (AND INTEGRAL BOLTS) WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE BOLT SHOWS EVIDENCE OF TORQUE, THE BOLT WILL BE REMOVED, LARGER WASHERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING WASHER AND THE BOLT WILL BE REINSTALLED AND HAND TIGHTENED TO THE TARGET TORQUED.

Air Bags99V113000
Filed May 6, 1999736,824 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE WIRING THAT INITIATES THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD ELECTRICALLY SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND. A SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND THAT EXISTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "ON" OR "START" POSITION CAN CAUSE THE AIR BAG(S) TO INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY.

Risk. INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN INJURE A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. ANY SHORT CIRCUITS IDENTIFIED IN EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INITIATOR WIRE CIRCUIT WILL BE REPAIRED.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock95I001005
Filed Mar 27, 19951,342,202 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 WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING DECEMBER 1995.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock95I001001
Filed Mar 27, 199566,407 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 NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1995.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 8 name the 1994 Caravan.

STEERING COLUMN SEPARATIONDefect petition DP03002Closed
Opened May 7, 2003Closed Jul 22, 2003steering

Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) by letter dated april 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(g), NHTSA has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models, excluding the 1993 jeep grand cherokee and 1994-1995 dodge ram series trucks that were recalled (93v210 & 96v230) for steering column failure.if the analysis of these vehicles had …

STEERING WHEEL SEPARATIONRecall query RQ00011Closed
Opened May 1, 2000Closed Apr 1, 2002Led to recall 00V305000steering

There is no summary currently available

INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTSEngineering analysis EA98006Closed
Opened Feb 27, 1998Closed May 24, 1999Led to recall 99V113000airbags

Complaints allege that the front air bag (s) deployed inadvertently--in most cases while starting the vehicle.

AIR BAG CIRCUIT/WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORPreliminary evaluation PE97049Closed
Opened Nov 18, 1997Closed Mar 17, 1998visibility

There is no summary currently available

INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTSPreliminary evaluation PE97046Closed
Opened Oct 24, 1997Closed Feb 27, 1998airbags

Complaints allege that the subject vehicles' air bags deployed inadvertently (in most cases when starting the vehicle).

DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSORDefect petition DP96014Open
Opened Nov 14, 1996airbags

Cfas sent a follow-up letter on december 12, 1996, to change the intent of the petition to airbag aggressivity and deployment variability.NHTSA received the letter on 12/12/96; accordingly, the petition due day was changed to april 12, 1997.cfas petitioned the agency to conduct an investigation to determine whether the airbag crash sensor and/or deployment systems for the 1991-92 chevrolet corsica/beretta, 1990-92 FORD taurus, and 1994-96 chrysler minivans are defective.cfas allege that information on low speed crashes here occupants have suffered fatal injuries suggests [that the above …

SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATIONPreliminary evaluation PE96008Closed
Opened Jan 25, 1996Closed Jun 28, 1996seat belts

There is no summary currently available

LIFTGATE LATCHESEngineering analysis EA94005Closed
Opened Jan 31, 1994Closed Oct 25, 1995body and frame

Liftgate latches in the subject vehicles have failed in low and moderate speed impacts resulting in occupant ejections, injuries, and fatalities.there are two failure modes associated with latch failure: fork bolt-detent lever bypass, and inertial unlatching.NHTSA analyses of chrysler and peer minivans took the form of static and dynamic crash testing, engineering evaluations, complaint and field analyses, and real world data analyses.a technical report discussing these analyses can be found in the engineering analysis technical report in the public viewing file.chrysler has advised NHTSA …

Technical service bulletins

56 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1994 Caravan. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 14engine 10airbags 7equipment 5electrical system 5throttle and acceleration 4seats 3body and frame 2
210599AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 3, 1999transmission

THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT

210599Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 5, 1999transmission

SUBJECT REGARDING REUSABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT

210499Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 26, 1999transmission

SERVICE AND PARTS INFORMATION ON 1999 RUNNING CHANGES TO TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) *TT

210997Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 16, 1997transmission

INFORMATION ON 41TE/42LE SERVICE INFORMATION. *NLM

210597Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 14, 1997transmission

CONCERNS WITH 41TE/42LE TRANSAXLE SHUDDER DURING AN EMCC (ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED CONVERTER CLUTCH) SHIFT. *NLM

180997Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 28, 1997transmission

VEHICLE SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER EMCC (LOCK UP) OPERATION/DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 38. *TW

Showing the newest 6 of 14 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2018140,000 milesMI

MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE THE REAR WIPER SHORTED OUT AND BLEW THE FUSE, AND THE AIR BAGS ARE ON THE SAME FUSE.

Engine
Filed Mar 5, 201595,356 milesAZ

DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE VEHICLE JUST QUIT. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. ATTEMPT TO RESTART FAILED.4 TIMES. LET VEHICLE SIT FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND NORMAL RESTART. THIS IS THIRD TIME IN THREE WEEKS. OTHER TWO NO STARTS WERE AFTER VEHICLE SITTING OVERNIGHT. NO ERROR CODES OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. FIRST NO START REPLACED AIR FILTER. SECOND NO START REPLACED BATTERY. INFO PROVIDED BECAUSE OF 2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ISSUE AN POTENTIAL FOR IT TO EXIST IN EARLY VEHICLES. I DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TR

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Sep 21, 2014119,444 milesVA

AS I SLOWLY WAS TURNING THE CAR TO PARK IN A PARKING LOT IN VIENNA VA SHOPPING CENTER, THE VAN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND STOPPED WHEN IT CRASHED INTO HANDICAP PARKING POLE MARKER ( NO DAMAGE). DAMAGE TO MY VAN WHICH IS VISABLE APPEARS TO BE THE FRONT OF THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND A DAMAGED BUT FUNCTIONING RADIATOR AS BEST I CAN SEE. NOTE: THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT ACTIVEATED, AND WONDERED WHY THEY DIDN'T.( IS THIS ANOTHER PROBLEM ?) *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Mar 29, 2010DC

1994 DODGE CARAVAN GAS TANK LEAK. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS SEARCHING FOR INFORMATION REGARDING A GAS LEAK AND CAME ACROSS RECALL 99V216000 AND WAS WONDERING IF IT APPLIED TO HER VEHICLE? AND IF SO, WILL DODGE HONOR THE RECALL AND FIX HER VEHICLE?

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 16, 2009KS

WENT TO WORK ON APRIL 1, 2009 HAD BRAKES, WHEN I WENT TO GO HOME THE BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, AND ANTI BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, CHANGED FRONT BRAKES , DID NOT NEED IT , BUT DID IT ANYWAY, WAS GOING TO CHANGE THE BACK BUT THEY DID NOT NEED IT, BLED THE BRAKES, ALL WORKED FINE , THEN WENT OKLAHOMA APRIL 11TH , STAYED IN MOTEL AND BRAKES WHERE FINE, GOT UP NEXT MORNING AND WENT TO DO SOME THINGS AND AGAIN THE BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND ABS LIGHT COMES ON ,STILL HAS PLENTY OF FLUID. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jan 27, 2008235,000 milesIL

I TRIED TO OPEN THE HOOD OF MY MINIVAN AND THE RELEASE BROKE OFF. THE RELEASE WAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE 1994 DODGE MINIVAN AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSED IT TO BREAK OFF. I'VE CHECKED THE SAFETY DEFECT NOTIFICATIONS FOR "1994 DODGE MINIVANS" AND COULD NOT FIND ANY OTHER MENTIONS OF FAILURE OF THE HAND RELEASE FOR THE VEHICLES' HOODS. *TR

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Jan 1, 2008176,380 milesMI

REAR WINDOW ON LIFT GATE SHATTERED IN A THOUSAND PIECES FOR NO REASON WHILE PARKED (GLASS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE). OUTSIDE TEMP WAS ABOUT 20 F AND CLOUDY. GLASS TYPE IS A PRIVACY TINTED WITH WINDOW DEFROSTER. IT APPEARS GLASS WAS NOT REQUIRED TO BE A SAFETY GLASS TYPE AS COMPARED TO A WINDSHIELD WITH A "PLASTIC SANDWICH IN-BETWEEN. ABOUT 10 HOURS OF CLEAN UP REQUIRED. MANY SMALL GLASS FRAGMENTS AND "GLASS DUST" TRAVELED AS FAR AS THE FRONT DASHBOARD. OWNER WILL BE REPLACING GLASS. COST ESTIMATED TO BE BETWEEN $300 TO $400 PARTS AND LABOR. I HAVE PICTURES AVAILABLE IF NEEDED .*CN

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Nov 2, 2006NY

SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF...DRY, WET, SNOW..BIG, LITTLE ...LITERALLY NO PUDDLES...AND THE GATORBACK BELT DOESN'T FIX IT, NOR THE SNOW SHIELD ON THE PULLEY SHIELD.....WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND THE NUMEROUS TIMES MY BELT HAS COME OFF..YOU'D THINK CHRYSLER WOULD HAVE FIXED THIS LONG AGO...NO JUST SOAK PEOPLE FOR MONEY..IF THEY R NOT MECHANICALLY INCLINED( WHICH THANKS TO MY FATHER, BROTHER, AND HUSBAND) I AM.....AND I KNOW ABOUT THE INTERNET SITE FORUMS THAT HELP EACH OTHER OUT...IN TIMES LIKE THESE. SOME UNFORTUNATELY..SEVERAL HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS LATER...HOW UNFAIR OF CHRYSLER...AND WE'RE TALKING.... THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN AROUND AWHILE...YOU'D HAVE THOUGHT THEY WOULD'VE FIXED IT LONG AGO ..EVEN BEFORE PUTTING OUT NEW ONES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM....I BET THOSE NEW BUYERS ARE FIT TO BE TIED RIGHT ABOUT NOW!!!! HOPEFULLY ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND I HOPE YOU PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING...GETS SOMETHING DONE!! *NM

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Aug 10, 200666,793 milesFL

1994 DODGE CARAVAN MILEAGE 66.873 WITH WHEELCHAIR LIFT REAR LIFTGATE HINGE, BOLT HOLDING THE HINGE TOGETHER BROKE DUE TO METAL FATIGUE, LETTING HINGE SEPARATE, CAUSING LIFTGATE TO DROP DOWN. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. CHRYSLER/DODGE 1-800-992,1997 REF.#15261363 WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS TOLD THAT II WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. SORRY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VAN IS ALWAYS PARKED IN MY CARRAGE. LIKE NEW. I HAVE THE OLD PARTS AND 17 COLOR POCTURES. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 31, 2005114,000 milesIL

LACKS POWER, WANTS TO STALL LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING ANY FUEL, HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS PARTS INCLUDING WHAT WAS LISTED ON THE DIAGNOSTIC SCANS, CLUNKING NOISE UNDER VAN. NOTHING SEEMS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HAVE SPENT OVER $600 IN PARTS ALONE, NOT COUNTING LABOR. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 13, 200544,900 milesMD

DT: CONSUMER STATES HIS 1994 DODGE CARAVAN THAT HE PURCHASED USED ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS IMMEDIATELY. THE TRANSMISSION WILL POP OUT OF GEAR WHEN IT IS HOT. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE SHUT OFF AND THEN IT WILL START AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, SEPTEMBER 2004, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT 30 DAYS AGO AND HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY. *JB

Seats › Front Assembly › ReclinerCrash4 injured
Filed Mar 7, 200517,000 milesID

WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO STRIKE THE VEHICLE IN THE FRONT OF HIM. BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS COLLAPSED. THE DRIVER SEAT FELL ONTO THE CHILD PASSENGER, BREAKING SEVERAL BONES IN HIS FACE AND HAD TO UNDERGO SURGERY. *JB

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Mar 2, 2005TN

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V213000, THE BOLT TO THE HATCH BROKE, CAUSING THE PISTON TO BREAK IN HALF. A STICK MUST BE USED TO HOLD THE HATCH UP. CONSUMER WAS AWARE OF RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Feb 22, 2005TX

THE SERPENTINE BELT CONTINUOUSLY SLIPS OFF WHICH CAUSES THE STEERING TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILS. *AK

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jan 31, 2005200,000 milesCA

THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF THE HINGES. IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO OPEN/CLOSE DOOR. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 2, 2004FL

HAVE A 1994 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. ALREADY REPLACED ONE TRANSMISSION AND I AM LOOKING AT REPLACING ANOTHER. TOLD BY TRANSMISSION MECHANICS AND OTHERS THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR FAILURE AND THAT THE COMPANY KNOWINGLY INSTALL SUCH EQUIPMENT AT THE CONSUMER'S ULTIMATE EXPENSE. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 2004110,000 milesNC

I HAVE NOT ACTUALLY TRIED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED BECAUSE I HEARD THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE THERE MIGHT BE A RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR DEFECT, AND I AM SIMPLY TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THAT IS TRUE. MY PROBLEM IS WE HAVE A LIGHT BLUE DODGE CARAVAN AND THE PAINT IS PEELING BADLY!!!! I HAVE SEEN OTHER LIGHT BLUE DODGE CARAVANS THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL THAT ARE ALSO PEELING BADLY. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET IT REPAIRED?

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 200499,000 milesWI

THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE ROOF OF THE VAN (THE ROOF IS NOW ALMOST BARE, A YEAR LATER) AND NOW HAS BEGUN TO PEEL OFF THE HOOD, AS WELL. WE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED BY ANY SORT OF WARRANTY OR LEMON LAW AND THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPAINT THE VAN. OTHER THAN THE PAINT PROBLEM... THE VAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT SOON IT WILL NO LONGER HAVE ANY PAINT. IT IS A DARK BLUE COLOR, AND WE HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER DODGE GRAND CARAVANS FROM THAT SAME YEAR WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. OTHERS HAVE SOLD THEIR VANS RATHER THAN PAY TO REPAINT AN AGING, HIGH-MILEAGE VEHICLE.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Nov 29, 200390,000 milesCT

PLASTIC HEADLIGHTS ARE FOGGING OVER MAKING NIGHT DRIVINGA CHORE. SO FAR I;VE HAD TO ADD ACCESORY LIGHTING AND BRIGHTER BULBS IN HOPE OF JUST STAYING EVEN.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 20, 2003157,000 milesOR

TRANSMISSION FELT LIKE IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE ON OUR WAY HOME, AT NIGHT, THEN IT JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD ON A CORNER. WE PUSHED IT SOMEWHAT OFF THE ROAD AND TURNED ON THE HAZARDS. THEN I PROCEEDED TO HAUL MY FIVE KIDS OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND DOWN THE ROAD TO TRY TO PHONE FOR HELP. WALKING AT NIGHT WITH 5 YOUNG CHILDREN ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD IS DANGEROUS. I TRIED TO GET IT REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH DODGE. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT IT WOULD TAKE APPROXIMATELY $3,000.00 TO FIX AND THEN IT COULD TURN AROUND AND HAPPEN AGAIN. NO INDICATOR LIGHT EVER CAME ON. THE DEALER TOLD ME THESE WERE GOOD VANS AND VERY DEPENDABLE TOO. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BY BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING? THESE TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD BE DECLARED LEMONS, RECALLED AND MADE GOOD ON. *LA

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Oct 8, 2003180,000 milesWI

REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND TURNED ON. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF WINDOW PROBLEM.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 5, 2003105,000 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION EXPLODED INTERNALLY, AND HAD TO BE REBUILT. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 30, 200386,292 milesVA

TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON OUR 1994 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITHOUT ANY WARNING - THE VAN IS JUST UNDER 9 YEARS OLD AND HAD 86292 MILES. IT HAS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED AND IS MAINTAINED IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. IT IS USED TO COMMUTE TO WORK AND AS A FAMILY CAR WITHOUT ANY TOWING OR HEAVY LOADS. REGULAR TRANSMISSION SERVICE AND CHECKUP HAS BEEN PERFORMED WITH LAST ONE BEFORE THE FAILURE AT 72456 MILES. NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND AT THIS SERVICE, OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE TAKEN APPROPRIATE ACTION. THE FAILURE HAPPENED IN AN OFFICE UNDERGROUND PARKING LOT AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN MY WIFE TRIED TO PARK IT. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY OR ON A BUSY STREET AND COULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS TO HER SAFETY AND TO OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. I RESEARCHED INTO THE ISSUE ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND A LOT OF CHRYSLER/DODGE CARAVAN OWNERS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS OVER THE YEARS. I EVEN TALKED TO FRIENDS AND PEOPLE I KNOW WHO ARE CARAVAN OWNERS AND SEVERAL TOLD ME IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS BUT CHRYSLER HAS FAILED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. FAILURES EVEN HAPPEN AT LOWER MILEAGE THAN MY VAN AND TO OLDER MODELS. REPLACED TRANSMISSIONS ARE ALSO KNOWN TO FAIL WITH LOW MILEAGE IN SEVERAL CASES THAT I CAME ACROSS. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH CHRYSLER ON THIS MATTER AND THE RIDICULOUS COST OF $2500 THAT I HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REMANUFACTURED ONE. THE DEALER THAT CHECKED THE PROBLEM ON MY VAN FOUND THAT

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 18, 200390,000 milesOH

TRANSMISSION HAD SOME MAJOR REPAIRS DONE AT 90,000 MILES. CURRENTLY, TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. *AK

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jun 17, 200399,000 milesNC

THERE IS A LIGHT ON THE SLIDING DOOR THAT GETS VERY HOT IF THE DOOR STAYS AJAR FOR A FEW SECONDS. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 21, 2003114,000 milesCA

NAR 05/21/2003 *MR THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE TWO TRANSMISSIONS ON THE 1994 DODGE CARAVAN TWICE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *CB

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed May 13, 2003NJ

WITHOUT WARNING THE REAR GLASS BROKE FROM THE INSIDE OUT. *NLM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 8, 2003IL

THERE WERE SEVERAL REPAIRS DONE TO THE TRANSMISSION AND EVENTUALLY THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *JB

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 30, 2003VA

CHRYSLER GEN 3 SEAT BELTS ARE UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *JB

SteeringCrash
Filed Apr 22, 2003NV

THE VEHICLE TURNED LEFT UNEXPECTEDLY. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO RESPOND. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 4, 2003NY

CONSUMER INQUIRES WHY THERE WAS NO RECALL ON 1994, DODGE, CARAVAN. *AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 4, 2003AZ

CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT A RECALL CONCERNING 1994, DODGE, CARAVAN.*AK

Suspension
Filed Jan 28, 2003MA

THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS WITH: THE BALL JOINT, AXLE, STABILIZER, AND THE STRUTS-DRIVING IS BUMPY. SCC

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 22, 2003NY

WITHOUT WARNING CONSUMERS VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF. TS

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jan 21, 2003SC

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 60MPH HAD TREAD SEPARATION ON LEFT REAR TIRE. TS

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 10, 2002NJ

THE CAR PERIODICALLY STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING (USUALLY WHEN TURNING OR STOPPED AT INTERSECTIONS), REQUIRING THROTTLE BODY CLEANING ABOUT EVERY 15,000 MILES. IT IS DANGEROUS TO STALL OUT WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND/OR TURNING AND SHOULD NOT (AS DODGE ASSERTS) BE COMPARED TO ROUTINE MAINTENACE LIKE OIL CHANGES. DT

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Nov 19, 2002AZ

DOOR WAS STICKING AND HARD TO CLOSE. MY WIFE TRIED TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND IT STUCK. SHE PULLED ON THE DOOR AND IT FELL OFF THE HINGES. BODY SHOP SAID ALL THE PARTS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. DT

Seats
Filed Nov 7, 2002CA

WHILE DRIVING MY CARAVAN THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK, FELL BACK. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED. WE ARE NOT TOO HEAVY. IF I HAD BEEN ON A WINDING MOUNTAIN ROAD OR IN THE PROCESS OF STOPPING MY VEHICLE, IT COULD HAVE CAUSE A DEADLY ACCIDENT, AS IT WAS, IT WAS A VERY STARTLING EXPERIENCE. I AM THANKFUL THAT I WAS GOING AT A REASONABLY SLOW SPEED. I CAN NOT SEE ANY EXCUSE FOR A CAR SEAT TO BREAK, LIKE THIS ONE HAS. IF THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY, I AM LEFT TO WONDER ABOUT BEING IN A ACCIDENT WITH THIS CAR. WHAT IN THE WORLD WOULD COME APART IN THE SEAT CONSTRUCTION TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM? IT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. THE SEATS ARE NOT ELECTRIC. THERE IS A SIDE ARM TO ADJUST THE SEAT. A FRONT ARM TO MOVE THE SEAT BACK AND FRONTWARD. I ALWAYS (UNTIL NOW) DRIVE W/THE SEAT IN THE MOST UPRIGHT POSITION. THANK YOU. DT

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed Oct 23, 2002NC

WHILE DRIVING THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS COMES ON AND STAYS ON ,THEN THE BRAKES GETS HARD.VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP. DRIVER HAD TO LET VEHICLE DECELERATE TO A LOW SPEED AND PULL ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. MR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 1, 2002OK

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIIVNG AT 35-40 MPH THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER. NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Sep 9, 2002FL

WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Sep 9, 2002IL

HINGE ON DRIVER DOOR IS CRACKED.*AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 23, 2002DC

NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED AT TIME OF CRASH. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CRASH SCENE AND THE INTERIOR OF THE CARAVAN.*AK

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Aug 14, 2002VA

LEFT BOLT THAT HOLDS HINGES TO HATCHBACK SHEARED OFF. HATCHBACK CAME SLIDING DOWN TO THE RIGHT, CAUSING LEFT ARM TO "FREEZE" IN POSITION, RENDERING HATCHBACK DOOR INOPERATIVE.*AK

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jul 30, 2002FL

CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL 99V213000 CONCERNING LIFTGATE SUPPORT BRACKET. *AK WHEN THE HYDRAULIC LIFTGATE BOLTS HAD BROKEN-3 TIMES, THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THEY HAD TO GET THE LIFTGATE REPAIRED BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T OPEN OR CLOSE THE HATCH OTHERWISE. *SCC

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Jul 26, 2002AZ

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED, DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL WIRING SHORT. *AK *JB

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jun 25, 2002WI

AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR IS NOT WORKING, IT DOES NOT ALLOW AIR CONDITIONER TO WORK. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE PART BEFORE, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 21, 2002CA

WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, LOCKEDTHE UP VEHICLE. HAD PART REPLACED. 62000 MILES LATER, AND TRANSMISSION WENT AGAIN.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 6, 2002PA

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR .THEN, VEHICLE STOPPED. ONCE GOING UP A HILL BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY OUT, CONSUMER COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AKI

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed May 31, 2002CA

THE CLOUDY LENS COVER REDUCES THE HEAD LIGHT COVERAGE, REDUCING VISIBILITY. *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*762509

Complaints 1-50 of 644, 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
1994 — this page644563Fatalities reported
19939491071Fatalities reported
199291311133Fatalities reported
199161711121Fatalities reported
1990278671Fatalities reported

Compare every Caravan year →

1994 Dodge Caravan: questions buyers ask

Is the 1994 Dodge Caravan a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Caravan years to avoid: owners filed 644 complaints, 2.2 times as many as a typical Caravan year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (15%).

What is the most common problem with the 1994 Dodge Caravan?

The transmission: 97 of the 644 complaints (15%) are about it. Owners most often say it shifts hard, late or not at all (9%), slips or will not engage a gear (8%) and drops into neutral (6%). The typical report comes at 105,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1994 Dodge Caravan have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 12, 2000. The largest, 95I001005, covered 1,342,202 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1994 Dodge Caravan problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 105,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1994 Dodge Caravan?

Yes, 8 times. The latest, DP03002 ("STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION"), was opened May 7, 2003 and closed Jul 22, 2003.

Are there service bulletins for the 1994 Dodge Caravan?

The manufacturer filed 56 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (14), the engine (10) and the airbags (7). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

3 deaths 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: Oct 12, 2000. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.