1995 Dodge Caravan

High concern

Owners filed 489 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train › automatic transmission. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
88,658 milesMedian miles at failure

26 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission68
300
Air Bags › Frontal30
28126
Air Bags30
317
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline29
020
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip24
303
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine16
000
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner14
000
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments12
001
Seats11
404
Vehicle Speed Control10
200

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment03E045000
Filed Sep 26, 200345,870 vehiclesIntercontinental Auto Parts

Defect. AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER MAY EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION OF THE QUICK CONNECTOR EITHER BLOCKING FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE OR CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE COULD STALL. ALSO, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 LONG WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18230 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, 0251, OR 0304. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 2001-2004 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 28871 AND DATE CODE 0249. THESE PART NUMBERS AND DATE CODES APPEAR ON THE GOLD-TONE FILTER. DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO ISOLATE AND RETURN AFFECTED INVENTORY. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER SERVICED ON ONE OF THE APPLICABLE VEHICLES AFTER SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 SHOULD RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF THE FUEL FILTER THAT WAS INSTALLED IS ONE THAT IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. IF SO, THE OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THE FILTER REPLACED. TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND PLUS THE COST OF POSTAGE, OWNERS SHOULD CUT THE CONNECTORS FROM THE HOSES, RINSE THE CONNECTORS AND RETURN THEM TOGETHER WITH PROOF OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR, TO INTERCONTINENTAL AT INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS, INC., P.O. BOX 861, MAHWAH, NJ 07430, ATTN: FUEL FILTER RECALL. INTERCONTINENTAL WILL MAIL A FULL REFUND TO THE OWNER.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 14, 2017110,000 milesCO

FRONT DOOR HINGE MOUNT SHEET METAL TEARS OR CRACKS. DOOR LATCHES FAIL DO TO SAGGING DOORS. SHEET METAL HAS CRACKED GOING BACK INTO THE FIRE WALL BULKHEAD. DOORS CAN FLY OPEN ON OUTSIDE TURNS WITH OUT WARNING, POTENTIALLY DISLODGING PASSENGETS.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 18, 2015GA

IM DRIVING ALONG AND MY GAUGES START GOING ON AND OFF AND FLICKERING .THEN AFTER AWHILE THEY COME BACK ON THEN START BACK UP GOING OFF AND ON. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 8, 201148,000 milesIL

INTERMITTENT ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK FAILURE. HAD THE MAIN CONTROL PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR REPLACED SHORTLY AFTER DISCOVERING THE PROBLEM AT A COST OF ABOUT $175 PART AND LABOR--CHANGED NOTHING. RESEARCHED ON LINE AND FOUND THAT REMOVING NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE FROM THE NEGATIVE POST FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES TEMPORARILY FIXES THE DOOR LOCKS FOR ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS. I AM NOT PUTTING OUT $150-$250 TO HAVE THE BCM RE-FLASHED. THIS IS DODGE'S PROBLEM--PLEASE RECALL.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 28, 2009185,354 milesUT

BAD FUEL LEAK FROM FUEL RAIL. HUGE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Sep 29, 200948,000 milesTX

BOUGHT A NEW 1995 DODGE CARAVAN IN MAY OF SAME YEAR. SHORT TIME LATER A LETTER NOTIFYING US OF REAR LATCH DOOR COMING OPEN AT IMPACT----TOOK CARE OF IT. ABOUT 3 YEARS AFTER THAT A 20 AMP FUSE IN POSITION #20 KEPT BLOWING, AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND REAR WINDOW WIPER WOULD GO OUT. A SHORT TIME AGO WHILE LOOKING UP PARTS FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE AT ADVANCE AUTO PARTS,JUST FOR CURIOSITY LOOKED UP RECALLS FOR THE 95 CARAVAN AND FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SHORT TO GROUND THAT EXISTS IN THE AIRBAG CIRCUIT. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM DODGE. YESTERDAY THE 28TH OF SEPT 2009 WENT TO DODGE AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLES BUT THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST IF IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE. THE DIAGNOSTIC RUNS LIKE $110. NOW I'M UNEMPLOYED AND MY WIFE IS PICKING UP OUR GRANDBOY FROM SCHOOL WITH THIS SAFETY ITEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY I'M WORRIED SICK. I FEEL THAT CHRYSLER SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE,BECAUSE THERE IS DEFINITELY A SHORT IN THE CIRCUIT. MY NAME IS ENRIQUE GONZALEZ WOULD LIKE TO GET AN OPINION FROM YOU AS TO WHAT CAN BE DONE TO AVOID A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. THANK YOU *TR

SeatsCrash
Filed Dec 21, 2008129,000 milesCA

DODGE CARAVAN SE 1995 MODEL HAS DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE DRIVER SEAT BACK RESTS. MY DODGE CARAVAN SE 1995 MODEL WAS REAR ENDED BY A SPEEDING TOYOTA COROLLA. THE DODGE WAS GOING BELOW 10 MPH DUE TO CONSTRUCTION AHEAD ON THE ROAD. THE COROLLA WAS SPEEDING OVER 65MPH(ABOUT 75MPH). THE DODGE CARAVAN DRIVER SEAT BACK REST FELL BACKWARD. I ABSOLUTELY LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 30, 2006126,000 milesIL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP. THERE WAS A SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC.

Electrical System › Horn
Filed May 26, 2005104,500 milesMN

DT: CONSUMER STATED: HAD TO REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING. CONTACTS INSIDE WERE BAD, IT MALFUNCTIONED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON, HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DIDN'T WORK. *AK

Seat BeltsCrash2 injured
Filed May 13, 200587,000 milesCA

OWNER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND WAS REAR ENDED. UPON IMPACT, THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER. THE BELT LOOSENED. SINCE THE SEAT BELTS LOOSENED ON THE FIRST IMPACT, THE OCCUPANTS HAD NO PROTECTION AFTER THAT AND WERE THROWN ALL OVER THE CAB OF THE VAN. *BF

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Mar 25, 2005TX

THERE'S A CRACK IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR THAT IS CAUSING THE DOOR TO SHIFT DOWN WARD AND FAIL TO LINE UP WITH THE LATCH. DOOR HAD TO BE TIED TO KEEP IT CLOSED. THE VEHICLE IS NOT BEING DRIVEN BECAUSE OF THE DOOR.*AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 24, 2005102,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND COLLIDED INTO A POLE. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS WITH THE VEHICLE IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM UPDATED 11/7/2005 - THE CONSUMER REQUEST THAT THE MANUFACTURER INVESTIGATE THE 1995 DODGE CARAVANS FOR FAULTY AIR BAGS. *NM

Air BagsFire1 injured
Filed Feb 2, 2005GA

THE VEHICLE ACCIDENTALLY JUMPED THE CURB WHILE ON THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING A FIRE. DRIVER SUSTAINED BURNS. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED BY CONSUMER.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Jan 6, 2005TX

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAILED. CONSUMER WASN'T ABLE TO SEE HOW FAST SHE WAS DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Dec 18, 200468,000 milesOH

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER MOTHER TO THE DOCTOR WHEN SHE STARTED TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE THE FRONT END MADE A NOISE. SHE STOPPED AND PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND THE TIE ROD BROKE OFF. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 68,000 MILES. *JB

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Dec 1, 200458,000 milesAK

I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE TIE-ROD ON MY 1995 DODGE CARAVAN (WITH 58,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER) BROKE SUDDENLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE LOCAL MENDENHALL DODGE AUTO DEALER WAITING FOR A DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM. I HAVE REQUESTED THAT THEY KEEP ALL PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIR SO THAT I MAY INSPECT THEM. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Nov 22, 200455,000 milesMN

THE AIR BAG AND THE HORN WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONSUMER FELT IT WAS DUE TO THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THE CLOCK SPRING RECALL 02V293000 ON LATER MODEL YEAR VANS. THE CONSUMERS VAN HAS NEVER BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR MECHANIC TO IDENTIFY WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. *JB THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER ALSO STOPPED WORKING FOR A FEW DAYS. *NM

Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
Filed Nov 3, 2004TX

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V531000 CONCERNING RADIO PROBLEMS. THE RADIO WOULD COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE RADIO. THE RADIO LIGHT WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF. *AK

Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
Filed Nov 3, 2004TX

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V531000 CONCERNING RADID PROBLEMS. DEALER WAS NOT IN OPERATION.*AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Nov 2, 200490,000 milesWI

TRANSMISSION FAILURE!.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 12, 200467,266 milesIL

AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 350 MILES BACK FROM A TRIP, TRANSMISSION FAILED. WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHEN TRAFFIC STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND COME TO A STOP (THIS WAS NOT A SUDDEN STOP). I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN BUT THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND STARTED MAKING GRINDING NOISES. I HAD TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF TROUBLE PRIOR TO THIS DURING THE TRIP. WHILE IN IDLE, THERE WAS NO GRINDING NOISE. WHEN WE STARTED TO MOVE AGAIN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHIFT AND STARTED MAKING GRINDING NOISES. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WAS RUINED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS ONLY 67,000 MILE ON THE VEHICLE. DEALER CHARGED ALMOST $3,000 TO PUT IN A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. WHEN I PICKED IT UP, THE SERVICE SHOP WAS VERY RUDE. WHEN ASKED IF IT WAS NORMAL FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AND IF THIS WAS THE KIND OF QUALITY ONE COULD EXPECT FROM DODGE, THE SERVICEMAN SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW AND ACTED LIKE HE DIDN'T CARE. HE SAID TO CALL THE 800 NUMBER IF I WASN'T HAPPY. WHEN I CALLED THE 800 NUMBER, THE PERSON I TALKED TO ACTED LIKE HE DIDN'T CARE AND BASICALLY TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE MY VEHICLE SERVICED PROPERLY. I TOLD HIM THE CAR WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD BEEN CHANGED JULY 1ST. HE TOLD ME THAT IF I BROUGHT IT TO PLACES LIKE JIFFY LUBE TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED OR IF I BROUGHT IT TO OTHER PLACES FOR MAINTENANCE THAT THEY DID NOT DO A GOOD JOB

20 of 489 complaints, 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
1995 — this page489470High concern
1994644563Fatalities reported
19939491071Fatalities reported
199291311133Fatalities reported
199161711121Fatalities reported
1990278671Fatalities reported

Compare every Caravan year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

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: Sep 26, 2003. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.