1995 Dodge Caravan

High concern

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

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

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

26 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 1995 Dodge Caravan problems

81 of the 489 complaints (17%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission68
300
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags30
28126
Air Bags · airbags30
317
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine29
020
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes24
303
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine16
000
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner14
000
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments · body and frame12
001
Seats11
404
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration10
200

1995 Dodge Caravan transmission problems

17% of all complaints

81 of the 489 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • shifts hard, late or not at all6% · 5
  • slips or will not engage a gear5% · 4
  • hesitates before moving or accelerating5% · 4
  • stalls5% · 4
  • drops into neutral4% · 3
  • knocks, grinds or clunks4% · 3

Share of the 81 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
90,000 mi
median of 5 reports
Peak year of filing
2000
17 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
4 · 0 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
None
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 12, 2004 at 67,266 miles
“I have taken my vehicle to the chrysler dealer ten times for the same repair, yet it has never been repaired,about 90% of the time the vehicle will not shift out of second. This forces me to stay on city strrets and prohibits me from using the highway. Each time the dealer says that it is fixed I pick it up and it eventually does the same thing again.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 11, 2000

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1995: 61 complaints, 10 about the transmission'951996: 67 complaints, 3 about the transmission1997: 38 complaints, 4 about the transmission'971998: 49 complaints, 9 about the transmission1999: 81 complaints, 16 about the transmission'992000: 70 complaints, 17 about the transmission2001: 44 complaints, 10 about the transmission'012002: 31 complaints, 6 about the transmission2003: 17 complaints, 0 about the transmission'032004: 18 complaints, 5 about the transmission2005: 6 complaints, 0 about the transmission'052006: 1 complaints, 1 about the transmission2007: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'072008: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission2009: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmission'092010: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2011: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'112012: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2013: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'132014: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2015: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'152016: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2017: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'17Recall 95I001005 (door locks and latches)Recall 95I001001 (door locks and latches)Recall 99V113000 (airbags)Recall 03E045000 (equipment)NHTSA investigation DP03002NHTSA investigation PE97049NHTSA investigation EA97003NHTSA investigation DP96014NHTSA investigation SQ96016
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1995 Caravan peaked in 1999, with 81 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 17% of the complaints. In 2017 owners filed 1 so far.

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.

All 4 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. 6 name the 1995 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 …

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

There is no summary currently available

INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUPEngineering analysis EA97003Closed
Opened Jan 31, 1997Closed Aug 19, 1998child seat

This investigation is closed.chrysler corporation has submitted a defect information report identifying a safety defect and outlining the proposed remedy.recall number 98v-185 has been assigned to this safety recall.

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 …

INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUPInvestigation SQ96016Closed
Opened Sep 18, 1996Closed Feb 4, 1997seat belts

Odi continues to receive complaints alleging latching/retractor mechanism problems.chrysler's assessment of the problem indicates that owners of the vehicles are not adhering to the cleaning requirements for the seat.the seat appears to malfunction if crumbs of food or beverage residue accumulates on the latching tongue in thewell located between the child's legs.odi has 19 complaints of retract lockup.seven of these complaints report cutting the straps to remove the child.two of the seven consumers allege the child was choking.chrysler reports 60 owner/field reports which indicated 19 …

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

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

63 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1995 Caravan. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 16engine 12electrical system 7airbags 7equipment 5throttle and acceleration 4seats 3body and frame 3
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

210798Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 24, 1998transmission

SUBJECT ON DELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT. *AK

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

Showing the newest 6 of 16 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

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

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 22, 200494,000 milesNJ

ON AUGUST 11 ,2004 OUR 1995 DODGE CARAVAN FAILED TO PICK UP SPEED ON THE NJ TURNPIKE, WHILE GOING TO NEWARK AIRPORT. ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS, IT WAS STOP AND GO ON THE WAY HOME AT NIGHT. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN JULY 1995 FROM SUBURBAN DODGE IN METUCHEN, NJ. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER (NOW MCDONAGH DODGE) TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CAR DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY NOW. I HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED BECAUSE IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. IN ADDITION THE AC COMPRESSOR ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER IF THE COMPRESSOR IS NOT REPLACED A BELT MAY BREAK AND I COULD LOSE POWER TO THE STEERING. THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN FOR A VEHICLE THAT HAS ONLY 94,000 MILES. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel RailFire
Filed Jul 23, 2004129,000 milesAK

I PURCHASED A 1995 DODGE CARAVAN ON JUNE 12, 2004. IT WAS HAVING A FUEL INJECTOR PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED IT FROM REPAIRED A FUEL INJECTOR. 9 DAYS LATER GAS FUMES FILLED THE CAB AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON THE LEFT SIDE FACING THE ENGINE. I GOT MYSELF & 6MO OLD DAUGHTER OUT AND THE FIRE DEPT. PUT OUT THE FIRE. ENGINE COMPLETELY BURNED, HOOD. HAVE DETAILED PHOTOS. DEALERSHIP WON'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, DODGE WON'T RESPOND. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT CAUSED THIS.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 23, 200435,000 milesMA

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK

Structure › Body
Filed May 18, 2004UT

PAINT IS FLAKING OFF THE HOOD AND ROOF. NOT A NORMAL AGE FLAKING. PAINT BUBBLES UP AND THEN FLAKES OFF. WHITE PRIMER IS SEEN AS PAINT FLAKES OFF. DEALER ADMITTED THAT IT WAS A DEFECT, BUT I HAD WAITED TO LONG TO BRING IT IN. THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE OF RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE OTHER RECALLS ON THIS MAKE/MODEL WERE DEALT WITH PROMPTLY UPON RECEIVING NOTICE. *AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Mar 25, 2004TN

THE SLIDING DOOR WAS HARD TO CLOSE AND WOULD COME OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THEN AFTER A FEW DAYS THE SLIDING DOOR LOCKED AND NOW IT CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED OR OPENED.

Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar
Filed Mar 17, 2004135,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THERE WAS SEVERE VIBRATION. THE STABILIZER BAR BRACKET FAILED. *AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Feb 5, 2004NE

HERCULES TIRES 205-75-15 TREAD SEPARATION SPLITTING ON THE INSIDE OF TIRE BOUGHT IN 2003 WORE DOWN FAST DID NOT LAST AND HAVE BELTS SEPARATING. *JB

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jan 30, 2004CA

WHEN OPENING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT DOORS CONSUMER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SHUT THE DOORS. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 17, 2004MA

DEALER WAS GOING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, BUT AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF LABOR, THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE A DIFFERENTIAL PIN ON THE TRANSMISSION AFTER ONLY 52,000 MILES. DEALER WOULD NOT COVER COST OF REPAIR. IT SOUNDS LIKE MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM, IS THERE GOING TO BE A RECALL? ALSO, THE DEALER HAS RECHARGED THE AIR CONDITIONER 3 TIMES WITHIN THE PAST 3 YEARS. EACH TIME THEY CHARGED ME FOR IT. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A CHARGE WOULD LAST ONLY ONE SUMMER. *CB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 2004FL

THE AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN I TOOK MY VAN TO THE MECHANIC, HE INFORMED ME THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO DETECT ANY LEAK IN THE SYSTEM AND WITH MY PERMISSION RECHARGED THE SYSTEM BACK IN SEPTEMBER. IT WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS THEN ONCE AGAIN,WITHOUT WARNING,IT STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR.I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER,AND THEY BLUNTLY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS MY PROBLEM SINCE THE 3 YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY HAD LONG EXPIRED. I COUNTERED TO NO AVAIL THAT TWO SEPERATE INDEPENDANT MECHANICS HAD INFORMED ME THAT A NUMBER OF DODGE OWNERS WITH THE SAME AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS HAD BEEN COMPLAINING TO THEM OF THE SAME PROBLEM.IN ADDITION, I ALSO HAD FOUND OUT THAT CHRYSLER HAD EXTENDED SEVERAL MODEL WARRANTIES TO 7 YEAR/70,000 MILES INCLUDING THE GRAND CHEROKEE BECAUSE OF FAULTY AIR-CONDITIONING EVAPORATORS WHICH I BELIEVE IS THE SAME OR SIMILAR ONE PRESENTLY FAILING IN MY VAN. ON A SEPERATE NOTE,I WAS INFORMED EARLIER IN DECEMBER THAT I HAD AN OIL LEAK COMING OUT OF AN AREA WHERE A SECTION OF THE HEAD GASKET WAS SEATED. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT,I HAD ALSO INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS PROBLEM THAT COULD HAVE COST ME OVER $1000.00 TO REPLACE. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT I HAD SPOKEN TO ADMITTED OVER THE PHONE TO ME THAT THERE WAS A GASKET PROBLEM WITH A NUMBER OF 90'S MODELS AND THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED WITH A CHANGE IN 1999 SELECT VEHICLES INCLUDING THE 2.4 LITRE MINIVANS.FORTUNATELY, I WAS ONLY CHARGED A $100.00 DEDUCTIBLE BY A LO

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jan 8, 200499,859 milesVA

SERPENTINE BELT MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING ENGINE TO FAIL. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Nov 13, 200378,345 milesFL

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON WHEN I TURNED ON THE REAR WIPER AND THE REAR WIPER MOTOR FROZE. *LA

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Sep 3, 200378,000 milesWA

BOLT THAT HOLDS THE SEAT TRACK IN PLACE IS SHEARING OFF, CAUSING THE SEAT TO WOBBLE. SEAT WILL NOT STAY IN THE NORMAL UPRIGHT POSITION. IT IS DIFFICULT FOR THE CONSUMER TO REACH THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE SEAT IN THIS POSITION.*AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Aug 20, 2003MI

DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK COLLAPSED BACKWARDS AT AN ANGLE, ALMOST TO THE RECLINING POSITION, WHILE DRIVING. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED SEATBACK, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED.*AK

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Aug 5, 2003NY

THE LIFTGATE FELL ON THE CONSUMERS HEAD. BOLT BROKE AND LIFTGATE WILL NOT OPEN. *AK

Tires
Filed Aug 1, 200388,658 milesIA

FIRESTONE , INFINITI FR360, P20570R14. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE COMPLETELY SEPARATED. THE BLOWOUT CAUSED VEHICLE TO DO 180 DEGREE TURN TO ELUMINATING TRAFFIC. THE CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO BRIDGESTONE TO REPLACE THE OLD FIRESTONE TIRE WHICH HAD CHUCK OF RUBBER IN IT.THE COST OF REPAIRS WERE $241.24. CONSUMER FELLS FIRESTONE SHOULD REIMBURSE THEM. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *CB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Apr 24, 2003AZ

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL # 00 V 268 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB

Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 19, 20031,000 milesOH

SEAT BELTS COME UNBUCKLED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELTS HAVE BECOME LOCKED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON WAS PRESSED. AT LEAST ONE OF THE SEAT BELTS WERE REPLACED WHILE THE VAN WAS UNDER WARRANTY FOR THESE PROBLEMS. IT HAS REQUIRED SEVERAL PUSHES OF THE BUTTON AND PUSHING AND PULLING ON THE LAP/SHOULDER BELT BEFORE THE BELT RELEASES FROM THE PART OF THE BELT WITH THE BUTTON. THIS HAS OCCURRED IN OUR 1995 DODGE CARAVAN WHICH WE BOUGHT NEW. WE ALSO BOUGHT A NEW 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WHICH HAS THE SAME GENERATION 3 SEAT BELTS IN THE BACK SEATS AND THEY ALSO HAVE COME UNBUCKLED WITHOUT NOTICE. MY NEIGHBOR HAS A 1996 DODGE DAKOTA WHICH HE BOUGHT NEW AND ARGUED WITH THE DEALER UNTIL THEY REPLACED ALL THE SEAT BELTS BECAUSE THEIR CHILDREN KEPT COMING UNBUCKLED AND JEFF (THE TRUCK OWNER) BECAME TRAPPED IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND HAD TO HAVE THE SEAT BELT CUT TO FREE HIM. THE INCIDENT DATES HAVE NOT BEEN RECORDED BUT THE MOST RECENT TIME WITH THE 1995 CARAVAN WAS THIS MONTH APRIL 2003. ALSO THE SEATS ARE UNSAFE THROUGHOUT THE 1995 CARAVAN. ON 2/6/98 MY WIFE AND I WERE REAR ENDED IN THE 1995 CARAVAN BY A 1990 MERCURY SABLE. WE WERE NEARLY STOPPED WHILE WAITING FOR THE VAN IN FRONT OF US TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE PERSON BEHIND US WAS NOT WATCHING AND SHE REAR ENDED US AT APPROXIMATELY. 40-45 MPH. THIS ACCIDENT WAS WITNESSED BY THE STATE HIGHWAY PATROL MAN. THE PERSON BEHIND US WAS WATCHING INSTEAD OF WATCHING WHERE SHE WAS GOING. I WAS NEARLY PARALYZE

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Apr 17, 2003NJ

THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED, AND THE PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE ABS PUMP WAS CONSTANTLY IN MOTION, AFFECTING THE CONTROL OF BRAKING. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Apr 1, 2003DC

LETTER FROM DAVID R KRIEGER CONCERNING PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED AFTER HAVING SAFETY RECALL WORK DONE ON 1995, DODGE CARAVAN, AND THE INTERMITTENT LOSS OF ILLUMINATION FROM HEADLIGHTS WHEN THE MULTIPURPOSE SWITCH LOCATED ON STEERING COLUMN WAS USED. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Apr 1, 200381,268 milesCA

THE HORN AND SPEED CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY CLOCK SPRING. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON , BECAUSE IT WAS DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS MISSING, THE BULB WAS REMOVED FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A COLLISION. SCC *JB

Air Bags
Filed Mar 17, 2003NY

AFTER AIR BAG RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THE WARNING CHIME SOUNDED AS THE DOME LIGHTS CAME ON. CONSUMER FELT DEFECT IS RELATED TO RECALL WORK PERFORMED. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, AND USING THE MULTIPURPOSE SWITCH TO GO FROM BRIGHT HIGH BEAM TO NORMAL HEADLIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT DARK. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. *TT *NLM

Electrical System
Filed Mar 14, 2003NY

DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT SWITCH / SHORT CIRCUIT RELATED TO AIR BAG WIRING. AFTER THE AIR BAG WIRING WAS PERFORMED, THE WARNING CHIME SOUNDED AND THE DOME LIGHTS CAME ON. THE DEFECT WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL WORK. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, AND USING THE MULTIPURPOSE SWITCH, TO GET FROM HIGH BEAMS TO NORMAL HEADLIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED *TT *JB

Structure
Filed Feb 26, 2003VA

WATER LEAKED THROUGH THE SUNROOF, THE PAINT ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOW FRAME PEELED*JB

Air Bags
Filed Feb 19, 2003FL

THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD.*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jan 24, 2003NY

CONSUMER STATED AFTER RECALL #99V113000 AIR BAG HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THEIR VEHICLE THEY ARE STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. DODGE HAVERSTRAW 845-429-5990 PLEASE PROVIDE THE ADDRESS OF THE DEALER. TS

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jan 23, 2003MA

ON THE PASSENGER & DRIVERS SIDE DOORS THE SHEET METAL SURROUNDING THE BOTTOM HINGES IS CRACKING, WITH THE CRACKS BECONING INCREASINGLY WORSE WITH TIME. THE PASSENGER DOOR BEGAN TO OPEN ABOUT 3 MOS. AGO WITH THE SOUND LIKE THAT OF A COKE CAN BEING FOLDED MIDWAY ON THE CYLINDER, THEN BEING FOLDED BACK & FORTH. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTED A SMALL CRACK ON THE SHEET METAL THAT THE HINGE IS BOLTED TO. TODAY THE CRACK EXTENDS ABOVE & BELOW THE TOP & BOTTOM OF THE HINGE APPROX 1/2 INCH. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR STARTED MAKING THE "COKE-CAN" SOUND ROUGHLY A WEEK AGO; AND HAS A CRACK SLIGHTLY LONGER THAN THE HINGE IS HIGH. AFTER READING REPORTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THEIR HINGES DISCONNECT FROM THEIR CARAVANS DUE TO WHAT I REGARD AS AN APPARENT FATIGUE FAILURE, I AM CONCERNED.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 23, 2003WA

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR ASSEMBLY HINGE, WHICH IS FALLING FROM THE WELDING. OBSTRUCTING TO CLOSE THE DOOR PROPERLY. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Dec 10, 2002WI

OTHER PROBLEMS THE SAME AS OTHERS IN DATABASE. DT

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Oct 30, 2002VA

CONSUMER STATES THAT WITH NO WARNING THE TWO FRONT DOORS IS FALLING OFF THE HINGES AND IT WILL BE HARD TO OPEN FOR THE CONSUMER TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED TS

Complaints 1-50 of 489, 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
1995 — this page489470High concern
1994644563Fatalities reported
19939491071Fatalities reported
199291311133Fatalities reported
199161711121Fatalities reported
1990278671Fatalities reported

Compare every Caravan year →

1995 Dodge Caravan: questions buyers ask

Is the 1995 Dodge Caravan a good car?

It is not among the Caravan years to avoid. Owners filed 489 complaints, against about 290 for a typical Caravan year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (17%).

What is the most common problem with the 1995 Dodge Caravan?

The transmission: 81 of the 489 complaints (17%) are about it. Owners most often say it shifts hard, late or not at all (6%), slips or will not engage a gear (5%) and hesitates before moving or accelerating (5%). The typical report comes at 90,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1995 Dodge Caravan have?

4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Sep 26, 2003. 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 1995 Dodge Caravan problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 88,658 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 90,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1995 Dodge Caravan?

Yes, 6 times. The latest, DP03002 ("STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION"), was opened May 7, 2003 and closed Jul 22, 2003.

Are there service bulletins for the 1995 Dodge Caravan?

The manufacturer filed 63 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (16), the engine (12) and the electrical system (7). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

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.