RoadVitals

1991 Dodge Caravan

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
617
Latest Apr 5, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
11
Latest Sep 2, 1999
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
16
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
48
32 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 617 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 Dodge Caravan, most frequently naming the brakes, seat belts and body & structure categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 16 NHTSA investigations name it; and 40 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

11 campaigns cover this model year

View all 11

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
99V213000

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Sep 2, 1999
1,318,189 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR IF THE BOLTS BREAK ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL SUDDENLY.
The 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
99V189000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Jul 16, 1999
828,559 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LEFT HAND WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT DRIVE ARM WAS NOT MECHANICALLY STAKED TO THE PIVOT SHAFT.
The risk: THIS COULD ALLOW THE DRIVE ARM TO DISENGAGE FROM THE SHAFT LEADING TO A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT HAND SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT ASSEMBLY.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 836View on NHTSA.gov
97V149000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Sep 9, 1997
1,100,000 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. THE CENTER REAR SEAT, RIGHT OUTBOARD SIDE, SAFETY BELT ANCHOR HOOK CAN BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE BODY ANCHOR POSITION.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ANCHOR HOOK RETAINING CLIP WITH A REVISED PROFILE CLIP AND A COVER PLATE.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ99004OpenRecall Query

REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT

Opened Apr 19, 1999

ON MAY 7, 1997, CHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL 436,000 1992 DODGE CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER/GRAND VOYAGER AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 97V-079.ODI HAD INVESTIGATION THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT PROBLEM FOR 1991-1993 CHRYSLER MINIVANS IN PE 96-035 AND EA96-027.AT THE TIME OF CLOSING EA96-027 ON MAY 16, 1997, A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND HAD NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED ON THE 1991 AND 1993 MODELS.SINCE THE CLOSING OF EA96-027, ODI HAS RECEIVED 34 COMPLAINTS OF REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT ATTACHING BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TEN INJURIES, ON THE SUBJECET VEHICLES.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A RECALL QUERY BE OPENED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.CLOSING NOTE: ON JULY 19, 1999, DAMILERCHRYSLER AGREED TO RECALL 1991, 1993, AND 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES TO REMEDY REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 99V-213.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT RQ99-004 BE CLOSED.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUTLed to recall 97V079000
EA97005ClosedEngineering Analysis

SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FAILURES

Opened Apr 10, 1997
Closed Dec 23, 1997

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGELed to recall 97V149000
EA96027ClosedEngineering Analysis

ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE

Opened Oct 31, 1996
Closed May 16, 1997

THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEAR RESULTING IN SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.

STRUCTURELed to recall 97V079000
EA96016ClosedEngineering Analysis

INCONSISTENT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE

Opened Jun 28, 1996
Closed Dec 17, 1997

safety belt buckle hosing slips down, pinching the red release button.owners report having trouble opening and closing them many allege belt unlatches while driving because of the release buttom

SEAT BELTSLed to recall 97V148000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 617
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 5, 2017

STARTED MISSING AT FRIST, THEN A NO START. I'VE CHANGED THE TIMING CHAIN, CRANK SENSOR, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, COIL PACK. TRIED A NEW ECM. THERE'S VOLTAGE TO THE COIL PACK, BUT NO SPARK. I'VE CHECKED WIRING CIRCUIT, AND AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY .

NHTSA ID
10970660
Incident
Feb 14, 2017
Brakes
Filed Aug 4, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT THAT HOUSES THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON AND THE PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 96V099000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) ALTHOUGH THE RECALL INDICATED THAT THE PART WOULD HAVE A LIFE TIME COVERAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

NHTSA ID
10618629
Incident
Apr 3, 2013
Mileage
87,000 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine+3 more
Filed Mar 27, 2014

1991 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM RECALL AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS ON APRIL 20, 2006 AND WAS CHARGED $376.73, EVEN THOUGH A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ABS PROBLEMS AGAIN IN DECEMBER 2013. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL LETTER STATED IF THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN, CHRYSLER WOULD COVER ANY REPAIRS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, HE HAD TO PAY $112 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM WOULD BE COVERED, UNDER THE RECALL. THE DEALER THEN INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO TEST HIS VEHICLE, DUE TO THE AGE. HOWEVER, A FEW DAYS LATER, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY HAD THE EQUIPMENT, BUT IT WOULD COST $336. THE CONSUMER DECLINED THE TEST. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION, STARTER, FUEL PUMP, IGNITION COIL BLOCKS , SERPENTINE BELT, PULLEYS, POWER STEERING PUMP, AND RADIATOR WERE ALL REPLACED. *JB UPDATED 04/16/14

NHTSA ID
10574533
Incident
Apr 20, 2006
Airbags
Filed Apr 16, 2008
1 injury reported

THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, MY ARM IS SWOLLEN, BURNED, AND BRUISED. MY NOSE AND HEAD HAVE HURT FOR THE LAST FOUR DAYS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10224767
Incident
Apr 12, 2008
Suspension
Filed Aug 4, 2007

A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD WHEN TRAVELING OVER UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES OR ON RIGHT HAND TURNS. AFTER COMPLETING A RIGHT TURN, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY DISLODGED AND FOLDED BACKINTO THE WHEEL WELL. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED WHERE THE BALL JOINT WAS SEATED, ALLOWING THE BALL JOINT TO COME AWAY FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE DRIVER SIDE DRIVE SHAFT WAS DISLODGED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10198523
Incident
Nov 19, 2006
Mileage
87,311 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 5, 2007

1991 DODGE CARAVAN WITH ABS FAILURE PROBLEMS**CC A RECALL WAS ISSUED AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD THE FIRST REPAIR DONE. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *JB

NHTSA ID
10181654
Incident
Feb 22, 1994
Mileage
49,091 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 21, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED RECALL # 96V099000 FOR THE SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC: ANTI-LOCK WAS RECEIVED. WHEN THE SERVICE DEALER WAS CALLED TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR, THE SERVICE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT, THERE WOULD BE CHARGES FOR REPLACING THE ACCUMULATOR PLUS LABOR COSTS. THE MANUFACTURER REQUESTED THE RECEIPTS TO BE SENT FOR REVIEW FOR POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 01/10/07. *JB

NHTSA ID
10173961
Incident
Nov 21, 2006
Mileage
145,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 20, 2006

HELLO BELOW IS A COPY OF TEXT ON YOUR RECALL SITE WITH DETAILS OF THIS RECALL COMMENTS I MAKE ARE BELOW THAT.. MAKE : DODGE MODEL : GRAND CARAVAN YEAR : 1991 MANUFACTURER : CHRYSLER CORPORATION NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 96V099000 MFG'S REPORT DATE : APR 19, 1996 COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED : 321000 SUMMARY: THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION. CONSEQUENCE: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ABS FUNCTION COULD BE LOST AND REDUCED POWER ASSIST WOULD BE EXPERIENCED DURING VEHICLE BRAKING INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES IF NECESSARY. (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). THE THING I FIND HERE IS THE TERM REGARDING PISTON ASSEMBLY WHEN I TOOK MY VAN IN DUE TO FAILURE ONLY THE PISTON ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED IT SHOULD BE REVISED TO INCLUDE THE WHOLE UNIT BECAUSE A ACCUMULATOR MADE OF CAST IRON THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE UNIT IS NEVER REPLACED RUST KEEPS ENTERING THE UNIT FROM THIS ACCUMULATOR BEING IT IS MADE OF A RUSTING METAL AND JUST KEEPS MAKING THE UNIT FAIL THIS IS MY SECOND REPAIR IN 2YRS AND THE RUST IS NOW GETTING INTO THE LINES CAUSING THE REAR WHEELS TO LOCK IN WET WEATHER ALL THE PARTS STORES THAT EVEN CARRY THE UNIT WHICH IS FEW SELL IT AS A COMPLETE UNIT NOT IN PIECES SUCH AS WITH OTHER MASTER CLY. 'S WITHOUT ABS I FIND CAST IRON A POOR CHOICE FOR A AIR TANK OF A AIR PUMP WHICH BY NATURE INJECTS AIR INTO THE METAL CAST IRON TANK STAINLESS STEEL WOULD BEEN A BETTER CHOICE IF IT WOULD MEET THE TANK PRESSURES. I AM SEEKING REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM SINCE IT IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO THE RUST AND PREFER NON ABS IF THAT'S ABLE . *NM

NHTSA ID
10153274
Incident
Mar 19, 2006
Mileage
130,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

0801001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT

0800600REV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB

2300800B

SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

082700

AIR BAGS

SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT

230800

SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

080600

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Caravan by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020000—
2019000—
2018000—
2017110—
2016200—
2015230038.0
2014200032.2
2013300035.3
2012870141.6
2011780137.1
20101722153.1
20091182150.0
20083022150.4
2007814152.9
20061736561.1
20055379758.7
2004648154.9
20031959158.6
200224510562.0
200125710256.8
200047013364.5
199955514664.6
199862914764.3
199771415765.6
19961,403181461.9
19954894663.7
19946445866.2
1993949101363.6
1992913111462.0
1991Viewing617111663.6
19902786660.9
198919151066.2
19881035864.4
1987693867.6
1986494869.0
1985496768.0
1984186768.8

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.