RoadVitals

1993 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.
949
Latest Jun 8, 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.
10
Latest Oct 12, 2000
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.
13
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.
75
84 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 949 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1993 Dodge Caravan, most frequently naming the brakes, seat belts and transmission categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 13 NHTSA investigations name it; and 54 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

10 campaigns cover this model year

View all 10

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
00V305000

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Oct 12, 2000
679,000 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 897View 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

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
DP03002ClosedDefect Petition

STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION

Opened May 7, 2003
Closed Jul 22, 2003

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 IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.

STEERING:COLUMN
RQ00011ClosedRecall Query

STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION

Opened May 1, 2000
Closed Apr 1, 2002

There is no summary currently available

STEERINGLed to recall 00V305000
EA97020ClosedEngineering Analysis

FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER

Opened Sep 30, 1997
Closed Jul 27, 1999

ALLEGED FAILURES OF WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS

VISIBILITYLed to recall 99V189000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 949
Brakes
Filed Jun 8, 2017

TIE RODS WENT IN THE FRONT. BRAKE PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC I LOST THE BRAKES. PULLED OVER AND CALLED TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED IN. MECHANIC SAID THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED REPLACEMENT BUT BECAUSE ABS BRAKES, A NEW CYLINDER CANNOT BE FOUND. DODGE STOPPED MAKING THEM BECAUSE THEY WERE FAULTY.

NHTSA ID
10993867
Incident
May 15, 2017
Mileage
145,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 26, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CHECKED THE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. THE CODES WERE CLEARED AND THE DEALER PERFORMED A MODULATOR CIRCUIT TEST AND ADDITIONAL TESTING. IF THE RESISTANCE WAS BELOW 5 OHMS, THE CAB ABS MODULE, DUAL PRESSURE SWITCH, AND THE ACCUMULATOR MAY NEED TO BE RECHECKED OR THE PARTS MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE MANUFACTURER WOULD BE ABLE TO SUPPLY THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WOULD NOT RELEASE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT GOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE FAILURES WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V099000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA94028 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

NHTSA ID
10861566
Incident
Apr 20, 2016
Mileage
240,000 mi
Filed Oct 13, 2015

I JUST FOUND OUT, THAT A RECALL THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE REPLACED YEARS AGO, AS NOT REPLACED, JUST LOOKED AT. THE ABS ON THIS VAN IS KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE, AND HAS A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON THE VAN. I CONTACTED DODGE, AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT, AND TELL ME THEY CANT DIAGNOIS IT BECAUSE THEY DONT HAVE A TOOL. WITH IS BS. THEY OFFER TO BUY THE VAN AT BELOW MARKET VALUE, LIKE 1/3 OF WHAT ITS WORTH. THIS IS A LOW MILEAGE, SPECIAL EQUIPMENT HANDI CAP VAN, WORTH ATLEAST 6K... THEY OFFER 1951. I IM MOSTLY UPSET BECAUSE UPON THE ORIGINAL RECALL, IT WAS NOT REPLACED, AND WAS LEFT ALONE WITH THE ORIGINAL DEFECTED PART. I THINK THAT IS FRAUD, AND AGAINST WHAT A RECALL IS ABOUT. PLESE CHECK INTO THIS, OR ADVISE WHAT CAN BE DONE.

NHTSA ID
10781710
Incident
Oct 13, 2015
Brakes
Filed Sep 22, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED FIRMLY IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10638194
Incident
Aug 1, 2014
Mileage
100,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 11, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000. UPDATED 10/23/2014*LJ UPDATED 05/21/2015 *JS

NHTSA ID
10632551
Incident
Aug 18, 2014
Mileage
169,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jul 20, 2014

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AT RANDOM TIMES THE ABS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS TURN ON AND THEN I HAVE NO BRAKES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS, SEEN VARIOUS MECHANICS AND DEALERSHIPS AND IT CONTINUES TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SOLVE OR FIX THE PROBLEM. AS A SENIOR CITIZEN, I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO PURCHASE A NEWER VEHICLE, THUS I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. I AM AFRAID THAT I MAY NOT BE AS FORTUNATE WHEN THE BRAKES GO OUT AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID
10614880
Incident
Jul 20, 2014
Mileage
130,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 13, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE ABS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND UNTIL THE PEDAL REACHED THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES WORKED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE HE FOUND THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 96V099000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY DONE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE NOT NOT BE INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

NHTSA ID
10543437
Incident
Aug 29, 2013
Mileage
145,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 13, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN APPLIED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ID
10535116
Incident
Jun 15, 1993
Mileage
200,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

R2118796A

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

1802002

FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC

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

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
1993Viewing949101363.6
1992913111462.0
1991617111663.6
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.