RoadVitals

1993 Dodge Caravan Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1993 Dodge Caravan, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

340
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 8, 2017

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 · filed Apr 26, 2016
All 340 reports naming brakes

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

118
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE SAFETY RECALL ON 1993 CARAVAN. *TS THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE ADEQUATELY. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED ABOUT A RECALL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY OF THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE (WIPER PIVOT RECALL, BELT BUCKLE CLIP RECALL, LIFT GATE SUPPORT RECALL). OCT 12 THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE BRAKES STILL WERNT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER GOT THEW CAR BACK N NOV 14, AFTER SIX WEEKS. *NM

NHTSA ID 10177487 · filed Dec 15, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT 35MPH, THE BELT POSITIONING BOOSTER SEAT DID NOT HOLD THE CHILD TO THE VEHICLE SEAT. THE CHILD HAD ENOUGH SLACK FROM THE SEAT BELT, CAUSING THE CHILD'S FACE TO HIT THE BACK OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CHILD RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND ALSO RECEIVED INTERNAL INJURIES. THE CHILD SEAT WAS CENTURY, MODEL # 214495 MANUFACTURED 9-21-2004. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE CHILD SEAT WAS DISCARDED. THE POLICE WERE PRESENT AT THE SCENE AND PROVIDED A WRITTEN REPORT.

NHTSA ID 10154284 · filed Mar 31, 2006
All 118 reports naming seat belts

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

96
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SOMETIMES THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT. WHEN IT ISN'T WORKING THE SPEEDOMETER ALSO DOES NOT WORK, NOR DOES THE ODOMETER. THE PROBLEM SHOWS UP MORE AFTER VEHICLE IS WARMED UP. WHEN IT IS WORKING SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER WORKS FINE ALSO. I FEEL THIS IS A HAZARD. IT IS NOT BEING DRIVEN RIGHT NOW. THE MECHANIC IS WAITING FOR PARTS. COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM RIGHT AWAY.*AK

NHTSA ID 10102172 · filed Dec 5, 2004

I HAVE A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. I HAVE SPENT OVER $10,000.00 ON REPAIRS SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 1993. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH DODGE. I'VE HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON VARIOUS COMPONENTS, THEY WERE CORRECTED AND ARE NOW AGAIN DEFECTIVE INCLUDING MY SEATBELTS, ABS SYSTEM, AND STEERING COLUMN. I AM NOW NOTICING THAT THE PAINT IS ERODING ON THE TOP OF MY VAN. I'VE SEEN MANY OTHER DODGE CARAVANS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND THE EXACT SAME PATTERN OF CORROSION. IT APPEARS THE PAINT IS WEARING OFF ON THE TOPS OF THE CARS, THEN THE HOODS AND SO ON. IT EVENTUALLY RUSTS THROUGH AS I'VE SEEN ON AT LEAST 20 DODGE CARAVANS. I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED PAINT WEARING AWAY LIKE THIS ON ANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT I'VE OWNED AND MUCH OLDER THAN 10 YEARS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT SOMEWHERE IN THE PAINTING PROCESS, PERHAPS THE PRIMER OR THE PAINT ITSELF. THIS IS THE THIRD LETTER I'VE WRITTEN AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM ANYONE. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PAINTING PROCESS OF THESE VANS. I BELIEVE IT IS ALSO OCCURRING IN OTHER YEAR MODELS. THANK YOU, SUSAN DEANFRASIO. *JB

NHTSA ID 10063811 · filed Mar 24, 2004
All 96 reports naming transmission

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

93
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. I HAVE SPENT OVER $10,000.00 ON REPAIRS SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 1993. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH DODGE. I'VE HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON VARIOUS COMPONENTS, THEY WERE CORRECTED AND ARE NOW AGAIN DEFECTIVE INCLUDING MY SEATBELTS, ABS SYSTEM, AND STEERING COLUMN. I AM NOW NOTICING THAT THE PAINT IS ERODING ON THE TOP OF MY VAN. I'VE SEEN MANY OTHER DODGE CARAVANS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND THE EXACT SAME PATTERN OF CORROSION. IT APPEARS THE PAINT IS WEARING OFF ON THE TOPS OF THE CARS, THEN THE HOODS AND SO ON. IT EVENTUALLY RUSTS THROUGH AS I'VE SEEN ON AT LEAST 20 DODGE CARAVANS. I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED PAINT WEARING AWAY LIKE THIS ON ANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT I'VE OWNED AND MUCH OLDER THAN 10 YEARS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT SOMEWHERE IN THE PAINTING PROCESS, PERHAPS THE PRIMER OR THE PAINT ITSELF. THIS IS THE THIRD LETTER I'VE WRITTEN AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM ANYONE. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PAINTING PROCESS OF THESE VANS. I BELIEVE IT IS ALSO OCCURRING IN OTHER YEAR MODELS. THANK YOU, SUSAN DEANFRASIO. *JB

NHTSA ID 10063811 · filed Mar 24, 2004

DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT STEERING COLUMN WAS EXCESSIVELY LOOSE. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE FRONT COVER, TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER, WATER PUMP AND OIL PUMP. *AK *CB *NLM

NHTSA ID 10022850 · filed Jul 3, 2003
All 93 reports naming steering

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

86
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE A/C, HEATER SWITCHING TO BLOW OUT THROUGH THE DEFROST WHEN ACCELERATING OR UNDER LOAD CAUSING POOR COOLING/HEATING. I TALKED TO CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING IT TO SWITCH. I HAVE HAD THE COMPRESSOR REPLACED WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING. I HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLING FAN AFTER WARRANTY. IT FAILED AGAIN ALMOST A YEAR LATER. BUT THE PART WAS REPLACED WITH ONLY INSTALLATION COST. I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN KNOWING WHAT OTHER THINGS CAN BE DONE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF SWITCHING TO DEFROST. SINCERELY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10070370 · filed Jan 15, 2004

DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT STEERING COLUMN WAS EXCESSIVELY LOOSE. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE FRONT COVER, TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER, WATER PUMP AND OIL PUMP. *AK *CB *NLM

NHTSA ID 10022850 · filed Jul 3, 2003
All 86 reports naming engine

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

82
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE PAINT JOB IS DEFECTIVE. THE PAINT HAS PEELED AND THE VAN IS RUSTING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10448097 · filed Feb 15, 2012

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE BRAKE PROBLEMS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM THERE WAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS. NATURE OF FAILURE WORSENED OVER TIME. CAMPAIGN ID # 96V099000 WAS OBSERVED ONLINE BY THE CONTACT PERTAINING TO SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ANTILOCK. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PISTON WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND THERE WERE OTHER REPAIRS THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED YET. THE REAR HATCH STRUTS WERE REPLACED

NHTSA ID 10172195 · filed Oct 30, 2006
All 82 reports naming body & structure

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

65
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE COLLISION WITH A 18 WHEELER SLIDING DOOR FLEW OFF WHILE LOCKED. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 8011308 · filed Jun 7, 2002

FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK. DOME LIGHT WILL COME ON, AND DOOR AJAR SIGN WILL COME ON.*AK

NHTSA ID 8005919 · filed Mar 19, 2002
All 65 reports naming interior & seats

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

52
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE SAFETY RECALL ON 1993 CARAVAN. *TS THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE ADEQUATELY. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED ABOUT A RECALL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY OF THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE (WIPER PIVOT RECALL, BELT BUCKLE CLIP RECALL, LIFT GATE SUPPORT RECALL). OCT 12 THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE BRAKES STILL WERNT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER GOT THEW CAR BACK N NOV 14, AFTER SIX WEEKS. *NM

NHTSA ID 10177487 · filed Dec 15, 2006

WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND OFF ON THEIR OWN. DEALER WAS AWARE THAT THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID 10068605 · filed Apr 21, 2004
All 52 reports naming visibility

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

41
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON THURSDAY, MARCH 24TH, 2005 MY MOTHER BACKED HER 1993 DODGE CARAVAN INTO HER DRIVEWAY AND BUMPED INTO HER FENCE BREAKING THE LENS ON THE TURN SIGNAL. AS IT WAS COMING INTO A LONG WEEKEND WITH BUSINESS SHUT DOWN, SHE IMMEDIATELY WENT INSIDE TO CONTACT HER MECHANIC TO HAVE IT REPLACED/REPAIRED. AS SHE SPOKE ON THE PHONE, SHE GLANCED OUT THE WINDOW AND OBSERVED A PLUME OF SMOKE RISING FROM THE REAR OF THE VAN. SHE IMMEDIATELY RUSHED OUT AND FOUND A SMALL FLAME IN THE AREA OF THE BROKEN LENS. SHE PACKED IT WITH SNOW AND WENT BACK TO HER CALL TO THE MECHANIC TO ARRANGE A TIME FOR THE REPAIR AND TO DISCUSS WHAT JUST HAPPENED. DURING THIS CONVERSATION SHE AGAIN NOTICED A PLUME (MUCH LARGER AND DARKER) RISING FROM THE VAN. SHE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO RESPONDED QUICKLY, HOWEVER THE INTERIOR OF THE VAN WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED BY THE FIRE AND SUBSEQUENT INTENSE HEAT. HER INSURANCE AGENT HAS SINCE "WRITTEN THE VEHICLE OFF" AND IS OFFERING $1500.00 (CDN) TO SETTLE. FORTUNATELY SHE DID NOT SIMPLY ATTEMPT TO DRIVE STRAIGHT TO HER MECHANIC FOR THE REPAIRS OR THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE SEVERE.

NHTSA ID 10116006 · filed Mar 29, 2005

I HAVE A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. I HAVE SPENT OVER $10,000.00 ON REPAIRS SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 1993. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH DODGE. I'VE HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON VARIOUS COMPONENTS, THEY WERE CORRECTED AND ARE NOW AGAIN DEFECTIVE INCLUDING MY SEATBELTS, ABS SYSTEM, AND STEERING COLUMN. I AM NOW NOTICING THAT THE PAINT IS ERODING ON THE TOP OF MY VAN. I'VE SEEN MANY OTHER DODGE CARAVANS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND THE EXACT SAME PATTERN OF CORROSION. IT APPEARS THE PAINT IS WEARING OFF ON THE TOPS OF THE CARS, THEN THE HOODS AND SO ON. IT EVENTUALLY RUSTS THROUGH AS I'VE SEEN ON AT LEAST 20 DODGE CARAVANS. I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED PAINT WEARING AWAY LIKE THIS ON ANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT I'VE OWNED AND MUCH OLDER THAN 10 YEARS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT SOMEWHERE IN THE PAINTING PROCESS, PERHAPS THE PRIMER OR THE PAINT ITSELF. THIS IS THE THIRD LETTER I'VE WRITTEN AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM ANYONE. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PAINTING PROCESS OF THESE VANS. I BELIEVE IT IS ALSO OCCURRING IN OTHER YEAR MODELS. THANK YOU, SUSAN DEANFRASIO. *JB

NHTSA ID 10063811 · filed Mar 24, 2004
All 41 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE TRAVELING, ANOTHER VEHICLE CROSSED OVER TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, CLAIM 19-4056-055. *JG

NHTSA ID 6900759 · filed Jan 17, 2002

INSURED STRUCK CLAIMENT IN THE REAR. INSURED AND DAUGHTER WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR INJURIES. THIS WAS A FRONT END IMPACT. INSURED QUESTIONS WHY THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, CLAIM 55-S392-761. *JG

NHTSA ID 6900758 · filed Jan 17, 2002
All 34 reports naming airbags

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 20, 2014

TRANSMISSION WOUL STICK WHILE IN 2ND GEAR. WAS NOT REPAIRED PROPERLY. WAS UNDER 7YR WARRANTY. HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED, BUT IT WAS ALSO STICKING IN 2ND GEAR. PRIOR TO STICKING ON 2ND TRANSMISSIN, THERE WOULD BE A LOUD BANG. CRUISE CONTROL WENT OUT. WAS NOT ABLE TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, AND WAS OFFERED 50% OFF ON PARTS & LABOR.*AK

NHTSA ID 878250 · filed Jan 16, 2001
All 21 reports naming driver assistance

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 750770 · filed Aug 20, 2001

AIR CONDITIONER HAS FAILED TWICE;WE HAD IT REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME. MECHANISM CONTROLING THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK HAS FAILED TWICE, ALLOWING THE BACK OF THE SEAT TO FALL INTO A HORIZONTAL POSITION WHILE DRIVING. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HAD IT FIXED THE FIRST TIME. WHEN WE TOOK IT BACK THE SECOND TIME, THE DEALER TOLD US TO VISIT A JUNKYARD AND PURCHASE A SEAT THERE-DEALER WAS NOT INTERESTED IN FIXING THE PROBLEM. SEAT IS NOW RIGGED WITH A CABLE TO KEEP SEAT BACK UPRIGHT.

NHTSA ID 748305 · filed Jul 11, 2001
All 19 reports naming heating & air conditioning

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES ON 1993 DODGE GRAND CARAVANS.*MR WHEN THE CONSUMER FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE CLOUDY, BUT REALLY THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT. THE CONSUMER NOW REALIZES THERE IS A PROBLEM AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10079812 · filed Jun 23, 2004

I HAVE A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. I HAVE SPENT OVER $10,000.00 ON REPAIRS SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 1993. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH DODGE. I'VE HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON VARIOUS COMPONENTS, THEY WERE CORRECTED AND ARE NOW AGAIN DEFECTIVE INCLUDING MY SEATBELTS, ABS SYSTEM, AND STEERING COLUMN. I AM NOW NOTICING THAT THE PAINT IS ERODING ON THE TOP OF MY VAN. I'VE SEEN MANY OTHER DODGE CARAVANS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND THE EXACT SAME PATTERN OF CORROSION. IT APPEARS THE PAINT IS WEARING OFF ON THE TOPS OF THE CARS, THEN THE HOODS AND SO ON. IT EVENTUALLY RUSTS THROUGH AS I'VE SEEN ON AT LEAST 20 DODGE CARAVANS. I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED PAINT WEARING AWAY LIKE THIS ON ANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT I'VE OWNED AND MUCH OLDER THAN 10 YEARS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT SOMEWHERE IN THE PAINTING PROCESS, PERHAPS THE PRIMER OR THE PAINT ITSELF. THIS IS THE THIRD LETTER I'VE WRITTEN AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM ANYONE. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PAINTING PROCESS OF THESE VANS. I BELIEVE IT IS ALSO OCCURRING IN OTHER YEAR MODELS. THANK YOU, SUSAN DEANFRASIO. *JB

NHTSA ID 10063811 · filed Mar 24, 2004
All 18 reports naming exterior lighting

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE BALL JOINTS AND STARTER FAILED, THE BRAKE LINE WAS BROKEN, THE SIDE DOOR FELL OFF, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OIL AND COOLANT FAILURES. ALSO THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN OUTER ROD END INSTALLED AND A NEW TRANSMISSION WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. *JG *JB

NHTSA ID 10006061 · filed Feb 11, 2003

THE SLIDING DOOR SEPARATED FROM THE HINGES, ALSO THERE WAS PROBLEMS WITH THE OIL, COOLANT, BALL JOINTS, STARTER, BRAKE LINE, TIE ROD, TRANSMISSION, EXHAUST AND THE FRONT BRAKES. TS *JB

NHTSA ID 10002079 · filed Jan 6, 2003
All 15 reports naming suspension

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT PUMP WAS RUNNING CONSTANTLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 8012841 · filed Jun 27, 2002

NOTICE GAS RAIL LEAKING GAS ALL DOWN THE ENGINE AND INTERIOR DASH LIGHTS SHORING OUT.

NHTSA ID 9003893 · filed Oct 15, 2001
All 15 reports naming fuel system

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE A/C, HEATER SWITCHING TO BLOW OUT THROUGH THE DEFROST WHEN ACCELERATING OR UNDER LOAD CAUSING POOR COOLING/HEATING. I TALKED TO CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING IT TO SWITCH. I HAVE HAD THE COMPRESSOR REPLACED WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING. I HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLING FAN AFTER WARRANTY. IT FAILED AGAIN ALMOST A YEAR LATER. BUT THE PART WAS REPLACED WITH ONLY INSTALLATION COST. I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN KNOWING WHAT OTHER THINGS CAN BE DONE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF SWITCHING TO DEFROST. SINCERELY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10070370 · filed Jan 15, 2004

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK THE CAUSE FOR THE VEHICLE'S STALLING WAS FAILURE OF DIFFERENTIAL PIN IN TRANSAXLE. THIS WAS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION IF IT HAPPENED ON FREEWAY. *YH

NHTSA ID 882696 · filed Mar 12, 2001
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER HAD REPLACED THE BIG O TIRE EQUIPMENT ON HIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD ONE BLOW OUT AND CRACKING IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRES.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE CRACKING ON THE SIDEWALL WAS DUE TO AGE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10132350 · filed Aug 3, 2005

PASSENGER FRONT TIRE BLOWOUT AT 35MPH. *AK (DOT NUMBER: HYHY TIRESIZE: 215/70R/14)

NHTSA ID 749886 · filed Aug 5, 2001
All 8 reports naming tires & wheels

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. I HAVE SPENT OVER $10,000.00 ON REPAIRS SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 1993. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH DODGE. I'VE HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON VARIOUS COMPONENTS, THEY WERE CORRECTED AND ARE NOW AGAIN DEFECTIVE INCLUDING MY SEATBELTS, ABS SYSTEM, AND STEERING COLUMN. I AM NOW NOTICING THAT THE PAINT IS ERODING ON THE TOP OF MY VAN. I'VE SEEN MANY OTHER DODGE CARAVANS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND THE EXACT SAME PATTERN OF CORROSION. IT APPEARS THE PAINT IS WEARING OFF ON THE TOPS OF THE CARS, THEN THE HOODS AND SO ON. IT EVENTUALLY RUSTS THROUGH AS I'VE SEEN ON AT LEAST 20 DODGE CARAVANS. I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED PAINT WEARING AWAY LIKE THIS ON ANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT I'VE OWNED AND MUCH OLDER THAN 10 YEARS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT SOMEWHERE IN THE PAINTING PROCESS, PERHAPS THE PRIMER OR THE PAINT ITSELF. THIS IS THE THIRD LETTER I'VE WRITTEN AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM ANYONE. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PAINTING PROCESS OF THESE VANS. I BELIEVE IT IS ALSO OCCURRING IN OTHER YEAR MODELS. THANK YOU, SUSAN DEANFRASIO. *JB

NHTSA ID 10063811 · filed Mar 24, 2004

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, I HAD TO GET A REBUILT TRANSMISSION EVERY YEAR SINCE THE YEAR I BOUGHT IT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10010815 · filed Mar 20, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .