RoadVitals

1989 Dodge Grand 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.
24
Latest Nov 7, 2004
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.
3
Latest Apr 14, 2008
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.
2
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.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 24 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan, most frequently naming the transmission, engine and tires & wheels categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 2 NHTSA investigations name it.

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

  • Transmission933.3%
  • Engine414.8%
  • Tires & wheels311.1%
  • Body & structure27.4%
  • Powertrain (other)27.4%
  • Suspension27.4%
  • Fuel system13.7%
  • Seat belts13.7%

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

3 campaigns cover this model year

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
08E033000

SUSPENSION

Apr 14, 2008
6,903 units potentially affected
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTSView on NHTSA.gov
95I001004

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

Mar 27, 1995
411,678 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING NOVEMBER 1995.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
95I001008

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

Mar 27, 1995
1,262,000 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES DURING JULY 1996.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA94005ClosedEngineering Analysis

LIFTGATE LATCHES

Opened Jan 31, 1994
Closed Oct 25, 1995

LIFTGATE LATCHES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE FAILED IN LOW AND MODERATE SPEED IMPACTS RESULTING IN OCCUPANT EJECTIONS, INJURIES, AND FATALITIES.THERE ARE TWO FAILURE MODES ASSOCIATED WITH LATCH FAILURE: FORK BOLT-DETENT LEVER BYPASS, AND INERTIAL UNLATCHING.NHTSA ANALYSES OF CHRYSLER AND PEER MINIVANS TOOK THE FORM OF STATIC AND DYNAMIC CRASH TESTING, ENGINEERING EVALUATIONS, COMPLAINT AND FIELD ANALYSES, AND REAL WORLD DATA ANALYSES.A TECHNICAL REPORT DISCUSSING THESE ANALYSES CAN BE FOUND IN THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TECHNICAL REPORT IN THE PUBLIC VIEWING FILE.CHRYSLER HAS ADVISED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LATCHES ON ALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE CHRYSLER CAMPAIGN WILL CONSIST OF NOTIFICATION LETTERS TO ALL OWNERS; FREE REPLACEMENT OF ALL LATCHES WITH STRONGER, SAFER LATCHES REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OF THE MINIVANS; NATIONAL ADVERTISING TO PROMOTE CUSTOMER AWARENESS OF THE CAMPAIGN; QUARTERLY REPORTS REGARDING CAMPAIGN COMPLETION RATES; AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ENSURE A HIGH COMPLETION RATE, ABOVE AND BEYOND THE ACTIONS THAT NORMALLY WOULD BE TAKEN IN A FORMAL SAFETY RECALL.THESE INCLUDE FOLLOW UP WRITTEN AND TELEPHONIC NOTIFICATIONS TO OWNERS WHO DO NOT BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION.NHTSA FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT THE CRASH PERFORMANCE OF THE LATCHES ON THESE MINIVANS RAISES SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, AND THAT THE CAMPAIGN ADDRESSES THESE CONCERNS.THE CHRYSLER CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL INCREASE THE STRENGTH OF THE LIFTGATE LATCHES AND DECREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INERTIAL UNLATCHING, THEREBY REDUCING THE RISK OF CRASH-RELATED OPENINGS OF THE LIFTGATE AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT EJECTION THROUGH THE LIFTGATE OPENING.OWNERS OF CHRYSLER MINIVANS WILL GET A STRONGER, SAFER LATCH FREE OF CHARGE AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION AND COMPLEX AND TIME-CONSUMING LITIGATION WITH AN UNCERTAIN OUTCOME.BASED ON THE ABOVE, ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION.

STRUCTURE
EA91010ClosedEngineering Analysis

TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE

Opened Dec 10, 1990
Closed Dec 31, 1991

There is no summary currently available

POWER TRAIN

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 24
Engine
Filed Nov 7, 2004

RECALL CAMPAIGN 04 V 357 000/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR/MIL: THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THE (CMP) SENSOR AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *JB *SC *JB

NHTSA ID
10099060
Incident
Oct 27, 2004
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 16, 2004

PURCHASED TWO 205/75R15 COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES FOR FRONT OF 1989 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ON DECEMBER 27, 2002 WITH 143,136 MILEAGE. TIRES HAD STEEL BELT SHOWING BADLY ON INSIDE OF BOTH TIRES AFTER 2,500 MILES. REPLACED ON APRIL 13, 2004 WITH 145,896 MILEAGE(AFTER ONLY 2,760 MILES) WITH TWO MORE 205/75 R15 COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES. COOPER DEALER SAID THAT HE WOULD NOT EVEN BOTHER TO CONTACT COOPER TO ASK FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT. NOW DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION ON DANGER OF THESE TIRES AND THE USELESSNESS OF SO CALLED 45,000 MILES WARRANTY NOW SEEKING WAY TO CONTACT COOPER TIRES TO ASK FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT OF THESE COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES. RICHYT. *AK

NHTSA ID
10066290
Incident
Apr 13, 2004
Mileage
145,896 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 15, 2004

AIR CONDITIONING, PAINT AND TRANSMISSION AS OF TODAY HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAS THE A-604 ULTRADRIVE TRANSMISSION. AND IT IS STUCK IN ONE GEAR.

NHTSA ID
10069399
Incident
Jun 15, 2003
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 15, 2003
1 injury reported

THE IGNITION LOCKED, OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, AND THE SIDE DOOR HAD COME OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. IN AN ATTEMPTED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE CONSUMER REACHED FOR THE COIL WIRE AND THE WARPED SEAL GAVE AWAY AND BURNED THE CONSUMER'S HANDS AND FACE. SCC *JB

NHTSA ID
10019454
Transmission
Filed Mar 4, 2002

HOW MANY OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE TO FAIL BEFORE D-C OWNS UP TO POOR ENGINEERING/DESIGN??*AK

NHTSA ID
758921
Incident
Feb 20, 2002
EngineTransmission
Filed Nov 4, 2001

OVERALL BUILD QUALITY/REPAIR RELIABILITY/PARTS MFRG FAR BELOW AVG WITH NUMEROUS ROAD SIDE FAILURES UNSAFE. NO, SAFETY DEFCT STATED. *AK

NHTSA ID
754063
Incident
Jan 1, 1997
Body & structure
Filed Nov 4, 2001

WINDSHIELD SUN VISOR MATERIAL SELECTION IS DEFECTIVE, CRUMBLES & DISINTIGRATES WITH AGE, DROPS INTO EYES OF DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER. *AK

NHTSA ID
754062
Incident
Jan 1, 1999
Other / unspecified
Filed Nov 4, 2001

UNDER VAN SPARE TIRE CARRIER PLATE CORROSION FAILURE, FLAT PLATE BECAME V & DROPPED SPARE TIRE. *AK

NHTSA ID
754061
Incident
Dec 20, 1989

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Grand Caravan by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024000—
2020191052.6
20192384163.3
20182694155.9
20174113153.6
20169986257.2
20152784159.2
20143575262.6
20134704257.8
20125836256.3
20115304257.3
20108676357.4
20095437255.6
20081,2918255.7
20071823156.3
20062844559.2
20059956758.5
20041163149.1
20032193358.3
20022906561.7
20012985355.7
20004428361.2
19994325661.9
19985596664.2
19975836664.5
19961,157111160.7
19951083554.9
19941996561.4
19932899859.6
19922558665.0
19911298761.5
1990553254.8
1989Viewing243256.2
1988103255.6
1987222—
1986022—
1985122—
1984022—

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.