RoadVitals

1993 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.
289
Latest Apr 26, 2024
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.
9
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.
8
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.
10
12 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 289 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan, most frequently naming the brakes, transmission and seat belts categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 8 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1 manufacturer communication is 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

9 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

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

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

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
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

Recent owner complaints

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

Brakes
Filed Apr 26, 2024

The contact owns a 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed, the brake pedal required excessive effort to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake actuator piston assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V099000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 132,000.

NHTSA ID
11585497
Incident
Apr 24, 2024
Mileage
132,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 3, 2017
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE. DICK HANNAH CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM IN VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THAT A BRAKE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 222,400. *JS

NHTSA ID
11031537
Incident
Sep 27, 2017
Mileage
222,400 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 20, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL STIFFENED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR BEFORE THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ABS PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V099000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

NHTSA ID
10908169
Incident
Sep 6, 2016
Mileage
190,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 11, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, BRAKE PUMP, AND BRAKE PEDAL. ALSO, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES OPERATED PROPERLY AFTER TEN SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. UPDATED 09/20/16*LJ THE BRAKES WORKED WITH THE RELAY CONTINUOUSLY OPERATING, WHICH ACTIVATED THE BRAKE PUMP AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY. THE PROBLEM WAS THE PUMP/MOTOR ASSEMBLY WOULD BURN OUT IF THE VAN WERE DRIVEN FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. UPDATED 09/21/ *JB

NHTSA ID
10895153
Incident
Aug 2, 2016
Mileage
140,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 20, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE OPERATED. IN ADDITION, THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE RESULTS WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

NHTSA ID
10886193
Incident
Jun 27, 2016
Mileage
87,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 24, 2015

MY DODGE CARAVAN HAS A LIFETIME WARRANTY DUE TO A RECALL ON THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM THAT WAS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED. TURNS OUT THE ORIGINAL OWNERS BROUGHT THE VAN IN FOR THIS RECALL, BUT THE PART WAS NOT REPLACED. SO YEARS LATER IT GAVE OUT. THE VAN HAS 36K MILES, SO IF IT WAS REPLACED WHEN THE PREVIOUS OWNERS BROUGHT IT IN EVERYTHING WOULD BE FINE. (THE PREVIOUS OWNERS WERE OLDER AND DISABLED, SO I DONT THINK THEY REALIZED NOTHING WAS DONE) ANYWAYS, DODGE IS REFUSING TO FIX THE ABS SYSTEM, AND TELL ME THEY DON'T HAVE A DIAGNOSIS TOOL, SO THEY CANT FIX IT. MY MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO ID WHAT WAS WRONG, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ORDER A PART DUE TO THIS LIFETIME RECALL. THEY ARE ALSO SAYING THEY CANT LOCATE THE PARTS IN THE SYSTEM, BUT I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE. WHAT THEY OFFER ME WAS A MADE UP AMOUNT OF WHAT THEY THINK MY VAN IS WORTH (THEY SAID KELLEY BLUE BOOK VALUE IN FAIR CONDITION, WHICH IS NOT CORRECT I COME UP WITH OVER TWICE THAT AMOUNT ON KBB.COM AND MY VAN IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AND IS A MOBILITY MODIFIED VAN, MEANING IT HAS A HANDICAP RAMP, BUILT IN TRACKS FOR TIE DOWNS, AND IS DROPPED6-8 INCHES, WITH AIR LIFTS.). WHICH IS 1/3 OF WHAT I CAN SELL IT FOR ON CRAIGSLIST, AND 1/2 OF WHAT I PAID WITH MY RECENT PARTS I PUT IN TO MAKE IT LIKE NEW. SO HERE'S MY QUESTION, WHAT DOES LIFETIME WARRANTY MEAN ON A RECALL? DO THEY HAVE TO FIX IT? OR AM I STUCK WITH WHAT EVER THEY WANT TO DO? PLEASE ADVISE. THIS WAS AN IMPORTANT VEHICLE, AS IT WAS TO BE USED TO MOVE A HANDICAP PERSON AROUND.

NHTSA ID
10776425
Incident
Jun 2, 2015
Mileage
36,800 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V099000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10631456
Incident
Aug 27, 2014
Brakes
Filed Aug 5, 2013

THIS VAN IS SUBJECT TO RECALL 96V099000. UNDER THIS RECALL THERE IS A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON THE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND PUMP MOTOR. THE BREAKS HAVE STOPPED WORKING TWICE PREVIOUSLY AND WERE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE BREAKS STOPPED WORKING FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE VAN WAS TOWED INTO RICHARDSON CHRYSLER ON JUNE 24, 2013. CHRYSLER NO LONGER MAKES THE PARTS. AT FIRST THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PART AND NOW THE SHIPPING DATE CONTINUES TO BE EXTENDED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE CHRYSLER NATIONAL PARTS SERVICE GROUP CAN TELL ME WHEN THEY WILL GET A PART. IT IS NOW AUGUST 5, 2013.HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR A PART ON A LIFETIME WARRANTY? BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE VAN, CHRYSLER REFUSES TO PROVIDE A CAR FOR ME TO DRIVE. CAN THEY AVOID A LIFETIME WARRANTY BY CLAIMING THEY CAN'T FIND THE PARTS? I HAVE SPOKEN TO AT LEAST THREE DIFFERENT "CUSTOMER SERVICE" PEOPLE AND THEY ALL TELL ME THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THE PART WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE DEALER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10533720
Incident
May 31, 2013
Mileage
165,000 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.

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 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
1993Viewing2899859.6
19922558665.0
19911298761.5
1990553254.8
1989243256.2
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.