RoadVitals

1994 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.
199
Latest Jul 6, 2016
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.
6
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.
5
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.
13
11 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 199 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan, most frequently naming the transmission, body & structure and engine categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 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

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

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
99V113000

AIR BAGS

May 6, 1999
736,824 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE WIRING THAT INITIATES THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD ELECTRICALLY SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND. A SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND THAT EXISTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "ON" OR "START" POSITION CAN CAUSE THE AIR BAG(S) TO INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY.
The risk: INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN INJURE A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. ANY SHORT CIRCUITS IDENTIFIED IN EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INITIATOR WIRE CIRCUIT WILL BE REPAIRED.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 818View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

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
PE97049ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

AIR BAG CIRCUIT/WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR

Opened Nov 18, 1997
Closed Mar 17, 1998

There is no summary currently available

VISIBILITY
PE96008ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION

Opened Jan 25, 1996
Closed Jun 28, 1996

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 199
Electrical
Filed Jul 6, 2016

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DON'T WORK

NHTSA ID
10882847
Incident
Feb 15, 2015
Mileage
108,416 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 5, 2016

WHEN I WAS TRYING TO TURN THE WHEEL TO GET OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, MY STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF. I WAS ABOUT TO BACK UP AND IF I DID I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED.

NHTSA ID
10824438
Incident
Feb 4, 2016
AirbagsBody & structureInterior & seats+1 more
Filed May 14, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 00V305000 (STEERING), 99V213000 (STRUCTURE), 99V113000 (AIR BAGS), AND 95I00100 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
10716533
Incident
Apr 17, 2012
Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WOULD DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WOULD RAIN OR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER. THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE POWER AND OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE PULLEYS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR. THE DEALER AND SEVERAL MECHANICS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE CONSISTENT FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,426 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 241,625.

NHTSA ID
10434997
Incident
Aug 11, 2010
Mileage
203,426 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 25, 2010
1 injury reported

AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON 1994 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH BRAUN HANDICAPPED MODIFICATIONS WHILE IDLING IN THE DRIVEWAY DURING LOADING OF HANDICAPPED WOMAN. ATTENDANT WAS INJURED DUE TO PROXIMITY OF HEAD TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. *TR

NHTSA ID
10345168
Incident
Jul 18, 2010
Mileage
70,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 10, 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE CHRYSLER GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AROUND A MOUNTAIN THE STEERING LOCKED AND LOST POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT LET THE VEHICLE SIT FOR APPROXIMATELY 1/2 HOUR AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. THE DEALER DIDN'T TRY TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE REPLACED THE BELT IN 1996, BUT THE MECHANIC STATED THE BELT LOOKED FINE. UPDATE 05/10/07*TR

NHTSA ID
10187496
Incident
Jan 1, 1996
Mileage
66,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 8, 2007
Fire reported

TL* -THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 1994 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH 150000 FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LEAKING GAS ON THE MANIFOLD. THE CONTACT A MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THERE WAS A RECALL # 00268000 ON THE 1996-2000 DODGE GRAND CARAVANS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE , AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *AK THE FUEL RAIL WAS LEAKING FUEL AT THE END OF THE RAIL WHERE A PIPE JOINED THE 2 RAILS TOGETHER, FUEL LEAKED ON THE MANIFOLD AND A SMALL FIRE WAS IGNITED. UPDATED 04/30/07. *JB

NHTSA ID
10184520
Incident
Feb 4, 2007
Mileage
150,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2005

VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY WHEN WEATHER IS VERY WARM. NO INDICATION OF OVERHEATING. LET SET FOR 10-15 MINUTES AND VEHICLE STARTS AND RUNS FINE UNTIL NEXT TIME. HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS, USUALLY ON THE INTERSTATE CAUSING A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. HAVE NOT HAD TO A DEALER TO CHECK OUT BUT HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM WHO HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER AND DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE STALLING.

NHTSA ID
10128714
Incident
Jun 27, 2005
Mileage
125,000 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
1994Viewing1996561.4
19932899859.6
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.