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Dodge Caravan Problems

The Dodge Caravan helped create the minivan segment and provided affordable family transportation for decades. With 28,532 complaints and 98 reported deaths, the Caravan's budget positioning meant reliability compromises that affected some generations more than others. Understanding the difference between the short-wheelbase Caravan and Grand Caravan is important when shopping.

28,532
Total Complaints
21
Total Recalls
37
Model Years
98
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

1997 1996 1993
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1984 1985 1986

Common Problem Categories

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 3,228
Electrical System 2,962
Power Train 2,952
Engine And Engine Cooling 2,664
Air Bags 2,544

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2020 8 0 4 0 Good
2019 6 0 0 0 Good
2018 12 0 4 0 Good
2017 36 1 12 0 Good
2016 84 0 2 0 Good
2015 58 0 10 0 Good
2014 54 0 2 0 Good
2013 68 0 2 2 Good
2012 232 0 10 6 Good
2011 224 0 2 6 Good
2010 514 2 16 16 Average
2009 350 2 6 6 Good
2008 842 2 26 12 Average
2007 230 1 12 4 Good
2006 458 2 26 8 Average
2005 1,382 2 48 0 Below Average
2004 166 1 6 8 Good
2003 504 1 32 12 Average
2002 652 1 52 22 Average
2001 682 1 18 12 Average
2000 1,226 1 170 14 Below Average
1999 1,490 1 128 42 Below Average
1998 1,680 1 124 62 Below Average
1997 2,056 1 102 124 Avoid
1996 4,356 1 148 132 Avoid
1995 1,312 0 148 14 Below Average
1994 1,672 0 232 14 Below Average
1993 2,458 0 174 14 Avoid
1992 2,252 0 120 28 Avoid
1991 1,546 0 80 30 Below Average
1990 682 0 32 16 Average
1989 472 0 26 26 Average
1988 270 0 10 12 Good
1987 166 0 22 12 Good
1986 110 0 12 4 Good
1985 170 0 16 12 Good
1984 52 0 10 0 Good

Dodge Caravan Years to Avoid

The 1996 Caravan is the worst model year, with high death counts related to structural and handling issues, along with transmission failures and electrical problems. The 2001-2004 models had head gasket failures on the 3.3L V6 and premature transmission wear. The 2008-2012 models shared the TIPM electrical failures with other Chrysler products, causing random stalling and no-start conditions. The 1997-2000 Caravans had transmission issues and power sliding door malfunctions. Avoid any 1996-1997 Caravan due to safety concerns reflected in the death statistics.

Best Dodge Caravan Years

The 2019 Caravan represents the end of the line with all issues sorted and proven reliability. The 2013-2018 Caravans improved significantly after TIPM issues were addressed. The 1984-1990 original Caravans were simple vehicles with fewer electronic failure points.

Frequently Asked Questions