The 1991 Dodge Caravan has 9 safety recalls and 617 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (235 complaints).
Recalls9safety recalls
Complaints617filed by owners
Crashes · fires36 · 12reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths32 · 1reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
NHTSA recall 99V213000 · Sep 2, 1999 · 1,318,189 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Risk: PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR IF THE BOLTS BREAK ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL SUDDENLY.
Fix: 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.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
NHTSA recall 99V189000 · Jul 16, 1999 · 828,559 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LEFT HAND WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT DRIVE ARM WAS NOT MECHANICALLY STAKED TO THE PIVOT SHAFT.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT HAND SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT ASSEMBLY.
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
NHTSA recall 97V148000 · Sep 9, 1997 · 1,100,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. COVERS ON THE SOLID STALK MOUNTED SEAT BELT BUCKLES CAN BECOME DISLODGED CAUSING THE RELEASE BUTTON TO STICK INSIDE THE COVER. THE BUCKLE WOULD THEN BE ONLY PARTIALLY LATCHED.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COVER RETAINING CLIP TO THE STALK MOUNTED BUCKLE COVER TO PREVENT DISLOCATION OF THE BUCKLE COVER.
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
NHTSA recall 97V149000 · Sep 9, 1997 · 1,100,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. THE CENTER REAR SEAT, RIGHT OUTBOARD SIDE, SAFETY BELT ANCHOR HOOK CAN BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE BODY ANCHOR POSITION.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ANCHOR HOOK RETAINING CLIP WITH A REVISED PROFILE CLIP AND A COVER PLATE.
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
NHTSA recall 96V229000 · Nov 18, 1996 · 675,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ARMATURE CRACKS IN THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT AREA. ANY STEERING WHEELS SHOWING CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IN THE EVENT CRACKING OCCURS.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
NHTSA recall 96V099000 · Jun 13, 1996 · 321,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ABS FUNCTION COULD BE LOST AND REDUCED POWER ASSIST WOULD BE EXPERIENCED DURING VEHICLE BRAKING INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES IF NECESSARY. ALSO THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS WILL ALSO BE REIMBURSED FOR PREVIOUS ABS COMPONENT REPAIR COSTS.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA recall 92V030000 · Mar 10, 1992 · 10,492 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HIGH PRESSURE PUMP MAY BE POROUS WHICH WILL RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Risk: FLUID LEAKAGE EVENTUALLY CAUSES THE LOSS OF BOTH THEANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND HYDRAULIC ASSIST FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM, RESULTING ININCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF BRAKE LOCKUP AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES, WHICHCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE PUMP AND HIGH PRESSURE HOSE IF THE LAST SIX DIGITS OF THE BAR CODE LABEL ON THE PUMP ARE BETWEEN 052300 AND 059262.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA recall 91V191000 · Nov 1, 1991 · 80,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HIGH PRESSURE HOSE MAY LEAK OR DETACH AT ITS CRIMPED END FITTING RESULTING IN THE DISCHARGE OF HYDRAULIC FLUID.
Risk: FLUID DISCHARGE EVENTUALLY CAUSES THE LOSS OF BOTH THEANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND HYDRAULIC ASSIST FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM, RESULTING ININCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF BRAKE LOCKUP AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES, WHICHCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WITH A HOSE OF DIFFERENT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.
Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Flasher unit
NHTSA recall 91V041000 · Mar 11, 1991 · 1,300 vehicles
Problem: INCORRECT TURN SIGNAL FLASHER INHIBITS INDICATION OF SIGNAL LAMP OUTAGE.
Risk: INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS WOULD NOT INFORM DRIVERTHAT A LAMP WAS OUT, OR WARN OTHER DRIVERS OF INTENT TO TURN, CREATING A RISKOF ACCIDENT; VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 108.
Fix: REPLACE TURN SIGNAL FLASHER WITH PROPER FLASHER.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components
235
10
2
6
118,772 mi
Seat belts Front › Anchorage; Front › Buckle assembly
94
3
0
3
—
Structure Body › Door; Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
87
6
0
13
—
Power train Automatic transmission; Manual transmission
58
2
0
2
—
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline
Seats Front assembly › Recliner; Front assembly › Power adjust
15
1
2
2
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Feb 14, 2017Electrical system STARTED MISSING AT FRIST, THEN A NO START. I'VE CHANGED THE TIMING CHAIN, CRANK SENSOR, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, COIL PACK. TRIED A NEW ECM. THERE'S VOLTAGE TO THE COIL PACK, BUT NO SPARK. I'VE CHECKED WIRING CIRCUIT, AND AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY .
Apr 3, 2013 · 87,000 milesService brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT THAT HOUSES THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON AND THE PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 96V099000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) ALTHOUGH THE RECALL INDICATED THAT THE PART WOULD HAVE A LIFE TIME COVERAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Apr 20, 2006Service brakes, hydraulic 1991 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM RECALL AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS ON APRIL 20, 2006 AND WAS CHARGED $376.73, EVEN THOUGH A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ABS PROBLEMS AGAIN IN DECEMBER 2013. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL LETTER STATED IF THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN, CHRYSLER WOULD COVER ANY REPAIRS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, HE HAD TO PAY $112 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM WOULD BE COVERED, UNDER THE RECALL. THE DEALER THEN INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO TEST HIS VEHICLE, DUE TO THE AGE. HOWEVER, A FEW DAYS LATER, THE DEALER…
Apr 12, 2008 · 1 injuryAir bags THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, MY ARM IS SWOLLEN, BURNED, AND BRUISED. MY NOSE AND HEAD HAVE HURT FOR THE LAST FOUR DAYS. *TR
Nov 19, 2006 · 87,311 milesSuspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD WHEN TRAVELING OVER UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES OR ON RIGHT HAND TURNS. AFTER COMPLETING A RIGHT TURN, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY DISLODGED AND FOLDED BACKINTO THE WHEEL WELL. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED WHERE THE BALL JOINT WAS SEATED, ALLOWING THE BALL JOINT TO COME AWAY FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE DRIVER SIDE DRIVE SHAFT WAS DISLODGED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Feb 22, 1994 · 49,091 milesService brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip 1991 DODGE CARAVAN WITH ABS FAILURE PROBLEMS**CC A RECALL WAS ISSUED AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD THE FIRST REPAIR DONE. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *JB
Nov 21, 2006 · 145,000 milesService brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip DT*: THE CONTACT STATED RECALL # 96V099000 FOR THE SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC: ANTI-LOCK WAS RECEIVED. WHEN THE SERVICE DEALER WAS CALLED TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR, THE SERVICE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT, THERE WOULD BE CHARGES FOR REPLACING THE ACCUMULATOR PLUS LABOR COSTS. THE MANUFACTURER REQUESTED THE RECEIPTS TO BE SENT FOR REVIEW FOR POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 01/10/07. *JB
Mar 19, 2006 · 130,000 milesService brakes, hydraulic HELLO BELOW IS A COPY OF TEXT ON YOUR RECALL SITE WITH DETAILS OF THIS RECALL COMMENTS I MAKE ARE BELOW THAT.. MAKE : DODGE MODEL : GRAND CARAVAN YEAR : 1991 MANUFACTURER : CHRYSLER CORPORATION NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 96V099000 MFG'S REPORT DATE : APR 19, 1996 COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED : 321000 SUMMARY: THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION. CONSEQUENCE: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ABS FUNCTION COULD BE LOST AND REDUCED POWER ASSIST WOULD BE EXPERIENCED DURING VEHICLE BRAKING INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL TEST…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
RQ99004 · opened Apr 19, 1999 · open · led to recall 97V079000REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT 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…
EA97005 · opened Apr 10, 1997 · closed Dec 23, 1997 · led to recall 97V149000SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FAILURES There is no summary currently available
EA96027 · opened Oct 31, 1996 · closed May 16, 1997 · led to recall 97V079000ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEAR RESULTING IN SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.
EA96016 · opened Jun 28, 1996 · closed Dec 17, 1997 · led to recall 97V148000INCONSISTENT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE safety belt buckle hosing slips down, pinching the red release button.owners report having trouble opening and closing them many allege belt unlatches while driving because of the release buttom
PE96036 · opened May 14, 1996 · closed Oct 31, 1996THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE POSITION UNCONTROLLED ENGINE SPEED CONDITION RESULTS FRO THROTTLE SHAFT BINDING
PE96035 · opened May 6, 1996 · closed Oct 31, 1996 · led to recall 97V079000ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFT GATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEER RESULTING IN THE SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.
PE96008 · opened Jan 25, 1996 · closed Jun 28, 1996SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION There is no summary currently available
EA95029 · opened Sep 26, 1995 · closed Nov 13, 1996 · led to recall 96V229000STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION AFTER AN EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS, CHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED THE DEFECT AS A FATIGUE FAILURE, ORIGINATION IN THE HEAT AFFECTED REGION OF THE PROJECTION WELDS OF THE STEERING WHEEL HUB TO STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE ATTACHMENT.THE HUB IS THE PORTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY THAT CONNECTS IT TO THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND IS ATTACHED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY BY 4 WELDS.IF CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE HEAT AFFECTED REGION OF THE WELDS AND PROPAGATE THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE TO EACH OF THE WELDS, THE STEERING WHEEL CAN SEPARATE FROM THE HUB.THIS IS A SLOW PROGRESSIVE FAILURE WHICH NORMALLY OCCURS AT HIGH MILEAGE.IN SOME CASES COMPLAINANTS HAVE REPORTED A LOOSENESS OR WOBBLING OF THE STEERING WHEEL PRIOR TO SEPARATION.TO REMEDY THIS DEFECT, CHRYSLER WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEELS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES FOR CRACKS IN THE HUB AREA.IF ANY CRACKS ARE…
EA94028 · opened Jul 29, 1994 · closed Jun 24, 1996 · led to recall 96V099000ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS There is no summary currently available
PE94024 · opened Mar 7, 1994 · closed Jul 29, 1994ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS There is no summary currently available
EA94005 · opened Jan 31, 1994 · closed Oct 25, 1995LIFTGATE LATCHES 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…
PE93056 · opened Jun 9, 1993 · closed Sep 14, 1993MELTED THROTTLE CABLES There is no summary currently available
PE92053 · opened Jun 8, 1992 · closed Oct 9, 1992WINDOW SHATTERING There is no summary currently available
PE92028 · opened Mar 11, 1992 · closed Jul 20, 1992SAFETY BLT ANCHORAGE BRKS There is no summary currently available
PE91094 · opened Jul 5, 1991 · closed Nov 26, 1991 · led to recall 91V191000BRAKING PERFORMANCE LOSS ABS SYSTEM LEAKS ARE ALLEGED BY CONSUMERS WHICH RESULT IN COMPLETE BRAKEFAILURE. SEVERRE LEAKING OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE SITS FOR SEVERAL HOURSRESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF FLUID. LEAKS ARE APPEARING IN BOTH THE HIGHAND LOW PRESSURE LINES POSSIBLY DUE TO A FAULTY SEAL OR COUPLING. ONECOMPLAINT ALLEGES FLUID BEING FORCED OUT OF BRAKE RESERVOIR WHEN ENGINE ISSTARTED, POSSIBLE POINTING TO A FAULTY CHECK VALVE IN THE ACCUMULATOR.
PE91093 · opened Jun 28, 1991 · closed Oct 23, 1991ABS CONTROL FAILURE There is no summary currently available