The 1992 Dodge Caravan has 9 safety recalls and 913 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (286 complaints).
Recalls9safety recalls
Complaints913filed by owners
Crashes · fires48 · 13reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths38 · 3reported in complaints
Safety recalls
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.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
NHTSA recall 97V079000 · May 16, 1997 · 436,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline
NHTSA recall 92V147000 · Oct 14, 1992 · 3,000 vehicles
Problem: FUEL TANK FLANGES WERE NOT BENT AS REQUIRED TO ALLOW THE SPECIFIED CLEARANCE FOR THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAPS AND FUEL LINES AT THE TANK.
Risk: THE UNBENT FLANGES TO THE FUEL TANK WILL DAMAGE THEMOUNTING STRAPS AND/OR FUEL LINES. THE DAMAGED MOUNTING STRAPS MAY BREAK CAUSINGTHE TANK TO DROP AND THE DAMAGED FUEL LINE WILL LEAK FUEL. IN EITHER CASE A FIRECOULD RESULT IF THE SPILLED FUEL IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE.
Fix: REPAIR THE FLANGE BY BENDING TO THE CORRECT ANGLE; REPLACE DAMAGED FUEL LINES AND MOUNTING STRAPS.
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
NHTSA recall 92V015000 · Feb 14, 1992 · 20,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: THE ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.
Risk: FRACTURES OF THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLINGBOLT RESULT IN A LACK OF COUPLING LOAD ON THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL.
Fix: REPLACE THE ZINC PLATED BOLT WITH A PHOSPHATE PLATED BOLT.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
NHTSA recall 91V170000 · Oct 4, 1991 · 360 vehicles
Problem: THE BRAKE PEDAL PAD ATTACHMENT TO THE PEDAL ARM MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE STRENGTH DUE TO MISLOCATION OF WELDS, AND COULD BREAK.
Risk: FAILURE OF THE PEDAL PAD TO PEDAL ARM ATTACHMENT RESULTSIN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: REPLACE INADEQUATE BRAKE PEDALS WITH PROPERLY MANUFACTURED PEDALS.
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.
Crash test ratings
1992 Dodge Caravan
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Caravan C/V/Grand Caravan 2WD
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Caravan C/V/Grand Caravan 2WD
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Caravan C/V/Grand Caravan 2WD
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Caravan C/V/Grand Caravan 2WD
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Caravan C/V/Grand Caravan 4WD
16mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 19 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components
286
8
1
4
137,128 mi
Seat belts Front › Anchorage; Front › Buckle assembly
181
7
0
5
—
Power train Automatic transmission; Manual transmission
118
2
0
2
—
Structure Body › Door; Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
85
3
0
4
—
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
82
0
1
0
—
Visibility Glass, side/rear; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
80
0
2
1
—
Steering Hydraulic power assist › Pump; Steering wheel/handle bar
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Mar 1, 2017 · 149,000 milesService brakes BRAKES STOPPED WORKING IN MIDDLE OF DRIVING ALMOST CAUSE A CAR ACCIDENT. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM AND THEY DID A RECALL ON THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. WOULD JUST LIKE TO BRING IT IN TO GET IT FIXED.
Dec 15, 2015Service brakes I HAVE A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN SUBJECT TO RECALL 685 NHTSA # 96V099000. THE ANTILOCK BENDIX 10 ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED ONCE . IT NOW NEEDS REPLACING AGAIN . ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND PUMP RUNS EXCESSIVELY. ALL INHERENT TO THE PROBLEMS ADDRESSED ABOVE . THE DEALER IS CLAIMING TO NO NOTHING ABOUT THE LIFETIME WARRENTY ON THIS SYSTEM INDICATED IN THE RECALL DOCUMENTATION ON THIS SITE . I NEED SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO RECONTACT CHRYSLER WITH TO FORCE THE TO DO THE REQUIRED REPAIRS.
Oct 10, 2015 · 145,000 milesService brakes REPEATED PULLEY AND THEN BELT FAILURE CAUSING STEERING AND BREAKING TROUBLE. REPAIRS DO NOT LAST. LOCAL DEALERS DON'T HAVE LASER ALIGNMENT TOOL TO CHECK ALIGNMENT. THE INTERNET IS FILLED WITH BELTS FLYING OFF BECAUSE OF RAIN OR SLUSH IN THIS VEHICLE, MY PULLEYS JUST DISINTEGRATE WITH OUT THE WATER. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF AFTERMARKET SOLUTIONS BUT THEY SEEM HIT OR MISS. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN BY GRAND MOTHER WITH THE GRAND CHILDREN ABOARD FAR ENOUGH AWAY FOR A $150.00 TOW BILL. ITS LUCKY SO FARE ITS BEEN ON CITY STREETS AND AT LOW ENOUGH SPEEDS THAT A PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OVER CAN BE FOUND. THE PULLEYS THAT SEEM TO FAIL ARE THE IDLER AND THE TENSIONER PULLEYS.…
Apr 13, 2013 · 279,000 milesService brakes TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM PUMP AND MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 279,000.
Mar 1, 2013 · 150,000 milesService brakes SECOND TIME, NO BRAKES NO TRAVEL OF PEDAL. SEEMS LIKE DIFFERENT BRAKES WOULD BE IN ORDER. *TR
Jan 23, 2011 · 68,000 milesService brakes, hydraulic TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO APPLY HEAVY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL DURING THE FAILURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V099000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Apr 1, 2011 · 271,000 milesService brakes, hydraulic HELLO, I HAVE A ABS RECALL DONE AND IT WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY AND CAUSED MY VAN TO ALMOST GO OF THE ROAD, THE DEALER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND SAID TAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE, I NEED HELP WITH THIS. E-MAIL COPIES ATTACHED: [XXX], MY NAME IS [XXX], I LIVE IN COTTAGE GROVE AND HAD OUR DODGE CARAVAN'S ABS BRAKES REPAIRED AT YOUR DEALERSHIP AND WE HAVE A MAJOR ISSUE CONCERNING THE REPETITIVE AND INCOMPETENT REPAIRS DONE AT YOUR FACILITY. CHRYSLER'S SAFETY DEFECT REPORT # (96V-099), NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V099000 TO BE SPECIFIC. A PDF FILE OF THIS IS ATTACHED FOR YOUR VIEWING, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS LETTER AND THEN THE CAMPAIGN PDF COMPLETELY, THE ODI RESUME DATED 6-24-1996…
Mar 7, 2010 · 110,000 milesService brakes, hydraulic TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT IS UPSET BECAUSE HE HAS HAD HIS BRAKES REPAIRED TWICE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. THE CONTACT JUST FOUND OUT THERE WAS AN RECALL ON HIS YEAR/MAKE AND MODEL. HE INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE WITH THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY COVER THE EXPENSES IF THE CONTACT VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 40MPH AND THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. THE CONTACT PUT ON HIS EMERGENCY BRAKES AND PULLED OVER. HE LATER DROVE IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 159733.
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
EA97020 · opened Sep 30, 1997 · closed Jul 27, 1999 · led to recall 99V189000FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER ALLEGED FAILURES OF WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS
EA97005 · opened Apr 10, 1997 · closed Dec 23, 1997 · led to recall 97V149000SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FAILURES There is no summary currently available
PE97013 · opened Apr 2, 1997 · closed Sep 30, 1997WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WHILE IN USE
DP97001 · opened Mar 12, 1997 · closed Apr 2, 1997WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON 1989 AND LATER CHRYSLER MODELS WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPIRIT/ACCLAIM: DYNASTY/NEW YORKER/LANDAU; LANCE/LEBARON; SHADOW/SUNDANCE; CARAVAN/VOYAGER.HOWEVER, BASED ON ODI'S COMPLAINT RECORDS, ONLY CERTAIN MINIVANS WILL BE INVESTIGATED
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.
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…
PE93084 · opened Sep 30, 1993 · closed Jan 31, 1994REAR HATCH LATCH FAILURE There is no summary currently available
EA92033 · opened Oct 9, 1992 · closed Apr 29, 1993REAR WINDOW SHATTERING There is no summary currently available
PE92053 · opened Jun 8, 1992 · closed Oct 9, 1992WINDOW SHATTERING There is no summary currently available