Model year record

1991 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls & problems

The 1991 Dodge Grand Caravan has 6 safety recalls and 129 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (36 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints129filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 6reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

StructureSep 2, 1999

Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments

Recall 99V2130001,318,189 vehiclesopened 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.

VisibilityJul 16, 1999

Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages

Recall 99V189000828,559 vehiclesopened 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 beltsSep 9, 1997

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 97V1480001,100,000 vehiclesopened 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 beltsSep 9, 1997

Front › Anchorage

Recall 97V1490001,100,000 vehiclesopened 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.

SteeringNov 18, 1996

Steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 96V229000675,000 vehiclesopened 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, hydraulicJun 13, 1996

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Recall 96V099000321,000 vehiclesopened 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.

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	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Master cylinder	36	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Buckle assembly	25	0	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)	17	1	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system › Fuel rail; Fuel injection system	16	0	0	159,986 mi
StructureBody › Door › Hinge and attachments; Body › Hatchback/liftgate	13	0	3	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	10	2	0	—
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Wiring › Interior/under dash	6	4	0	—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor	6	0	0	—
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Headlights › Concealment devices	5	1	0	—
Service brakes	3	0	0	140,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control	2	0	0	—
TiresTemporary/emergency spare tire; Tread/belt	2	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes
NHTSA RECALL: 96V099000 LIFETIME COVERAGE...BENDIX 10 ABS BRAKE FAILURE. CHRYSLER CORPORATION DENIED REIMBURSEMENT OF REPAIRS ON 10/20/2020..
Sep 16, 2020 · 294,998 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE AND TRAVELED HALFWAY TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES EVENTFULLY ENGAGED AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED SEVERAL TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE ANTI-LOCK AND BRAKE INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THEY WERE NOT EQUIPPED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC REFERRED THE CONTACT TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO THEN REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GLENBROOK DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP (100 W COLISEUM BLVD, FORT WAYNE, IN 46805, (260) 579-4713) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED…
May 16, 2018 · 66,000 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN WHICH THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TO REPLACE THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V099000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE RECURRED AND CAUSED THE REDUCED POWER ASSIST TO FAIL DURING BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION OTHER THAN SUGGESTING THE PART BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE SAME PART BEING REPLACED WOULD PREVENT THE FAILURE OR IF THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE…
Apr 19, 1996 · 140,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
NHTSA RECALL #96V099000, REFERENCING ABS LIFETIME WARRANTY. DEALER CRYSTAL CHRYSLER CENTER, CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, (760) 324-4557, HAS FAILED TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE ABS SYSTEM OF THIS VEHICLE UNDER THE MANDATED NHTSA LIFETIME WARRANTY. DEALER HAS HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR OVER SIX MONTHS WITH THE EXCUSE THAT "DIAGNOSIS" IS IN PROCESS. CHRYSLER CORPORATION'S "EXECUTIVE REFERRAL" CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE (586) 274-8177, HAS FAILED TO ASSURE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. ABS ANTI-LOCK LIGHT REMAINS ON, PUMP AND ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY CONTINUES TO FAIL AND HAS CREATED A "DEAD SHORT" IN THE "FUSIBLE LINKS" CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN THE WIRING HARNESSES. NO MATTER THE MILEAGE OF THIS VEHICLE, I AM…
Jan 15, 2015 · 285,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
FUEL RAIL LEAKS GAS INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR
Nov 26, 2009 · 189,485 miles
Tires › Tread/belt
PEP BOYS FUTURA PLUS TOURING SE P215/70R/15WW. PART#WK14CPU754. PURCHASED SET OF 4 ON 4/28/2004 AT HAMPTON, VIRGINIA PEP BOYS. BELT SEPARATION AFTER 18,000 MILES. HALF THE WIDTH OF THE TIRE FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 INCHES CIRCUMFERENCE BULGED OUT APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH. HAPPENED WHILE SETTING IN DRIVEWAY. SERVICE ADVISOR AT DEALER WHERE PURCHASED INITIALLY DENIED IT WAS A DEFECTIVE TIRE, THEN SAID THAT IS WHAT HE HAD BEEN TOLD TO SAY BY MANAGEMENT. MANAGER THEN OFFERED TO PRORATE AND REPLACE WITH SAME TIRE, THAT HAS NOW BEEN REBADGED AS A DEFINITY TIRE, AT A PRICE THAT IT WAS ALREADY BEING SOLD AT IN SETS OF 4. APPARENTLY HE ASSUMED I WAS IGNORANT. NOW RUNNING ON SPARE AND GOING TO BUY A SET OF…
Jun 29, 2007 · 182,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME WITH MY FOUR KIDS WHEN I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. WHEN MY HUSBAND GOT HOME I HAD HIM LOOK AT IT TO FIND OUT IT WAS LEAKING GAS FROM THE FUEL RAIL SO BAD THAT THERE WAS STANDING GAS ON THE VALVE COVER LEAKING INTO WHERE MY SPARK PLUGS ARE. I CONTACTED THE PLACE I AM BUYING IT FROM AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT, UNLESS I PAY FOR IT. IS THERE ANY RECALL IN THIS PROBLEM?I SEE THERE HAS BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS SAME AS MINE. *JB
Dec 9, 2005 · 154,033 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES TO COME TO A STOP. WHEN PROCEEDING TO PULL OFF VEHICLE HESITATED AND WOULD NOT MOVE. WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER FOR SERVICE IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE ABS NOT UNLOCKING.*AK
Mar 11, 2005

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

REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORTOpenLed to recall 97V079000
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…
RQ99004 · opened Apr 19, 1999
SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FAILURESClosedLed to recall 97V149000
There is no summary currently available
EA97005 · opened Apr 10, 1997 · closed Dec 23, 1997
SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATIONClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE96008 · opened Jan 25, 1996 · closed Jun 28, 1996
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATIONClosedLed to recall 96V229000
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…
EA95029 · opened Sep 26, 1995 · closed Nov 13, 1996
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILSClosedLed to recall 96V099000
There is no summary currently available
EA94028 · opened Jul 29, 1994 · closed Jun 24, 1996
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILSClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE94024 · opened Mar 7, 1994 · closed Jul 29, 1994
LIFTGATE LATCHESClosed
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…
EA94005 · opened Jan 31, 1994 · closed Oct 25, 1995