IllustrationTHE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WORKED FINE UNTIL I DROVE THE VAN HOME AFTER THE PLAZA DODGE OF HOLIDAY REPLACED THE SERP BELT. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AFTER THE VAN WAS SERVICED WHICH ALSO INCLUDED A TRANSMISSION FLUSH, THE TRANSMISSION HAD A TOTAL FAILURE. THE ENGINE RUNS BUT THE VAN WILL NOT MOVE.
2001 Dodge Caravan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge Caravan do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 182.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Caravan years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
250–25K
3425–50K
3150–75K
1875–100K
14100–150K
13150K+
135 reports with mileage · 122 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports3 fire reports12 injury reports
Power Train complaints
19 reportsCONSUMER STATES THAT CONTROL MODULE IN THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS HAVE A PULSATING PROBLEM CAUSING NIGHT DRIVING TO BE VERY DIFFICULT. *MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE PULSATING OF THE HEADLIGHTS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO THINK THERE IS A REFLECTION OF SOMETHING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VAN. THE PCM WAS REPLACED.*JB
VEHICLE SLAMS INTO SECOND GEAR WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CAUSING CAR TO NOSE DIVE AND ALMOST CAUSING IT TO BE REAR ENDED. INCIDENT OCCURRED 10/15/02, 10/26/02, 11/23/02 AND 04/29/03. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT DEALER AFTER HAVING BEEN "FIXED" THREE TIMES BEFORE THIS. *NLM
MY 2001 DODGE CARAVAN SE HAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT 35,000 MILES.THE VAN STOP ON THE FREEWAY FOR NO REASON AT ALL. THE DEALER FIX IT AND 2 WEEKS AFTER THAT THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT FORM 2ND GEAR. AND THE GAUGES DIDN'T WORK AT ALL. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS IS MY 2ND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVAN AND THE LAST ONE .I'LL BUY A HONDA F…
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MY 2001 DODGE CARAVAN SE HAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT 35,000 MILES.THE VAN STOP ON THE FREEWAY FOR NO REASON AT ALL. THE DEALER FIX IT AND 2 WEEKS AFTER THAT THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT FORM 2ND GEAR. AND THE GAUGES DIDN'T WORK AT ALL. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS IS MY 2ND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVAN AND THE LAST ONE .I'LL BUY A HONDA FOR NOW ON WHEN I PAY OR NEARLY PAY THIS ONE. I'M A DODGE MAN , I HAVE 2002 PT CRUISER THAT I HAD A RECALL ALREADY. THESE ARE THE LAST AMERICAN MADE CAR I'LL PURCHASE. I HAD PURCHASE 7 NEW VEHICLES IN THE PAST 10 YEARS(3 DODGE,1 GM, 2 HONDAS AND 1 MAZDA) I WAS VERY SATISFIED WITHIN ALL THE JAPANESE CARS BUT NOT WITH THE AMERICAN CARS.THERE ARE JUNK!!!! *JB
VEHICLE HAS JUMPED OUT OF GEAR WHILE CONSUMER WAS PARKED, AND VEHICLE WAS IN IDLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY DIED WITHOUT WARNING. DRIVER FELT LUCKY THAT VEHICLE MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *AK
DESIGN OF CONTROLS: THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IN ANY POSITION LOWER THAN D BLOCKS THE DRIVER'S KNEE WHEN MOVING FROM ACCELERATOR TO BRAKE. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN USING LOW RANGES IN DESCENDING A GRADE. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO PHYSICAL REASON NOT TO HAVE ANGLED THE TRANSMISSION LEVER HIGHER TO LEAV…
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DESIGN OF CONTROLS: THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IN ANY POSITION LOWER THAN D BLOCKS THE DRIVER'S KNEE WHEN MOVING FROM ACCELERATOR TO BRAKE. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN USING LOW RANGES IN DESCENDING A GRADE. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO PHYSICAL REASON NOT TO HAVE ANGLED THE TRANSMISSION LEVER HIGHER TO LEAVE CLEARANCE. THE EFFECT OF THIS POOR DESIGN IS THAT ONE DOES NOT USE ENGINE BRAKING ON A GRADE, INCREASING THE POSSIBILITY OF BRAKE FAILURE.*AK
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 M/P/H UP SMALL INCLINE TRANSMISSION SLIPS TO LOW GEAR AND THEN THE CAR STOPS MOVING FORWARD TOTALLY. NO LIGHTS LIGHT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. NO CODES ARE SET FOR THE MECHANICS TO CHECK. THIS HAPPENS SPORADICALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM AND WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO OF NOTE THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE GEARS ARE L…
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WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 M/P/H UP SMALL INCLINE TRANSMISSION SLIPS TO LOW GEAR AND THEN THE CAR STOPS MOVING FORWARD TOTALLY. NO LIGHTS LIGHT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. NO CODES ARE SET FOR THE MECHANICS TO CHECK. THIS HAPPENS SPORADICALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM AND WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO OF NOTE THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE GEARS ARE LIT ON THE DASH BUT NONE ARE HIGHLIGHTED SO THE CAR APPEARS TO BE TOTALLY OUT OF GEAR. I HAVE BEEN SO VERY LUCKY-IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES AND I WAS NOT REAR-ENDED IN TRAFFIC. THIS HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED IN THE MORNING AND ALWAYS AFTER I HAVE DRIVEN ABOUT 10 MILES AND ABOUT ONE HALF HOUR TO 1 HOUR.*AK
Official recalls
304V531000 · Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
Nov 2, 2004
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, CONDENSATION FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS MAY DROP THROUGH VENT HOLES IN THE TOP OF THE RADIO AND RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT SUBSEQUENTLY SENDS DIRECT CURRENT TO THE REAR SPEAKERS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SPEAKER FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A SPECIAL TAPE TO THE TOP OF THE RADIO TO PREVENT THE POTENTIAL OF WATER INTRUSION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
03V094000 · Structure
Mar 7, 2003
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
01V152000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
May 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT BOLT COULD FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE BOLT FRACTURES, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CROSSMEMBER, CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLTS AND NUTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA05009 · Headlight Malfunction
Opened Jun 1, 2005 · Closed May 2, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System
OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
PE05004 · Headlight Malfunction
Opened Feb 2, 2005 · Closed Jun 1, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.