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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Structure complaints

12 reports
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115,000 miles · Nov 7, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire

PULLED VEHICLE OUT OF GARAGE AND SHORTLY AFTER FIRE STARTED TO COME UP OUT OF THE DASH. COMPLETE LOSS. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT TO TRY TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT IT SPREAD IN A MATTER OF MINUTES.. THIS WAS NOT MY CAR BUT MY MOTHER IN LAWS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10653375

185,673 miles · Aug 17, 2013
StructureVisibility

I WENT TO THE STORE TODAY, DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, MY DRIVERS SIDE VENT WINDOW SUDDENLY CAME LOOSE! I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, TOO LATE! IT FLEW INTO OPPOSING TRAFFIC AND SHATTERED ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE "HINGE" TO THE GLASS IS BARELY THERE. OBVIOUSLY, THE GLU…

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I WENT TO THE STORE TODAY, DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, MY DRIVERS SIDE VENT WINDOW SUDDENLY CAME LOOSE! I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, TOO LATE! IT FLEW INTO OPPOSING TRAFFIC AND SHATTERED ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE "HINGE" TO THE GLASS IS BARELY THERE. OBVIOUSLY, THE GLUE DID NOT HOLD TO A PAINTED SURFACE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10535887

200 miles · Jan 20, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingInterior LightingPower Train

I HAVE FILED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS CAR SINCE BUYING IN 2001 THIS LATEST ONE IS THE HEAT CONTROL KNOB IN THE DASH HAS FROZEN DEALER SAYS BROKEN AND WOULD COST 400 TO FIX, AT THAT PRICE IT SHOULDN'T BREAK AT ALL!CAR NOW HAS 50000 MILES. THIS IS THE SAME CAR THAT WITHIN THE FIRST 72 HOURS AND 200 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OU…

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I HAVE FILED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS CAR SINCE BUYING IN 2001 THIS LATEST ONE IS THE HEAT CONTROL KNOB IN THE DASH HAS FROZEN DEALER SAYS BROKEN AND WOULD COST 400 TO FIX, AT THAT PRICE IT SHOULDN'T BREAK AT ALL!CAR NOW HAS 50000 MILES. THIS IS THE SAME CAR THAT WITHIN THE FIRST 72 HOURS AND 200 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. TIE ROD ENDS WERE REPLACED 2 OR 3 TIMES AT 20000 AND 36700 MILES MOTOR ON WINDOW ALSO REPLACED CARPET REPLACED BECAUSE WATER SEEPING IN CAR I AM AFRAID OF THIS CAR. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10107613

Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2005
Structure

THE DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON 2001 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT. *BF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS EXTREMELY HOT TOUCH. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10109534

30,000 miles · Aug 11, 2004
Exterior LightingSteeringStructure

OUR DODGE CARAVAN SPORT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WE'VE HAD IT FOR 3 YEARS AND HAS ONLY 35,000 MILES ON IT. THIS STARTED HAPPENING AFTER THE 30,000 MILE MARK. WE HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND WE HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY THAT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. WE LIKED THE CARAVAN BECAUSE WE DID NOT HEAR BAD THINGS ABOUT IT. BUT NOW WE EXPERIEN…

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OUR DODGE CARAVAN SPORT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WE'VE HAD IT FOR 3 YEARS AND HAS ONLY 35,000 MILES ON IT. THIS STARTED HAPPENING AFTER THE 30,000 MILE MARK. WE HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND WE HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY THAT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. WE LIKED THE CARAVAN BECAUSE WE DID NOT HEAR BAD THINGS ABOUT IT. BUT NOW WE EXPERIENCED THESE THINGS AND WE ARE NOT ALONE MAKES ME RE-THINK OF NOT GETTING A CARAVAN AGAIN OR RECOMMENDING IT TO PEOPLE. WE'VE RUN INTO THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: FIRST ITEM IS THE POWER DOOR LOCK ON THE SLIDING DOOR. WHILE ON THE FREEWAY, THE LOCK WOULD UNLOCK AND LOCK. SECOND ITEM IS THE POWER WINDOWS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I'VE READ OTHERS WHO COMPLAINED ABOUT IT. THE POWER WINDOW DOES NOT GO UP AFTER IT HAS GONE DOWN. AN EFFORT TO GIGGLE IT UP IS THE TRICK. NOW IT JUST DOESN'T ROLL UP OR DOWN. THIRD ITEM IS THE POWER STEERING. WE HAVE A FAMILY FRIEND WHO ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM. THE POWER STEERING IS MAKING CLICKING NOISE AND WHILE PARKING IT HAS A LOUD AGONIZING HUM. FOURTH ITEM THE TURN SIGNALS DOES NOT TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY ONCE THE TURN HAS BEEN MADE. TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, SEE IF THEY HAVE SOME ANSWERS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10086661

41,023 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Structure

THE PASSENER SIDE TAIL LIGHT JUST FELL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTEE. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT THEY ARE GLUED ON! THERE IS NO REASON FOR IT. NO ACCIDENT/ NO UNUSUAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. AFTER THE LIGHT COVER FELL OFF THE LIGHT FIXTURE WAS HANG OUT BY THE CONNECTING WIRE. THE PLASTIC BOLTS THAT …

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THE PASSENER SIDE TAIL LIGHT JUST FELL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTEE. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT THEY ARE GLUED ON! THERE IS NO REASON FOR IT. NO ACCIDENT/ NO UNUSUAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. AFTER THE LIGHT COVER FELL OFF THE LIGHT FIXTURE WAS HANG OUT BY THE CONNECTING WIRE. THE PLASTIC BOLTS THAT HELD THE LIGHT FIXTURE GAVE WAY AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #10070617

20,000 miles · Nov 25, 2003
Seat BeltsStructure

THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK IN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAUSING THE DOOR TO JAM. THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER BEING REPAIRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM *MR

NHTSA ODI #10048684

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2003
Power TrainStructure

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

NHTSA ODI #10024314

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2003
Structure

I PURCHASED A BUMPER FOR 2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT MODEL FROM OHARE AUTO RECYCLING & REPAIR (280 OLD HIGGINS RD. UNIT 11 DES PLAINES,IL 60018- PHONE 847 299 1444). THE EMPLOYEE JOE GAVE A WRONG YEAR BUMPER, AND MADE US WAIT FOR OVER 3 WEEKS. I AM IN A RENT A CAR BUSINESS AND EXPLAINED TO JOE THAT I CANNOT LET MY VAN SIT ON …

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I PURCHASED A BUMPER FOR 2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT MODEL FROM OHARE AUTO RECYCLING & REPAIR (280 OLD HIGGINS RD. UNIT 11 DES PLAINES,IL 60018- PHONE 847 299 1444). THE EMPLOYEE JOE GAVE A WRONG YEAR BUMPER, AND MADE US WAIT FOR OVER 3 WEEKS. I AM IN A RENT A CAR BUSINESS AND EXPLAINED TO JOE THAT I CANNOT LET MY VAN SIT ON THE LOT FOR A LONG TIME. JOE PROMISES TO DELIVER THE BUMPER EVERY DAY SINCE LAST 3 WEEKS AND DOES NOT EVEN REFUND THE $250.00. JUST TODAY WHEN I SENT MY GUY WITH A RECEIPT TO GET THE REFUND THE OWNER OF THE STORE THREATENED TO THROW OUT MY EMPLOYEE OUT OF HIS STORE AND THREATENED ME OVER THE PHONE THAT IF I SEND MY EMPLOYEE EVERY AGAIN HE WILL KICK MY EMPLOYEES ASS AND THROW HIM OUT OF THE STORE. I BELIEVE JOE THE EMPLOYEE IS ON MEDICAL LEAVE AND THE OWNER IS SAYING THAT HE WILL NOT REFUND ANY MONEY TO ANYBODY AND THAT I SHOULD FORGET ABOUT MY MONEY. WE HAVE ALREADY RETURNED THE WRONG BUMPER BACK. PLEASE HELP IN DISCIPLINING THE OWNER AND HIS EMPLOYEE AND HELP ME IN GETTING MY $250.00 BACK. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10016397

23,032 miles · Mar 31, 2003
SteeringStructureUnknown Or Other

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE HAS DECREASED IN BRIGHTNESS. THE PROBLEM IS NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT. THERE IS A RESISTANCE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AND WHEN BACKING. THE RUBBER GASKETS CONTINUE TO FALL FROM THE SLIDING PASSENGER DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME TO WARM UP IN COLD WEATHER. THE…

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THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE HAS DECREASED IN BRIGHTNESS. THE PROBLEM IS NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT. THERE IS A RESISTANCE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AND WHEN BACKING. THE RUBBER GASKETS CONTINUE TO FALL FROM THE SLIDING PASSENGER DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME TO WARM UP IN COLD WEATHER. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. SCC

NHTSA ODI #10011594

Official recalls

3

04V531000 · 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

2

EA05009 · 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.