IllustrationTHE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED AT 47,445 MILES. *NLM
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
What owners actually said
257 reportsTHE 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
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH TIRE EQUIPMENT AND ROUGH IDLE AT START UP. *MR (THERE WERE SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF ROUGH IDLE/ERRATIC ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND DEFECTIVE TIRES) *SCC *JB
THE POWER WINDOWS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT GO UP AFTER BEING POWERED DOWN. YOU HAVE TO WIGGLE THE WINDOW GLASS IN ORDER TO GET THE WINDOW TO GO BACK UP. THIS IS "DANGEROUS" IF YOU GET CAUGHT IN A SUDDEN THUNDERSTORM ON THE HIGHWAY WITH YOUR WINDOWS DOWN. IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT …
Read full complaint
THE POWER WINDOWS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT GO UP AFTER BEING POWERED DOWN. YOU HAVE TO WIGGLE THE WINDOW GLASS IN ORDER TO GET THE WINDOW TO GO BACK UP. THIS IS "DANGEROUS" IF YOU GET CAUGHT IN A SUDDEN THUNDERSTORM ON THE HIGHWAY WITH YOUR WINDOWS DOWN. IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT THAT YOU HAVE TO WIGGLE THE GLASS IN ORDER FOR THE WINDOW TO GO UP. IT'S LIKE THE WINDOW GETS OFF TRACK. *LA
IN THE 3RD ROW OF SEATS IN MY 2001 DODGE MINIVAN, A PASSENGER LEFT THE SEATBACK IN A SEMI-RECLINED POSITION. I LEANED IN TO RELEASE THE SEATBACK TO FULL UPRIGHT. WHEN I ENGAGED THE RELEASE, THE SEATBACK SNAPPED FORWARD WITH GREAT SPEED AND FORCE ALL THE WAY DOWN UNTIL IT RESTED ON THE SEAT. IN ITS PATH DOWNWARD, IT FAILED TO…
Read full complaint
IN THE 3RD ROW OF SEATS IN MY 2001 DODGE MINIVAN, A PASSENGER LEFT THE SEATBACK IN A SEMI-RECLINED POSITION. I LEANED IN TO RELEASE THE SEATBACK TO FULL UPRIGHT. WHEN I ENGAGED THE RELEASE, THE SEATBACK SNAPPED FORWARD WITH GREAT SPEED AND FORCE ALL THE WAY DOWN UNTIL IT RESTED ON THE SEAT. IN ITS PATH DOWNWARD, IT FAILED TO STOP IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE TOP OF THE SEAT STRUCK FULL IN MY FACE, BREAKING MY GLASSES, CAUSING A BRUISE AND ABRASION TO MY NOSE. IN SUBSEQUENT TESTS, THE SEATBACK ALWAYS FAILED TO STOP IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. *LA
WHEN DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON THE REMAINDER OF THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED. *AK
THERE IS A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE COMPUTER CHIP THAT HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT ANY SPEEDS OF 45 MPH OR GREATER. *AK
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL STALL, AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
CONSUMER STATES THAT CONTROL MODULE IN THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON WHILE DRIVING, DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS FAULTY "CLOCKSPRING" IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS SAME PROBLEM EXISTED AND WAS UNDER RECALL IN PREVIOUS YEAR CARAVANS. CALLED CHRYSLER ABOUT ISSUE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT THEIR ISSUE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS 50K MILES AND THE VEHICLE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT…
Read full complaint
AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON WHILE DRIVING, DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS FAULTY "CLOCKSPRING" IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS SAME PROBLEM EXISTED AND WAS UNDER RECALL IN PREVIOUS YEAR CARAVANS. CALLED CHRYSLER ABOUT ISSUE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT THEIR ISSUE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS 50K MILES AND THE VEHICLE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36K. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A ACCIDENT. I PAID THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING AT A COST OF $225.00. SINCE THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE LESS THAN 3 YEARS EARLIER I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE WAS ADAQUATELY RESOLVED.*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.