IllustrationVEHICLE 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
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 reportsINVESTIGATIVE REPORT BY NEWS CHANNEL, WTVT FOX 13 INVESTIGATES, APRIL 25,2003. UNSAFE SEAT BELTS IN DAIMLER/CHRYSLER VEHICLES. PARTICULARLY THE GEN3 AND GEN4'S. *JB
WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED. BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE THE DEALER TECHNICIAN WAS TEST DRIVING. THE DEALER CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.
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
THE LEFT REAR TIRE ON MY DODGE CARAVAN BLEW OUT AND RIPPED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS WAS A SCARY SITUATION BECAUSE HAD THERE BEEN A LOT OF TRAFFIC THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS PERHAPS FATAL ACCIDENT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE TO HAVE BEEN DAMAGE WITHIN TWO WEEKS. I BELIEVE THE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE. I WOULD LIKE AN…
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THE LEFT REAR TIRE ON MY DODGE CARAVAN BLEW OUT AND RIPPED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS WAS A SCARY SITUATION BECAUSE HAD THERE BEEN A LOT OF TRAFFIC THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS PERHAPS FATAL ACCIDENT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE TO HAVE BEEN DAMAGE WITHIN TWO WEEKS. I BELIEVE THE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE. I WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION DONE. I ALSO DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR FOR FEAR OF AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING BAD DEFECTIVE TIRES. I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY TIRES REPLACED AT NO COST TO ME BECAUSE THE DAMAGE WAS NOT MAY FAULT. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. *JB
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. *JB
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
THE VEHICLE EMMITED A HORRIBLE SMELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED AND WAS FOUND TO HAVE 26 TYPES OF MOLD GROWING IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STRIP CLEANED THE VEHILCE BUT THE PROMLEM PERSISTED. MANY OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE HAVE BECOME ILL. PH *NLM
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB
THERE WAS A SMELL IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A DEMO. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOUND OVER 26 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOLD IN THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED A STRIP CLEANING OF THE ENTIRE INTERIOR. HOWEVER THE SMELL HAD COME BACK, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HEATER WAS BLOWING. SCC …
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THERE WAS A SMELL IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A DEMO. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOUND OVER 26 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOLD IN THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED A STRIP CLEANING OF THE ENTIRE INTERIOR. HOWEVER THE SMELL HAD COME BACK, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HEATER WAS BLOWING. SCC *JB
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.