IllustrationLEFT FRONT STRUT WAS FRACTURED AND DRAGGING TO THE GROUND WHEN DRIVER WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVERWAY. TIRE WAS MAKING A GRINDING SOUND DUE TO TIRE RUBBING AGAINST IT. *AK *JB
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 reportsSUDDEN ACCELERATION. STARTING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE VAN BEGAN ACCELERATING WITHOUT CONTROL. ATTEMPTS TO STOP WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. ACCELERATION STOPPED AS SUDDEN AS IT STARTED. CAR DEALER SAID IT POSSIBLY WAS A BUILD UP OF "CARBON AROUND THE AIRINTAKE FLAP CAUSING IT TO STICK OPEN". PAID $160 FOR MAINTENANCE TO CLEAN THE INTA…
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SUDDEN ACCELERATION. STARTING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE VAN BEGAN ACCELERATING WITHOUT CONTROL. ATTEMPTS TO STOP WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. ACCELERATION STOPPED AS SUDDEN AS IT STARTED. CAR DEALER SAID IT POSSIBLY WAS A BUILD UP OF "CARBON AROUND THE AIRINTAKE FLAP CAUSING IT TO STICK OPEN". PAID $160 FOR MAINTENANCE TO CLEAN THE INTAKE. IT WAS A SCARY INCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK
SEVERE SHUTTERING STEERING WHEEL. *AK
AT 35MPH CONTROL ARM SNAPPED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL. . DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
CONSUMER STATES WHILE COMING DOWN RAMP, THE DOOR FRAME HAS A PIECE OF METAL THAT STICKS OUT, CONSUMERS CLOTHING GOT CAUGHT ON METAL AND ARM WAS MUTALATED AND FRACTURED. CONSUMER FEELS THIS PIECE OF METAL IS VERY UNSAFE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB
SIDEWALL OF TIRE BLEW OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE TIRE HAD LESS THAN 16,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS INFLATED PER DODGE'S RECOMMENDATION. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE AND IT SHOWS NO SIGN OF A PUNCTURE IN THE TREAD. I E-MAILED GOODYEAR WITH A COMPLAINT BUT HAVE YET TO RECIEVE A RESPONSE. THE DODGE CARAVAN HANDLED VERY WELL AFTER THE…
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SIDEWALL OF TIRE BLEW OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE TIRE HAD LESS THAN 16,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS INFLATED PER DODGE'S RECOMMENDATION. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE AND IT SHOWS NO SIGN OF A PUNCTURE IN THE TREAD. I E-MAILED GOODYEAR WITH A COMPLAINT BUT HAVE YET TO RECIEVE A RESPONSE. THE DODGE CARAVAN HANDLED VERY WELL AFTER THE BLOWOUT AND WAS EASILY CONTROLLED. *AK
PLEASE NOTE THAT REPAIRS WERE DONE BY PATALANO CHRYSLER IN FRANKLIN MA. 508-520-1550 - GOT A GOOD DEAL AT MOTORQUEST WHICH IS FAR FROM MY HOME....MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THREE TIMES TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF THE AIRBAG LIGHT NOT GOING OUT AFTER A FEW MOMENTS....THE FIRST REPAIR, WHICH ONLY WORKED FOR A FEW MILES WAS TO THE "WIRING" AN…
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PLEASE NOTE THAT REPAIRS WERE DONE BY PATALANO CHRYSLER IN FRANKLIN MA. 508-520-1550 - GOT A GOOD DEAL AT MOTORQUEST WHICH IS FAR FROM MY HOME....MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THREE TIMES TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF THE AIRBAG LIGHT NOT GOING OUT AFTER A FEW MOMENTS....THE FIRST REPAIR, WHICH ONLY WORKED FOR A FEW MILES WAS TO THE "WIRING" AND THE LAST TWO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN TO REPLACE A "CLOCKSPRING" IN THE STEERING COLUMN I BELIEVE....MY CONCERN IS THAT IF I TRY TO KEEP THIS VEHICLE I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE (AT APPROX. $300 A POP) THE CLOCKSPRING EVERY 8000 MILES OR SO. I WANTED YOU TO BE AWARE IN CASE THIS IS A MANUFATURER'S DEFECT, AS OPPOSED TO A BIT OF BAD LUCK ON MY PART.*AK
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP AND CHILD IN SAFETY SEAT IN REAR END OF VEHICLE WAS NOT RETAINED DUE TO SAFETY SEAT BELT FAILRE AND WAS THROWN OUT FROM CAR SEAT.*AK
WHILE DRIVING TODDLER THAT WAS SITTING IN CHILD SEAT ON SECOND ROW BENCH OUTBOARD SEAT CHILD SEAT CAME COMPLETELY OFF BENCH SEAT WHILE ATTACHED TO SEATBELT. CHILD FELL NEAR SLIDING DOOR. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
MR.GERALD LOTTO IS AN ATTORNEY ON BEHALF OF SHERRI CAPONE STATING THAT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A COLLISION. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND MS. CAPONE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE FACIAL INJURIES. *TT
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.