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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

What owners actually said

257 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

COOLING FANS SOMETIMES (MOSTLY IN COOL WEATHER) RUN CONTINOUSLY . FANS COME ON WHEN COMING TO A STOP.I BROUGHT THE VAN IN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THERE WASN'T ANY THING WRONG. MY FRONT BRAKE PADS WORE OUT AT 10,000 MILES ON 9/11/2001. BRAKE PADS WERE AGAIN REPLACED ON 12/26/2001 WITH APP…

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COOLING FANS SOMETIMES (MOSTLY IN COOL WEATHER) RUN CONTINOUSLY . FANS COME ON WHEN COMING TO A STOP.I BROUGHT THE VAN IN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THERE WASN'T ANY THING WRONG. MY FRONT BRAKE PADS WORE OUT AT 10,000 MILES ON 9/11/2001. BRAKE PADS WERE AGAIN REPLACED ON 12/26/2001 WITH APPR. 16,000 MILES ON MY SPEEDOMETER.

NHTSA ODI #757401

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2002
Seats

REAR SEAT ANCHORS(ISOFIX) STICK UPWARD FROM SEAT BACK. ANCHORS INTERFERES WITH CHILD SEAT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER BENT ANCHORS DOWNWARD. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8002555

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

ENGINE FIXED FIRST TIME, THEN HAD NEW ENGINE BY CHRYSLER, NOW BACK AT DODGE DEALER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #756804

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2002
Child Seat

RETAINER CLIP ON INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT IS TOO LOOSE, WILL BREAK IF INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE CRASH. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8001847

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2001
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE AND AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON, GAUGES STARTED ACTING UP, AND HEADLIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. CONSUMER LOST ALL POWER. ALSO, HAD NO BRAKES, AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. HEARD A POPPING NOISE UNDER HOOD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #897345

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2001
Visibility

WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. MECHANIC STATED DID 21 POINT TEST AND JIGGLED WIRE TO GET WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKING AGAIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #897342

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2001
Suspension

ALL SEEM TO BE RELATED TO A HANDLING PROBLEM. THE VAN/MOTORHOME VIOLENTLY WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, 60 + MPH. IT IS EXTREMLY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE THE VEHICLE. WHEN YOU PAY $60K PLUS FOR A VEHICLE, YOU EXPECT A BETTER HANDLING VECHICLE THAN THIS VAN/MOTORHOME. I'M VERY DISAPOINTED WITH DODGE. THE REAR SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED, …

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ALL SEEM TO BE RELATED TO A HANDLING PROBLEM. THE VAN/MOTORHOME VIOLENTLY WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, 60 + MPH. IT IS EXTREMLY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE THE VEHICLE. WHEN YOU PAY $60K PLUS FOR A VEHICLE, YOU EXPECT A BETTER HANDLING VECHICLE THAN THIS VAN/MOTORHOME. I'M VERY DISAPOINTED WITH DODGE. THE REAR SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED, BUT WITH NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE HANDLING. THE HANDLING IS EVEN WORSE WHEN THERE'S A SLIGHT SIDE WIND. I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE "LEMON LAW" BUT IF I COULD RETURN THE VECHICLE TO DODGE AND GET THE PURCHASE PRICE BACK, I WOULD DO IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT MIGHT TAKE TO FIX THE HANDLING PROBLEM, STRONGER FRONT SPRINGS, DIFFERENT TIRES, DIFFERENT STEERING BOX, DIFFERENT STEERING RODS AND ARMS, BUT SOMETHING NEEDS TO GET CHANGED AT DODGE'S EXPENSE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #752460

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2001
Air Bags

AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN MAKING A TURN. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #895206

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2001
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A GAS LEAK. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #562716

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2001
Air BagsCrash

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT, CONSUMER COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE ON TIME AND CRASH INTO REAR OF OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #894473

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.