← New search

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
72,786 miles · Feb 19, 2008
Latches/locks/linkages

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. THE LOCKS WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY ON THEIR OWN. THE LOCKS WOULD ALSO MAKE AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, REAR HATCH, AND PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR NEEDED A LATCH COMPONENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHT…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. THE LOCKS WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY ON THEIR OWN. THE LOCKS WOULD ALSO MAKE AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, REAR HATCH, AND PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR NEEDED A LATCH COMPONENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01I003000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,786.

NHTSA ODI #10218566

130,000 miles · Aug 20, 2007
Steering

AUG. 20, 2007 - STEERING HAS BEEN LOCKING UP DAILY, FOR THE PAST YEAR ON MY 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A SERIOUS AND CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE HAD THE ISSUE LOOKED AT BY VARIOUS MECHANICS AND NONE CAN IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM FOR SURE. THEY ALL SAY THAT IT IS HAPPENING TOO OFTEN - IT'S VERY DANGEROUS BUT …

Read full complaint

AUG. 20, 2007 - STEERING HAS BEEN LOCKING UP DAILY, FOR THE PAST YEAR ON MY 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A SERIOUS AND CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE HAD THE ISSUE LOOKED AT BY VARIOUS MECHANICS AND NONE CAN IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM FOR SURE. THEY ALL SAY THAT IT IS HAPPENING TOO OFTEN - IT'S VERY DANGEROUS BUT THEY CAN ONLY 'TRY CHANGING THE RACK OR POWER STEERING PUMP OR FLUSHING THE FLUID....' NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. CHRYSLER HAS BEEN VERY NEGLIGENT WITH THIS ISSUE. I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO VOTE WITH THEIR FEET AND GO ELSEWHERE WHEN PURCHASING YOUR NEXT VEHICLE - NOT CHRYSLER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10200095

44,325 miles · Jul 13, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. THE SERVICE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF AN EVAPORATION LEAK AT THE FILLER NECK THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 44,325. THE CONSUMER STATED WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT OVER…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. THE SERVICE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF AN EVAPORATION LEAK AT THE FILLER NECK THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 44,325. THE CONSUMER STATED WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT OVER 300 CUSTOMERS NEEDED THE SAME PART. THE CONSUMER STATED WAS FINALLY ABLE TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED ON 07/27/07. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10196273

63,547 miles · Apr 12, 2007
WheelsCrashInjury

THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL BROKE OFF OF THE A FRAME CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO GUARD RAIL NOT FOR GUARD RAIL GRAND KIDS COULD HAVE BEEN HURT BAD OR EVEN KILLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10187715

Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2007
Electrical System

2 DAY'S AGO MY RADIO/CD PLAYER STOPPED WORKED. THE POWER IS CONSTANTLY, IT IS SHOWING THE LAST RADIO STATION THAT WAS ON AND THE DISPLAY ALSO SHOWS DISK SONG 7. NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUSH THE POWER BUTTON. THEN TODAY WHEN I PUT MY 4 WAYS ON THE REAR WIPER STARTED GOING AND THEN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDOW. NOW IT WILL…

Read full complaint

2 DAY'S AGO MY RADIO/CD PLAYER STOPPED WORKED. THE POWER IS CONSTANTLY, IT IS SHOWING THE LAST RADIO STATION THAT WAS ON AND THE DISPLAY ALSO SHOWS DISK SONG 7. NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUSH THE POWER BUTTON. THEN TODAY WHEN I PUT MY 4 WAYS ON THE REAR WIPER STARTED GOING AND THEN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDOW. NOW IT WILL NOT WORK AT ALL ALONG WITH THE FLUID DISPENSER. I CHECKED THE FUSES AND THEY ALL APPEAR TO BE OK CAN'T TELL WITH THE SOLID BLACK ONES THOUGH. ANY ADVISE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10186775

42,500 miles · Mar 6, 2007
Air BagsSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CLOCK SPRING HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES ON JUNE 27 2002, SEPTEMBER 2003 , AND JANUARY 3, 2007. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CLOCK SPRING HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES ON JUNE 27 2002, SEPTEMBER 2003 , AND JANUARY 3, 2007. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT LINKAGE ON THE FRONT SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A NOISE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE DEALER STATED THERE HAS BEEN A MODIFICATION TO THE LINKAGE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,500. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10184325

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2007
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS ALTERNATE OPERATION. WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED ON ONLY THE LEFT HEADLIGHT OPERATES AS A DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT SWITCH IS TURNED ON ONLY THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT OPERATES. THEN WHEN THE HIGH BEAM IS ACTIVATED, ONLY THE LEFT HIGH BEAM COMES ON.

NHTSA ODI #10182262

93,600 miles · Jan 26, 2007
Air Bags

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE SAFETY RECALL WAS ON THE CLOCK SPRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING IS EXACTLY WHAT HAS FAILED IN THIS VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG INDICATO…

Read full complaint

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE SAFETY RECALL WAS ON THE CLOCK SPRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING IS EXACTLY WHAT HAS FAILED IN THIS VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING. NEITHER SPEED NOR WEATHER WERE FACTORS IN THE CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10180814

81,000 miles · Nov 21, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

WATER PUMP REPLACED ON VEHICLE. AFTER THAT WHENEVER IT RAINS, THE FOLLOWING INTERMITTENTLY DO NOT WORK -- WINDSHIELD WIPERS, DEFROST/HEATER, RADIO/CLOCK, POWER WINDOWS. TOOK TO DODGE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. PROBLEM THOUGHT TO BE VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM. REPLACED -- THAT DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. VEHICLE IN SHOP ALMOST A WEEK AND…

Read full complaint

WATER PUMP REPLACED ON VEHICLE. AFTER THAT WHENEVER IT RAINS, THE FOLLOWING INTERMITTENTLY DO NOT WORK -- WINDSHIELD WIPERS, DEFROST/HEATER, RADIO/CLOCK, POWER WINDOWS. TOOK TO DODGE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. PROBLEM THOUGHT TO BE VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM. REPLACED -- THAT DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. VEHICLE IN SHOP ALMOST A WEEK AND PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED. THOUGHT TO BE ELECTRICAL. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10173983

47,000 miles · Nov 20, 2006
Air BagsSeat Belts

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PULLED OUT AT ALL. ALSO, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE SEAT BELT PROBLEM. WHE…

Read full complaint

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PULLED OUT AT ALL. ALSO, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE SEAT BELT PROBLEM. WHEN THE AIR BAG WAS TESTED, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A CODE WHICH ONLY THE DEALER COULD DECIPHER.

NHTSA ODI #10173837

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.