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2001 Dodge Grand Caravan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 284.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

200 reports with mileage · 98 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 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 37 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 reports1 fire reports8 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

48 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2009
Exterior Lighting

PROBLEM BEGAN APPROX. SEPT/08HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FLICKER AND/OR GO OUT SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE IS STARTED. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS CONTINUE TO OPERATE. HAVE BEEN TO DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR A FIX, BUT HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10263882

90,121 miles · Feb 26, 2009
Exterior Lighting

OWN 2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 75 MPH AT NIGHT. LIGHTS GO OFF FOR 2 MINUTES, HAVE TO PULL OVER. LIGHTS COME BACK ON. COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. HEADLIGHTS TURN ON 1 SIDE ONLY ALL THE TIME. FRONT CONTROL MODULE DEFECTIVE. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, NEW REPLACEMENT PART CORRECTS PROBLEM TEMPORARIL…

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OWN 2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 75 MPH AT NIGHT. LIGHTS GO OFF FOR 2 MINUTES, HAVE TO PULL OVER. LIGHTS COME BACK ON. COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. HEADLIGHTS TURN ON 1 SIDE ONLY ALL THE TIME. FRONT CONTROL MODULE DEFECTIVE. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, NEW REPLACEMENT PART CORRECTS PROBLEM TEMPORARILY BUT NOT PERMANENT. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AS OF TODAY 2/26/2009. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259992

176,000 miles · Dec 24, 2008
Exterior Lighting

I OWN A 2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THAT IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON, ONLY THE LEFT LIGHT COMES ON, WHEN YOU PUT THE HIGHBEAMS ON ONLY THE RIGHT LIGHT WILL LIGHT. WE HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS, BUT THIS HAS NOT TAKEN CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAIN…

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I OWN A 2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THAT IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON, ONLY THE LEFT LIGHT COMES ON, WHEN YOU PUT THE HIGHBEAMS ON ONLY THE RIGHT LIGHT WILL LIGHT. WE HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS, BUT THIS HAS NOT TAKEN CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE, IS SEEMS AS IF IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FRONT MODULE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252721

Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2008
Exterior Lighting

WHEN TURNING ON THE HEADLIGHTS, ONLY THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WILL LIGHT ON LOW BEAMS. WHEN SWITCHING TO HIGH BEAMS, ONLY THE LEFT HIGH BEAM WILL ILLUMINATE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250686

120,000 miles · Nov 27, 2008
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHT PROBLEM: VEHICLE HAS DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. WITH HEADLIGHTS OFF, DRIVING WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ONLY THE LEFT HEADLAMP IS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON THE LOW BEAM ON THE RH SIDE ILLUMINATES, BUT NOT THE LEFT. WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SWITCHED TO HIGH BEAM, THE LH LAMP ILLUMINATES BUT THE RH DOE…

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HEADLIGHT PROBLEM: VEHICLE HAS DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. WITH HEADLIGHTS OFF, DRIVING WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ONLY THE LEFT HEADLAMP IS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON THE LOW BEAM ON THE RH SIDE ILLUMINATES, BUT NOT THE LEFT. WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SWITCHED TO HIGH BEAM, THE LH LAMP ILLUMINATES BUT THE RH DOES NOT. INTERNET CHAT DISCUSSIONS INDICATE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM A WEEK AGO AND REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULBS, WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I WILL NOW TRY A SOLUTION TO IMPROVE THE CONNECTIONS FROM THE CONTROL MODULE TO THE FUSE BLOCK, AS INDICATED BY SEVERAL CONTRIBUTORS TO AN ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250001

64,598 miles · Nov 25, 2008
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS. THE DAYLIGHTS HAVE ONE LIGHT ON AND THE OTHER OFF. TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE OTHER LIGHT GOES OUT JUST OPPOSITE. PULLED THE FCM AND CLEANED THE CONTACT WORKED FOR AWHILE THEN BACK TO THE SAME THING. THE FCM PLUGS INTO THE MAIN FUSE BLOCK SEEMS LIKE THE CONNECTION HERE IS NOT A GOOD ONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10249754

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2008
Exterior Lighting

2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HEADLIGHTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. ONLY ONE SIDE WORKS AT A TIME AS YOU ALTERNATE BETWEEN HIGH BEAM AND LOW BEAM. DEALER HAD ME SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO TRY AND FIX AND STILL DOES NOT WORK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10246087

149,000 miles · Oct 16, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I OWN A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. DURING OPERATION ONLY THE DRIVER SIDE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT COMES ON. WHEN HEADLIGHTS TURNED ON, ONLY PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT COMES ON. ONLY ONE HEADLIGHT WORKS AT ANY TIME. NOT ENOUGH LIGHT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. IT IS A CONSTANT ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10245723

112,000 miles · May 19, 2008
Exterior Lighting

INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS. EITHER RIGHT WORKS OR LEFT WORKS BUT NOT BOTH AT SAME TIME. CHANGED FRONT MODULE AND WORKED FOR A DAY AND NOW NOT WORKING AGAIN. SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE 2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228149

80,000 miles · May 6, 2008
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHT FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10226766

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

3

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.

EA04031 · Power Liftgate Latch

Opened Nov 22, 2004 · Closed Apr 7, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages; Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Latches/locks/linkages

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.