NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Hatchback/Liftgate
517.9%
Gasoline
414.3%
Engine
414.3%
Accelerator Pedal
310.7%
Support Device/Strut
310.7%
Lock
310.7%
Door
310.7%
Automatic Transmission
310.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 24Dec 1999
NHTSA investigations into the 1985 Dodge Caravan
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA94005Opened 31 Jan 1994Closed 25 Oct 1995STRUCTURE
LIFTGATE LATCHES
LIFTGATE LATCHES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE FAILED IN LOW AND MODERATE SPEED IMPACTS RESULTING IN OCCUPANT EJECTIONS, INJURIES, AND FATALITIES.THERE ARE TWO FAILURE MODES ASSOCIATED WITH LATCH FAILURE: FORK BOLT-DETENT LEVER BYPASS, AND INERTIAL UNLATCHING.NHTSA ANALYSES OF CHRYSLER AND PEER MINIVANS TOOK THE FORM OF STATIC AND DYNAMIC CRASH TESTING, ENGINEERING EVALUATIONS, COMPLAINT AND FIELD ANALYSES, AND REAL WORLD DATA ANALYSES.A TECHNICAL REPORT DISCUSSING THESE ANALYSES CAN BE FOUND IN THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TECHNICAL REPORT IN THE PUBLIC VIEWING FILE.CHRYSLER HAS ADVISED NHTSA THAT...
EA91010Opened 10 Dec 1990Closed 31 Dec 1991POWER TRAIN
TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE
EA90030Opened 31 May 1990Closed 24 Sep 1990EQUIPMENT
SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILS
EA90011Opened 23 Feb 1990Closed 28 Feb 1991EXTERIOR LIGHTING
UNDERDASH FIRES
PE90030Opened 9 Jan 1990Closed 31 May 1990EQUIPMENT
SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILURE
PE89170Opened 26 Sep 1989Closed 23 Feb 1990ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
UNDERDASH FIRES
PE88095Opened 22 Aug 1988Closed 15 Feb 1989SEATS
BROKEN DRIVERS SEAT
Recalls on the 1985 Dodge Caravan
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
08E033000
SUSPENSION
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
95I001004
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITHOUT REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.
Risk: IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
95I001008
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITH REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.
Risk: IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
85V164000
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL SUNSCREEN REAR GLASS WHICH HAS LESS THAN 70 PERCENT LUMINOUS TRANSMITTANCE AND DOES NOT HAVE A PASSENGER SIDE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 111, REAR VIEW MIRRORS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE DRIVERS OF THESE VANS DO NOT HAVE THE MINIMUM FIELD OF VISION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 111. WITHOUT THIS MINIMUM FIELD OF VISION THE DRIVER CANNOT MANEUVER HIS VEHICLE SAFELY AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
85V053000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
ROADWAY STONES MAY BECOME LODGED IN THE HEIGHT SENSING BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO FAIL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: PROPORTIONING VALVE MALFUNCTION RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING HARD BRAKING WITH A LIGHT LOAD AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
84V150000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE METAL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE MAY CRACK AT THE FUEL PUMP END DUE TO VIBRATION. THE CRACK MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. (THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE CONNECTS THE FUEL PUMP TO THE FUEL FILTER.)
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 198700168,025 units in Canada
Emissions
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. PLUGGED CHOKE VACUUM DELAY VALVE. NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2 LITRE CARBURETED ENGINES.
Recall 1985141755 units in Canada
Label
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 111 - rearview mirrors.
Recall 198505426,568 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, stones could become lodged in the height sensing brake proportioning valve. Inhibited valve function, due to stone intrusion, may result in increased stopping distances during severe braking with light loads.
Recall 19841548,066 units in Canada
THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO THE FUEL FILTER COULD EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING AT THE FUEL PUMP END AS THE RESULT OF RESONANT VIBRATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE AND PRESENT THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Wautoma, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
ELECTRICAL WIRING TO LIGHTS IGNITED.
NHTSA complaint #490456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warwick, RICrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
DRIVER SEATBACK BROKE AFTER BEING HIT FROM BEHIDE WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #983104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
THE CAR WAS PARKED AND FOR NO REASON IT WAS ON FIRER. THE INSURANCE AGENT SAID IT WAS FUEL LINE FAILUR*AKE.
NHTSA complaint #980135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
THE CAR WAS PARKED AND FOR NO REASON IT WAS ON FIRER. THE INSURANCE AGENT SAID IT WAS FUEL LINE FAILUR*AKE.
NHTSA complaint #980135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delmar, MDCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
RETRACTOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE FAILED TO LOCK UP DURING A REAR END COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #980186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delmar, MDCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
RETRACTOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE FAILED TO LOCK UP DURING A REAR END COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #980186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Denver, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #716152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
MY DODGE CARAVAN MINIVAN IS ON HIGH . WHEN I DRIVE IT IT WILL REMAIN ONE SPEED UNTIL I PUT THE BRAKE ON. I KNOW THESE CARS WERE RECALLED. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND OF MY INVESTMENT. THE DOOR PANEL LIGHTS ALSO GET EXTREMELY HOT. THEY HAVE BURNT HOLES IN THEMSELVES AND HOLES ON MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS.
NHTSA complaint #710042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
MY DODGE CARAVAN MINIVAN IS ON HIGH . WHEN I DRIVE IT IT WILL REMAIN ONE SPEED UNTIL I PUT THE BRAKE ON. I KNOW THESE CARS WERE RECALLED. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND OF MY INVESTMENT. THE DOOR PANEL LIGHTS ALSO GET EXTREMELY HOT. THEY HAVE BURNT HOLES IN THEMSELVES AND HOLES ON MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS.
NHTSA complaint #710042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyomissing, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
HATCHBACK WINDOW IS RUSTING AROUND THE EDGE, AND THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP. THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE HATCHBACK WINDOW.
NHTSA complaint #831706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coopersville, MI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE HOOD FLEW UP INTO THE WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #828153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dolton, PA
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
CABLE THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE RUSTED AND BROKE. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #825334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wautoma, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #490456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wautoma, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
ELECTRICAL WIRING TO LIGHTS IGNITED.
NHTSA complaint #490456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wautoma, WI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
REAR DOOR LATCH UNLOCKS ON ITS OWN.
NHTSA complaint #490456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bothell, WA
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
LEFT INNER TIE-ROD END FAILED, CAUSING WHEELS TO COME OFF IN TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.
NHTSA complaint #524327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison, OH
VISIBILITY
PLASTIC WINDOW LATCH CRACKED/CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #523668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Petersburg, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE RUNNING ON ITS OWN COMPRESSION EVEN THOUGH THE IGNITION KEY HAD BEEN TURNED OFF.
NHTSA complaint #519123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKES PULSATED DUE TO WARPED BRAKE ROTORS.
NHTSA complaint #518474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mishawaka, IN
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE RUSTED.
NHTSA complaint #514887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stamford, IL
TIRES
WAS DRIVING HOME THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND RUBBED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE, CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT .
NHTSA complaint #808441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stamford, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
WAS DRIVING HOME THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND RUBBED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE, CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT .
NHTSA complaint #808441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake IN THE Hills, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHILE ACCELERATING AT 55 MPH, SUDDENLY RECEIVED NO ACCELERATION, GAS PEDAL DROPPED TO FLOOR, BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM REAR EXHAUST, DEALER CALLED IT PHANTOM/GHOST PROBLEM, COMMON TO THIS VEHICLE; DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM, HAPPENS AT CONTINUED HIGH SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #806265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Plain, MO
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT FAILED (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
NHTSA complaint #505363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FRONT PASSENGER'S LAP/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTED AND LOCKED UP AND COULD NOT GET CHILD OUT OF THE SEAT, HAD TO CUT SEAT BELT TO GET CHILD OUT.
NHTSA complaint #801039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayville, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN AN IDLE POSITION IN PARK, JUMPED OUT GEAR, ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER YARD, HITTING STEPS.
NHTSA complaint #986014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Plain, MO
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELT BROKE LOOSE FROM ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE FLOOR IN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
NHTSA complaint #502993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION SLIPPED/FAILED TWICE.
NHTSA complaint #501221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
FRONT STRUTS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #501221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
BALL JOINTS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #501221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
CONTROL ARM FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #501221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.