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.
Lock
1136.7%
Hatchback/Liftgate
413.3%
Support Device/Strut
413.3%
Retractor
310.0%
Filler Pipe AND CAP
26.7%
Carrier/Rack
26.7%
Door
26.7%
Radiator Assembly
26.7%
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.
Feb 1995peak 12Jul 2001
NHTSA investigations into the 1986 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
PE90079Opened 7 May 1990Closed 2 Oct 1990VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
REAR SEAT STRUCTURE 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 1986 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.
86V010000
SEATS
FIRST REAR SEATS WERE INSTALLED WITH AN INCORRECT LEFT SIDE SEAT RISER WHICH CAUSES FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT LOADING REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 207, SEATING SYSTEMS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED, THE SEATS MAY BECOME DETACHED, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES TO ITS OCCUPANTS.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Kazenovia, NY1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
WHILE TRUNK LID WAS OPENED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION TRUNK LID DROPPED, CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER. PLEASED PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #865416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cutler, CA1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
PLASTIC CAN'T BE USED FOR RADIATORS!
NHTSA complaint #710417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED, THEN WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER HOOD, HEARD EXPLOSION, THEN BLACK SMOKE POURED FROM ENGINE, FLAMES ENGULFED VEHICLE TOTALLY, NO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #810862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FIRE CAUSED BY THE RUBBING OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKING INTO THE WIRING HARNESS. TT
NHTSA complaint #977678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Roya, OHCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #489499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hulmeville, PACrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GEAR, PARKED ON FLAT SURFACE ROLLED AND DOWN ENBANKMENT AND HIT A TREE, IMPACT 6:00 POSITION. TT
NHTSA complaint #972723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lake Oswego, OR
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A NOISE, HE WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE, AND PULL OVER TO SHOULDER, HE NOTICED THAT LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED. *AK THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE IS FIRESTONE DAYTON THOROBRED STEEL P235/75 R15 M/S.
NHTSA complaint #892546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kazenovia, NY1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
WHILE TRUNK LID WAS OPENED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION TRUNK LID DROPPED, CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER. PLEASED PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #865416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hastings, MI
TIRES
VEHICLE PROCEEDING DOWN FREEWAY-LEFT REAR TIRE DISINTAGRATED. WHEN TIRE BLEW-THE TIRE COMPONENTS COMPLETLY TORE OFF THE FUEL FILLER INLET HOSE, AT THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING ENTIRE CONTENTS OF FUEL TANK TO POUR ONTO ROADWAY. THIS IS A SIXTEEN PASSENGER CHURCH VAN. FUEL DID NOT IGNITE. IF IT WOULD HAVE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL SITUATION- PERSON FILLING THIS FORM OUR IS J.P. SARVER- CHIEF OF POLICE- HASTINGS POLICE DEPT. (616) 945-5744, WHO IS ALSO AN ACCIDENT SCENE RECONSTRUCTIONISTS.
NHTSA complaint #721560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hastings, MI
TIRES
VEHICLE PROCEEDING DOWN FREEWAY-LEFT REAR TIRE DISINTAGRATED. WHEN TIRE BLEW-THE TIRE COMPONENTS COMPLETLY TORE OFF THE FUEL FILLER INLET HOSE, AT THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING ENTIRE CONTENTS OF FUEL TANK TO POUR ONTO ROADWAY. THIS IS A SIXTEEN PASSENGER CHURCH VAN. FUEL DID NOT IGNITE. IF IT WOULD HAVE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL SITUATION- PERSON FILLING THIS FORM OUR IS J.P. SARVER- CHIEF OF POLICE- HASTINGS POLICE DEPT. (616) 945-5744, WHO IS ALSO AN ACCIDENT SCENE RECONSTRUCTIONISTS.
NHTSA complaint #721560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hastings, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
VEHICLE PROCEEDING DOWN FREEWAY-LEFT REAR TIRE DISINTAGRATED. WHEN TIRE BLEW-THE TIRE COMPONENTS COMPLETLY TORE OFF THE FUEL FILLER INLET HOSE, AT THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING ENTIRE CONTENTS OF FUEL TANK TO POUR ONTO ROADWAY. THIS IS A SIXTEEN PASSENGER CHURCH VAN. FUEL DID NOT IGNITE. IF IT WOULD HAVE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL SITUATION- PERSON FILLING THIS FORM OUR IS J.P. SARVER- CHIEF OF POLICE- HASTINGS POLICE DEPT. (616) 945-5744, WHO IS ALSO AN ACCIDENT SCENE RECONSTRUCTIONISTS.
NHTSA complaint #721560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hastings, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
VEHICLE PROCEEDING DOWN FREEWAY-LEFT REAR TIRE DISINTAGRATED. WHEN TIRE BLEW-THE TIRE COMPONENTS COMPLETLY TORE OFF THE FUEL FILLER INLET HOSE, AT THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING ENTIRE CONTENTS OF FUEL TANK TO POUR ONTO ROADWAY. THIS IS A SIXTEEN PASSENGER CHURCH VAN. FUEL DID NOT IGNITE. IF IT WOULD HAVE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL SITUATION- PERSON FILLING THIS FORM OUR IS J.P. SARVER- CHIEF OF POLICE- HASTINGS POLICE DEPT. (616) 945-5744, WHO IS ALSO AN ACCIDENT SCENE RECONSTRUCTIONISTS.
NHTSA complaint #721560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colbert, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
CORROSION WITHIN THE ENGINE AT THE FIREWALL, CAUSING GROUND STRAPS TO SEPARATE, AND RESULTING IN FUEL SPRAYING ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ALSO, GAS WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL FILTER. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #859244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colbert, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
CORROSION WITHIN THE ENGINE AT THE FIREWALL, CAUSING GROUND STRAPS TO SEPARATE, AND RESULTING IN FUEL SPRAYING ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ALSO, GAS WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL FILTER. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #859244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rutherford, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
REAR FISHTALES WHEN BRAKES ARE MODERATELY APPLIED.LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE IS IMMINENT IN WET WEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #716223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cutler, CA1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
PLASTIC CAN'T BE USED FOR RADIATORS!
NHTSA complaint #710417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gray, TN
SUSPENSION:REAR
TRANSAXLE FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO LOCKUP TWICE.
NHTSA complaint #537751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edgewood, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
EGR VALVE KEEPS MELTING IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. REPAIRS WERE MADE AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED IT COULD BE FUEL LAYING IN THE SYSTEM, PROBLEM CANNOT BE DUPLICATED.
NHTSA complaint #830309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colts Neck, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
SERPENTINE BELT FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #537337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, MI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
THE PROP ROD FOR THE HOOD CAME LOOSE AND FELL ON THE OWNER'S HEAD. MECHANIC SYAS MAY HAVE BEEN FAULTY.
NHTSA complaint #823545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pascagoula, MS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
ENGINE DIESELS AND RADIATOR BURST.
NHTSA complaint #535009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pascagoula, MS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
ENGINE DIESELS AND RADIATOR BURST.
NHTSA complaint #535009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thetford Center, VT
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
DIFFICULTY GETTING REPAIRS DONE, RECALL #6404.
NHTSA complaint #503608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED, THEN WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER HOOD, HEARD EXPLOSION, THEN BLACK SMOKE POURED FROM ENGINE, FLAMES ENGULFED VEHICLE TOTALLY, NO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #810862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane, WA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #510326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elyria, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #509998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
POOR SEAT AND SHOULDER BELT PERFORMANCE, THE LATCH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT RELEASE, THE CONSUMER HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT IN ORDER TO GET OUT.
NHTSA complaint #804067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colqued, MN
SEATS
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE IN HALF AND THE DRIVER FELL BACK AND ENDED UP IN THE REAR SEAT. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #982628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FIRE CAUSED BY THE RUBBING OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKING INTO THE WIRING HARNESS. TT
NHTSA complaint #977678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.