Owners have filed 236 complaints
about the 1989 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA between 1995 and 2007.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
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.
Automatic Transmission
4432.8%
Lock
2518.7%
Engine
1511.2%
Door
1511.2%
Gasoline
118.2%
Hatchback/Liftgate
107.5%
Support Device/Strut
86.0%
Ignition
64.5%
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 29Apr 2007
NHTSA investigations into the 1989 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.
DP98003Opened 11 Mar 1998Closed 10 Apr 1998POWER TRAIN
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE
THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION FAILED TO PRODUCE A QUALITY TRANSMISSION IN ITS MODEL YEAR 1989 MINIVANS, WHICH CAN FAIL IMMATURELY
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...
PE92027Opened 10 Mar 1992Closed 3 Jun 1992STRUCTURE
R/HTCHBCK HYDR.CYLIN.FAILS
PE91062Opened 19 Mar 1991Closed 31 Jul 1991EQUIPMENT
REAR WIPER SWITCH/FIRES
PE91026Opened 4 Jan 1991Closed 1 May 1991SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
EA91010Opened 10 Dec 1990Closed 31 Dec 1991POWER TRAIN
TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE
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
Recalls on the 1989 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.
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.
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.
91V053000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
INBOARD FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY STRAPS CAN SUFFER FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE STRAP NEAR ITS ANCHOR POSITION.
Risk: FATIGUE FAILURE OF SAFETY BELTS IN A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT CONDITION RESULTS IN INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANT.
89V237000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
Risk: THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199106571,876 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
CONTINUED FLEXING OF THE INBOARD FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY STRAPS CAN RESULT IN EVENTUAL STRAP FAILURE NEAR THE ANCHOR LOCATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE INCREASED RISK OF FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT INJURY DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: STRAPS WILL BE INSPECTED AND REINFORCED OR REPLACED WITH A STRENGTHENED VERSION AS REQUIRED.
Recall 199102310,092 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1105 - evaporative emissions. Defective evaporative canister.
Recall 198917887,817 units in Canada
Engine
ON VEHICLES WITH 2.2 LITRE OR 2.5 LITRE EFI(NON-TURBO) ENGINE, THE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY LEAK OIL CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: VALVE COVER GASKET WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED COVER AND RTV SEALANT APPLIED IN PLACE OF THE GASKET.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Berkeley, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #763070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lindenwold, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WE WERE DRIVING ON RT 1 IN SMRNA DELAWARE AND IT FELT LIKE THE ENGINE LOST COMPRESSION. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURNED OFF THE VAN GOT OUT AND SAW FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 3/17/2002 AT 8/30 PM WITHIN MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #759811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lindenwold, NJFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WE WERE DRIVING ON RT 1 IN SMRNA DELAWARE AND IT FELT LIKE THE ENGINE LOST COMPRESSION. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURNED OFF THE VAN GOT OUT AND SAW FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 3/17/2002 AT 8/30 PM WITHIN MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #759811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MOCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
WHILE TRAVELING AT 20 MPH PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATBELT DID NOT HOLD PASSENGER WHEN VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT SPRING INSIDE OF THE MECHANISM BROKE, THIS SPRING STOPPED SEATBELT FROM COMING OUT OF SEATBELT RETRACTOR IN COLLISION. PASSENGER WAS THROWN AGAINST WINDSHIELD, AND INJURED NECK AND HEAD. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #891384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntingtown, MDFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHEN TRAVELING VEHICLE STALLED/CUT OFF AND CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #857975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
W. Berlington, IAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
WHILE PARKED VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BECAUSE THE NEWLY INSTALLED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS DEFFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #853885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 230,000 milesGlen Ellyn, IL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
THERE HAS DEVELOPED AN UNUSUAL AND UNSAFE CONDITION IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK MECHANISM THAT ON A REGULAR BASIS CAUSES THE DOOR TO LOCK BY ITSELF WHEREBY IT IS UNABLE TO BE UNLOCKED BY ANY MEANS FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IS FROM THE OUTSIDE BY USE OF THE KEY.
NHTSA complaint #10187003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belleville, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 89V237000. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AS WELL AS MADE SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS TO GET HIS CAR SERVICED. HOWEVER, TO THIS DAY HIS CAR HAS STILL NOT BEEN SERVICED.
NHTSA complaint #10103209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clairton, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND WITH NO WARNING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. CONSUMER HAS MADE CONTACT WITH DEALER. *AK *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10034067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,083 milesCedar Rapids, IA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTOR LEAK SPRAYS HIGH PRESSURE GASOLINE ON TOP OF INTAKE MANIFOLD. LARGE AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE LEAK FROM INJECTOR ONTO HOT COMPONENTS OF ENGINE. LEAKAGE INCREASES DRAMATICALLY WITH DECREASE IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. INJECTOR: BENDIX DEKA 4418213
NHTSA complaint #10004921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY AFTER A NEW ONE WAS INSTALLED, INITIALLY THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE BREAKAGE OF TWO AXLES, MAIN AXLE, VAC PINION AND BOTH FRONT BEARINGS (R4761821-AA TRANSMISSION-41T 2100 2001). NLM
NHTSA complaint #567335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MOTOR MOUNTS SHATTERED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #567335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED. *YH
NHTSA complaint #566766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES AND CALIPERS WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #566766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
TIRES
TWO FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #566766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
STARTER FAILED AND WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #566766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TIMING BELT, WATER PUMP, OIL SEAL, CRANKSHAFT AND VALVE GASKET WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TEMPERATURE WAS HIGH DUE TO RADIATOR HOSE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #566766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johnson, RI
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
WIRE STRAND THAT HOLDS SPARE TIRE ONTO VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE, IT SNAPPED, CAUSING SPARE TIRE TO FALL OFF.*AK JLG
NHTSA complaint #8013202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berkeley, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #763070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
VIBRATION CAUSING BODY OF DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO CRACK . BOLTS THAT HOLD LOCKING MECHANISM HAD EXPANDED, AND THEY FELL INSIDE OF DOOR. DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #8006672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lindenwold, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WE WERE DRIVING ON RT 1 IN SMRNA DELAWARE AND IT FELT LIKE THE ENGINE LOST COMPRESSION. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURNED OFF THE VAN GOT OUT AND SAW FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 3/17/2002 AT 8/30 PM WITHIN MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #759811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lindenwold, NJFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WE WERE DRIVING ON RT 1 IN SMRNA DELAWARE AND IT FELT LIKE THE ENGINE LOST COMPRESSION. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURNED OFF THE VAN GOT OUT AND SAW FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 3/17/2002 AT 8/30 PM WITHIN MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #759811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MOCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
WHILE TRAVELING AT 20 MPH PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATBELT DID NOT HOLD PASSENGER WHEN VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT SPRING INSIDE OF THE MECHANISM BROKE, THIS SPRING STOPPED SEATBELT FROM COMING OUT OF SEATBELT RETRACTOR IN COLLISION. PASSENGER WAS THROWN AGAINST WINDSHIELD, AND INJURED NECK AND HEAD. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #891384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pantogo, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
WHILE BACK DOOR IS OPENED COULD BE PLACING ANYTHING INSIDE OF VEHICLE, BUT IT WILL BE DROPING DOWN ON CONSUMER'S HEAD. DEALER HAD TRIED TO FIX PROBLEM, BUT STILL PROBLEM CONTINUED JUST LIKE MENTIONED IN RECALL 95 I 001 008.
NHTSA complaint #886454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benton, AR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT NEARLY BRIGHT ENOUGH AND ARE AN UNSAFELY DESIGNED.
NHTSA complaint #742696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRUNK DOOR, WHEN OPENING WILL NOT STAY IN UP POSITION, WILL SLAM SHUT. ALSO WHEN VEHICLE PUT IN DRIVE, IT WILL NOT TAKE OFF. CONSUMER HAS TO DRIVE IT IN D1 CONSTANTLY, WHEN SHE DRIVES IT IN D2 VEHICLE WILL STALL. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #882353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
TRUNK DOOR, WHEN OPENING WILL NOT STAY IN UP POSITION, WILL SLAM SHUT. ALSO WHEN VEHICLE PUT IN DRIVE, IT WILL NOT TAKE OFF. CONSUMER HAS TO DRIVE IT IN D1 CONSTANTLY, WHEN SHE DRIVES IT IN D2 VEHICLE WILL STALL. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #882353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
THE RIGHT LIFT ON THE TAILGATE IS TEARING THE BODY MATERIAL AND LEAVING JAGGED METAL EXPOSED. I HAVE TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE NO LIABILITY IN THIS MATTER AND THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED BEFORE.
NHTSA complaint #734011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD BUT, DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO WRITE. IT IS THE PAINT & THE AIR CONDITIONER. IT HAS BEEN TOLD TO ME THAT IN 89 VEHICLES DID NOT RECEIVE PRIMER AND THEREFORE CAUSED PAINT TO CHIP. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS BUT TO PASSIFY ME THEY WOULD ALLOW 200 TO SPOT PAINT MY VAN AND I WOULD PAY 200 AT MAACO. NOT THERE DEALERSHIP SHOP BUT MAACO AND TO ONLY ALLOW SPOT PAINTING. I HAD ALREADY PAID TO HAVE THE HOOD AND FRONT FENDERS PAINTED BECAUSE IT WAS SO BAD AND THE ROOF IS NOW HORRIBLE! I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND FEEL IT IS ONLY RIGHT THEY PAINT THE VAN AND GET IT OVER WITH! I HAVE COMPLAINED FOR THE PAST FIVE OR MORE YEARS ABOUT THE VAN STALLING OUT IF I USE MY AIR CONDITIONER BUT NONE OF THE DODGE DEALERS CAN OR WILL FIND ANY PROBLEM SO I SUFFER IN THE HEAT. IF I USE THE A/C AND WHEN I REACH MY DESTINATION AND SHUT IT OFF EVEN IF I LET IT SIT OVERNIGHT THE VAN WILL STALL OUT.PLEASE FORWARD TO PROPER PEOPLE AND LET ME KNOW IF ANYTHING WILL BE DONE ABOUT THESE TWO PROBLEMS. I AM NOT TRYING TO MAKE MONEY ONLY WANT COMFORT . I PLAN ON BUYING ANOTHER DODGE PROBABLY IN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE YEARS AS OTHER THAN THE AFORE MENTIONED IRRATATIONS I HAVE ENJOYED MY VAN AND GOTTEN A LOT OF USE OUT OF IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT!
NHTSA complaint #725031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicargo, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHYWAY AND HEARD A BIG BOOMING SOUND. SHE PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER, AND NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #862853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richland, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED. YH
NHTSA complaint #784391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.