Owners have filed 30 complaints
about the 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan with NHTSA between 1996 and 2004.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
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.
Sep 1996peak 5Oct 2004
NHTSA investigations into the 1989 Dodge Grand 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
Recalls on the 1989 Dodge Grand 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.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cottonwood, AZ1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION LOCKED, OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, AND THE SIDE DOOR HAD COME OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. IN AN ATTEMPTED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE CONSUMER REACHED FOR THE COIL WIRE AND THE WARPED SEAL GAVE AWAY AND BURNED THE CONSUMER'S HANDS AND FACE. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10019454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottonwood, AZ1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE IGNITION LOCKED, OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, AND THE SIDE DOOR HAD COME OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. IN AN ATTEMPTED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE CONSUMER REACHED FOR THE COIL WIRE AND THE WARPED SEAL GAVE AWAY AND BURNED THE CONSUMER'S HANDS AND FACE. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10019454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lafayette, INCrash
SEAT BELTS
DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT 30MPH, THE CENTER SEAT RIGHT SIDE SEAT BELT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE BELT BUCKLE.
NHTSA complaint #813626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Indianapolis, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
RECALL CAMPAIGN 04 V 357 000/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR/MIL: THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THE (CMP) SENSOR AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *JB *SC
NHTSA complaint #10099060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
POWER TRAIN
AIR CONDITIONING, PAINT AND TRANSMISSION AS OF TODAY HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAS THE A-604 ULTRADRIVE TRANSMISSION. AND IT IS STUCK IN ONE GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10069399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AIR CONDITIONING, PAINT AND TRANSMISSION AS OF TODAY HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAS THE A-604 ULTRADRIVE TRANSMISSION. AND IT IS STUCK IN ONE GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10069399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AIR CONDITIONING, PAINT AND TRANSMISSION AS OF TODAY HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAS THE A-604 ULTRADRIVE TRANSMISSION. AND IT IS STUCK IN ONE GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10069399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,896 milesLongview, TX
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
PURCHASED TWO 205/75R15 COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES FOR FRONT OF 1989 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ON DECEMBER 27, 2002 WITH 143,136 MILEAGE. TIRES HAD STEEL BELT SHOWING BADLY ON INSIDE OF BOTH TIRES AFTER 2,500 MILES. REPLACED ON APRIL 13, 2004 WITH 145,896 MILEAGE(AFTER ONLY 2,760 MILES) WITH TWO MORE 205/75 R15 COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES. COOPER DEALER SAID THAT HE WOULD NOT EVEN BOTHER TO CONTACT COOPER TO ASK FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT. NOW DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION ON DANGER OF THESE TIRES AND THE USELESSNESS OF SO CALLED 45,000 MILES WARRANTY NOW SEEKING WAY TO CONTACT COOPER TIRES TO ASK FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT OF THESE COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES. RICHYT.
NHTSA complaint #10066290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottonwood, AZ1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION LOCKED, OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, AND THE SIDE DOOR HAD COME OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. IN AN ATTEMPTED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE CONSUMER REACHED FOR THE COIL WIRE AND THE WARPED SEAL GAVE AWAY AND BURNED THE CONSUMER'S HANDS AND FACE. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10019454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottonwood, AZ1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE IGNITION LOCKED, OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, AND THE SIDE DOOR HAD COME OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. IN AN ATTEMPTED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE CONSUMER REACHED FOR THE COIL WIRE AND THE WARPED SEAL GAVE AWAY AND BURNED THE CONSUMER'S HANDS AND FACE. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10019454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellevue, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
HOW MANY OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE TO FAIL BEFORE D-C OWNS UP TO POOR ENGINEERING/DESIGN??
NHTSA complaint #758921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niantic, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
IN A DESIGN ATTEMPT TO INCREASE GAS MILEAGE THE TRANSMISSION WAS BUILT TO "COASTS OR FREEWHEELS" DOWNHILL AT IDLE RPM OF APPROX 1000 AND ZERO ENGINE COMPRESSION BRAKING. THE RESULT IS EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION DOWNHILL, TAILGATING AND/OR EXCESSIVE BRAKE COMPONET WEAR.
NHTSA complaint #754060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niantic, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
OVERALL BUILD QUALITY/REPAIR RELIABILITY/PARTS MFRG FAR BELOW AVG WITH NUMEROUS ROAD SIDE FAILURES UNSAFE. NO, SAFETY DEFCT STATED.
NHTSA complaint #754063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niantic, CT
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
UNDER VAN SPARE TIRE CARRIER PLATE CORROSION FAILURE, FLAT PLATE BECAME V & DROPPED SPARE TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #754061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niantic, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
OVERALL BUILD QUALITY/REPAIR RELIABILITY/PARTS MFRG FAR BELOW AVG WITH NUMEROUS ROAD SIDE FAILURES UNSAFE. NO, SAFETY DEFCT STATED.
NHTSA complaint #754063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niantic, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
WINDSHIELD SUN VISOR MATERIAL SELECTION IS DEFECTIVE, CRUMBLES & DISINTIGRATES WITH AGE, DROPS INTO EYES OF DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER.
NHTSA complaint #754062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellsville, PA
TIRES
TIRE TREAD CAME ALMOST COMPLETELY OFF AT 45 MPH CAUSE DAMAGE TO LEFT REAR FENDER AREA. THREE MONTHS LATER THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED BUT DIDN'T COME OFF AS MUCH SO NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THESE TIRES WERE ON THE REAR OF A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. WITH THE FIRST ONE I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE BUT NOW I AM SURE IT WASN'T. BOTH TIRES STILL HAVE GOOD TREAD. I KEPT BOTH TIRES. *AK (DOT NUMBER: HY DRT 195 TIRESIZE: P215/70R14)
NHTSA complaint #750285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, NC
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
AFTER SEEING INFORMATION ON TIRE RECALL. CONSUMER THEN CHECKED HIS VEHICLE TIRES FOUND CRACKS AND TIRES SPLIT. FIRESTONE FR360 205/75 R14.
NHTSA complaint #869592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedar Grove, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END OF VEHICLE DUE TO THE BALL JOINTS/ CV JOINTS UNDER THE LEFT DRIVER SEAT HAVE GONE BAD AND NEEDED REPLACING. ALSO, SHE HAD TWO OTHER DODGE PRODUCTS, MINI VANS IN WHICH BALL JOINTS FAILED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #867704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluff City, TN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS BEFORE FAILING AT 127,000 MILES. REMAN. TRANSMISSION INSTALLED WENT ONLY 12,375 MILES WHEN IT FAILED. DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE. THIRD TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT ANOTHER DEALER WENT ABOUT 65,000 MILES AND FAILED ALSO. MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH TRANSAXLE CONTROLLERS, SPEED SENSORS. DEALERS CAN'T SEEM TO REPAIR WITHOUT REPLACING COMPLETE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #711202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmingdale, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW WITH A 4 SPD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES, WITH NO COST TO ME EXCEPT THE TIME I DIDNT HAVE MY VEHICLE. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ON THIS COMPONENT.
NHTSA complaint #716698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Haven, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE PAINT PROCEEDED TO PEEL OFF AND RUST IMMEDIATELY
NHTSA complaint #713887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clovis, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ABOUT EVERY 10,000 MI. TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE WORKED ON. OF COURSE THERE IS ALWAYS AN EXCUSE FROM THE DODGE MECHANICS AND I END UP PAYING FOR IT. I,M SURE THE TOTAL IS AROUND 5,000.00. THESE PROBLEMS HAD ALSO HAPPEN TO THE PREVIOUS OWNERS BECAUSE ALL THE RECEIPTS HAVE BEEN FORWARDED TO EACH OWNER, ME BEING THE LAST.
NHTSA complaint #712451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Heights, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE VEHICLE WILL DROP FROM OVERDRIVE TO 2ND GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION TWO TIMES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #848885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MC Kinney, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PAINT PEELING BADLY. CRUISE JUST TAKES OFF WHEN SET. DIES CONSTANTLY ON HOT/HUMID DAYS. SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY AND SOUNDS LIKE AIR IS COMING IN.
NHTSA complaint #541715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.