Dodge Caravan Problems by Year

We compared every Dodge Caravan model year from 1995–2015 using 6,643 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 31 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2005, 2000, 2008, 1996 and 1997, which drew far more complaints than other Caravan years at the same age. The best years are 2014, 2015 and 2013.

21model years
6,643complaints
31recalls
2005, 2000worst years
2014, 2015best years

Complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’154891.4k71462955547025724519565537173813021181727887302023
Owner complaints per model year, Dodge Caravan. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
201523−87%—TransmissionGood
201420−89%—ElectricalGood
201330−84%—ElectricalGood
201287−55%—ElectricalGood
201178−60%—ElectricalGood
2010172−13%2ElectricalAverage
2009118−41%2ElectricalGood
20083021.6×2ElectricalCaution
200781−63%—EngineGood
2006173−28%2ElectricalAverage
20055372.7×4Door Lock & LatchAvoid
200465−78%1Fuel SystemGood
2003195typical3SteeringAverage
20022451.3×4AirbagAverage
20012571.3×3AirbagAverage
20004702.2×4TransmissionAvoid
19995552.8×5AirbagAvoid
19986293.3×5EngineAvoid
19977143.8×7AirbagAvoid
19961,4037.8×9AirbagAvoid
19954892.7×1TransmissionAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median Caravan year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Dodge Caravan problems

Latest Dodge Caravan recalls

Suspension › Rear

NHTSA recall 10V-164 · Apr 23, 2010 · 834 vehicles

The braun corporation is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 Chrysler town & country and Dodge caravan mobility conversions which were altered by braun between January 21, 2009 and March 19, 2010. During conversion, the chassis was raised and the floor was lowered to accommodate wheelchair accessibility features.

Remedy: Braun will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on June 4, 2010. Owners May contact braun toll-free at 1-800-488-0359.

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap

NHTSA recall 10V-148 · Apr 13, 2010 · 843 vehicles

The braun corporation is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 Chrysler town & country and Dodge caravan commercial entervans which were altered by braun between January 21, 2009 and March 19, 2010. During conversion, the chassis was raised and the floor was lowered to accommodate wheelchair accessibility features.

Remedy: Braun will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on June 4, 2010. Owners May contact braun toll-free at 1-800-488-0359.

Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA recall 10V-008 · Jan 11, 2010 · 308,950 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 Dodge caravan, grand caravan and Chrysler town & country vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, nebraska, new…

Remedy: Chrysler will replace the front airbag sensors with a new design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety improvement campaign will begin during June 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA recall 07V-192 · May 3, 2007 · 270,958 vehicles

Certain minivans are being recalled that were originally sold in or currently registered in the 27 states plus the district of columbia that use greater amounts of salt for winter road deicing.

Remedy: For vehicles registered in the recall states, dealers will replace the original uf air bag sensors with ones with greater corrosion resistance.

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

NHTSA recall 06V-067 · Mar 8, 2006 · 268,800 vehicles

On certain vans and sport utility vehicles, the front windshield wiper motor armature shaft May break.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper motor free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2006, to Dodge durango owners. Minivan owners will be notified during July 2006.

All 31 Dodge Caravan recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Dodge Caravan should you avoid?

2005, 2000, 2008, 1996, 1997 and 1998 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Caravan years at the same age, led by locks & latches problems in the 2005.

What is the best year for the Dodge Caravan?

2014 has the fewest complaints compared with other Caravan years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2013. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Dodge Caravan problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (1,215), air bags (1,059) and engine & cooling (974). Electrical complaints peak in the 1996 model year.

How many recalls has the Dodge Caravan had?

31 recalls across 1995–2015. The model year with the most is 1996. See all Dodge Caravan recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.