Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While traveling 65 MPH noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. Consumer ,therefore, existed vehicle when the vehicle caught on fire. Fire department called on scene of fire could not determine cause. Please provided further details.
The air-conditioning unit stopped blowing cold air without warning. When I took my van to the mechanic, he informed me that he was unable to detect any leak in the system and with my permission recharged the system back in September. It worked fine for about two months then once again,without warning,it stopped blowing cold air.I called the manufacturer,and they bluntly told me that it was my problem since the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty had long expired. I countered to no avail that two seperate independant mechanics had informed me that a number of Dodge owners with the same air-conditioning units had been complaining to them of the same problem.in addition, I also had found out that Chrysler had extended several model warranties to 7 year/70,000 miles including the grand cherokee because of faulty air-conditioning evaporators which I believe is the same or similar one presently …
At approximately 58500 miles the head gasket on the engine failed. It was replaced under a purchased extended warrantee. I was not informed by anyone that Chrysler had a program in place to cover the cost of repairs though such a program existed. At 75419 miles the headgasket blew again. Only this time the head was cracked as well. I was charged over $1625.00 for the repairs eventhough it appears the original repairs were ineffective. After much discussion the car dealer warranteed the repairs for 36000 miles or 3 years. This offer was never made on the original repairs. Other problems with the car include the front struts going out at 42000 miles (it took over four trips to the dealer to get the problem mostly corrected), a frozen brake caliper causing premature ware out of the left front brakes, a suspension system that bottoms out harshly on roads with dips. …
This is the area to refer to for description of the problem I am having with my car. I have owned this 1995 Dodge Caravan since feb. 1998, and have had the oxygen sensor replaced 4 times since then (the last in late March 2000), and am about to have to replace it for the fifth time. I have taken the car to 3 different shops, and they are not able to find out why the oxygen sensor keeps failing. It costs $100 - $200 each time to get it replaced, and the problem is appearing on the average of every month-and-a-half now, so I am looking at spending $1200 / yr just to replace oxygen sensors. This does not take into account potential accident costs. When the oxygen sensor starts going bad, our car does not react to the accelerator being pressed right away, so we instinctly press harder. When it finally reacts, the car surges forward. …
I was driving when I heard a metallic crunch and suddenly I could not turn the wheel in any direction. I managed to park.. The pulley was broken and the belt was off .fortunately I had stopped to pick up my daughter .we had to travel on I 95 s and would have been going at least 60 MPH. This was very expensive for me because we were on our way out of town for a family emergency and I had to take the only rental car which was available $277. Have my car towed $80. And pay for repairs $255..the dealer acts as thogh this is a commo occurence and something to be expected.. I have been driving for about 40 years and never had this happen I also have a water leak under the drivers mat and from the roof into the storage area in the back .they also ac like this is perfectly normal and told me I need to take it to a place that checks out leaks and pay .
Valve cover gasket leak @24000 miles replaced by dealer. Still leaking at 26000 miles replaced by dealer at approx. 30000 miles head was checked dealer stated head was good replaced head gasket and valve cover gasket dealer stated that any future problems with same components would be taken care of. Expertienced intermittent check engine light dealer checked and stated every thing okay replaced oxygen sensor. Still intermittent check engine light at approx 70395 coolant bubbling out of over flow replaced radiator cap vehicle now overheated test for carbon monoxide gas in coolant system shows positive indication bad head gasket or head dealer does not want to repair even though problem was never properly repaired
First, we were running the A/C on the highway for about 15 minutes and when we got off onto another freeway and stopped for a traffic signal the engine stalled. Every time we stopped it failed again. Then the A/C also caused the check engine light to come on on the interstate at 65 MPH and remain on, we took to a repair shop and the diagnostic showed a bad EGR valve. Then the rear liftgate support has broken causing the liftgate to fall onto a person and caused injury to the head.
Dealer was going to replace the transmission, but after several hours of labor, they decided to replace a differential pin on the transmission after only 52,000 miles. Dealer would not cover cost of repair. It sounds like many people have had similar problem, is there going to be a recall? Also, the dealer has recharged the air conditioner 3 times within the past 3 years. Each time they charged me for it. I find it hard to believe that a charge would last only one summer.
Cyclinder head cracked at around 40,000 miles and was replaced by the dealer. At approrimately 69,500 miles the head the dealer replaced at 40,000 miles cracked again. In talking to a friend in louisiana their van had the exact same problem at almost the same mileage. I have asked them to email this same questionaire to you. The head crackes and leakes antifreeze and water into the cyclinder compartment causing the vehicle to run real rough and overheat.
Engine stalled while decelerating and turning. Lost power steerring and brakes. Almost turned into oncoming 18 wheeler and almost rear-ended by another. This failure has happened 10-12 times previously. Have taken to dealer twice for problem. Dealer response has been that this is normal or that it might be bad gas, but use the same gas in other car with no problem. Replaced the EGR valve, but no improvement.
Engine complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Dodge Caravan, 14% of the model year's 489 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (35 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Caravan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Dodge Caravan, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Caravan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.