Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was backing out of a parking space in 2012, when the brakes completely failed, I had to put my vehicle into gear in order for it to stop. Even though I was only going 5 MPH or less, I was on a downhill slope. There wasn't an accident nor any damage, so I don't have that to report. The van was taken to towbin Dodge in henderson, nv that weekend I believe and I was told that the recall defect had been fixed. However, the horn, airbag light and ABS still do not work. My VIN #[redacted], my question is this. If the recall problem is still defective even though it's been repaired, what am I supposed to do?
My 98 Dodge Caravan had a failed clockspring, which caused the airbag, horn, and cruise control to not function. Chrysler has a recall on a failed clockspring for 96-98 Dodge caravans, and clearly states on its website it will reimburse customers for repairs to the clockspring. However, when I brought mine in for repair, and on subsequent phone calls and letters written to Chrysler, they indicate that my build date was not included in the recall. They need to expand the build date to later months in 1998, and consequently increase the amount of cars covered in the recall, because there is obviously a problem with the clockspring during my build date. This will cause people to have non-functioning airbags, cruise control, and horns, and unfortunately, May cause lives to be lost. …
While passing a tractor trailer on rt 422 west of pottstown without warning my rmp's shot up and I lost power. My check engine light came on. I pulled off the shoulder of the highway. The transmission was slipping and not shifting correctly. I was able to get my Caravan to quigley motors which is the local Dodge dealership. The diagnosis was 3rd gear was totally destroyed and they found alot of metal fragments in the pan. It's going to cost me $2500. To fix it. The Chrysler corporation needs to acknowledge that there is a well documented problem with this transmission and should rectify the situation. It is my first Chrysler vehicle and it will probably will be my last. The service that I received at quigley motors was horrendous. My van was there an entire week before they could get it in to give me a repair estimate. 5 star service??? I don't think so!
While taking off in heavy traffic vehicle surged and took off. Driver just pressed accelerator pedal very gently and vehicle took off and crashed into a vehicle in front. Driver had no control over the vehicle. No obvious damage was done to the vehicle. Hidden damage; bumper pushed in and damaged air conditioner.
With the minivan in reverse gear backing up,at 5mph from a distant of 100ft and then apply brake pedal, fail to stop the minivan.the engine pick up speed,while foot is still on brake and minivan is turn to left moving in a circle in a parking area causing damage to my minivan and another car park in area.
While driving air bag light suddenly illuminated on the dashboard. When this occurred it rendered the horn and cruise control inoperative. Recall 02V290000 was issued for the air bag, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
At any speed air bag light stays on. Also, horn is inoperable, and cruise control does not work. There is recall 02V293000 concerning clock spring failure. However, this vehicle is not included in the recall due to VIN.
I have had a recent problem where I just thought that the air bag light was on. I later learned that not only is the air bag light on but the air bag will not deploy if n accident occurs. In addition the horn and cruise control does not work. By searching on the web I have learned from the dealer that this is a common problem in their vehicles. It will cost me over 250 dollars to correct. How can Dodge know that this problem exists and does not tell anyone or have a recall. This is deplorable. I am sure that deaths have occurred because of this and Dodge knows this too. Please let me know what can be done. Thank you. Vince filliben [phone].
On several occasions my 1998 Dodge Caravan would stall when starting up, it has a reoccuring airbag light, cruise control misfunctioning and horn stalling issues. I currently had to take it to chyristler for repairs. I was told from the manufacturer that there was a recall on the Dodge Caravan 1996-1998 re:clockspring. My veh. Was not listed with this recall and I'm concerned that I am experiencing the same problems as the Dodge caravans that have been recalled. The air bag light appear on the dashboard and remain on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic replaced the clockspring.
While driving on interstate at 55 MPH vehcile would not stop accelerating, even with foot off gas pedal, vehcile kept accelerating. Took vehicle to mechanic, and he said that open portion on accelerator cable was exposed. One of them were in a bind which caused it to wear, and worn accelerator won't go back down, only way to stop was to unhook everything. Then there was no acceleration. The only way to stop the accelerating veheicle was to turn off the engine.
NHTSA investigations
Dc minivan fuel injector rail leak
There is no summary currently available
Acceleration complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1998 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1998 Dodge Caravan, 5% of the model year's 629 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Caravan acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1998 Dodge Caravan, though it has 5 recalls 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 1998 Dodge Caravan acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.