Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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?
The los angeles cbs affiliate station aired a story about Chrysler vehicles year 2007 to 2012 that were being investigated for a potential recall. The problem is a faulty TIPM, also known as a powertrain control module. Vehicle owners report instrument panel problems, gauges not working, airbag not working, windshield wipers operating without being turned on, problems starting the vehicle, and so on. I have a 1998 Dodge grand Caravan with many of these same problems/symptoms. I spent $212 on inspection and diagnosis fees. Pep boys told me that the problem was the powertrain control module and it would take a prohibitively high price to replace. …
Consumer states left front side of vehicle appears to be lower than the right and the brakes wear down only on the front left side, vehicle skidded when brakes were being applied which caused an accident consumer was advised front caliper, rotor and brake pads were needed because they were worn, dealership advised consumer they could not explain why vehicle was skidding, consumer is having to replace the rotor, caliper and brake only on front side every 8000 miles, consumer was advised by delearship that this type of vehicle is known to have problems with the brakes and would probably have to be replaced every six months. Key would not turn in ignition, dealer attempted to remove cylinder and it broke, dealer replaced. Tape dragged in the tape player, dealer replaced. At times when starting vehicle, there is no radio, lights, or horn, dealer could not find any problems. …
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. …
Dt: the consumer owns a 1998 Dodge Caravan. Serpentine belt failed five times. When this occurred there was a loss of power steering as well as the charging of the battery. This only happened in wet or rainy conditions. The consumer took vehicle to a dealer, who said they could again replace the serpentine belt, but it would fail again in wet conditions or rainy weather. There was no guarantee. The last trip to the dealer resulted in the replacement of the serpentine belt. No accident or injury was reported. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and filed a complaint also. The local dealer said nothing could be done about. Updated 02/07/06.
1998 Dodge Caravan: (1.)twice in the past two years "flex plate" between the engine and transmission has failed breaking in the center imitating the sound of a failing main bearing. Under 100,000 miles. (2.) transmission failed 100,000 mi., (3.)wiring harness caught fire while engine running - destroyed harness. (sparks shooting out from beneath vehicle - fire extinguished before major damage @ 110,000 miles. ,000 mi. ( 4.) headlight lens plastic turned milky and inhibits proper light projection - difficult to see well at night even when lights are on bright.
Dt: the contact state that 1998 Dodge Caravan was having an intermittent problem with starting and stopping. The problem occurred on and off for about two years. The vehicle has been to the dealership, they have seen the problem, but could not duplicate it. Also, the vehicle has been to an independent repair shop, and they could not fix the problem either. The vehicle only did this when the contact attempted to start it. This happened every day. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer four or five times. Updated 11/29/2005 -
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH the engine stalled. The instrument panel was inoperable the fuel gauge was inaccurate. The contact could not restart the vehicle and the instrument panel lights were blinking on and off. The contact also stated that the vehicle was towed four times to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure was 99,000. Updated 09/15/14
Dt: contact owns a 1998 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated the instrument cluster failed. The consumer stated that the mileage and the gasoline indicators were not working so one cannot see if vehicle is running low on fuel. The service dealer stated he would have to replace the entire dashboard to repair the problem. It will have to be replaced at the consumer's expense. The manufacturer stated they would not cover it because of the year of the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Caravan. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 11V139000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. ..updated 05/20/15 updated 11/19/15
NHTSA investigations
Air bag clockspring
There is no summary currently available
Electrical complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 68 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Dodge Caravan, 11% of the model year's 629 complaints. The component named most often is horn (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Caravan electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 3 injuries to electrical system 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.