Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
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.
Material headlamps are made of is yellowing/dull to the point that it interferes with your vision at night. We have tried to clean and bluff them. Then we were told to try wet sanding and cleaning them. This helped somewhat for awhile. Replacement for both headlamps cost over $700 to replace. The vehicle runs okay and would like to keep it for awhile longer, but night driving in it is really becoming a problem. I have spoken to several people with vehicles in that age model that are experiencing the same problems.
The lenses on the headlights of my Dodge Caravan (1998) have become almost frosted during the past 3 or 4 years, which causes inadequate lighting of roads and increased glare. The dealer told me that both entire headlights would have to be replaced for a cost of $500-600 plus labor. He said that some caravans have this happen and others don't. I feel that this is a safety factor and should be treated as a recall.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the headlight covers were tarnished and decreased visibility while driving at night. The dealer informed the contact to purchase a new headlight assembly. The current mileage was 96,000, and failure mileage was 86,000.
Consumer received recall 02V293000 concerning air bag clock spring failure. Air bag light and the left signal light illuminated while in motion, also, horn was inoperative and the left turn signal gave off an consent alarm sound when engaged.
The headlight lenses has produced a thick haze on them. As a result the light were becoming very dim and the consumer had to drive with the high beams on. Please provide additional information.
Some part of the turn signal mechanism broke inside the steering column. Evidently, a broken piece moved into such a position as to jam the steering shaft. This occurred during a left turn at a controlled intersection from a stop. The steering jammed in a left turn position giving the feeling to the driver (my wife) that steering control had been lost. Giving the steering wheel significantly greater effort broke free the jam condition allowing us to proceed to the dealer for repair. The service writer's comment was to the effect that this was not unusual. My attitude is that it should never happen because if the driver panics, or the jam can't be broken, a serious accident can happen. I haven't heard of a repair campaign on this type of failure. Other than that instance, this van is fine in every respect. Thanks for your service.
This vehicle has multiply problems. Consumer noticed that the air bag light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. When pressing the horn it failed to come on its own. Also, smoke was coming from the steering column. The smoke extinguished itself out. No injuries reported. Hazard lights failed to come on. Drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the horn assembly and air bags were separated problems, and the steering column was okay. No determination on the hazard lights was made. Consumer informed the mechanic that this problem occurred on numerous occasions, and had not been resolved.
Headlamps on 1998 Dodge Caravan have clouded over so much that it makes it difficult to see while driving at night. Received two estimates on replacement of headlamps. Both were between 600 & 700 dollars. Informed by both mechanics that replacement lamps would more than likely do the same thing after a number of years because there has been no recall on part in question for that year vehicle.
Tl*- the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Caravan. She noticed the headlights were dim due to the plastic covering of the headlights turned yellow. She stated that even with the high beams on it is hard for her to see. The current mileage was 150,000. The contact did not want to estimate failure mileage.
Headlight complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1998 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the lights of the 1998 Dodge Caravan, 5% of the model year's 629 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Caravan headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.