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 1999 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1999 Dodge grand Caravan had recall in 2004 to replace a clockspring, but dealer avoided this after customer's 3 or 4 tries in 2004. On 06-16-2010 when the vehicle was put in reverse, (all [redacted] broke loose!) the motor hit high revolutions, the steering wheel and the brakes immediately "locked" up and could not be moved as it traveled backwards and finally hitting and totaling 2 vehicles at over 50 MPH.note: since about 2007 a brake light has been on and the cruise control was not working.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Caravan. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the engine stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the air bag and cruise control warning indicators were illuminated continuously. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
While driving at 35 MPH air bag warning light came on ,and the horn failed to work. Also, cruise control did not work. A recall was issued on clock spring affecting earlier models. Recall campaign; NHTSA campaign id number : 04V480000. For the air bag. The consumer stated that she was in a car accident and the air bags did not deploy. The consumer submitted paperwork on a reimbursement for the clock spring repair.
1999 Dodge grand Caravan VIN: [redacted] this van is a lemon from day 1. I have contacted Chrysler, owner of landmark Dodge in ga, mediation, arbitration, consumer action line, and any other person that would listen. This van has quit on me at least eight times. Sometimes on rural roads. Several times on a major highway. The last major incident occurred on father's day with six family members inside the vehicle. There was no warning before it quit. It would not startafterwards. We were on a busy hwy 19/41 in jonesboro. Several other times, I lost my speedometer, and could not accelerate. I have had check engine lights, leaky doors, inoperable window motors, halted intermittent windshield wipers, sluggish locks, etc. I wanted to keep my vehicle. However, it is very unsafe. I cannot afford to trade it in. That was not my intention when I purchased it.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the cruise control system failed. After setting the cruise control to 35 MPH, the vehicle automatically sped up to 55 MPH. The brakes were then applied, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. In order to stop the vehicle from accelerating, the cruise control switch was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who could not diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000 and the current mileage was 45,000. Updated 09/19/11 the consumer also stated the cruise control would activate on its own. The dealer replaced the cruise servo/actuator. They also recommended an engagement switch. Updated 09/30/11
It is an intermittent problem. The speedometer gets stuck on a number but the car is still going faster or slower than shown on the display. It stays stuck for a few minutes when it happens. I try not accelerate and even apply the brake, however, the needle remains stuck. Then it eventually goes back to normal. It just recently happened again, so I was checking to see if a recall was issued for this problem. It was investigated as I see here, however, it was not recalled. This is a defect. I am sure, not positive that other people are having the same problem with their caravans. Note, automobile stills accelerates and slows but the actual speed is not known because the needle is stuck.
Dodge Caravan 1999: while using cruise control on highway the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The vehicle continued to accelerate despite turning off cruise control and braking hard. 911 emergency operator was called via cell phone. My wife (the driver) was instructed to turn engine off and put vehicle in park as it glided slowly to a stop on the side of the road. We await word from the dealer on the cause.
Vehicle lunged forward. I was unable to control speed due to lunging and stalling. Does this with or without the air condition on and only upon acceleration. Does not matter if it is on an incline or not-always upon acceleration. Very unsafe and I am very worried as I travel alone with a toddler in this daily.
While driving air bag light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Following that the horn and the cruise control failed to operate. Consumer contacted the dealer, and mechanic determined that the clock spring needed replacement. Consumer called in to make an appointment.
Illumination of air bag warning light (at first, intermittently, then continuous) followed by lose of cruise control and horn functions.vehicle type: 1999 Dodge grand Caravan se. Approx. Mileage: 91400.
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 1999 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1999 Dodge Caravan, 6% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Caravan acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1999 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 1999 Dodge Caravan acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 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.