Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the serpentine belt failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The serpentine belt was replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer a third time where the serpentine belt was replaced again however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified the third time. Additionally, The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V268000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that a friend had jumped his vehicle due to the battery had failed when gasoline started to spill onto the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. …
Vehicle was sluggish on take off quite often..could smell fuel odor in and around vehicle . After cranking vehicle ,,the vehicle caught on fire.burning itself and during ,there were several explosions that came from the vehicle..both from the engine compartment and in passenger area.all within approximately 45 minutes .my husband was burned on his lower leg attempting to put out flames. Our house was damaged from the flames along with other property..we see this vehicle as being a potential death trap..especially possible in a car accident where some one could be seriously injured, and waiting for help. This van is made for familys with kids.as we have 3 kids and a toddler.. …
Within 30 mins. After picking up my van from the dealer (cerritos Dodge) for the fuel rail recall. I noticed the smell of gas,( I thought was o.k. Since fuel rail had just been replaced) and I looked at the dashboard and noticed gas gauge fluctuating moving back and forth, and smoke started. Coming from under hood. I called [redacted] (cerritos Dodge service dept.) whom I had been talking to about my van when it was in shop. I called him to inform him about the gas/gauge. He told me to go to nearest gas station. I did. After that, I took car home, parked it for the remainder of that evening. The next day, same thing (smell of gas)and fluctuating gas gauge), within 15 minutes of driving to get oil changed,fuel bell started ringing. I called mr. Richardson, he said to bring van in, but.he didn't know if they would be able to check it out that day. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to work properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 194,875.
1999 Dodge Caravan: strong fuel oders enter cargo/passenger area of vehicle - oders also noticible outside of van. Fumes are potential for spontanious combustion. Also, exposure to gas fumes (during extended trips and over cumulative time) can be harmful to major organ components within the human body - especially to developing infants. A former complaint was submitted using odi id: 748730 surrounding date: 09/06/2001. "component: fuel: fuel tank assembly: tank summary: smell gasoline coming from the fuel tank, a small amount of gas was leaking down the side of the fuel tank, due to the rollover valve was leaking on the fuel tank, replace fuel tank." the conclusion leads the reader to believe there's potential for ignition if vehicle should be in proximity of an unextinguished ciggarette, ex: at a stop light once a driver/passenger in proximity plucks a butt near vehicle. …
1999 Dodge Caravan with approx 195,000 miles. Plastic fuel line attached to gas tank experienced spontaneous rupture and spewed gasoline onto muffler. I noted a trail of liquid coming from vehicle when backed out of drive. Stopped and looked under vehicle to see gasoline pouring out and onto hot muffler. Car turned off in middle of the street and emergency exited vehicle to begin removing contents in fear of explosion. Dodge reports no recall and to replace fuel line entire gas tank needs replacement at cost of $530 for just the part. This could have been a catastrophic incident if I had not noted the liquid trails before the muffler heated up more. When moving the car out of the street, the driver door was damaged as the engine was off and control was difficult.
Since November of 2001, following dealer oil change, I began to experience episodes of strong raw fuel fumes, especially after putting any amount of fuel in van. Many witnesses document fumes. I am afraid of fire risk and of the health risks of fumes. I have a small child and I have asthma, so this is a harmful situation. Anything left in car smells like a gas station. I have reported this to the dealer five times. They say they cannot find anything wrong. Started at 20K miles. Now 30K. Also had cylinder #3 fuel injector fail at 27K. (automatic transmission sensor went at 20K and mold found in vapor canister.) Chrysler won't help. Also reference odi complaints #748730, 757182, 886982, 9004682 for similar problems reported. Please, I need help right away.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the fuel rail previously leaked on the vehicle. On December 26, 2002, the fuel rail was replaced according to NHTSA campaign id number 00V268000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). Also, while driving various speeds, the contact would constantly smell gasoline fumes inside the passenger compartment. He looked under the hood and noticed gasoline leaking onto the engine. Chrysler initially stated that there was a lifetime warranty and they would cover the repair costs. They later stated that the contact would be responsible for the repairs. The failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 119,000.
Gasoline smell in passenger compartment, tires needed to be replaced, car mileage plummeted. Dealer found injector leaking and removed and replaced plemuin and replaced injector. Seat belt installed incorrectly. All tires were under pressure.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Vehicle description: Mini vans built with 3.3l and 3.8l engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. Fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail could result, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a seal on the vehicle fuel rails to prevent external leakage of fuel from the fuel rail crossover tube, should the existing o-rings continue to degrade. Owner notification began on January 25, 2002.
NHTSA investigations
Post-collision fuel system integrity
There is no summary currently available
Post collision fuel system
Fuel System complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1999 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1999 Dodge Caravan, 4% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Caravan fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-268 (fuel injection system, Sep 13, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Caravan fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 134,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion 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.