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 2000 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Caravan. While driving approximately 35 MPH, another vehicle collided with the contact's vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle did not have air bags and the horn malfunctioned. The contact received injuries to the left shoulder, neck, back, and head that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto mechanic facility with pending diagnostic results. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 296,000.
I purchased a 2008 Dodge Caravan about 2 years ago from elite motors in victorville. The car was not smoked at the time of purchase and had to be done so about 1 month later. They said they had a hard time getting it to pass and then it passed but when I got it back I smogged it and it failed. Elite motos said they would work with me on resolving things but they never did. Since I've had the vehicle there has been a loud slapping noise coming from the air conditioner, the fuel pump has been replaced, two tires have blown, several sets of front break pads have been replaced, 2 battery's have been replaced, and within the last month both front and rear brakes/master brake cylinder/calipers/water pump/radiator has been replaced. …
Serpentine belt slips off in the rain causing a loss in power steering, ac (for window defogging), power (no alternator when headlights are on during rain). When it slipped off, the ability to correct for loss of traction due to water was reduced due to lack of power steering and the windshield fogged up quickly due to the loss of the ac compressor. Slid of the interstate and slid down the median. Multiple other instances of belt slipping off (4 times in past 3 days), though at lower rates of speed. Dodge denies there is an issue even though there are many reports on the internet relating to this problem. It is also interesting that they now sell a upgrade kit that changes out the two non-grooved pulleys for grooved ones and add a belt with grooves on both sides. They said that they would only fix this problem when enough people reported the problem.
While driving 20 MPH vehicle caught on fire. There were no injuries. While driving a red light and the cruise control light illuminated. The consumer pulled onto the shoulder. The consumer added coolant thinking the vehicle May have been overheating. While the hood was open the consumer saw smoke the heard two explosions prior to seeing the fire. An inspector was hired by daimler Chrysler to inspect the vehicle. The inspector determined that the first explosion was caused by an electrical fire. The second explosion was the gas or fuel line. Nthe vehicle was totaled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated, the horn failed, and the radio failed. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 04V480000 (air bags); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
I am having difficulties with my vehicle being on a recall list. Can a car dealership refuses to fix a part on a nationwide recall list? I have a 2000 Dodge Caravan. For the past five years, the horn, turn signals, dash lights would become inop but the car would start up. Usually I would have to turn the engine completely off and jolt the tilt wheel up and down for it to overcome this defect. It does this intermittently - would be fine for weeks and then act up. Now, a new problem is occurring - turning the ignition key is not starting the van. Again, if I play with the tilt wheel and keep on turning the key, it will then start. I took it to a automotive repair place and they told me its the 'clockspring'. They told me it is on a nationwide recall since 2004. I never got a notice about this recall. I've owned the car since 2002. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the entire instrument panel failed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 171,000. ..updated 12/17/13 the consumer stated the repair was made. The instrument panel was replaced due to poor ground wiring. Updated 12/18/13
Sporadic electrical issues. Sometimes headlights won't come on, when headlights are on, the digital mileage display flashes, heater/defroster keeps blowing a fuse. Dealer says they'll look at it but if they don't find it, I have to pay fee even though it's still got the extended warranty.
My 2000 Dodge Caravan speedometer stopped working, directional indicator stopped working, I believe that there should be a recall for this issue, this might lead to an fatal car crash since the driver wouldn't know the speed they would be going at.
2000 Dodge Caravan instrument cluster stops woorking (spedometer,fuel gauge etc) rear windshield wiper also quit fuse keeps blowing I have been investigating the same complaint dating back to 1995 this is a problem that has been ignored for 15 years
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 2000 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Dodge Caravan, 7% of the model year's 470 complaints. The component named most often is horn (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Caravan electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2000 Dodge Caravan, though it has 4 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 2000 Dodge Caravan electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.