Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Vehicle was in motion- while driving along I heard and felt a loud noise (boom) from rear of vehicle-vehicle then swerved wildly out of control spinning around and taking down signs, mailbox-after looking at van it is apparent that the rear axle slid backwards in wheel well. While body is rust free, undercarriage has excessive rust in spring hanger area-van has been parked on pavement its entire life.
Strut towers in engine compartment rusted through especially on the right. I've been told by a mechanic and others that the strut tower May fail completely and push up through the hood, causing accident and injury to driver (me).
This is inquiry to Chrysler's problem with front strut towers on 2000 Caravan/voyager/t&c. Specifically: service bulletin, number: 23-044-02, group: body; date: oct. 14, 2002; subject: ns strut tower corrosion. If this is only a "cosmetic" problem, why is a new strut cap and ns strut installation kit required? Sounds like a structural problem repair to me. My dealerships service manager cautioned my against going through the winter without the repair! He said there was no recall, just this TSB. If this was a problem that Chrysler acknowledged by 10/14/02, shouldn't it be looked into for safety concerns. Many drivers will just assume "it's just rust" and not know of a problem until the strut cap breaks. This failure, on a highway, could result in deadly crash! Has NHTSA looked into this problem? Is there any remedy, other than the consumer paying the approximate $500 repair? …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Dodge grand Caravan. When the contact went under the hood to check the oil, she noticed the front left strut tower had rusted. The contact drove the vehicle to a local mechanic who informed her that the problem was a serious safety hazard and there was a replacement kit to repair the failure. It was later found the strut was so badly rusted that the kit could not fix it. The vehicle had not been repaired and the contact had not called the manufacturer at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The current mileage was approximately 140,000. Updated 07/08/10 updated 07/19/10 updated 07/21/10. Updated 10/12/10
I took the car to get the oil change and the mechanic brought to my attention that the strut mounts were rusted and that it was dangerous to drive with car in this condition. I then checked on the cost of getting this repaired and the cost are high from 500.00 to 1000.00 dollars I don't understand how the body of the car gives out before the engine or transmission. The car has 175,00 miles and still runs great but the main body components are failing. The mechanic suggested getting online and filing complaint with the government.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated the strut tower on the front driver and passenger sides of the vehicle were completely corroded and rusted. The contact was made aware of the failure when the vehicle was taken for body work. The contact then took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the failure was a manufacturing defect and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 141,000.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Dodge Caravan. While checking the fluid in his vehicle, the contact discovered that the tower which houses the strut, was cracked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated that a cap needs to be placed over the tower. The vehicle still has not been repaired because the contact believes that the manufacturer should pay for the repairs. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 99,225 and failure mileage was 99,000.
I am the owner of a 2000 Dodge grand Caravan. Today I saw that the top of both strut towers in the front of the vehicle are rusting out. I have done a lot of reading on the internet and have seen numerous service bulletins out about this problem. And Chrysler is not doing anything to resolve this major safety hazard! There has not been a failure as of yet, but if not addressed quickly there is a great potential for a major accident!!!
1. The drivers side strut cap on our 2000 Dodge Caravan has completely rusted through and the vehicle is not safe to drive as the strut assembly is ready to push through the hood. 2. This is a major design flaw in the 2000 Dodge Caravan and the result is a vehicle that is unsafe to drive after 7 years of use. This amount of rust is not ordinary for the location and gauge of the metal. 3. We have an estimate to repair for $2000.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Dodge Caravan. The contact noticed that the driver's side strut tower was corroded. The vehicle is currently operating properly, but the failure has not been diagnosed. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The current and failure mileages were 234,000. Updated 01/07/09 updated 01/07/09.
Suspension complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Dodge Caravan, 9% of the model year's 470 complaints. The component named most often is front (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Caravan suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension 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.