Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated the air bags warning indicator was illuminated, and the horn and cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.
(1) the airbag light was staying on during vehicle operation, and the horn and cruise control were also non operative. This is on our 2001 Dodge Caravan. We also have a 1999 Dodge Caravan that received a safety recall (notification code d17) for the exact same problem, only it covered 1998-2000 for the recall of clocksprings. Our 2001 Dodge Caravan had the same symptoms as the recall for the 1998-2000 Dodge caravans, but was not covered, since it is a 2001. Since the same part is failing on the 2001 models, I believe the same defective part is being used on the 2001 model Dodge caravans. (2) airbag, horn, and cruise control were inoperative (3) dealer replaced the clockspring, which is the same defective part covered under a recall of the 1998-2000 models of Dodge caravans, which was notification code d17. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Dodge Caravan. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed that the air bag indicator was illuminated. Through research, he found information stating that the illumination could result in the driver's side air bag becoming disabled due to failure of the clockspring bag. The clockspring bag was repaired on April 21, 2003. The contact is in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer for inspection per the manufacturer's advice. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall on the air bag system in the vehicle. The contact was informed that there was a current recall regarding the clockspring bag; however, his VIN was not included in the recall. The contact would not receive reimbursement for the repair. The failure mileage was 64,000 and current mileage was 65,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Caravan. When starting the vehicle the airbag warning light illuminated. The dealer informed the contact that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The clock spring has been replaced three times on June 27 2002, September 2003 , and January 3, 2007. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. Also, the contact stated that linkage on the front sway bar was replaced three times. When driving the vehicle there was a noise. The road conditions were not a factor. The dealer stated there has been a modification to the linkage, and the vehicle was repaired. The current and failure mileage was 42,500.
Air bag light intermittently comes on while driving, dealer diagnosed problem as faulty "clockspring" in the steering wheel. This same problem existed and was under recall in previous year caravans. Called Chrysler about issue and was told it was not their issue since the vehicle has 50K miles and the vehicle warranty expired at 36K. This is a safety issue since the air bag will not deploy in the event of a accident. I paid the dealer to replace the clockspring at a cost of $225.00. Since this vehicle was recalled for the same issue less than 3 years earlier I do not believe this safety issue was adaquately resolved.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that there was a safety recall. However, this vehicle did not qualify under the safety recall due to the VIN. The safety recall was on the clock spring. The contact stated that the clock spring is exactly what has failed in this vehicle. The airbag indicator light came on several times while driving. Neither speed nor weather were factors in the clock spring failure.
Dt*: the contact stated the front passenger seat belt became stuck. The seat belt did not retract and was not able to be pulled out at all. Also, the air bag warning light illuminated constantly. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the seat belt problem. When the air bag was tested, the mechanic stated that there was a code which only the dealer could decipher.
We own a 2001 Dodge Caravan. The air bag warning light alerted us to a problem. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failure of the clockspring. A recall was recently issued for clockspring failures on the 1999 and 2000 caravans. The dealer, for a cost of $255.48, replaced the part. Apparently the problem was not resolved on the 2001 models. I believe the potential problem exists and should be addressed.
Driver's air bag warning light comes on. When this happens the horn will not operate. The problem sometimes goes away when the steering wheel is turned. My concern is that the air bag May not deploy if I were in an accident. Also, the horn May not work when needed I.e. If a child runs out in front of my van. This is an unsafe condition.
Dt: contact complained about the recall of earlier models of the same car where the clock spring in the steering column was bad. The steering was not affected .this caused the horn and cruise control to malfunction. The air bag light came on intermittently. Contact called Dodge and told them.he had this problem for the past week.
Airbag complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2001 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Dodge Caravan, 17% of the model year's 257 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Caravan airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2001 Dodge Caravan, though it has 3 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 2001 Dodge Caravan airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death to air bags 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.