Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
There is no incident, however I would like to report a manufacturer problem. Many manufacturers put vehicles on the market with front headlights that are too bright and not aimed properly. See [redacted] There are regulations for the lumens of headlights and system of reflectors, but I assume manufacturers are not be watched for violations. Where I live, in Sarasota, FL, I am blinded by all the vehicle lights at night because lights appear to be on bright when they aren't. Something is very wrong. I don't think everyone is having aftermarket LED lights installed. I think they are coming from the manufacturers that way. Can you help?
We have a 2001 Dodge Caravan and recently, within the last 12 to 6 months, the headlights have switched on and off. It's been very random until the last month, where they have completely shut off after flickering on and off and the dashboard lights lighting up and going dim. This has happened at night several times and during the day. We took the van to dicks country Dodge to have it inspected and were told the headlight switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. However, we were told that there is no manufacture of this switch and there is no estimated time to expect this switch to be replaced. We were told today, 12/10/04, that there are over 60 requests nationwide for this switch and no estimated time of replacement as no one is making these switches. We are unable to drive our van during the hours of 4:30 pm until 7 a.m because we do not know if the headlights will stay on or not. …
2001 Caravan headlight problem. Faulty fcm (bad connections) this is a very serious problem that seems to be getting ignored by everyone especially Chrysler. This issue needs to be put on the front burner before someone gets seriously hurt or killed in a crash. Headlights going out in the middle of the nite on the highway going 60 MPH is dangerous. Please look into a recall on these vehicles. The fcm connections are faulty. Multiple people and mechanics have discovered where the problem is and has fixed them by readjusting connecter pins or tabs in the connection and this has corrected the problem. Even Canada knows of the problem. Also these people have been getting soaked 1000s of $$$ in repairs (Chrysler) leading to the same problem coming back. …
Our Dodge Caravan sport has been well maintained and we've had it for 3 years and has only 35,000 miles on it. This started happening after the 30,000 mile mark. We have 2 small children and we have been very lucky that nothing has happened. We liked the Caravan because we did not hear bad things about it. But now we experienced these things and we are not alone makes me re-think of not getting a Caravan again or recommending it to people. We've run into the following problems: first item is the power door lock on the sliding door. While on the freeway, the lock would unlock and lock. Second item is the power windows on the front passenger side. I've read others who complained about it. The power window does not go up after it has gone down. An effort to giggle it up is the trick. Now it just doesn't roll up or down. Third item is the power steering. …
2001 - Dodge Caravan - left rear tail light fell out, hanging on by wires. Took to private mechanic, said dealer had to fix. Took to dealer, stated could not reinstall, needed whole new unit for dry rotted rubber gasket. Took vehicle to home depot, bought 1 tube of black exterior silicone caulk. Drove vehicle home, and cleaned area around rear tail light. Pushed light back into place and caulked around dry rotted rubber. Taped tail light to body assembly (be careful to use tape which will not damage vehicle). Left vehicle to sit still for 24 hours as caulk dried. Made this simple repair myself for $2.86 when the dealer wanted over $500 to repair. What a rip off when they can't even make a vehicle that lasts, they have to price gouge their customers.
Since late spring 2008, the headlights on my 2001 Dodge Caravan have intermittently flickered and gone out, then come back on. This continued off and on until I had the vehicle repaired at a vehicle electrical system expert (enormis, erie pa) in July of 2009. They replaced the fuse box for the vehicle at a cost of approx $430. They indicated that they have had to do this with approx. Six other vehicles recently. This was an extremely dangerous situation, having your headlights go out at night on an interstate highway while traveling 60 MPH, especially while it is raining. I have the original part:there should be a recall of these vehicles and I want to be re-imbursed!!! I am an attorney and know a dangerous defect when I see one!!!!
Tl contact owns a 2001 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the headlights began to flash, the horn would sound and the hazard lights would also flash on and off. The failure also occurred when the vehicle was parked with the engine turned off. The contact had to disconnect the battery to prevent the failure from recurring. The contact spoke with an authorized dealer who stated that they were aware of the failure but there were no recalls. The dealer also stated that the hot body controller and front body modulator had to be repaired at the owners expense. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. The current mileage was 134,893. Updated 07/22/10 updated 07/27/10
Dt: the caller complained about electrical system problem. He states that headlights will turn off at night without warning. The windshield wipers will shut off as well. Sometimes the headlights and windshield wipers will come back on, and sometimes they won't come on at all. Also, the horn blows, and the dashboard lights will be on, and the automatic headlights will not shut off when the vehicle is turned off. Dealer said they do not know what the problem is. Another dealer replaced the body control module. Manufacturer said to continue to work with dealer.
Headlights flickering on and off. Suspended night driving immediately. While investigating the problem on the internet, we discovered an ongoing investigation by NHTSA. Due to the seriousness of this safety issue, we've decided to register this complaint in hopes that an expert engineer, either from NHTSA or Chrysler, will have an unadulterated example of the problem to study. Worthy of mention: we have just relocated from wisconsin to tennessee and consider the possibility of that being a factor in the failure.
Headlamp/parking light failure - parking light was out and car needed inspection for mass. Brought car in for service and all the garages are telling me it's going to cost between $500-$700 for fix a $1.50 part. The light was new and the directional worked. Later on as I was seeking more info and help the headlamp went on the passenger side. The high beam could be put on but would turn off the drivers side headlamp/high beam. Parking light on drivers side would remain on and directional worked.
Headlight complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2001 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the lights of the 2001 Dodge Caravan, 12% of the model year's 257 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Caravan headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
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.