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 2001 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I own a 2001 Dodge Caravan sport with 39,501 miles. The wield that holds the right front strut to the steering assembly rusted and broke leaving the strut danging and useless. The dealer, mechanicsville Dodge, wants $800.00 to replace both struts and repair the wield. We did nothing in our driving habits to cause this malfunction. The struts themselves are in good operating order. I feel its an obvious manufacturing defect that Dodge should fix at no charge.
Went to a tire shop for a tire problem, upon taking the front wheels off they discovered failing sway bar links. They showed me the problem by actually pulling the link apart from the sway bar by hand. As I was leaving the shop to go home one of the links disconnected and now the vehicle has a noticeable sway in tight corners. The vehicle was new in 2001 and now has 51,000 on it. I believe this is too soon for parts like this to be failing.
When going over bumps in the road there would be a loud rattling noise coming from the front end. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. This has been a on going problem which the mfg., takes no responsibility for. They should have replaced the front end at their expense originally, while it was under warranty. Had to have it replaced twice and still not fixed. Install special order steering rack.
We got into our 2001 Dodge Caravan and started to drive it and noticed that there was a rattling noise in the front passenger side of the suspension. I pulled the van over and noticed the passenger side strut was up through into the engine compartment! I believe the housing is rusted through, which allowed the strut to poke all the way out.
I know about the balljoint recall from dc. I have a 2002 and already received my notice in the mail. I also have a 2001 Dodge Caravan that also has bad balljoints. There is no doubt in my mind, this is defective parts. Balljoints should never go bad with only 50K on the unit. The problem is, you can no longer grease these parts.
Driving in normal winter conditions, less than 2 inches of snow, not less than 20 degrees in weather, my antilock brakes froze up, causing me to spin out. Luckily I did not hit anything or crash. $800 worth of damage, brake lining froze to drum. Had to replace brake pads, drums, wheel bearings in both rear wheels.
While driving at any speed consumer noticed severe vibration under his feet. Vehicle had been to the dealer on several occasions. Dealer informed the consumer that this was the normal chararacteristic of that vehicle. Also, manufacturer was notified.
Consumer took vehicle to the dealership and was told by the mechanic that the inner sway bar bushings were worn out, and the left inner tie rod was loose. Also, rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced.
The vehicle's right and left front sway links and stabilizer bushings had to be replaced at 56000 miles. The consumer heard a rattling noise in the front end while driving the vehicle.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Vehicle description: minivans. The lower control arm pivot bolt could fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right lower control arm bolts and nuts. Owner notification began April 30, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…
Suspension complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Dodge Caravan, 12% of the model year's 257 complaints. The component named most often is front (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Caravan suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-152 (lower arm, May 8, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Caravan suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 7% 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.