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 2005 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Dodge Caravan. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the low beam headlights failed. The contact veered off the road and crashed in a field. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and assigned an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Caravan. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the instrument panel lights and the headlights began to flicker after the ABS and brake light warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was unable to be determined. The contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the failure was still unable to be determined. The contact was advised that the failure might have been due to the battery needing to be replaced. The battery was replaced and the ABS and brake light warning indicators were no longer illuminated but the instrument panel lights and headlights continued to flicker. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
I had this van 2005 Caravan for about 5 years and past year I had 3 issues, one of them is that my lights turned off right in the middle of highway and it was very scary , I fixed it by replacing the light switch and now is OK but it should be looked into because there is more incidents of that type on other caravans as I can see,second is my airbag sensor light comes ,stays ,goes away and then comes back up as it wills ,I did not fix it since I don't know how to but will try to get it done as a recall, third one is my fuel pump is leaking at a same point where I saw pictures and complaints by other owners so I would like just to add my own complaint,I will replace my fuel pump since I doubt I can get recall in near future but hopefully keep the receipt if it gets approved so I can try to get my money back,thank you for your consideration.
When filling with gas the engine turns off while driving, this happened on a left turn with vehicles approaching, cars had to stop and help push van out of street. Luckily it did not cause an accident, had two young children in vehicle , very fortunate for the quick response of other drivers. Fuel reading wrong first time car shut off while driving showing 1/ 4 tank of gas. Now shuts off showing more than 3/4 tank of gas this happen on the highway, lost all power steering as well. Again I had two young children in car. Seat belt not working properly. Headlight very dim at night not good few for night time driving. This vehicle is becoming more unsafe to drive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Caravan. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the headlights went out and illuminated again after a couple of minutes. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred a few weeks later and the lights remained off. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but refused to pay for diagnostic testing. The contact replaced the bulbs, but the failure recurred. The contact did not drive at night or in the rain due to state laws that require the lights on in those conditions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure mileage was 172,000.
I was driving and out of no where my hazard switch came on. Confused I pushed it and it continued to stay on, and my blinkers flashed like they should. So I turned them off and the switch light stayed on. Also, every light available lights up on my dash panel when I start the van. But only every now and then. My o2 sensor has been changes 2 times but the check engine light for it stays on. As well as my ABS light.
I was driving my Dodge Caravan 2005 on the freeway and the exterior lights kept turning off and the instrument panel where the speedometer is would too. I was scary and dangerous had my three children and pregnant wife with me at the time. We could have been seriously injured.
Driving at night recently , lights turned off, worked switch back and forth until came back on did not crash but was very alarmed, returned safely home.please check if there is recall for this problem,also knock from suspension occurs.
My husband and I purchased a Dodge Caravan from a dealer and since purchasing it, we have had nothing but problems. Our door lock system has stopped working in which my mother who is disabled and can only be put on one side of the van related to her stroke, was unable to exit the vehicle. The locking mechanism wouldn't let us open the door and we live in texas. We had to keep the car running until we were able to transfer her to the other door. We now can only put her in on her "bad" side which puts her at risk for injury (and us). After that we had problems that started with the gages bobbing up and down and the interior lighting system is not working right half the time. It also has the anti-lock brake system light come on and then the front end shakes. We have replaced the alternator, grounding wires, checked fuses and battery and cables. …
For the last three years or so, in the winter time, my head lights would just randomly come on when it started to get cold outside. They would go out later but they would do this all night and day. This year, they now do this all year long and now they are doing while I am driving. My lights will flicker and just go black. I lose all my lights, headlights and interior lights. I have no clue what is causing this. I love my van and there is nothing else wrong with it. This is very dangerous I understand but this has to be something in the van that is faulty. In the past, I would just grab the light switch and turn it back and forth quickly and it would turn the lights off. This no longer works. I have seen similar issues like this reported. I am so afraid to take it to a shop and find out it is going to cost more than my van is worth. …
Headlight complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2005 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 90 complaints about the lights of the 2005 Dodge Caravan, 17% of the model year's 537 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Dodge Caravan headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2005 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 2005 Dodge Caravan headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.