Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2 | 7% | 38,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% | 25,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% | 82,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% | 75,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% | 45,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% | 98,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 12 | 2% | 49,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% | 52,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% | 73,000 miles |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% | 87,000 miles |
| 2000 | 16 | 3% | 84,000 miles |
| 1999 | 33 | 6% | 90,000 miles |
| 1998 | 33 | 5% | 94,000 miles |
| 1997 | 45 | 6% | 92,000 miles |
| 1996 | 115 | 8% | 88,000 miles |
| 1995 | 14 | 3% | 105,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On interstate at 65 & while accelerating to pass slower car my accelerator stuck at full throttle. Braked to control speed and after short while pedal unstuck and normal operation. This happened again the next day but, although gas pedal was stuck to floor, the vehicle slowed to about 60. Exited highway to service area with pedal still stuck at ft & shut down. Car wouldn't restart with pedal at ft. After several minutes, the pedal "popped" back and restarted with normal operation thereafter. I each instance the cruise control was probably on and a large red symbol appeared on the annunciator panel which extinguished when the accelerator pedal " popped" back up. No messages appeared in the driver information center. This is a very dangerous condition which internet searches show is occurring to other Dodge / Chrysler minivans and needs to be addressed.
I purchased a new van on July 5, 2013. On July 8, 2013, I drove 4 miles, and stopped at a red light. I accelerated to approx. 40 MPH, when suddenly the van shifted to the right momentarily, upon which I regained control immediately. Suddenly, the van jolted right again, jumped the curb, climbed an embankment, and would not stop accelerating. I kept pushing the emc controls forward....but it would not stop the vehicle. It is not that the vehicle kept accelerating, but rather, the vehicle would not stop accelerating. As a result, the vehicle only stopped when I crashed through a large evergreen tree (front right passenger area). The van continued to accelerate until I ran head first into a hardware store, which ultimately stopped the vehicle. There was an analysis performed, and I expressed great concern over the lack of information disclosed in the report. …
After jim riehl's friendly Chrysler in warren michigan replaced my TIPM module for a faulty light problem my van would not decelerate when I took my foot off the accelerator pedal.thank god it slowed down when I applied the brakes. There are other fault lights on the instrument cluster and I am going back to the dealer to seek a resolution. It was 3 am and raining to make matters worse. What were they thinking releasing a defective van back on the roads?
While driving in rain storm with cruise control,wipers,lights,and radio on power to controls would turn off. Engine was still running and systems came back on after turning off radio, lights for awhile.
On several occasions the van has shut off when driving. I have to go to the side of the road to a complete stop and then restart the van. I have had it in to several mechanics to try to find out what the issue is and have been told to bring it in when it happens again, which always seems to be when I am on the highway or after hours. I received a recall notice for this issue (l25/NHTSA 14v-373) and have called the dealer several times and was told the part was not available and they would call me as soon as it became available. The last time I called I was told they no longer are making the part of this year vehicle. My question is, that if I have an accident and am injured or killed because this issue has been unresolved who should I let my family know to contact, for damages? …
The described occurrence happened at least three times. I had stopped preparing to enter a street from a parking lot. Upon accelerating to pull onto street, the engine died... I had to turn the key and engine restarted without issue. If one is in a busy traffic situation, this could be very dangerous. Another time, I was stopped for traffic signal and preparing to make a left turn. Upon getting the green light, I started into the intersection and the engine abruptly died. It was easily restarted again by turning the key. I have went into my dealership two or three times but they cannot find a problem...
Started the vehicle one morning and drove up to a stop sign. I was in a city street making a left turn. Saw clear from both directions of any traffic.accelerated and the bas,ESP light, and traction light came on. At this point the vehicle wanted to stall, lost power, and steering became difficult. Stopped the vehicle and restarted the engine and accelerated again to about 20 MPH and the vehicle repeated the stalling and hesitated to accelerate, once above 30 MPH all lights continued on and the vehicle kept driving accordingly. Every time the vehicle is started up and drove from that date of jan.26,2021 the vehicle malfunctioning continues. I find this to be a severe mechanical problem and a danger to me, my family, and the public.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that after starting the ignition, the vehicle would make a loud sound and the electronic throttle control warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the electronic throttle control was defective and needed to be serviced. The vehicle was serviced however, the remedy failed to repair the problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 97,280.
NHTSA investigations
Dc minivan fuel injector rail leak
There is no summary currently available
Fuel leaks from the gas tank
Analysis to date indicates that some of the subject vehiclescontinue to experience fuel leaks from the fuel tank at the sending unit interface.most often the leak involves the o-ring seal.
Fuel tank leaks
This engineering analysis was opened on January 31, 1997 based on information gathered during preliminary evaluation (pe), pe96-051. The pe was opened on August 19, 1996, to investigate allegations of fuel leakage from the area where the fuel pump/sending unit joins the fuel tank.for brevidy, this area will be referred to as the pump/tank interface.these allegations were first received by odi on August 2, 1996 while…
Fuel tank leak
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Caravan years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (115), 1997 (45), 1998 (33), 1999 (33) and 2000 (16) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Dodge Caravan acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Dodge Caravan model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Caravan acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cruise control (48 mentions), followed by the accelerator pedal (22).
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.