Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% | 63,000 miles |
| 2010 | 11 | 6% | 75,000 miles |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% | 100,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% | 4,000 miles |
| 2006 | 16 | 9% | 75,000 miles |
| 2005 | 90 | 17% | 89,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% | 108,000 miles |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% | 40,000 miles |
| 2002 | 16 | 7% | 59,000 miles |
| 2001 | 32 | 12% | 54,000 miles |
| 2000 | 7 | 1% | 90,000 miles |
| 1999 | 18 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 1998 | 32 | 5% | 90,000 miles |
| 1997 | 21 | 3% | 83,000 miles |
| 1996 | 46 | 3% | 90,000 miles |
| 1995 | 10 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caravan. While driving 20 MPH, the headlight switch began to work intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, but the failure could not be remedied. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Headlights go out unexpectedly, it has happened while driving and while standing still. Fog lights and running lights work but headlights do not. If they are working and you turn on the brights they go out and they go on and off by themselves.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the headlights appeared hazy and clogged. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlight failed to illuminate and provide proper illumination while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Was driving home at night when randomly my lights started flashing, horn started blaring, windshield wipers started going off, washer fluid was spraying everywhere. Locks were locking and unlocking. I ended up driving into someone's lawn as I could not see properly with poor lighting and all the distractions. Once I got home the vehicle continued to be possessed even without the key in the ignition. I was finally able to get everything to stop after unplugging the battery. Upon internet research it didn't take long to realize it was TIPM fuse box issue, I have found several other customers with the same box having the same issues. I have gone to the junkyard 3 times and grabbed a used TIPM fuse box replacement. The first replacement the car would not start. Second replacement there was a lot of trouble lights on the dash and the odometer did not work. …
Currently have about 86,000 on the vehicle. The headlights, more and more, are deciding to refuse to turn on. There is no darkness indicator, just an old-fashioned turn knob with three settings (off, parking lights, headlights). Also, the headlights when working, decide to not switch off when the knob is turned to off. This is intermittent and, so far, mechanics have been unable to diagnose the problem. I see from other sites that many, many people are having these problems with these minivans and eventually, if not already, somebody is going to die when these lights cut off unexpectedly.
I own a 2006 Dodge Caravan and about a month ago I noticed a problem when I use my turn signals. Sometimes they work fine, sometimes not at all, and sometimes the opposite blinker will turn on (ex: I use the right blinker but the left blinker come on and vise versa). This has been happening pretty much everyday since it first started. A couple of days ago when I started the car I noticed the airbag light stayed on and the passenger airbag off light on the dash stayed lit. This was very concerning because I don't know if that means the airbag is malfunctioning and won't work in an accident. I decided to do some online searching for these type of problems concerning the Dodge caravans and realized that hundreds and hundreds of people were experiencing the same exact problems I am having. …
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.
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Vehicle description: Mini vans built for fleet sales only. The headlamp module does not identify the park lamp as "drl" as requirement of FMVSS 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: All fleet owners/operators will be mailed non-removable decals with the required "drl" letters.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Caravan years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (90), 1996 (46), 1998 (32), 2001 (32) and 1997 (21) model years. Headlight complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Dodge Caravan headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 99V-116 (headlights, May 6, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Caravan headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (83 mentions), followed by the turn signal › switch (19).
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.