Seat complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 5% | 50,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% | 21,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% | 1,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% | 47,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% | 118,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% | 140,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% | 18,000 miles |
| 2002 | 7 | 3% | 68,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 2% | 56,000 miles |
| 2000 | 17 | 4% | 73,000 miles |
| 1999 | 9 | 2% | 103,000 miles |
| 1998 | 13 | 2% | 165,000 miles |
| 1997 | 12 | 2% | 120,000 miles |
| 1996 | 23 | 2% | 80,000 miles |
| 1995 | 22 | 4% | 129,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I have a Dodge Caravan 2012 and taking it in for several electrical issues. When it was sent to the dallas Dodge in dallas, ga there was an issue with car killing two brand new batteries. Brought a third one and finally call to have it picked up so they could check it.he then called me and said it was the driver seat wiring systems and to fix it would by $500.00. I advised him if that was the issue and it would be working properly go ahead.I picked up my car and got it home. The next morning the battery was dead. So I had it sent back to them and they check it again and did not find anything. I got it back the next day which was a Saturday after sitting there making sure they check everything. Basically they said the battery was dead and nothing was wrong. I told them if I had any issues I would bring it back on Monday. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the bezel clip that supported the driver's seat was broken. The contact stated that when the bezel clip was broken, the seat would not provide support to the contact while driving. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the bezel clip replaced six times. None of the repairs remedied the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and the dealer refused to replace the clip again. The failure mileage was 21,000.
My daughters and I were pulling away from a stop sign and I just pressed on the gas when the back bench seat that has the stow and go seating unlatched from the floor and flung her backwards. Though she didn't get to hurt. I was scared to death. Is this a problem that has happened before? I am nervous to let them sit in that seat but the bench and both bucket seats have this locking mechanism.
Dt*: the contact stated while getting onto an on ramp, the vehicle was hit from behind. The driver's seat collapsed. The dealership was not notified yet, but the contact planned to notify them soon. There were no problems with the seat prior to the incident. A police report was taken.
The vehicle was stationary. I was leaving work, when I sat in the driver's seat the seat broke and fell back. The broken part is actually the frame of the seat, not the tilt mechanism. The tubulation that comprised the seat frame catastrophically broke adjacent to the weldment. This part should never fail.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Dodge Caravan. The contact read an article about the rear seat collapsing and is concerned about the safety risk involved. The contact has not experienced any failures at this time. The VIN and failure mileage were unavailable. The current mileage is 60,000.
40 to 60 MPH rear end crash by BMW into stationary (trans in drive, waiting to exit expressway) 2003 Dodge Caravan sport - (only driver and front passenger in Caravan, both with seat belts fastened) all seat backs collapsed backward, including middle bench, both driver and passenger were flung back causing neck injuries. If a child had been sitting on the middle bench seat they May have been crushed. In addition the driver side visor detached completely (electrical wires torn out from visor light) and flew into the drivers face. The Caravan after being hit was pushed into the next car in front of it. Neither the driver side or passenger side airbags deployed.
While waiting at a red light, the consumers vehicle was struck from the behind by another vehicle, driving from 55 to 60 MPH. At the moment of impact the drivers seat back collapsed, slamming the consumer onto the rear seats. Seat belts were worn at the time of the collision. The police arrived on the scene and cited the other driver. The consumer suffered neck and spinal injuries. The manufacturer and the dealer are aware of the problem.
Related recalls (1)
Seats
The bolts which secure the rear bench seats to the seat risers May be embrittled and fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear bench seat to riser bolts.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Caravan years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (23), 1995 (22), 2000 (17), 1998 (13) and 1997 (12) model years. Seat complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Dodge Caravan seat problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 95V-225 (seats, Nov 28, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Caravan seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 49% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › recliner (39 mentions), followed by the mid/rear assembly (13).
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.