Dodge Caravan Window & Wiper Problems

Owners have filed 330 complaints about windows, wipers & sunroof problems with the Dodge Caravan — 5% of all Caravan complaints. The worst model years are 1996 (111), 1997 (51) and 1995 (33). Problems typically start around 72,000 miles. One related recall has been issued.

330complaints
1996worst year
72ktypical miles
1related recalls
3crashes
2fires

Window & Wiper complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’1533111511713121967316113161512111
Window & Wiper complaints per model year, Dodge Caravan.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
201514%48,000 miles
201415%63,000 miles
201313%8,000 miles
201222%63,000 miles
201111%4,000 miles
201053%79,000 miles
200911%72,000 miles
2008165%100,000 miles
200734%8,000 miles
2006116%46,000 miles
2005163%55,000 miles
200435%160,000 miles
200374%18,000 miles
200262%80,000 miles
2001197%56,000 miles
2000123%100,000 miles
1999132%90,000 miles
1998173%83,000 miles
1997517%108,000 miles
19961118%80,000 miles
1995337%78,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Windshield wiper/washer
    120
  • Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
    44
  • Power window devices and controls
    39
  • Windshield
    28
  • Glass, side/rear
    20
  • Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
    9
  • Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
    3
  • Rearview mirrors/devices
    3

Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1917%
  • 25k–50k
    1413%
  • 50k–75k
    2422%
  • 75k–100k
    2119%
  • 100k–150k
    2119%
  • 150k+
    1110%

What owners report

All the warning lights on the dash light up, the wipers start and can't be stopped, all the windows won't go up or down, the door locks won't work and worst of all the gas gauge, speedometer, and other dash indicators go dead showing no action. This all happens unannounced at any time driving or still. It can happen with just turning the key on to start the car.the most recent time, 2/10/16 the dealer repair said there were a total of 24 different codes saved that did conflict with each other.

2010 Caravan · 97,000 miles · Feb 2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, he smelled a burning odor and noticed smoke emitting from the rear window power switch. There were no visible flames. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the rear window power switch would need to be replaced. The mechanic disabled and removed the power window switch. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 69,795.

2010 Caravan · 70,000 miles · May 2013 · fire

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. …

2008 Caravan · 158,000 miles · Oct 2017 · crash

Car was not running and keys were not in the ignition, they were laying on the dash. No one was in the vehicle. When the passenger's front door was opened the horn started honking and windshield washer started spraying (wipers were not activated).it lasted only a couple seconds and stopped. It also activated the driver's side mirror's auto dim feature. Once I was on the road discovered it also prevented the car from shifting out of first gear. I tried manually shifting and slipping it from drive to neutral but that had no effect. The indicator light showed no response to the manual shifting it just remained on the "d". The van did go into neutral and the indicator light showed "n". I didn't try the van again until 24hrs later and everything was working fine. After researching online I see there is an obvious problem with the TIPM and will be replacing it. …

2008 Caravan · 75,000 miles · Mar 2016

I drive a 2007 Dodge Caravan. The passenger side window motor has gone out. We have called around for a replacement and have fount out that these years are very well known for this problem. My van only has 8,797 miles on it. Why has there never been a recall.. All vans of this make and model have had to have there motors replaced.. My mom was looking at one and they dealer told her the motors have been replaced. So now I have to spend 200.00 to get a entire replacement part. [redacted]

2007 Caravan · Power window devices and controls · 8,000 miles · May 2010

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caravan. The contact was driving 70 MPH when the windshield wipers failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. . ..updated 03-12-14 the consumer stated a blocked duct caused water to spill over. Updated 04/01/14

2007 Caravan · 120,000 miles · Feb 2014

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that on several occasions the rear tail lamps, headlamps, and instrument panel lights became inoperable. The contact stated that the instrument panel lights became dim, the indicator lights and headlamps failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an unknown mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering column and attached electrical switches needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither a local dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted or informed of the failures. The failure mileage was 46,000.

2006 Caravan · 46,000 miles · Jan 2020

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Caravan. While driving, the windshield wipers failed to respond. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,268.

2006 Caravan · 143,000 miles · Nov 2015

Related recalls (1)

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

NHTSA recall 06V-067 · Mar 8, 2006 · 268,800 vehicles

On certain vans and sport utility vehicles, the front windshield wiper motor armature shaft May break.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper motor free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2006, to Dodge durango owners. Minivan owners will be notified during July 2006.

NHTSA investigations

Air bag circuit/windshield wiper motor

NHTSA investigation PE97049 · opened Nov 18, 1997 · closed Mar 17, 1998

There is no summary currently available

Frequently asked questions

Which Dodge Caravan years have window & wiper problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (111), 1997 (51), 1995 (33), 2001 (19) and 1998 (17) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 1996.

Is there a recall for Dodge Caravan window & wiper problems?

Yes — 1 recall, including 06V-067 (motor, Mar 8, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Dodge Caravan window & wiper problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer (120 mentions), followed by the windshield wiper/washer › motor (44).

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.