Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We were driving our Caravan and had to use the horn. Once I pressed the pad for the horn, the air bag light came on, the horn did not blow and then I determined that the cruise control was not working. Before doing any research I had the repairs completed at the dealer. It was a defective clock spring and the cost to replace it came to $269.01. I then came to this site and found dozens of other complaints exactly like mine. I would list everyone I found but I'm sure you can look them up faster than I could type the id numbers. I also found a recall campaign id number 02V293000 on your site. I asked the dealer about this and they claim our Caravan is not included in that recall. I find this hard to beleave since they admit they are defective in the recall so why isn't ours covered under it?
While driving the cruise control would not engage when applied. The driver pressed down on the horn and there was not a sound. Also, air bag light flashed on the dashboard and stayed on. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. Recall#1500521
At any speed air bag light comes on and stays on. When the air bag light comes on horn and the cruise control will not work. There is an article in a consumer magazine that documents the problems the consumer is having. The problem mentioned is a defective clock spring.
Vehicle parked with engine running accelerated on its own and hit a tree.$ 3000 damage. Chrysler refused to honor warranty, said nothing wrong with vehicle. Yet dealer found electrical problem, computer needed to be reset.
Our clockspring broke in the steering column. It controls the horn, airbag and unfortunately the cruise control. We were on a trip and approaching a town. I tapped on the brakes to shut the cruise control off and it wouldn't shut off. In fact, I couldn't slow down at all. I was going about 60 or 65 when this happened and eventually I was at the speed of 90. The van was accelling while I was trying to stop it. We finally got over to the side of the road and put it in either neutral or park just so we could get it to stop. Our horn doesn't work now and our airbag probably won't deploy in case of an emergency. This could cause alot of accidents and May hurt people if something doesn't get done about it.
Airbag light came on the instrument panel. At the same time the cruise control would not work and the horn would not work. The dealer advised not a good idea to drive the car due to the fact the air bag could deploy without any type of collision. Also, the horn not working was a hazard. Although we had an extended warranty on the vehicle, the dealer advised the matter was not covered under the extended warranty we had purchased. The cost for repair was $223.16. This should be considered as a safety item and not as a warranty item. Please help ! Tfsinisdwas rdu n.
Was driving on highway. Came to stop sign and the car lunged forward. Took it to dealer where metal filings found in transmission pan. This van had transmission service at 15000, 30000, and again at 45000 which is why I brought it in there. Nobody touched the engine but the dealer service center. When the dealer got into the transmission, found that the clutches were grinding themselves up. $2050.00 total in repairs. Nothing from Dodge except I'm sorry.
First, my air bag light came on, then my cruise control stopped working. From what I have researched. I feel this is all tied in to the clock spring wire assembly in the steering column. I'm concerned that my driver side air bag will not deploy in the event of an accident and that prior to that, my horn is going to stop working next. If I get these items repaired now, and there is a recall, will the manufacturer be required to reimburse me?
During normal operation of vehicle air bag light on instrument panel came on. Dealership examined vehicle and replaced clock spring material in steering column which corrected the problem. In October of 2001, air bag light came back on with additional problems of horn and cruise control failure. Dealership has not examined vehicle for the second incident. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
The problem with the air bag, cruise control & horn started approximately 1000 miles over warranty. At times, the horn will work, but not often and with no regularity. In regard to the windshield wipers, I have had them repaired at the dealership once. The problem continues to persist. I have also reported the suspension to the dealership, however, they were unable to locate a problem. Nlm
NHTSA investigations
Dc minivan fuel injector rail leak
There is no summary currently available
Acceleration complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan, 5% of the model year's 559 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1998 Dodge Grand 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 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration 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.