Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 2001 Grand Caravan 's air bag light keeps on appearing intermittently. I've had the clock spring replaced which failed to end the condition. I'm aware that if the light is on, the airbags will not deploy. I'm also aware that there was a recall campaign which ended with the 2000 models. So, I guess that a person or persons in a collision in a 2001 or greater Caravan May or May not be protected by the airbags. I've seen a lot of complaints about this and I can't believe this has not been addressed as a major safety issue. I hope it will be and that no one dies or is crippled for life as a result of a faulty airbag system!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently and whenever the contact would attempt a turn. The light remained illuminated as the failure progressed. The controls on the steering wheel failed and later, the horn also failed. After performing extensive research, the contact concluded that the clock spring failed. The dealer and manufacturer were both notified and neither offered any assistance to the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 151,000 and the current mileage was 166,000.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan. Ever since June 1, 2001 when the vehicle was purchased, the air bag light illuminates intermittently. Within the last six months, the speed control has become inoperative and shortly afterwards, the horn began to malfunction. Through online research, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign id number 04V480000 (air bags), which was related to some of the issues he was experiencing. The dealer stated that his VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 57 and current mileage was 78,247. Updated 09/10/08. Updated 09/11/08
1. No events or lights leading up to the crash. ( lights, error message for air bag, etc. ) 2. Side impact airbag - did not go off. I was in a side impact car crash at sliding passenger door on our Dodge Grand Caravan. 3. Over $6,000.00 worth of work done on vehicle. Nothing was done to coorect or even look into why the airbag didn't go off. Got run around from the dealership, Chrysler corporate office also the auto body shop that fixed our vehicle. I was referred to the auto shop by my "reputable" car insurance company state farm.
There was no event leading to this failure, my airbag light has been continuously on for a few days, and now my horn and cruise control do not work. After researching this problem I have come across a recall for the clock-spring, which only includes 1998-2000 models. But have also read numerous complaints of it on the 2001 model as well. I have sent an email to daimler Chrysler and have not gotten a response yet. I hope it does not take a serious injury or a death to have this part of the original recall.
The air bag light goes on and off periodically. There was concern that the air bag would not deploy when needed or, conversely, it would deploy without any warning. Took it to the dealer, he indicated that a spring needed to be replaced. As I was looking into recalls for this problem, I noticed that, although there was no recall, there were plenty of complaints. Why is this defect allowed to coninue to give consumers problems, but there is no action from the manufacturer to fix via a recall?
The air bag light appears randomly on and off. According to my mechanic, if the light is on and there is a crash, the air bags will not deploy. I think this is a very serious issue. I had the clock spring replaced by my mechanic, and all was well for about a week and then it started all over again. Also, failure speed is random. I would like some kind of resolution to this problem. I have heard this complaint from others and have seen it on the internet as well. Please advise if possible.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the air bag warning light continuously illuminated. Also, the contact mentioned that the buttons on the steering wheel would not work. The dealer stated that the failure might be due to a defective clock spring. If a crash occurred, the air bag could potentially not deploy. The vehicle had not been repaired and the manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the instrument panel lights illuminate intermittently. The vehicle has been to the dealer on three occasions for this failure. She stated that her radio and ABS light are currently experiencing the same failure. The ABS light is constantly illuminated and the radio activates approximately once per month for two hours. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 95,000 and failure mileage was 300.
Airbag light comes on intermittently, particularly on turns. Talked with local Chrysler dealer and his assessment pointed to the clockspring. Researched on internet and it certainly appears there is an issue with this item. Dealer indicated it is not covered by warranties or recall and would cost in excess of $200 to replace. I believe this to be a manufacturers defect and should be replaced at no cost to the customer. No accidents or adverse effects encountered to date.
Airbag complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan, 16% of the model year's 298 complaints. The component named most often is frontal › sensor/control module (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan, though it has 3 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 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to air bags 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.