← New search

1993 Dodge Caravan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Caravan years

Owner complaints for the 1993 Dodge Caravan are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 39 of 949 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 321 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seat Belts. Review the 114 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

68 crash reports7 fire reports56 injury reports

Visibility complaints

52 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2006
Seat BeltsService Brakes, HydraulicVisibility

CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE SAFETY RECALL ON 1993 CARAVAN. *TS THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE ADEQUATELY. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED ABOUT A RECALL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY OF THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE (WIPER PIVOT RECALL, BELT B…

Read full complaint

CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE SAFETY RECALL ON 1993 CARAVAN. *TS THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE ADEQUATELY. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED ABOUT A RECALL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY OF THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE (WIPER PIVOT RECALL, BELT BUCKLE CLIP RECALL, LIFT GATE SUPPORT RECALL). OCT 12 THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE BRAKES STILL WERNT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER GOT THEW CAR BACK N NOV 14, AFTER SIX WEEKS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10177487

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2004
Visibility

WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND OFF ON THEIR OWN. DEALER WAS AWARE THAT THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10068605

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2004
Electrical SystemEquipmentExterior Lighting

I HAVE A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. I HAVE SPENT OVER $10,000.00 ON REPAIRS SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 1993. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH DODGE. I'VE HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON VARIOUS COMPONENTS, THEY WERE CORRECTED AND ARE NOW AGAIN DEFECTIVE INCLUDING MY SEATBELTS, ABS SYSTEM, AND STEERING COLUMN. I AM NOW NOTICING THAT THE PAINT IS E…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 1993 DODGE CARAVAN. I HAVE SPENT OVER $10,000.00 ON REPAIRS SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 1993. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH DODGE. I'VE HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON VARIOUS COMPONENTS, THEY WERE CORRECTED AND ARE NOW AGAIN DEFECTIVE INCLUDING MY SEATBELTS, ABS SYSTEM, AND STEERING COLUMN. I AM NOW NOTICING THAT THE PAINT IS ERODING ON THE TOP OF MY VAN. I'VE SEEN MANY OTHER DODGE CARAVANS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND THE EXACT SAME PATTERN OF CORROSION. IT APPEARS THE PAINT IS WEARING OFF ON THE TOPS OF THE CARS, THEN THE HOODS AND SO ON. IT EVENTUALLY RUSTS THROUGH AS I'VE SEEN ON AT LEAST 20 DODGE CARAVANS. I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED PAINT WEARING AWAY LIKE THIS ON ANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT I'VE OWNED AND MUCH OLDER THAN 10 YEARS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT SOMEWHERE IN THE PAINTING PROCESS, PERHAPS THE PRIMER OR THE PAINT ITSELF. THIS IS THE THIRD LETTER I'VE WRITTEN AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM ANYONE. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PAINTING PROCESS OF THESE VANS. I BELIEVE IT IS ALSO OCCURRING IN OTHER YEAR MODELS. THANK YOU, SUSAN DEANFRASIO. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10063811

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicVisibility

THE CONSUMER HAD A BRAKE RECALL# 96V099000-REPAIRS DONE, AND TWO MONTHS LATER THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. *AK THE ABS WERE CHECKED AND THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE OKAY. THE FIRST TIME THE BRAKES FAILED, THE CONSUMER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURED WHEN THE DAUGHTER EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE FAI…

Read full complaint

THE CONSUMER HAD A BRAKE RECALL# 96V099000-REPAIRS DONE, AND TWO MONTHS LATER THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. *AK THE ABS WERE CHECKED AND THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE OKAY. THE FIRST TIME THE BRAKES FAILED, THE CONSUMER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURED WHEN THE DAUGHTER EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE-ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DODGE DEALER AND THE CONSUMERS WERE TOLD THAT THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED AND REPAIRS WERE DONE. (BUT BECAUSE OF THE CONTINUED PROBLEMS, THE VEHICLE STAYED AT THE SHOP FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS PLUS) THE LAST INCIDENT HAPPENED ONE MONTH LATER, WHERE THE BRAKE LIGHT HAD COME ON. PER INVOICE-FOUND THAT THE ACTUATOR PISTON IN THE HYDRAULIC ASSEMBLY WAS LEAKING-REPLACED, ALSO REPLACED THE BRAKE VALVE AND BRAKE LINE, THE FITTING WAS FROZEN IN THE VALVE-REPLACED, FOUND A LOW ACCUMULATER TO BE DEFECTIVE-REPLACED, AND THE REAR HEATER COOLANT LINES LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE. *SCC

NHTSA ODI #8018738

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2002
Visibility

CONSUMER HAD RECALL REPAIRS (99V189000) DONE ON 20-SEP-2000, HOWEVER WHILE DRIVING IN SNOWY AND ICY CONDTIONS, THE WIPER PIVOT THAT CONSUMER THOUGHT WAS REPAIRED BROKE, CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THE RECALL WAS NOT PERFORMED AND THE ORIGINAL WIPER PIVOT WAS STILL ON THE VEHICLE, EVEN THO…

Read full complaint

CONSUMER HAD RECALL REPAIRS (99V189000) DONE ON 20-SEP-2000, HOWEVER WHILE DRIVING IN SNOWY AND ICY CONDTIONS, THE WIPER PIVOT THAT CONSUMER THOUGHT WAS REPAIRED BROKE, CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THE RECALL WAS NOT PERFORMED AND THE ORIGINAL WIPER PIVOT WAS STILL ON THE VEHICLE, EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER STATED THE REPAIR WAS NEVER MADE, CONSUMER WAS STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR BILL.*JB

NHTSA ODI #564770

Mileage unknown · May 29, 2001
VisibilityCrash

ON APRIL 22, 2000, A VERY RAINY DAY, MY HUSBAND WAS EXITING A GAS STATION RAMP, AND CAUSED A ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD COMPLETELY STOPPED. UPON TRYING TO GET THE DAMAGE REPAIRED, BUT COULD NOT BECAUSE I WAS ONE MONTH LATE WITH MY PAYMENT, I BEGAN GETTING LETTERS FROM CHRYSLER ABOUT SEVERAL DIFFERENT RECA…

Read full complaint

ON APRIL 22, 2000, A VERY RAINY DAY, MY HUSBAND WAS EXITING A GAS STATION RAMP, AND CAUSED A ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD COMPLETELY STOPPED. UPON TRYING TO GET THE DAMAGE REPAIRED, BUT COULD NOT BECAUSE I WAS ONE MONTH LATE WITH MY PAYMENT, I BEGAN GETTING LETTERS FROM CHRYSLER ABOUT SEVERAL DIFFERENT RECALLS ON MY MINI VAN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #746030

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2001
StructureVisibility

CONSUMER TURNED WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON, AND LINKAGE ALMOST FELL OFF. ALSO, LIFTGATE NEEDED SUPPORT WASHER AND STEERING PLATES. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #884235

Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2001
Visibility

CLOSED FRONT DOOR AND REAR WINDOW BLEWOUT. IT SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES. *AK THE WINDOWS BLEW OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. *YH

NHTSA ODI #883418

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2001
Visibility

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 99V-189, THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

NHTSA ODI #560407

Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2001
Visibility

WHEN CONSUMER TURNS VEHICLE'S REAR DEFOSTER ON WHOLE REAR WINDOW CAN SHATTER/IMPLODE, OR EXPLODE. BECAUSE OF THIS WINDOW SWITCH INOPERATIVE. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED WINDOW THREE TIMES ALREADY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK THE MANUFACTURER REIMBURSED THE CONSUMER TWICE FOR COST OF WINDOW REPAI…

Read full complaint

WHEN CONSUMER TURNS VEHICLE'S REAR DEFOSTER ON WHOLE REAR WINDOW CAN SHATTER/IMPLODE, OR EXPLODE. BECAUSE OF THIS WINDOW SWITCH INOPERATIVE. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED WINDOW THREE TIMES ALREADY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK THE MANUFACTURER REIMBURSED THE CONSUMER TWICE FOR COST OF WINDOW REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY DURING THE THIRD INCIDNET AND CONSUMER'S INSURANCE HANDLED THE COST OF THE REPAIR MINUS THE DEDUCTIBLE. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE PROBLEM NOT BE STOPPED. *YH

NHTSA ODI #881691

Official recalls

8

00V305000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar

Oct 12, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH 2-SPOKE LUXURY WHEELS MANUFACTURED JULY 1992 THROUGH JUNE 1993; OR EQUIPPED WITH 4-SPOKE SPORT WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1992 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1993. THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE STEERING WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN, LOSS OF CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR CRACKS AND ANY WHEELS WITH CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IN THE EVENT CRACKING OCCURS.

99V213000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments

Sep 2, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE STRUT TO THE BODY AND THE REAR LIFTGATE CAN ACCUMULATE FATIGUE DAMAGE IF THREE FACTORS COMBINE. IF THE BOLT IS LOOSE, THE GAS STRUT IS OVER-PRESSURIZED, AND THE FREQUENCY OF OPENING AND CLOSING CYCLES IS HIGHER THAN FOR THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER, THE BOLT CAN FAIL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR IF THE BOLTS BREAK ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL SUDDENLY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR LOOSE FASTENERS, IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE, THE STRUT (AND INTEGRAL BOLTS) WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE BOLT SHOWS EVIDENCE OF TORQUE, THE BOLT WILL BE REMOVED, LARGER WASHERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING WASHER AND THE BOLT WILL BE REINSTALLED AND HAND TIGHTENED TO THE TARGET TORQUED.

99V189000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

Jul 16, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LEFT HAND WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT DRIVE ARM WAS NOT MECHANICALLY STAKED TO THE PIVOT SHAFT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE DRIVE ARM TO DISENGAGE FROM THE SHAFT LEADING TO A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT HAND SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT ASSEMBLY.

99V113000 · Air Bags

May 6, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE WIRING THAT INITIATES THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD ELECTRICALLY SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND. A SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND THAT EXISTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "ON" OR "START" POSITION CAN CAUSE THE AIR BAG(S) TO INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN INJURE A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. ANY SHORT CIRCUITS IDENTIFIED IN EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INITIATOR WIRE CIRCUIT WILL BE REPAIRED.

97V148000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Sep 9, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. COVERS ON THE SOLID STALK MOUNTED SEAT BELT BUCKLES CAN BECOME DISLODGED CAUSING THE RELEASE BUTTON TO STICK INSIDE THE COVER. THE BUCKLE WOULD THEN BE ONLY PARTIALLY LATCHED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COVER RETAINING CLIP TO THE STALK MOUNTED BUCKLE COVER TO PREVENT DISLOCATION OF THE BUCKLE COVER.

97V149000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Sep 9, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. THE CENTER REAR SEAT, RIGHT OUTBOARD SIDE, SAFETY BELT ANCHOR HOOK CAN BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE BODY ANCHOR POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ANCHOR HOOK RETAINING CLIP WITH A REVISED PROFILE CLIP AND A COVER PLATE.

96V099000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Jun 13, 1996

THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ABS FUNCTION COULD BE LOST AND REDUCED POWER ASSIST WOULD BE EXPERIENCED DURING VEHICLE BRAKING INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES IF NECESSARY. ALSO THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS WILL ALSO BE REIMBURSED FOR PREVIOUS ABS COMPONENT REPAIR COSTS.

93V098000 · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Jun 4, 1993

THE 15 INCH WHEELS HAVE MALFORMED LUG NUT SEAT CONFIGURATION WHICH CAUSES POOR NUT-TO-WHEEL CONTACT AND CENTERING OF THE WHEEL DURING INSTALLATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: POOR NUT-TO-WHEEL CONTACT DURING INSTALLATION CAN LEAD TOPOSSIBLE LOSS OF A WHEEL, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: THE ROAD AND SPARE WHEELS WITH THE MALFORMED LUG NUT SEAT CONFIGURATION WILL BE REPLACED.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

13

DP03002 · Steering Column Separation

Opened May 7, 2003 · Closed Jul 22, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:column

MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.

RQ00011 · Steering Wheel Separation

Opened May 1, 2000 · Closed Apr 1, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

There is no summary currently available

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering

There is no summary currently available

Steering

There is no summary currently available

RQ99004 · Rear Liftgate Support

Opened Apr 19, 1999 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

ON MAY 7, 1997, CHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL 436,000 1992 DODGE CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER/GRAND VOYAGER AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 97V-079.ODI HAD INVESTIGATION THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT PROBLEM FOR 1991-1993 CHRYSLER MINIVANS IN PE 96-035 AND EA96-027.AT THE TIME OF CLOSING EA96-027 ON MAY 16, 1997, A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND HAD NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED ON THE 1991 AND 1993 MODELS.SINCE THE CLOSING OF EA96-027, ODI HAS RECEIVED 34 COMPLAINTS OF REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT ATTACHING BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TEN INJURIES, ON THE SUBJECET VEHICLES.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A RECALL QUERY BE OPENED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.CLOSING NOTE: ON JULY 19, 1999, DAMILERCHRYSLER AGREED TO RECALL 1991, 1993, AND 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES TO REMEDY REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 99V-213.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT RQ99-004 BE CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

ON MAY 7, 1997, CHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL 436,000 1992 DODGE CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER/GRAND VOYAGER AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 97V-079.ODI HAD INVESTIGATION THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT PROBLEM FOR 1991-1993 CHRYSLER MINIVANS IN PE 96-035 AND EA96-027.AT THE TIME OF CLOSING EA96-027 ON MAY 16, 1997, A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND HAD NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED ON THE 1991 AND 1993 MODELS.SINCE THE CLOSING OF EA96-027, ODI HAS RECEIVED 34 COMPLAINTS OF REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT ATTACHING BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TEN INJURIES, ON THE SUBJECET VEHICLES.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A RECALL QUERY BE OPENED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.CLOSING NOTE: ON JULY 19, 1999, DAMILERCHRYSLER AGREED TO RECALL 1991, 1993, AND 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES TO REMEDY REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 99V-213.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT RQ99-004 BE CLOSED.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

ON MAY 7, 1997, CHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL 436,000 1992 DODGE CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER/GRAND VOYAGER AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 97V-079.ODI HAD INVESTIGATION THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT PROBLEM FOR 1991-1993 CHRYSLER MINIVANS IN PE 96-035 AND EA96-027.AT THE TIME OF CLOSING EA96-027 ON MAY 16, 1997, A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND HAD NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED ON THE 1991 AND 1993 MODELS.SINCE THE CLOSING OF EA96-027, ODI HAS RECEIVED 34 COMPLAINTS OF REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT ATTACHING BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TEN INJURIES, ON THE SUBJECET VEHICLES.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A RECALL QUERY BE OPENED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.CLOSING NOTE: ON JULY 19, 1999, DAMILERCHRYSLER AGREED TO RECALL 1991, 1993, AND 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES TO REMEDY REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 99V-213.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT RQ99-004 BE CLOSED.

EA97020 · Front Windshield Wiper

Opened Sep 30, 1997 · Closed Jul 27, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

ALLEGED FAILURES OF WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS

EA97005 · Safety Belt Anchorage Failures

Opened Apr 10, 1997 · Closed Dec 23, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

There is no summary currently available

PE97013 · Windshield Wiper Failure

Opened Apr 2, 1997 · Closed Sep 30, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WHILE IN USE

DP97001 · Windshield Wiper Failure

Opened Mar 12, 1997 · Closed Apr 2, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON 1989 AND LATER CHRYSLER MODELS WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPIRIT/ACCLAIM: DYNASTY/NEW YORKER/LANDAU; LANCE/LEBARON; SHADOW/SUNDANCE; CARAVAN/VOYAGER.HOWEVER, BASED ON ODI'S COMPLAINT RECORDS, ONLY CERTAIN MINIVANS WILL BE INVESTIGATED

EA96027 · Alleged Rear Liftgate Support Failure

Opened Oct 31, 1996 · Closed May 16, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEAR RESULTING IN SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.

PE96035 · Alleged Rear Liftgate Support Failure

Opened May 6, 1996 · Closed Oct 31, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFT GATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEER RESULTING IN THE SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.

PE96008 · Safety Blt Latch Operation

Opened Jan 25, 1996 · Closed Jun 28, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

There is no summary currently available

EA94028 · Abs Braking System Fails

Opened Jul 29, 1994 · Closed Jun 24, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available

PE94024 · Abs Braking System Fails

Opened Mar 7, 1994 · Closed Jul 29, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available

EA94005 · Liftgate Latches

Opened Jan 31, 1994 · Closed Oct 25, 1995

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

LIFTGATE LATCHES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE FAILED IN LOW AND MODERATE SPEED IMPACTS RESULTING IN OCCUPANT EJECTIONS, INJURIES, AND FATALITIES.THERE ARE TWO FAILURE MODES ASSOCIATED WITH LATCH FAILURE: FORK BOLT-DETENT LEVER BYPASS, AND INERTIAL UNLATCHING.NHTSA ANALYSES OF CHRYSLER AND PEER MINIVANS TOOK THE FORM OF STATIC AND DYNAMIC CRASH TESTING, ENGINEERING EVALUATIONS, COMPLAINT AND FIELD ANALYSES, AND REAL WORLD DATA ANALYSES.A TECHNICAL REPORT DISCUSSING THESE ANALYSES CAN BE FOUND IN THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TECHNICAL REPORT IN THE PUBLIC VIEWING FILE.CHRYSLER HAS ADVISED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LATCHES ON ALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE CHRYSLER CAMPAIGN WILL CONSIST OF NOTIFICATION LETTERS TO ALL OWNERS; FREE REPLACEMENT OF ALL LATCHES WITH STRONGER, SAFER LATCHES REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OF THE MINIVANS; NATIONAL ADVERTISING TO PROMOTE CUSTOMER AWARENESS OF THE CAMPAIGN; QUARTERLY REPORTS REGARDING CAMPAIGN COMPLETION RATES; AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ENSURE A HIGH COMPLETION RATE, ABOVE AND BEYOND THE ACTIONS THAT NORMALLY WOULD BE TAKEN IN A FORMAL SAFETY RECALL.THESE INCLUDE FOLLOW UP WRITTEN AND TELEPHONIC NOTIFICATIONS TO OWNERS WHO DO NOT BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION.NHTSA FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT THE CRASH PERFORMANCE OF THE LATCHES ON THESE MINIVANS RAISES SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, AND THAT THE CAMPAIGN ADDRESSES THESE CONCERNS.THE CHRYSLER CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL INCREASE THE STRENGTH OF THE LIFTGATE LATCHES AND DECREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INERTIAL UNLATCHING, THEREBY REDUCING THE RISK OF CRASH-RELATED OPENINGS OF THE LIFTGATE AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT EJECTION THROUGH THE LIFTGATE OPENING.OWNERS OF CHRYSLER MINIVANS WILL GET A STRONGER, SAFER LATCH FREE OF CHARGE AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION AND COMPLEX AND TIME-CONSUMING LITIGATION WITH AN UNCERTAIN OUTCOME.BASED ON THE ABOVE, ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION.