IllustrationWHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WORK, GEAR GOES INTO NEUTRAL WHEN TRYING TO SWITCH TO FIRST GEAR.*AK
1994 Dodge Caravan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Caravan years
Owner complaints for the 1994 Dodge Caravan are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Caravan years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 22 of 644 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.
- Power Train. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 94 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
91 crash reports6 fire reports61 injury reports
Power Train complaints
111 reportsAT 20 MPH AND 50 MPH THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT TO NEXT HIGHER GEAR, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY DEALER AT THIS TIME. NLM
WHILE DRIVING COULD HEAR A FORCE NOISE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION, LIKE IS WORKING HARD, BUT VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE AS FAST.TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED ONCE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS DODGE VAN WILL FAIL AT UNKNOWN TIMES. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE TEMPERATURE OR SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. IT CAN FAIL WHILE TURNING LEFT ACROSS TRAFFIC. IT CAN AND HAS FAILED IN THE CENTER LANE OF THE DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY AT 3:00PM ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON. WHEN IT FAILS THE CAR IS TOTALLY WITHOUT DRIVE POW…
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THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS DODGE VAN WILL FAIL AT UNKNOWN TIMES. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE TEMPERATURE OR SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. IT CAN FAIL WHILE TURNING LEFT ACROSS TRAFFIC. IT CAN AND HAS FAILED IN THE CENTER LANE OF THE DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY AT 3:00PM ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON. WHEN IT FAILS THE CAR IS TOTALLY WITHOUT DRIVE POWER AND CANNOT BE MOVED. THE DEALER HAS SEEN THIS AND CANNOT 'DETERMINE A CAUSE' I HAVE REPORTED TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER ( TRACKING NUMBER 355565) NO RESPONSE FROM EITHER.*AK
WHEN PURCHASING VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY OF 2001 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAD JUST BEEN REBUILT. TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE ON FEB 10TH, AND WHILE TRAVELING ON AN INCLINE AT APPROXMIMATELY 45 MPH ON MAY 28TH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 65MPH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED ON ITS OWN AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 85MPH. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, BUT PEDAL WAS LOCKED. SHE USED BOTH FEET ON BRAKE WITH NO RESULTS. THEN, PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO SLOW IT DOWN, AND VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, $ AMOUNT OF DAMAGE UNKNOWN. *AK
CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT/CHANGE GEARS AFTER APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
RELPACED TRANSMISSION. *AK
TRANSMISSION STARTED LEAKING.AFTER DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM I WAS TOLD IT WAS "HARD SEALS" DUE TO TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS OR WEAR AND TEAR. OUR CLIMATE DOES NOT CHANGE DRASTICALLY AND HOW CAN A MAJOR PART LIKE THIS FAIL AFTER ONLY 43,000 MILES? WE HAVE DONE THE ROUTINE MAINTANENCE ON THIS VAN EVERY 3,000 MILES.IS THIS A NORMAL …
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TRANSMISSION STARTED LEAKING.AFTER DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM I WAS TOLD IT WAS "HARD SEALS" DUE TO TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS OR WEAR AND TEAR. OUR CLIMATE DOES NOT CHANGE DRASTICALLY AND HOW CAN A MAJOR PART LIKE THIS FAIL AFTER ONLY 43,000 MILES? WE HAVE DONE THE ROUTINE MAINTANENCE ON THIS VAN EVERY 3,000 MILES.IS THIS A NORMAL PROBLEM? *AK
WHEN TRANSMISSION IS COLD AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, WOULD NEED TO WAIT BEFORE BEINGABLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. SOMETIMES WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, IT WOULD SKIP. TOOK TO DEALER & SERVICE MANAGER INDICATED PROBLEM WAS KNOWN TO MANUFACTURER, BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR IT.*AK
Official recalls
300V305000 · 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.
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.
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
8DP03002 · 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
EA98006 · Inadvertent Air Bag Deployments
Opened Feb 27, 1998 · Closed May 24, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE FRONT AIR BAG (S) DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY--IN MOST CASES WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE.
PE97049 · Air Bag Circuit/windshield Wiper Motor
Opened Nov 18, 1997 · Closed Mar 17, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
There is no summary currently available
PE97046 · Inadvertent Air Bag Deployments
Opened Oct 24, 1997 · Closed Feb 27, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY (IN MOST CASES WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE).
DP96014 · Defective Air Bag Crash Sensor
Opened Nov 14, 1996 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990-92 FORD TAURUS, AND 1994-96 CHRYSLER MINIVANS ARE DEFECTIVE.CFAS ALLEGE THAT INFORMATION ON LOW SPEED CRASHES HERE OCCUPANTS HAVE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUGGESTS [THAT THE ABOVE VEHICLES] HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.
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
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.