NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
629 reports90,000 miles · Feb 3, 2004
Air Bags
MY 1998 DODGE CARAVAN HAS A FAILED CLOCKSPRING, WHICH HAS CAUSED THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO STAY ON AND THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL TO NOT WORK. I UNDERSTAND THAT MY VAN IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL FOR THE CLOCKSPRING BECAUSE OF THE MANUFACTURE DATE, WHICH IS TO LATE. THE BILL FOR THE REPAIRS IS APPROX $210.00 (CURRENTLY AT THE DEA…
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MY 1998 DODGE CARAVAN HAS A FAILED CLOCKSPRING, WHICH HAS CAUSED THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO STAY ON AND THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL TO NOT WORK. I UNDERSTAND THAT MY VAN IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL FOR THE CLOCKSPRING BECAUSE OF THE MANUFACTURE DATE, WHICH IS TO LATE. THE BILL FOR THE REPAIRS IS APPROX $210.00 (CURRENTLY AT THE DEALSHIP). PLEASE INCLUDE ALL 1998 CARAVANS IN THE RECALL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10056390
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2004
Air BagsElectrical SystemParking Brake
EMERGENCY BRAKES INOPERABLE, AIRBAG LIGHT TURNS ON, HORN DOES NOT WORK, HARD TIME REMOVING KEY FROM IGNITION AND I CAN GO FROM "P" TO "R" OR "D" WITHOUT PRESSING ON THE BRAKES (EVEN IF THERE IS NO KEY IN THE IGNITION). *JB
NHTSA ODI #10056372
33,000 miles · Jan 30, 2004
Air BagsCrash
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED A FRONTAL CRASH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10057235
151,000 miles · Jan 30, 2004
Air BagsElectrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
AT ANY SPEED AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. ALSO, HORN IS INOPERABLE, AND CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. THERE IS RECALL 02V293000 CONCERNING CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10057215
98,000 miles · Jan 21, 2004
Power Train
DEALER REPLACED THREE TIMES THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN THE LAST PAST TWO YEARS AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10055578
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH JUST UNDER 71,000 MILES ON IT. WE FIRST NOTICED SOME ANTI FREEZE ON THE GROUND AND COULD SEE IT LEAKING THINKING IT WAS A HOSE OR SOMETHING. I WENT UNDER TO TAKE A LOOK AND IT WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK. I BROUGHT IT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AND IT TURNS OUT THE HEADGASKET SPRUNG A …
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I HAVE A 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WITH JUST UNDER 71,000 MILES ON IT. WE FIRST NOTICED SOME ANTI FREEZE ON THE GROUND AND COULD SEE IT LEAKING THINKING IT WAS A HOSE OR SOMETHING. I WENT UNDER TO TAKE A LOOK AND IT WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK. I BROUGHT IT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AND IT TURNS OUT THE HEADGASKET SPRUNG A LEAK. I GAVE THEM THE GO AHEAD TO FIX IT. HE TOOK IT APART AND SAID THEIR WAS A 2 INCH PIECE MISSING FROM THE GASKET. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. IT COST ME $1000+ TO HAVE IT REPAIRED .WHAT A PIECE OF CRAP.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10054581
45,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other
MY A/C STOPPED WORKING RIGHT AFTER MY 3 YEAR 36 MILE WARRANTY RAN OUT. DEALER SAID IT WAS THE EVAPORATOR COIL. COSTS ME $400. RIGHT NOW MY A/C JUST QUIT. MY VAN HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT. I GO THROUGH BELTS LIKE CRAZY. MY MECHANIC CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. AND OTHER MECHANICS SAY IT'S AN EPIDEMIC WITH CARAVANS. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA ODI #10071150
69,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
TRANSMISSION ------------ SUDDEN FAILURE OF ALL FORWARD AND REVERSE GEARS. KEY OFF-ON BRINGS BACK FORWARD DRIVE FOR ABOUT 100 YARDS THEN FAILS AGAIN. NO REVERSE GEAR AT ALL. COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC INDICATES 3 TRANSMISSION ERRORS RELATED TO SHIFTING. SENSORS LOOK OK. SHOP HAD TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF OVER $2,000. BRAKES…
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TRANSMISSION ------------ SUDDEN FAILURE OF ALL FORWARD AND REVERSE GEARS. KEY OFF-ON BRINGS BACK FORWARD DRIVE FOR ABOUT 100 YARDS THEN FAILS AGAIN. NO REVERSE GEAR AT ALL. COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC INDICATES 3 TRANSMISSION ERRORS RELATED TO SHIFTING. SENSORS LOOK OK. SHOP HAD TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF OVER $2,000. BRAKES ------ EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS. MUST BE REPLACED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR NOW. FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED IT DESTROYED ONE BRAKE ROTOR -- HAD TO REPLACE THAT. NOW, AT THE FIRST SIGN OF BRAKE SQUEAL I MUST CHECK AND REPLACE THE PADS AS THEY ARE CLOSE TO WEARING OUT. GENERALLY GET LESS THAN 15,000 MILES PER SET.
NHTSA ODI #10070783
59,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
EquipmentFuel System, GasolineUnknown Or Other
5 BATTERIES SINCE PURCHASED NEW. THREE WERE NOTED AS HAVING LEAKED BATTERY ACID. IN MAY/JUNE 2003, THE WIRING HARNESSES (MAIN ONES) HAD BEEN EATEN BY BATTERY ACID CAUSING ALL SORTS OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE HARNESSES ARE ROUTED UNDER THE BATTERY PAN. STUPID PLACEMENT. DEALER SPLICED WIRES TOGETHER TO GET IT RUNNING AT HIS COS…
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5 BATTERIES SINCE PURCHASED NEW. THREE WERE NOTED AS HAVING LEAKED BATTERY ACID. IN MAY/JUNE 2003, THE WIRING HARNESSES (MAIN ONES) HAD BEEN EATEN BY BATTERY ACID CAUSING ALL SORTS OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE HARNESSES ARE ROUTED UNDER THE BATTERY PAN. STUPID PLACEMENT. DEALER SPLICED WIRES TOGETHER TO GET IT RUNNING AT HIS COST, AT MY INSISTENCE. VAN CONTINUES TO START INCONSISTENTLY. HORN DOESN'T WORK SINCE DEALER SPLICED WIRES. TURN IGNITION KEY - CLICK, REPEAT 10-20 TIMES, STARTER WILL CATCH ON ONE. DESIGN DEFECT IS ROUTING OF HARNESSES AND LACK OF SHIELD TO PROTECT THEM.
NHTSA ODI #10070424
65,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSuspension
TRANSMISSION NOT PROPERLY SHIFTING IN 2 ND GEARS. AIR CONDITIONING STILLS BLOWS SEMI-WARM AIR. SWAY BARS REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10068947
Official recalls
5Oct 6, 2004
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY BECOME DISABLED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE HUB OF THE STEERING WHEEL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL COVERED VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. FOR THOSE VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 70,000 MILES, DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL OFFER AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY UNDER WHICH IT WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING AT NO CHARGE IF IT FAILS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Nov 7, 2002
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON THIS COMPONENT FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Mar 8, 2002
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRIM WITH FOAM BLOCKERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Sep 13, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Dec 15, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED CHILD SEATS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS RESTRAINT WEBBING WAS INCORRECTLY ROUTED AROUND THE METAL REINFORCEMENT BAR ON THESE SEATS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE CHILD SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROUTING OF THE SHOULDER BELT WEBBING AND ANY FOUND INCORRECT WILL BE PROPERLY ROUTED.
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
7EA04013 · Driver Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Opened Jun 4, 2004 · Closed May 25, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal
THE DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING CAN DEVELOP AN OPEN-CIRCUIT CONDITION RESULTING IN NONFUNCTIONAL DRIVER-SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG, HORN, CRUISE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED), AND/OR STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED).IN ITS OCTOBER 5, 2004 LETTER TO NHTSA, DAIMLERCHRYSLER STATED THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL AND REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL MY 1998.5-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER MINIVANS, BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1998 AND AUGUST 2000, WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS.IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR THIS COMPONENT ON MY 1998.5-2000 MINIVANS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE.THE DETAILS OF THE CORRECTIVE ACTION ARE DESCRIBED IN DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S LETTER (SEE RECALL NO. 04V-480).THE AGENCY BELIEVES THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS WITH RESPECT TO THOSE VEHICLES COVERED ONLY BY THE LIFETIME WARRANTY.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE PAGE 2 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
RQ04001 · Driver Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Opened Jan 28, 2004 · Closed Jun 4, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal
COMPLAINTS REPORT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES, AND THIS MAY BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING HORN AND/OR CRUISE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED).THIS IS INDICATIVE OF AN OPEN-CIRCUIT CLOCKSPRING FAILURE (RESULTS IN NON-FUNCTIONING DRIVER'S AIR BAG), SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE CONDITION THAT WAS THE SUBJECT OF DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S RECALL OF MODEL YEAR 1996-1998.5 MINIVANS (RECALL NO. 02V-293).THIS RECALL QUERY HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-013).
PE02004 · Rear Seat Belt Malfunction
Opened Jan 16, 2002 · Closed Mar 11, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:rear/other
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED JANUARY 16, 2002, BASED ON SEVEN REPORTS ALLEGING THE THIRD ROW SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FAILED ON CERTAIN 1997 AND 1998 MODEL YEAR CARAVAN AND VOYAGER VEHICLES.THE REPORTS INDICATED A TAR LIKE SUBSTANCE ENTERED THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM, THUS CAUSING THE RETRACTOR TO JAM OR BIND.IN THIS CONDITION THE SEAT BELT IS RENDERED INOPERABLE, AS THE WEBBING CANNOT RETRACT OR BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE RETRACTORS FOR USE.RECALL SCOPE:THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE 1997 THROUGH 1999 DODGE CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER, AND CHRYSLER TOWN & CONTRY BUILT ON A SHORT WHEEL BASE CHASSIS.THE INCLUSIVE DATES OF PRODUCTION ARE JUNE 1996 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 1999.RECALL REMEDY: DAIMLERCHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MASTIC SOUND BARRIER PATCHES WITH FOAM BLOCKERS, AS WELL AS, INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL THIRD ROW REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES CONTAMINATED BY THE MASTIC PATCH.
EA01007 · Air Bag Clockspring
Opened Feb 21, 2001 · Closed Nov 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
RQ00008 · Dc Minivan Fuel Injector Rail Leak
Opened Mar 9, 2000 · Closed Mar 18, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA99013 · Post Collision Fuel System
Opened Jun 11, 1999 · Closed Aug 10, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
No summary supplied.
PE99010 · POST-COLLISION Fuel System Integrity
Opened Feb 3, 1999 · Closed Jun 11, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
There is no summary currently available
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