IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED, AND THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.
2001 Dodge Caravan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge Caravan do not stand out strongly from 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
250–25K
3425–50K
3150–75K
1875–100K
14100–150K
13150K+
135 reports with mileage · 122 unknown
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.
- Air Bags. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports3 fire reports12 injury reports
Air Bags complaints
43 reportsAIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY. HORN WILL NOT WORK .CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE HORN WOULD NOT SOUND UPON ACTIVATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG, THE HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK. IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS THAT THESE DEFECTS ARE CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. THIS WAS A MATTER OF RECALL FOR THE DODGE CARAVAN AND GRAND CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND GRAND VOYAGER AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY FROM THE 1996-2000 MODEL YEARS. OUR CAR IS 200…
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DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG, THE HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK. IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS THAT THESE DEFECTS ARE CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. THIS WAS A MATTER OF RECALL FOR THE DODGE CARAVAN AND GRAND CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND GRAND VOYAGER AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY FROM THE 1996-2000 MODEL YEARS. OUR CAR IS 2001 MODEL AND IS NOT IN A RECALL LIST, BUT IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS TO ME THAT THE DEFECT WAS NOT FIXED IN 2001 YEAR MODELS. AM I ALONE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS UNFIXED PROBLEM? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND THEN GOES OUT. I BELIEVES IT THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED FOR PREVIOUS YEAR MODELS INCLUDED IN THE CLOCK SPRING NHTSA RECALL 04V480000. I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL YEAR MODELS SINCE IT'S THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS AT VARIOUS DRIVING SPEEDS. *TR
HERE'S A DEAD GUY FROM A BAD DODGE CARAVAN CLOCKSPRING THAT YOU REFUSE TO RECALL BEYONG FY2000. WHAT IS IT YOU GOVERNMENT GALLOOFS DO ALL DAY? NEW YORK - A FAMED STRONGMAN WHO ONCE LIFTED 3,200 POUNDS AT CONEY ISLAND DURING ITS HEYDAY AND WAS STILL BENDING QUARTERS WITH HIS FINGERS AT AGE 104 DIED MONDAY AFTER HE WAS HIT BY …
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HERE'S A DEAD GUY FROM A BAD DODGE CARAVAN CLOCKSPRING THAT YOU REFUSE TO RECALL BEYONG FY2000. WHAT IS IT YOU GOVERNMENT GALLOOFS DO ALL DAY? NEW YORK - A FAMED STRONGMAN WHO ONCE LIFTED 3,200 POUNDS AT CONEY ISLAND DURING ITS HEYDAY AND WAS STILL BENDING QUARTERS WITH HIS FINGERS AT AGE 104 DIED MONDAY AFTER HE WAS HIT BY A MINIVAN. JOE ROLLINO WAS STRUCK AS HE CROSSED A MAJOR STREET IN BROOKLYN, AND SUFFERED A BROKEN PELVIS, HEAD TRAUMA AND BROKEN RIBS. HE DIED A FEW HOURS LATER AT AN AREA HOSPITAL. POLICE SAID THE DRIVER WAS GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND HAD NOT BEEN DRINKING. NO CRIMINALITY IS SUSPECTED, BUT THE DRIVER WAS ISSUED A SUMMONS FOR A DEFECTIVE HORN. *TR
2001 DODGE CARAVAN CLOCK SPRING AIR BAG DEAD. *TR
2001 DODGE CARAVAN CONSUMER'S AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. WE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE FOR YEARS, THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CLOCK SPRING NHTSA RECALL 04V480000 DUE TO VIN. *AK
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THROUGH RESEARCH, HE FOUND INFORMATION STATING THAT THE ILLUMINATION COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG BECOMING DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING BAG. THE CLOCKSPRING BA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THROUGH RESEARCH, HE FOUND INFORMATION STATING THAT THE ILLUMINATION COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG BECOMING DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING BAG. THE CLOCKSPRING BAG WAS REPAIRED ON APRIL 21, 2003. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION PER THE MANUFACTURER'S ADVICE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CURRENT RECALL REGARDING THE CLOCKSPRING BAG; HOWEVER, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WOULD NOT RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
2001 DODGE CARAVAN AIRBAG DASHBOARD LIGHT IS ON BAD "CLOCK SPRING" SAFETY ISSUE SAME ISSUE WAS FOUND ON OLDER MODELS OF DODGE CARAVANS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY RECALLED. *TR
Official recalls
304V531000 · Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
Nov 2, 2004
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, CONDENSATION FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS MAY DROP THROUGH VENT HOLES IN THE TOP OF THE RADIO AND RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT SUBSEQUENTLY SENDS DIRECT CURRENT TO THE REAR SPEAKERS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SPEAKER FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A SPECIAL TAPE TO THE TOP OF THE RADIO TO PREVENT THE POTENTIAL OF WATER INTRUSION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
03V094000 · Structure
Mar 7, 2003
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. 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 SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
01V152000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
May 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT BOLT COULD FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE BOLT FRACTURES, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CROSSMEMBER, CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLTS AND NUTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 30, 2001. 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.
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
2EA05009 · Headlight Malfunction
Opened Jun 1, 2005 · Closed May 2, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System
OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
PE05004 · Headlight Malfunction
Opened Feb 2, 2005 · Closed Jun 1, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.