IllustrationTHE REAR AXELS BEND AROUND BACK WHEELS ALSO FRONT MAKES A NOISE WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP
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
Suspension complaints
32 reportsWE GOT INTO OUR 2001 DODGE CARAVAN AND STARTED TO DRIVE IT AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUSPENSION. I PULLED THE VAN OVER AND NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT WAS UP THROUGH INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT! I BELIEVE THE HOUSING IS RUSTED THROUGH, WHICH ALLOWED THE STRUT TO POKE AL…
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WE GOT INTO OUR 2001 DODGE CARAVAN AND STARTED TO DRIVE IT AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUSPENSION. I PULLED THE VAN OVER AND NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT WAS UP THROUGH INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT! I BELIEVE THE HOUSING IS RUSTED THROUGH, WHICH ALLOWED THE STRUT TO POKE ALL THE WAY OUT. *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. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CLOCK SPRING HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES ON JUNE 27 2002, SEPTEMBER 2003 , AND JANUARY 3, 2007. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CLOCK SPRING HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES ON JUNE 27 2002, SEPTEMBER 2003 , AND JANUARY 3, 2007. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT LINKAGE ON THE FRONT SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A NOISE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE DEALER STATED THERE HAS BEEN A MODIFICATION TO THE LINKAGE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,500. *AK
WENT TO A TIRE SHOP FOR A TIRE PROBLEM, UPON TAKING THE FRONT WHEELS OFF THEY DISCOVERED FAILING SWAY BAR LINKS. THEY SHOWED ME THE PROBLEM BY ACTUALLY PULLING THE LINK APART FROM THE SWAY BAR BY HAND. AS I WAS LEAVING THE SHOP TO GO HOME ONE OF THE LINKS DISCONNECTED AND NOW THE VEHICLE HAS A NOTICEABLE SWAY IN TIGHT CORNERS.…
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WENT TO A TIRE SHOP FOR A TIRE PROBLEM, UPON TAKING THE FRONT WHEELS OFF THEY DISCOVERED FAILING SWAY BAR LINKS. THEY SHOWED ME THE PROBLEM BY ACTUALLY PULLING THE LINK APART FROM THE SWAY BAR BY HAND. AS I WAS LEAVING THE SHOP TO GO HOME ONE OF THE LINKS DISCONNECTED AND NOW THE VEHICLE HAS A NOTICEABLE SWAY IN TIGHT CORNERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEW IN 2001 AND NOW HAS 51,000 ON IT. I BELIEVE THIS IS TOO SOON FOR PARTS LIKE THIS TO BE FAILING. *NM
MY MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE STABELIZER BAR BUSHINGS, STABELIZER LINKS, INNER TIE RODS, 2 WINDOW MOTORS 900.00
VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF SWAY BAR BUSHING OR SWAY BAR LINKS DATING BACK FROM 03' UNTIL PRESENT. *NM
FOR YOUR READERS, I HAD A PERSISTENT LOOSE WHEEL OR LOOSE SUSPENSION PHENOMENA IN THE FRONT END. MARINE CHRYSLER VANCOUVER WHO SOLD THE CAR COULD NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR. DEERLAKE CHRYSLER BURNABY DISCOVERED FAULTY BUSHINGS IN FRONT END REPLACED AT 59K JUST UNDER WARRANTY COVERAGE. READERS SHOULD ASK DEALER TO REPALCE BUSHINGS IF…
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FOR YOUR READERS, I HAD A PERSISTENT LOOSE WHEEL OR LOOSE SUSPENSION PHENOMENA IN THE FRONT END. MARINE CHRYSLER VANCOUVER WHO SOLD THE CAR COULD NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR. DEERLAKE CHRYSLER BURNABY DISCOVERED FAULTY BUSHINGS IN FRONT END REPLACED AT 59K JUST UNDER WARRANTY COVERAGE. READERS SHOULD ASK DEALER TO REPALCE BUSHINGS IF THIS PROBLEM PERSISTS ON THEIR CAR.
WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD THERE WOULD BE A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THIS HAS BEEN A ON GOING PROBLEM WHICH THE MFG., TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR. THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT END AT THEIR EXPENSE ORIGINALLY, WHILE IT WAS UNDER WA…
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WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD THERE WOULD BE A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THIS HAS BEEN A ON GOING PROBLEM WHICH THE MFG., TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR. THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT END AT THEIR EXPENSE ORIGINALLY, WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED TWICE AND STILL NOT FIXED. INSTALL SPECIAL ORDER STEERING RACK. *BF
I KNOW ABOUT THE BALLJOINT RECALL FROM DC. I HAVE A 2002 AND ALREADY RECEIVED MY NOTICE IN THE MAIL. I ALSO HAVE A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN THAT ALSO HAS BAD BALLJOINTS. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND, THIS IS DEFECTIVE PARTS. BALLJOINTS SHOULD NEVER GO BAD WITH ONLY 50K ON THE UNIT. THE PROBLEM IS, YOU CAN NO LONGER GREASE THESE PAR…
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I KNOW ABOUT THE BALLJOINT RECALL FROM DC. I HAVE A 2002 AND ALREADY RECEIVED MY NOTICE IN THE MAIL. I ALSO HAVE A 2001 DODGE CARAVAN THAT ALSO HAS BAD BALLJOINTS. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND, THIS IS DEFECTIVE PARTS. BALLJOINTS SHOULD NEVER GO BAD WITH ONLY 50K ON THE UNIT. THE PROBLEM IS, YOU CAN NO LONGER GREASE THESE PARTS.*AK
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.