IllustrationI WAS ROLLING MY DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW UP (ELECTRIC WINDOW), IT GOT HALF WAY UP AND IT SHATTERED ALL OVER ME. I WAS LITERALLY PICKING GLASS OUT OF MY LEGS FROM THIS WINDOW
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
Unknown Or Other complaints
10 reportsTHE REAR AXELS BEND AROUND BACK WHEELS ALSO FRONT MAKES A NOISE WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP
THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. FIRST I HAVE HAD IT TO DEALER 3 TIMES WITH LEAKS WHICH I FIND IS CURRENTLY A RECALL. THEN ONE COLD WINTER IT STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD REVING NOISE FROM FIRST START STARTER WAS REPLACED STILL DOES IT DEALER CLAIMS THEY CANNOT HEAR IT. THEN I HAVE HAD SEVERAL BELTS REPACED DUE TO SQUEALING SOU…
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THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. FIRST I HAVE HAD IT TO DEALER 3 TIMES WITH LEAKS WHICH I FIND IS CURRENTLY A RECALL. THEN ONE COLD WINTER IT STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD REVING NOISE FROM FIRST START STARTER WAS REPLACED STILL DOES IT DEALER CLAIMS THEY CANNOT HEAR IT. THEN I HAVE HAD SEVERAL BELTS REPACED DUE TO SQUEALING SOUND UPON STARTING THE CAR. SQUEALING IS STILL THERE. THEY CANNOT HEAR IT. NOW I AM HAVING A VIBRATING SOUND IN MY STEERING AND IT SOUNDS AS IF THE STEERING IS ABOUT TO GO. AS OTHER COMPLAINTS HAVE INDICATED. IS THIS CAR SAFE TO DRIVE?
THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY RECALLS ON 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. *BF *SC *JB
PAINT IS BUBBLING AND PEELING OFF. POWER WINDOW ON DRIVERS SIDE WORKS WHENEVER IT WANTS TO. STEERING HAS A BAD WHINE AND MAKES BED NOISES.
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE HAS DECREASED IN BRIGHTNESS. THE PROBLEM IS NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT. THERE IS A RESISTANCE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AND WHEN BACKING. THE RUBBER GASKETS CONTINUE TO FALL FROM THE SLIDING PASSENGER DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME TO WARM UP IN COLD WEATHER. THE…
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THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE HAS DECREASED IN BRIGHTNESS. THE PROBLEM IS NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT. THERE IS A RESISTANCE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AND WHEN BACKING. THE RUBBER GASKETS CONTINUE TO FALL FROM THE SLIDING PASSENGER DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME TO WARM UP IN COLD WEATHER. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. SCC
THE VEHICLE EMMITED A HORRIBLE SMELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED AND WAS FOUND TO HAVE 26 TYPES OF MOLD GROWING IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STRIP CLEANED THE VEHILCE BUT THE PROMLEM PERSISTED. MANY OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE HAVE BECOME ILL. PH *NLM
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE WILL WANDER TO THE RIGHT. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE 6 OR 7 TIMES, AND HAS TRIED TO ALIGN VEHICLE AND TIRES. AFTER DEALER FIXED VEHICLE, IT WOULD PULL TO OPPOSITE DIRECTION.*AK CONSUMER HAS FILED FOR ARBITRATION. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED.THERE IS REAR BUMPER DAMAGE. THE REAR DOOR IS INOPE…
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WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE WILL WANDER TO THE RIGHT. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE 6 OR 7 TIMES, AND HAS TRIED TO ALIGN VEHICLE AND TIRES. AFTER DEALER FIXED VEHICLE, IT WOULD PULL TO OPPOSITE DIRECTION.*AK CONSUMER HAS FILED FOR ARBITRATION. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED.THERE IS REAR BUMPER DAMAGE. THE REAR DOOR IS INOPERATIVE WHEN USING REMOTE OR INTERIOR BUTTON. LEFT SLIDING DOOR RATTLE WHEN DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. DEALER REPLACED SLIDING DOOR PANEL MOLDING AND CLIPS THAT WERE BROKEN. DASH RATTLE IN FRONT DRIVER AREA OVER 40. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE. PASSENGER FLOOR GETS WET FROM EXTENDED DRIVE WITH A/C ON. DEALER CLEANED DRAIN WITH COMPRESSED AIR. *TT
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE AND AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON, GAUGES STARTED ACTING UP, AND HEADLIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. CONSUMER LOST ALL POWER. ALSO, HAD NO BRAKES, AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. HEARD A POPPING NOISE UNDER HOOD. *AK
THE INSTRUMENTS ARE RECESSED TOO DEEP INTO THE DASH CAUSING THE FUEL GAUGE AND THE SPEEDOMETER TO BE IN A SHADOW AND MAKE THEM HARD TO READ ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, THE SPEEDOMETER NUMBER SPACING IS IN TWENTY MILE SPACINGS REQUIRING A PERSON TO INTERPRET THEIR SPEED. NLM
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.