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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Visibility complaints

20 reports
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185,673 miles · Aug 17, 2013
StructureVisibility

I WENT TO THE STORE TODAY, DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, MY DRIVERS SIDE VENT WINDOW SUDDENLY CAME LOOSE! I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, TOO LATE! IT FLEW INTO OPPOSING TRAFFIC AND SHATTERED ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE "HINGE" TO THE GLASS IS BARELY THERE. OBVIOUSLY, THE GLU…

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I WENT TO THE STORE TODAY, DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, MY DRIVERS SIDE VENT WINDOW SUDDENLY CAME LOOSE! I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, TOO LATE! IT FLEW INTO OPPOSING TRAFFIC AND SHATTERED ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE "HINGE" TO THE GLASS IS BARELY THERE. OBVIOUSLY, THE GLUE DID NOT HOLD TO A PAINTED SURFACE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10535887

Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2011
Visibility

FRONT DRIVER WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND A WHOPPING $330.00 EACH TIME. PASSENGER WINDOW IS NOW ACTING UP. WILL ROLL DOWN BUT NOT UP, AND SOMETIMES WON'T MOVE AT ALL. THE SECOND TIME THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW BROKE, A ROCK FROM A TRUCK AHEAD FLEW INTO MY WINDOW AND HIT THE BACK SEAT. INCHES FROM MY EYE.…

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FRONT DRIVER WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND A WHOPPING $330.00 EACH TIME. PASSENGER WINDOW IS NOW ACTING UP. WILL ROLL DOWN BUT NOT UP, AND SOMETIMES WON'T MOVE AT ALL. THE SECOND TIME THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW BROKE, A ROCK FROM A TRUCK AHEAD FLEW INTO MY WINDOW AND HIT THE BACK SEAT. INCHES FROM MY EYE. THIS VEHICLE HAS A HORRIBLE REPUTATION OF THE WINDOWS MOTOR/REGULATOR UNITS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10409122

90,000 miles · Aug 17, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility

2001 - DODGE CARAVAN - LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT FELL OUT, HANGING ON BY WIRES. TOOK TO PRIVATE MECHANIC, SAID DEALER HAD TO FIX. TOOK TO DEALER, STATED COULD NOT REINSTALL, NEEDED WHOLE NEW UNIT FOR DRY ROTTED RUBBER GASKET. TOOK VEHICLE TO HOME DEPOT, BOUGHT 1 TUBE OF BLACK EXTERIOR SILICONE CAULK. DROVE VEHICLE HOME, AND CLEAN…

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2001 - DODGE CARAVAN - LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT FELL OUT, HANGING ON BY WIRES. TOOK TO PRIVATE MECHANIC, SAID DEALER HAD TO FIX. TOOK TO DEALER, STATED COULD NOT REINSTALL, NEEDED WHOLE NEW UNIT FOR DRY ROTTED RUBBER GASKET. TOOK VEHICLE TO HOME DEPOT, BOUGHT 1 TUBE OF BLACK EXTERIOR SILICONE CAULK. DROVE VEHICLE HOME, AND CLEANED AREA AROUND REAR TAIL LIGHT. PUSHED LIGHT BACK INTO PLACE AND CAULKED AROUND DRY ROTTED RUBBER. TAPED TAIL LIGHT TO BODY ASSEMBLY (BE CAREFUL TO USE TAPE WHICH WILL NOT DAMAGE VEHICLE). LEFT VEHICLE TO SIT STILL FOR 24 HOURS AS CAULK DRIED. MADE THIS SIMPLE REPAIR MYSELF FOR $2.86 WHEN THE DEALER WANTED OVER $500 TO REPAIR. WHAT A RIP OFF WHEN THEY CAN'T EVEN MAKE A VEHICLE THAT LASTS, THEY HAVE TO PRICE GOUGE THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10350025

78,000 miles · Aug 17, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipmentVisibility

2001 - DODGE CARAVAN - FAILURE OF HEATER SYSTEM AFTER DASH PULLED FOR A/C REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10350021

198,000 miles · Jul 24, 2010
Visibility

PASSENGER WINDOW INTERMITTENTLY RETURNS TO SHUT POSITION. IF WINDOW IS LOWERED, THEN IT MAY TAKE 1-2 DAYS BEFORE THE WINDOW WILL RETURN TO CLOSED POSITION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10345081

81,000 miles · Dec 14, 2008
Visibility

IN 2006 THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. REPLACED THE MOTOR. NOVEMBER 2008 THE PASSENGER WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THIS MOTOR AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251723

45,000 miles · Sep 23, 2005
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility

DT: THE CALLER COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. HE STATES THAT HEADLIGHTS WILL TURN OFF AT NIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL SHUT OFF AS WELL. SOMETIMES THE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL COME BACK ON, AND SOMETIMES THEY WON'T COME ON AT ALL. ALSO, THE HORN BLOWS, AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS …

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DT: THE CALLER COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. HE STATES THAT HEADLIGHTS WILL TURN OFF AT NIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL SHUT OFF AS WELL. SOMETIMES THE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL COME BACK ON, AND SOMETIMES THEY WON'T COME ON AT ALL. ALSO, THE HORN BLOWS, AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WILL BE ON, AND THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT SHUT OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. DEALER SAID THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. ANOTHER DEALER REPLACED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. MANUFACTURER SAID TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH DEALER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10137418

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2005
Visibility

PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW AFTER COMING DOWN WILL NOT GO UP. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE MOTOR THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF AROUND $200.00 PLUS LABOR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10132582

126,900 miles · Jun 17, 2005
Visibility

PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY - SOMETIMES GOES DOWN SLOWLY AND HAS TO BE PULLED BACK UP, SOMETIMES WON'T GO UP AT ALL. NO PARTS AVAILABLE FROM MANUFACTURER - BACK ORDER OF AT LEAST 2 WEEKS FOR A NEW WINDOW MOTOR AND RELAY, DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF FAILURES!!!

NHTSA ODI #10125644

56,000 miles · Apr 20, 2005
Visibility

DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS DO NOT GO UP OR DOWN. CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WANTED TOO MUCH FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10118967

Official recalls

3

04V531000 · 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

2

EA05009 · 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.