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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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200 miles · Jan 20, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingInterior LightingPower Train

I HAVE FILED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS CAR SINCE BUYING IN 2001 THIS LATEST ONE IS THE HEAT CONTROL KNOB IN THE DASH HAS FROZEN DEALER SAYS BROKEN AND WOULD COST 400 TO FIX, AT THAT PRICE IT SHOULDN'T BREAK AT ALL!CAR NOW HAS 50000 MILES. THIS IS THE SAME CAR THAT WITHIN THE FIRST 72 HOURS AND 200 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OU…

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I HAVE FILED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS CAR SINCE BUYING IN 2001 THIS LATEST ONE IS THE HEAT CONTROL KNOB IN THE DASH HAS FROZEN DEALER SAYS BROKEN AND WOULD COST 400 TO FIX, AT THAT PRICE IT SHOULDN'T BREAK AT ALL!CAR NOW HAS 50000 MILES. THIS IS THE SAME CAR THAT WITHIN THE FIRST 72 HOURS AND 200 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. TIE ROD ENDS WERE REPLACED 2 OR 3 TIMES AT 20000 AND 36700 MILES MOTOR ON WINDOW ALSO REPLACED CARPET REPLACED BECAUSE WATER SEEPING IN CAR I AM AFRAID OF THIS CAR. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10107613

30,000 miles · Aug 11, 2004
Exterior LightingSteeringStructure

OUR DODGE CARAVAN SPORT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WE'VE HAD IT FOR 3 YEARS AND HAS ONLY 35,000 MILES ON IT. THIS STARTED HAPPENING AFTER THE 30,000 MILE MARK. WE HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND WE HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY THAT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. WE LIKED THE CARAVAN BECAUSE WE DID NOT HEAR BAD THINGS ABOUT IT. BUT NOW WE EXPERIEN…

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OUR DODGE CARAVAN SPORT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WE'VE HAD IT FOR 3 YEARS AND HAS ONLY 35,000 MILES ON IT. THIS STARTED HAPPENING AFTER THE 30,000 MILE MARK. WE HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND WE HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY THAT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. WE LIKED THE CARAVAN BECAUSE WE DID NOT HEAR BAD THINGS ABOUT IT. BUT NOW WE EXPERIENCED THESE THINGS AND WE ARE NOT ALONE MAKES ME RE-THINK OF NOT GETTING A CARAVAN AGAIN OR RECOMMENDING IT TO PEOPLE. WE'VE RUN INTO THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: FIRST ITEM IS THE POWER DOOR LOCK ON THE SLIDING DOOR. WHILE ON THE FREEWAY, THE LOCK WOULD UNLOCK AND LOCK. SECOND ITEM IS THE POWER WINDOWS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I'VE READ OTHERS WHO COMPLAINED ABOUT IT. THE POWER WINDOW DOES NOT GO UP AFTER IT HAS GONE DOWN. AN EFFORT TO GIGGLE IT UP IS THE TRICK. NOW IT JUST DOESN'T ROLL UP OR DOWN. THIRD ITEM IS THE POWER STEERING. WE HAVE A FAMILY FRIEND WHO ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM. THE POWER STEERING IS MAKING CLICKING NOISE AND WHILE PARKING IT HAS A LOUD AGONIZING HUM. FOURTH ITEM THE TURN SIGNALS DOES NOT TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY ONCE THE TURN HAS BEEN MADE. TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, SEE IF THEY HAVE SOME ANSWERS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10086661

21,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
SteeringUnknown Or OtherVisibility

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.

NHTSA ODI #10068868

44,000 miles · Oct 21, 2003
Visibility

THE POWER WINDOWS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT GO UP AFTER BEING POWERED DOWN. YOU HAVE TO WIGGLE THE WINDOW GLASS IN ORDER TO GET THE WINDOW TO GO BACK UP. THIS IS "DANGEROUS" IF YOU GET CAUGHT IN A SUDDEN THUNDERSTORM ON THE HIGHWAY WITH YOUR WINDOWS DOWN. IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT …

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THE POWER WINDOWS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT GO UP AFTER BEING POWERED DOWN. YOU HAVE TO WIGGLE THE WINDOW GLASS IN ORDER TO GET THE WINDOW TO GO BACK UP. THIS IS "DANGEROUS" IF YOU GET CAUGHT IN A SUDDEN THUNDERSTORM ON THE HIGHWAY WITH YOUR WINDOWS DOWN. IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT THAT YOU HAVE TO WIGGLE THE GLASS IN ORDER FOR THE WINDOW TO GO UP. IT'S LIKE THE WINDOW GETS OFF TRACK. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10043282

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT WAS STILL IDLING. ALSO, REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10031953

54,000 miles · Oct 15, 2002
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringVisibility

THE CONSUMER STATED, WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN LEFT THE STEERING WHEEL-WHICH HAD LOCKED UP, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER CONTACTED. MR THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED. STILL UNABLE TO TURN LEFT-NOT UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS WARM. THE…

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THE CONSUMER STATED, WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN LEFT THE STEERING WHEEL-WHICH HAD LOCKED UP, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER CONTACTED. MR THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED. STILL UNABLE TO TURN LEFT-NOT UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS WARM. THE CONSUMER IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE VEHICLE AND ADDS THAT THE WINDOW MOTORS WERE REPLACED(UNSURE IF PROBLEM), THE BRAKES DONE 3 TIMES, ALONG WITH NUMEROUS STEERING PROBLEMS. SCC

NHTSA ODI #8020779

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2002
Visibility

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BLEW OUT. DEALER CONTACTED. *MR

NHTSA ODI #8020282

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2002
Visibility

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 40MPH HEARD A POP NOISE AND THE GLASS BEGAN TO CRACK. POLICE DETERMINED THAT NO OBJECT HIT THE WINDOW. NLM

NHTSA ODI #8020074

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2001
Visibility

WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. MECHANIC STATED DID 21 POINT TEST AND JIGGLED WIRE TO GET WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKING AGAIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #897342

Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2001
Visibility

WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED CARBON MONOXIDE COMING IN FROM AIR VENTS. CONSUMER HAD ORIGINALLY PURCHASED A 2001, PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER WHICH HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER NOTICED AIR CONDITIONER FILTER WAS MISSING , ADDED THE FILTER ,AND RETURNED VEHICLE SAYING IT SHOULD BE FINE. BUT, CONSUMER WAS STILL ABLE TO SMELL CARBO…

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WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED CARBON MONOXIDE COMING IN FROM AIR VENTS. CONSUMER HAD ORIGINALLY PURCHASED A 2001, PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER WHICH HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER NOTICED AIR CONDITIONER FILTER WAS MISSING , ADDED THE FILTER ,AND RETURNED VEHICLE SAYING IT SHOULD BE FINE. BUT, CONSUMER WAS STILL ABLE TO SMELL CARBON MONOXIDE. CHRYSLER REPRESENTATIVE THEN INSTRUCTED DEALER TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK, AND CONSUMER PICKED THIS VEHICLE. WAS TOLD IT HAD A AIR FILTRATION ODOR PARTICLE REMOVER AS AN OPTION. CONSUMERS WIFE IS 6 MONTHS PREGNANT, AND GETS ILL DRIVING VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #891944

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.