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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

What owners actually said

257 reports
70,000 miles · Apr 27, 2005
Equipment

2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR. *MR WHEN EITHER THE DEFROST OR A/C WAS TURNED ON, A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE WOULD BE PRESENT ALONG WITH A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. THE A/C COMPRESSOR MALFUNCTIONED AS A RESULT OF AN INTERNAL SEIZURE CAUSING SHARDS OF METAL TO GO THROUGH THE DR…

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2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR. *MR WHEN EITHER THE DEFROST OR A/C WAS TURNED ON, A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE WOULD BE PRESENT ALONG WITH A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. THE A/C COMPRESSOR MALFUNCTIONED AS A RESULT OF AN INTERNAL SEIZURE CAUSING SHARDS OF METAL TO GO THROUGH THE DRYER AND LINES. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT OF THE REPAIR. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10120361

41,045 miles · Apr 23, 2005
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2001 DODGE CARAVAN VAN WILL TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THERE IS NOTHING THAT PROCEEDS THIS ACTION AND IT CAUSES GREAT CONCERN DUE TO LIMITED AND/OR COMPLETE LOSS OF LIGHT TO SAFELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL SUDDENLY COME BACK ON WITH NO ACTION ON MY PART. THE TIME IT TAKES FOR THE HEADLI…

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HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2001 DODGE CARAVAN VAN WILL TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THERE IS NOTHING THAT PROCEEDS THIS ACTION AND IT CAUSES GREAT CONCERN DUE TO LIMITED AND/OR COMPLETE LOSS OF LIGHT TO SAFELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL SUDDENLY COME BACK ON WITH NO ACTION ON MY PART. THE TIME IT TAKES FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME BACK ON VARIES. THIS DEFECT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION! *JB

NHTSA ODI #10118313

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

70,000 miles · Apr 18, 2005
Suspension

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

NHTSA ODI #10111756

50,000 miles · Apr 18, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE. THE BRAKE PADS/CALIPERS, AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED. *AK THE NOISE PROBLEM WAS ON GOING AND WAS ONLY PRESENT UPON THE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE FROM LOW SPEED, BUT CURRENTLY IT ONLY HAPPENS FROM LOW SPEED, BUT PRESENT AT ALMOST EVERY BRAKE APPLICATION. TWO SEPARATE MECHANI…

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WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE. THE BRAKE PADS/CALIPERS, AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED. *AK THE NOISE PROBLEM WAS ON GOING AND WAS ONLY PRESENT UPON THE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE FROM LOW SPEED, BUT CURRENTLY IT ONLY HAPPENS FROM LOW SPEED, BUT PRESENT AT ALMOST EVERY BRAKE APPLICATION. TWO SEPARATE MECHANICS STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE NOISE WAS A COMBINATION OF CLANKING AND GRINDING. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10092657

46,000 miles · Apr 6, 2005
Air Bags

THE HORN AND THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. THE CLOCK SPRING IS DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER IS MAKING THE REPAIR. *NM THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON SINCE PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A SHORT. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10113023

60,000 miles · Apr 5, 2005
Air Bags

AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING HAS FAILED 3 TIMES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10116425

37,250 miles · Mar 29, 2005
Exterior Lighting

THE INCIDENT DATE THAT IS ON HERE ISN'T THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SOMTIME NOW. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY HEADLIGHTS GOING OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING, ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE IN LOWBEAM. IT IS AT THE DEALER NOW AND THIS IS THE 4RTH TIME, THEY DON'T SEEM TO HAVE A CLUE HOW TO FIX IT.

NHTSA ODI #10116049

48,000 miles · Mar 15, 2005
Electrical System

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS THE BATTERY DIES. ALSO, SOME OF THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON, AND SOME WON'T. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WILL COST $90.00 JUST TO HAVE THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS STARTED WITH…

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VEHICLE EXPERIENCES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS THE BATTERY DIES. ALSO, SOME OF THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON, AND SOME WON'T. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WILL COST $90.00 JUST TO HAVE THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS STARTED WITH THE RADIO, THEN ESCALATED WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS TURNING ON THEN OFF WHILE DRIVING. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO INSPECT VAN UNDER THE RECALL RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10111121

56,000 miles · Mar 7, 2005
Seats

THE DRIVER SEAT RECLINED WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO LIFT UP WITHOUT BEING INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE CRASH. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE SEAT WAS BROKEN AT THE WELD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THIS TIME. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10113527

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.