IllustrationWHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT WAS STILL IDLING. ALSO, REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK
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
What owners actually said
257 reportsTHE TWO SLIDING DOORS AND THE REAR BACK DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WITH REMOTE. THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING, NOT FIXED. *TT *CB
BRAKE PULSATION: AT 9K MILES FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED BY DEALER, AT 18K MILES PULSATION RETURNED. WHILE BRAKES ARE PULSATING BRAKING PERFORMANCE IS DEGRADED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AT 18,470 MILES AND THEY SAID IT IS "SAFE TO DRIVE". THEY GAVE ME THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE WITHOUT REPAIRING IT.*AK
STRUTS CAME UNDONE AND FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE STRUTS AND STRUT MOUNTS. DEALER HAS SERVICED 8 TIMES. STRUTS HAVE TO BE CONSTANTLY TIGHTENED EVERY 6000-9000 MILES.*AK
VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS HAVE A PULSATING PROBLEM CAUSING NIGHT DRIVING TO BE VERY DIFFICULT. *MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE PULSATING OF THE HEADLIGHTS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO THINK THERE IS A REFLECTION OF SOMETHING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VAN. THE PCM WAS REPLACED.*JB
ENGINE LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. DEALER HAS REPLACED SEVERAL DIFFERENT PARTS EACH TIME , AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED COUPLE OF DAYS LATER. *AK
ALL GAUGES AND LIGHTS ARE NO ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. THE SPEED ODOMETER DOEWS NOT WORK. THE RPM STAYS AT 2000 EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. *AK
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STEER. PH
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STEER. *JB
I RECENTLY SENT THIS LETTER TO CHRYSLER IN AN E-MAIL. I AM CONTACTING THIS AGENCY TO SEE IF I CAN GET SOME JUSTICE. MY VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE. HOWEVER, I STILL DO NOT FEEL THAT IT IS PERFORMING CORRECTLY. I WOULD LIKE ASSISTANCE AND DIRECTION. THANKS. RECENTLY MY 2001 NEEDED THE RACK AND PINION, LOWER AND UPPER CONTROL ARM AND…
Read full complaint
I RECENTLY SENT THIS LETTER TO CHRYSLER IN AN E-MAIL. I AM CONTACTING THIS AGENCY TO SEE IF I CAN GET SOME JUSTICE. MY VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE. HOWEVER, I STILL DO NOT FEEL THAT IT IS PERFORMING CORRECTLY. I WOULD LIKE ASSISTANCE AND DIRECTION. THANKS. RECENTLY MY 2001 NEEDED THE RACK AND PINION, LOWER AND UPPER CONTROL ARM AND COMPLETE FRONT SUSPENSION REPAIR AT ANTWERPEN DODGE IN RANDALLSTOWN, MD. THEY REALLY GAVE ME A PROBLEM WITH THE TIME TO COMPLETE THE JOB AND THEY KEPT SAYING THAT THE RACK AND PIN WAS A "STAR PART". I THEN TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT BE DEFINITIVE. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO CHARGE, THEREFORE NO WORK ORDER. ALL I WANT IS A SMOOTH RIDING VEHICLE THAT'S NOT SHAKING RATTLING AND ROLLING DOWN THE STREET. I DRIVE 50 MILES ONE WAY TO WORK AND MOST OF THE DRIVE IS HIGHWAY DRIVING. YOU CAN FEEL EVERY LITTLE BUMP.I FOUND THIS ARTICLE IN USA TODAY. IT READS: "APRIL 25, 2001 '' THE CHRYSLER ARM OF DAIMLERCHRYSLER ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF SOME NEW MINIVANS, CITING A POSSIBLE FRONT SUSPENSION PROBLEM. NEARLY 11,000 CUSTOMERS ARE AFFECTED BY THE RECALL OF THE 2001 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, CHRYSLER VOYAGER, DODGE CARAVAN AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN MINIVANS BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 22 AND APRIL 21 OF 2001. OWNERS OF RECALLED VEHICLES ARE URGED NOT TO DRIVE THEM. THE AUTOMAKER SAID A BOLT ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARM OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION CAN BREAK, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL." NO ONE MENTIONED THAT THIS WAS A RECALL ITEM. SO I AM STILL TRYING TO FIX THIS SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL PROBLEM. THIS 2001 SUSPENSION IS TRULY JUNK. NOW THE BOTTOM-LINE OR SHOULD I SAY " BOTTOM OUT" IS WHAT CAN I DO TO GET A SMOOTH RIDE? I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT THE MECHANICS NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO AND BE RIGHT. THIS COULD BE A FLUKE IN THE ASSEMBLY LINE, BUT I DOUBT IT. THERE ARE TOO MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFLUENCE WITH ANTWERPEN DODGE IN RANDALLSTOWN, MD, PLEASE HELP ME TO SOLVE THIS PUZZLE.
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.