IllustrationAIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON, SOMETIMES GOES OFF AFTER TURNING THE WHEEL. *NM
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 reportsDT: THE CONTACT STATED THE SRS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE AIRBAG CONNECTOR AND ON AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR LINE. THEY CLEANED OFF THE CORROSION BOTH TIMES. THE AIRBAG WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED IF THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. *AK
MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE STABELIZER BAR BUSHINGS,STABELIZER LINKS, INNER TIE RODS
MY MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE STABELIZER BAR BUSHINGS, STABELIZER LINKS, INNER TIE RODS, 2 WINDOW MOTORS 900.00
VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF SWAY BAR BUSHING OR SWAY BAR LINKS DATING BACK FROM 03' UNTIL PRESENT. *NM
DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS. THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF. THE ROAD CONDITIONS DID NOT APPEAR TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SEEN BY THE DEALER. WHO STATED THAT THE REFLECTOR IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS LOOSE, CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
DRIVING VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT OF CHURCH. POWER STEERING FAILED, CAUSING POTENTIAL ACCIDENT IF NOT STOPPED IN TIME. PERSONALLY CHECKED OUT POWER STEERING UNIT FOR LEAKS (NON), CHECKED OUT POWER STEERING RESERVOIR FOR POSSIBILITY OF NEEDING TO BE FILLED(N/A). POWER STEERING BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY AGAIN. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR I…
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DRIVING VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT OF CHURCH. POWER STEERING FAILED, CAUSING POTENTIAL ACCIDENT IF NOT STOPPED IN TIME. PERSONALLY CHECKED OUT POWER STEERING UNIT FOR LEAKS (NON), CHECKED OUT POWER STEERING RESERVOIR FOR POSSIBILITY OF NEEDING TO BE FILLED(N/A). POWER STEERING BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY AGAIN. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION OF FRONT END KNOCK. WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT DURING THEIR INSPECTION. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY A GEAR THAT HAD WORN. I ASKED HOW THAT COULD BE AND ISSUE AND IF THIS WAS A DEFECT? THEY STATED NO. I ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE COST OF REPAIR DUE TO THIS BEING A POSSIBLE SAFETY DEFECT, AND WAS REFUSED THIS ASSISTANCE DUE THERE NOT BEING A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR STEERING COMPONENT. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM WAS THURSDAY 10/20/05. AFTER THIS, THE VEHICLE OPERATED FINE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON MONDAY EVENING TO BE SERVICED TUESDAY MORNING 10/25/05. WE WERE INFORMED OF THE DEFECT ON TUESDAY MORNING THAT THE STEERING GEAR WAS BAD, AND INFORMED THAT THIS WOULD COST WELL OVER 1000.00 DOLLARS TO REPAIR. THIS VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 67,000 MILES, AND AN IMMACULATE SERVICE RECORD TO WHICH I HAVE PAID DEARLY TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UP. I BELIEVE THE SUDDENNESS OF THE OCCURRENCE OF THIS DEFECT IS ONE TO BE CONCERNED WITH, AND SHOULD SERIOUSLY BE REVIEWED, BY THE CHRYSLER CORP. IF NEGOTIATING A TURN ON THE FREEWAY SYSTEM OF ANY CITY IN THE US, AND HAVING THIS GEAR FAIL; IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO NOT ONLY THE OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE, BUT OTHER INNOCENT MOTORISTS AS WELL. I DO PLAN ON RIDDING MY FAMILY OF THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE, AND UPGRADING TO SOMETHING POSSIBLY IN A FOREIGN MAKE OR MODEL THAT'S BUILT FOR RELIABILITY, WHEN YOU INVEST IN THE UP KEEP. THE COMPLAINT IS BEING FILED AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE. HOPEFULLY SOMEONE WILL FOLLOW UP ON THE ISSUE. MY FILE NUMBER WITH CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS 14199982. REGARDS DERRICK V. STINGLEY. *JB
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY LETTER FROM CHRYSLER STATING THAT THE AIR CONDITION COMPRESSOR WAS BAD AND MAY NEED REPAIR. THE INSTRUCTIONS STATED TO DO NOTHING UNLESS REPAIR WAS NEEDED. THE OFFER WAS GOOD THROUGH 70000 MILES. THE CONSUMER'S A/C COMPRESSOR WENT OUT AT 76000 MILES. *TS THE CONSUMER BELIEVES HER VE…
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THE CONSUMER RECEIVED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY LETTER FROM CHRYSLER STATING THAT THE AIR CONDITION COMPRESSOR WAS BAD AND MAY NEED REPAIR. THE INSTRUCTIONS STATED TO DO NOTHING UNLESS REPAIR WAS NEEDED. THE OFFER WAS GOOD THROUGH 70000 MILES. THE CONSUMER'S A/C COMPRESSOR WENT OUT AT 76000 MILES. *TS THE CONSUMER BELIEVES HER VEHICLE'S A/C COMPRESSOR SHOULD BE REPLACED UNDER THE WARRANTY ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS OVER THE MILEAGE STATED IN THE WARRANTY. *NM
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
DT: 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONSUMER STATES THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. ALSO, THE LIGHTS WILL GO ON AND OFF WITHOUT THE KEY IN IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE FRONT CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. THIS WAS APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO. THIS RECURRED WITHIN THE L…
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DT: 2001 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONSUMER STATES THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. ALSO, THE LIGHTS WILL GO ON AND OFF WITHOUT THE KEY IN IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE FRONT CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. THIS WAS APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO. THIS RECURRED WITHIN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. THEY DO NOT ALWAYS COME BACK ON. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE LIGHTS ARE ON OR OFF.*AK
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.