IllustrationWHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE AND SENSOR HAD FAILED AND REPLACED.
2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 284.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Grand 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
130–25K
5325–50K
5150–75K
4175–100K
31100–150K
11150K+
200 reports with mileage · 98 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 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 37 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 reports1 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
298 reportsWHILE DRIVING, THE RACK AND PINION FAILED CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE'S STEERING NARROWLY AVOIDING A COLLISION.
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE TORQUE CONVERTER "CAME APART" CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED CONSUMER $500 TOWARD THE TOTAL REPAIR BILL AS A "GOODWILL" GESTURE.
TODAY, WHILE DRIVING OUR DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, MY WIFE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THEY MADE A GRINDING NOISE, AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR HAS SLIGHTLY OVER 16,000 MILES AND THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED. THE FIRST WAS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS 9 MONTHS OLD WITH 5 600 MILES ON IT. THE SECOND WAS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS…
Read full complaint
TODAY, WHILE DRIVING OUR DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, MY WIFE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THEY MADE A GRINDING NOISE, AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR HAS SLIGHTLY OVER 16,000 MILES AND THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED. THE FIRST WAS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS 9 MONTHS OLD WITH 5 600 MILES ON IT. THE SECOND WAS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS 23 MONTHS OLD WITH 14,612 MILES ON IT. TODAY, IN LIESS THAN 2 MONTHS AND 2000 MILES IT HAS OCCURRED AGAIN. WE ARE WORRIRED THAT THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE.*AK
THE REAR AXLE WARPED. *NLM WHEN THE REAR TIRE VIBRATED AND MADE AN ERRATIC SOUND, THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THE ONE REAR TIRE HAD WORN TO THE CORD. (THE SECOND TIRE SHOWED SEVERE WEAR) *SCC *JB
THE REGULATOR ON THE FRONT POWER DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS IS FAULTY. OUR VAN WAS BUILT IN CANADA AND IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON TRAIT OF THOSE VEHICLES. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURIES, SOMEONE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT AND IMPLEMENT A RECALL TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM- OR DISCON…
Read full complaint
THE REGULATOR ON THE FRONT POWER DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS IS FAULTY. OUR VAN WAS BUILT IN CANADA AND IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON TRAIT OF THOSE VEHICLES. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURIES, SOMEONE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT AND IMPLEMENT A RECALL TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM- OR DISCONTINUE MANUFACTURING VEHICLES THAT DODGE WILL NOT STAND BEHIND. *NLM
BRAKE ROTORS ARE WEARING OUTN PREMATURELY, VEHICLE ONLY HAS 6000 MILES. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
ALTERNATOR BOLT BROKE IN ENGINE BLOCK, CAUSING STRESS ON TIMING CHAIN/ALTERNATOR BRACKET FROM SERPENTINE BELT THUS BREAKING BRACKET, CAUSING BELT TO COME OFF. *TT
2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. WINDOW REGULATER IS FAULTY CAUSING THE POWER WINDOW TO OPERATE VERY SLOW, AND SOME TIMES STOPING IN ONE PLACE ALL TOGETHER AND TO WORK ONE TIME AND NOT THE NEXT! CAUSING GREAT RISK FOR CHILDREN! THEY COULD GET A ARM HEAD ECT.. COUGHT AND THE WINDOW, WITH THE REGULATOR TO DECID…
Read full complaint
2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. WINDOW REGULATER IS FAULTY CAUSING THE POWER WINDOW TO OPERATE VERY SLOW, AND SOME TIMES STOPING IN ONE PLACE ALL TOGETHER AND TO WORK ONE TIME AND NOT THE NEXT! CAUSING GREAT RISK FOR CHILDREN! THEY COULD GET A ARM HEAD ECT.. COUGHT AND THE WINDOW, WITH THE REGULATOR TO DECIDE IF IT WANTS TO WORK OR NOT IN ORDER TO PUT THE WINDOW UP OR DOWN! CONSIDERING THIS IS A FAMILY VAN I THINK THIS IS A GREAT RISK TO CHILDREN OR ADULTS !! I COMPLANIED TO THE DEALERSHIP RUSS DARROW GROUP IN APPLETON WISCONSIN BACK IN JAN 2003 OF THE PROBLEM, WITH NO COMPLIANCE, RUSS DARROW GROUP TOLD ME THAT THE WINDOW NEEDED TO STOP WORKING ALL TOGETHER , THAT IT IS NORMAL TO WORK SLOWLEY. NOW THAT MY VAN IS OUT OF WARRANTY THEY TOLD ME THER IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT! AFTER DOING SOME RESURCH I TALKED WITH CHRYSLER HEADCORDERS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VAN WAS A CANADA BUILT VAN AND THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME! DEALSHIP DID NOT TELL ME THAT WHEN YOU BUY A CANADA CAR THAT YOU MAY HAVE PROBLEMS IS THE US FOR REPAIRS INCLUDING RECALLS! IS THEY ANY THIG THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WHAT ARE THE LAWS IN WISCONSIN? THANK YOU DEBBIE. *AK
SWAY BAR LINKS WORN OUT AT 40K MILES. WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THIS PART BECAUSE THEY CLAIM IT IS NORMAL WEAR. DEALER STATED THAT HE HAS 15 PAIRS A WEEK IN HIS FACILITY BEING REPLACED AT A COST OF $289.00 PER CAR. *TT
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
3EA05009 · 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.
EA04031 · Power Liftgate Latch
Opened Nov 22, 2004 · Closed Apr 7, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages; Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Latches/locks/linkages
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.
Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.