2001 Dodge Caravan

257 federal complaints (341 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 132 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 34 model years of the Dodge Caravan →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 22 hwy
Federal complaints
257
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
43
Steering
33
Electrical system
33
Suspension
32
Lighting
32
Glass & wipers
20
Power train
19
Engine & cooling
18
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 22 complaints01 years old: 25 complaints2 years old: 34 complaints3 years old: 45 complaints4 years old: 30 complaints5 years old: 11 complaints56 years old: 8 complaints7 years old: 14 complaints8 years old: 8 complaints9 years old: 7 complaints10 years old: 1 complaints1011 years old: 6 complaints12 years old: 4 complaints13 years old: 6 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 2 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 230 of 257 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 14 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 21 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 36 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 22 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 11 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 6 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 7 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 6 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 3 complaints200,000+ miles: 4 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 131 of 257 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

43 complaint records3 crash reports
"AIR BAG LIGHT IS TURNED ON. THIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE PREVIOUS YEAR MODEL. NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V480000. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Steering

33 complaint records
"1)ABNORMAL ENGINE NOISE WHEN COLD START. 2)RUBBING NOISE JUST BEHIND STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING SOP RACK. 3)RECALL DOOR LATCH.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Electrical system

33 complaint records3 fire reports
"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..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA05009
opened Jun 2005
closed May 2006Exterior LightingHEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION
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.
PE05004
opened Feb 2005
closed Jun 2005Exterior LightingHEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION
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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
04V531000EquipmentON 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...Normally free
03V094000StructureCERTAIN 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.Normally free
01V152000SuspensionVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT BOLT COULD FRACTURE.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2004392
2004-11-02
Electrical23,490On certain vehicles subject to conditions involving extreme heat and humidity, condensation from the instrument panel air conditioning ducts may drip through the vent holes in the top of the base equipment radio and results in a short...
2001116
2001-06-08
Suspension7,796On certain vehicles, the lower control arm pivot bolt could fracture. If the bolt fractures, the lower control arm will potentially separate from the crossmember causing a loss of vehicle control.
2000299
2000-12-15
Lights And Instruments15,595Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The daytime running lamps (DRL) do not function when the manual lighting switch is in the park lamp position.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9002828
Sep 2014
EquipmentPart Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
2302007
Sep 2007
StructurePOWER SLIDING DOOR ADJUSTMENT AND DIAGNOSIS AID. *KB UPDATED 10/26/07. *NJ
1400207
Apr 2007
Fuel SystemCLEANING PROCEDURE FOR THE MECHANICAL THROTTLE BODY. *KB
0500106A
Sep 2006
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *KB
0803006
Aug 2006
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB
0500305
Mar 2006
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *TT
1900805
Nov 2005
SteeringREVISED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING PROCEDURES. *SC
2100903
Oct 2005
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTIC TEARDOWN PROCEDURE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 RAM TRUCK, DURANGO, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, CHEROKEE, VISION, NEON, AND VOYAGER. *TT *SC
1900403
Aug 2005
SteeringSTEERING SHUDDER. *TT
0500204
Jun 2005
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *TT
0200405
May 2005
SuspensionCREAKING/SQUAWKING SOUND FROM FRONT STRUT AREA. *TT
1802505
May 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingLONG CRANK OR IDLE FLUCATION IN COLD TEMPERATURE WITH E20 - E30 ETHANOL FUEL BLENDS. *TT
0200305
Mar 2005
SuspensionRATTLE/KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. *SC
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
0500404
Dec 2004
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT. *TT
2301004
Sep 2004
StructurePASSENGER COMPARTMENT FLOOR WATER LEAK. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 23-010-04 DATED 04-29-04. *TT
1802304
May 2004
Power TrainSURGE WITH TRANSMISSION AT FULL LOCK-UP. *MJ
0802103
Apr 2004
Electrical SystemVEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) BRAKES MAY HAVE THE ABS, BRAKE, AND TRAC OFF LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER (SKIM) MAY HAVE THE SECURITY/VTA LAMP ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TT
0900704
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingIRREGULAR ENGINE SNAPPING SOUND. *TT
0800604
Feb 2004
Electrical SystemINSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION. *TT
0800504
Feb 2004
Electrical SystemERRONEOUS ACTUATION OF HORNS, HEADLAMPS, AND PARKING LAMPS WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED. *TT
1900303
Aug 2003
SteeringPOP/TICK SOUND IN STEERING WHEEL AREA. *TT
0500403
Aug 2003
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT. *TT
0801403
Aug 2003
Electrical SystemPOWERTRAIN WIRING HARNESS BRACKET PACKAGE. *TT
1802803
Jul 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLE WITH PROPERLY FUNCTIONING EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM REPEATEDLY SETS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0456 WHEN CUSTOMER REGULARLY COMMUTES ON A STEEP GRADE. *TT
0703
Jul 2003
EquipmentPROCEDURE TO REMOVE THE HVAC ASSEMBLY WHEN SERVICING THE FRONT BLOWER MOTOR. *TT
1802303
Jun 2003
Electrical SystemBATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATION, ERRONEOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1594. *TT
1802602A
Oct 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE SPARK KNOCK. *TT
0500102A
Sep 2002
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *YD THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 05-001-02 DATED MARCH 4, 2002. *TT
2500102A
Sep 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0442, P0455, OR P0456 - LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP), LEAK DETECTED. THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 25-001-02 DATED FEB 11, 2002. *TT
0800902A
Aug 2002
Unknown Or OtherCONCERNS WITH THE ABS, BRAKE AND TRAC OFF CLUSTER LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH ABS BRAKES. *TT
0500402
Aug 2002
Service BrakesSUBJECT REGARDING REAR BRAKE CYCLIC RUBBING SOUND FROM REAR OF VEHICLE DURING MEDIUM TO LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATION ON VEHICLES WITH REAR DRUM BRAKES. *TT
2400802
Aug 2002
VisibilityCUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE HVAC DRAIN WATER LEAKS UNDER PASSENGER SIDE CARPET. *TT
2400702
Aug 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING AIR CONDITIONER TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL (STRATIFICATION) BETWEEN LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT PANEL OUTLETS. *TT
0800902
Jul 2002
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-SKID BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MAY HAVE THE ABS, BRAKE AND TRAC OFF LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TT
2303102
Jun 2002
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING QUAD SEAT RELEASE HANDLE SCREW SHEARED OFF IN SHAFT. *SLC
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
0900402
Jun 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING STUCK OIL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2002 EQUIPPED WITH A 3.3 L OR 3.8 L ENGINE. *SLC
2302102
May 2002
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING ASSIST FEATURE INOPERATIVE ON QUAD OR SPLIT REAR BENCH SEATS. *SLC
1900602
May 2002
SteeringSUBJECT REGARDING STEERING SHUDDER. *SLC
1900102A
Apr 2002
SteeringSUBJECT REGARDING POWER STEERING MOAN/GROAN SOUND. *SLC
1801002
Apr 2002
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION, ERRONOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0456, EVAP LEAK MONITOR 0.020 LEAK DETECTED. *SLC
2301502
Apr 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC
0800702
Mar 2002
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *SLC
2301402
Mar 2002
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING QUARTER WINDOW WEATHERSTRIP LOOSE. *SLC
2400302
Mar 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING POOR REAR AIR CONDITIONER PERFORMANCE - LOW OUTPUT FROM HEADLINER VENTS. *SLC
0700302
Mar 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING COOLING FAN SOUND/VIBRATION. *SLC
2200102
Mar 2002
Unknown Or OtherCHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC

Showing 60 of 132 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Caravan →