2001 Dodge Grand Caravan

298 federal complaints (362 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 15 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 35 model years of the Dodge Grand Caravan →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 22 hwy
Federal complaints
298
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.

Lighting
51
Air bags
48
Electrical system
39
Glass & wipers
31
Power train
29
Steering
26
Seat belts
20
Brakes
20
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: 31 complaints01 years old: 16 complaints2 years old: 40 complaints3 years old: 48 complaints4 years old: 32 complaints5 years old: 34 complaints56 years old: 22 complaints7 years old: 20 complaints8 years old: 11 complaints9 years old: 7 complaints10 years old: 6 complaints1011 years old: 2 complaints12 years old: 4 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 4 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 280 of 298 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 7 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 36 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 47 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 34 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 32 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 16 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 12 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 8 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 4 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 198 of 298 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.

Lighting

51 complaint records
"THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS GO OFF BY THEMSELVES. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND NO DEFECTS FOUND. *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 lighting parts in the directory →

Air bags

48 complaint records3 crash reports
"AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION. DEALER SAID IT WAS A "CLOCKSPRING FAILURE" AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED...."- 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 →

Electrical system

39 complaint records2 fire reports
"THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS GO OFF BY THEMSELVES. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND NO DEFECTS FOUND. *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...
EA04031
opened Nov 2004
closed Apr 2005Latches/Locks/LinkagesPOWER LIFTGATE LATCH - led to recall 05V134000
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...

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 10 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
StructureRepair 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.
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,...
58
Nov 2005
SeatsTHE FRONT SEAT ELECTRIC HEATER ELEMENTS MAY FATIGUE AND CAUSE LOCALIZED OVERHEATING AND/OR DISCOLORATION OF THE SEAT COVER SURFACE. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION D58 - HEATED SEAT ELEMENTS. *TT
B05
Mar 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MAY CAUSE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR FAILURE FOR RS MODELS. *SLC
0040
Sep 2000
Electrical SystemREMOVABLE FLOOR CONSOLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

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

  1. Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
  2. 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.
  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 Grand Caravan →