10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
10,737 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Dodge Caravan engine problems

engine problem

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1998 Dodge Caravan Owner Comments

problem #19

Mar 152012

Caravan 6-cyl

  • 132,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was backing out of a parking space in 2012, when the brakes completely failed, I had to put my vehicle into gear in order for it to stop. Even though I was only going 5 mph or less, I was on a downhill slope. There wasn't an accident nor any damage, so I don't have that to report. The van was taken to towbin Dodge in henderson, nv that weekend I believe and I was told that the recall defect had been fixed. However, the horn, airbag light and ABS still do not work. My VIN #[xxx], my question is this. If the recall problem is still defective even though it's been repaired, what am I supposed to do? information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #18

Jun 032003

Caravan 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles
While passing a tractor trailer on rt 422 West of pottstown without warning my rmp's shot up and I lost power. My check engine light came on. I pulled off the shoulder of the highway. The transmission was slipping and not shifting correctly. I was able to get my Caravan to quigley motors which is the local Dodge dealership. The diagnosis was 3rd gear was totally destroyed and they found alot of metal fragments in the pan. It's going to cost me $2500. To fix it. The Chrysler corporation needs to acknowledge that there is a well documented problem with this transmission and should rectify the situation. It is my first Chrysler vehicle and it will probably will be my last. The service that I received at quigley motors was horrendous. My van was there an entire week before they could get it in to give me a repair estimate. 5 star service"?" I don't think so!

- Bechtelsville, PA, USA

problem #17

Aug 012002

(reported on)

Caravan

  • miles
Air bag sensor light came on. Also, horn and cruise control are inoperative.dealer contacted.

- Barboursville, WV, USA

problem #16

May 012002

Caravan

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Problem is with a component called a "clock spring connector". it controls not only the air bag deployment system but also controls the cruise control and horn operation. I have been out on the internet and noticed that this is a common problem with all Dodge Caravan dated from 1994-2000. I have also spoke with numerous repair shops stating that they see this problem at least 2-3 times a week. Thank you for you time and consideration to this matter.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #15

Mar 152002

Caravan

  • miles
When driving vehicle will have trouble accelerateing, and then will shut off. Contacted dealer, and the dealer cannot find the cause.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

problem #14

Nov 221999

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
A crack in exhaust manifold caused fumes to come into vehicle. Dealer could not duplicate concern. Customer states vehicle jerks when in cruise. Dealer found no problem.

- Lakewood, WA, USA

problem #13

Mar 202002

(reported on)

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving tried to use horn and there was no response. Air bag light illuminated and did not go off.also, cruise control did not work. Manufacturer and dealer have been notified.

- Smithville, VA, USA

problem #12

Jan 012002

Caravan

  • miles
I have had a recent problem where I just thought that the air bag light was on. I later learned that not only is the air bag light on but the air bag will not deploy if N accident occurs. In addition the horn and cruise control does not work. By searching on the web I have learned from the dealer that this is a common problem in their vehicles. It will cost me over 250 dollars to correct. How can Dodge know that this problem exists and does not tell anyone or have a recall. This is deplorable. I am sure that deaths have occurred because of this and Dodge knows this too. Please let me know what can be done. Thank you. Vince filliben 610-361-8921.

- Boothwyn, PA, USA

problem #11

Feb 252002

(reported on)

Caravan

  • miles
At least a year ago, my airbag light came on and has stayed on. Approximately the same time, I began having problems with my criuse control. In addition, my horn has quit functioning. I contacted a dealership, and they stated it sounded like the airbag clockspring had gone bad. The part alone was estimated to cost $250. I recently checked the NHTSA site, as see that my van is not the only one with these same problems.

- Noblesville, IN, USA

problem #10

Sep 012001

Caravan

  • miles
Air bag light on instrument panel flickers on and off intermittently. Also, horn has failed to operate during operation of vehicle. Dealership has yet to examine vehicle for this problem. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

- Stratford, IA, USA

problem #9

Apr 012001

Caravan

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle was set on cruise control at 70-72mph. Consumer made rest stop/ got back on road resuming cruise control, and it quit working. Horn would not work either. A day in a half before, airbag light just stayed on. Consumer hasn't contacted dealer.

- Macomb, MI, USA

problem #8

Apr 102001

(reported on)

Caravan

  • miles
Air bag light on / horn doesn't work / cruise control doesn't work

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #7

Mar 282001

Caravan

  • miles
With the minivan in reverse gear backing up, at 5mph from a distant of 100ft and then apply brake pedal, fail to stop the minivan.the engine pick up speed, while foot is still on brake and minivan is turn to left moving in a circle in a parking area causing damage to my minivan and another car park in area.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #6

Dec 182000

Caravan

  • miles
Uncontrol random rapid acceleration while stopping. Was able to stop vehicle if turned off the engine with ignition.

- Eagan, MN, USA

problem #5

Oct 022000

Caravan

  • miles
When put in park vehicle accelerated forward suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in a collision. Dealer inspected vehicle, and was not able to duplicate the problem.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #4

Sep 081999

(reported on)

Caravan

  • miles
Speed control.

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #3

Nov 011990

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Cruise control failed twice.

- Julian, CA, USA

problem #2

May 131999

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration while in traffic resulting in an accident. Nlm

- Northfield, IL, USA

problem #1

May 121999

Caravan

  • miles
While taking off in heavy traffic vehicle surged and took off. Driver just pressed accelerator pedal very gently and vehicle took off and crashed into a vehicle in front. Driver had no control over the vehicle. No obvious damage was done to the vehicle. Hidden damage; bumper pushed in and damaged air conditioner.

- Northfield, IL, USA

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