KnownCarProblems2001 Dodge Caravan Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 257 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Dodge Caravan, most often about the air bags (17% of complaints, typically around 56,000 miles). It is 4th of 18 Caravan model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2001 Dodge Caravan problems
Air bags
43 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
We own a 2001 Dodge Caravan. The air bag warning light alerted US to a problem. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failure of the clockspring. A recall was recently issued for clockspring failures on the 1999 and 2000 caravans. The dealer, for a cost of $255.48, replaced the part. Apparently the problem was not…
Air bag light intermittently comes on while driving, dealer diagnosed problem as faulty "clockspring" in the steering wheel. This same problem existed and was under recall in previous year caravans. Called chrysler about issue and was told it was not their issue since the vehicle has 50k miles and the vehicle warranty…
Suspension
32 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
I know about the balljoint recall from dc. I have a 2002 and already received my notice in the mail. I also have a 2001 Dodge Caravan that also has bad balljoints. There is no doubt in my mind, this is defective parts. Balljoints should never go bad with only 50k on the unit. The problem is, you can no longer grease…
Went to a tire shop for a tire problem, upon taking the front wheels off they discovered failing sway bar links. They showed me the problem by actually pulling the link apart from the sway bar by hand. As I was leaving the shop to go home one of the links disconnected and now the vehicle has a noticeable sway in tight…
Steering
32 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: rack and pinion, linkages, steering wheel/handle bar, hydraulic power assist.
Consumer took vehicle to the dealership and was told by the mechanic that the inner sway bar bushings were worn out, and the left inner tie rod was loose. Also, rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced.
Our Dodge Caravan sport has been well maintained and we've had it for 3 years and has only 35,000 miles on it. This started happening after the 30,000 mile mark. We have 2 small children and we have been very lucky that nothing has happened. We liked the Caravan because we did not hear bad things about it. But now we…
Lights
32 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 49,500 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, tail lights, turn signal.
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…
Tl contact owns a 2001 Dodge Caravan sport. The contact was driving approximately between 35-40 MPH on normal road conditions with the headlights in activation. Suddenly, the headlights became inoperable without warning. The driver experienced limited visibility and continued in operation with the emergency flasher…
Electrical
29 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, horn, instrument cluster/panel, ignition.
Water pump replaced on vehicle. After that whenever it rains, the following intermittently do not work -- windshield wipers, defrost/heater, radio/clock, power windows. Took to Dodge dealer several times. Problem thought to be vehicle computer system. Replaced -- that did not solve problem. Vehicle in shop almost a…
Tl contact owns a 2001 Dodge Caravan. When she started the vehicle it began to shake uncontrollably and responded as if it would stall. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who stated that the body control module failed and needed to be replaced at the owners expense for $1000. The dealer will also perform diagnostic…
Visibility and wipers
20 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, windshield wiper/washer, windshield, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
The consumer stated, while driving, the driver was unable to turn left the steering wheel-which had locked up, almost causing an accident. Dealer contacted. Mr the consumer states that the steering pump was replaced by the dealer, but the problem is not solved. Still unable to turn left-not until the vehicle is warm.…
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…
Transmission
19 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 49,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
While driving on the highway our 2001 Dodge Caravan's transmission completely failed and was not drivable. The engine would rev but the transmission would not engage or shift. The van was towed to the dealer. The van's transmission needed to be rebuilt or a remanufactured transmission installed at a cost of…
On the below date I was driving on a mountainous curvy road when the transmission in my vehicle completely failed. Luckily I was able to manuever the van to the side of the road. I then had the van towed to my mechanic who informed me that the transmission had a complete failure. The mechanic put in a new factory…
Engine
18 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.
The air conditioner went out all of the sudden while driving down the highway. We were told the compressor was out and something about the air conditioner clutch. The cost was 1100.00 the brakes have gone out twice in an matter of 6 months.
The air conditioning system worked fine until I drove the van home after the plaza Dodge of holiday replaced the serp belt. Approximately one week after the van was serviced which also included a transmission flush, the transmission had a total failure. The engine runs but the van will not move.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Dodge Caravan recalls
Equipment: radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Risk: This could result in a speaker fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: structure
Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Suspension: lower arm
Risk: If the bolt fractures, the lower control arm could separate from the crossmember, causing a loss of vehicle control.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: minivans. The lower control arm pivot bolt could fracture.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Headlight malfunction
Summary
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.
Headlight malfunction
Summary
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.
Questions about the 2001 Dodge Caravan
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Dodge Caravan?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (43 complaints, typically around 56,000 miles); suspension (32 complaints, typically around 45,000 miles); steering (32 complaints, typically around 40,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Caravan have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 2, 2004 (equipment). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Dodge Caravan?
- It is 4th of 18 Caravan model years by number of complaints, with 257 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.