1991 Dodge Caravan: problems, recalls and reliability
11 recalls and 617 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (31% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 617 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Started missing at frist, then a no start. I've changed the timing chain, crank sensor, camshaft sensor, coil pack. Tried a new ecm. There's voltage to the coil pack, but no spark. I've checked wiring circuit, and auto shut down relay .”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 1991 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the front brake calipers malfunctioned and made the vehicle difficult to move. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the hydraulic control unit that houses the brake actuator piston and the pump motor assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the NHTSA campaign number 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic) although the recall indicated that the part would have a life time coverage. The failure mileage was 87,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2013
“The drivers side airbag deployed while I was driving down the road, my arm is swollen, burned, and bruised. My nose and head have hurt for the last four days. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated recall # 96v099000 for the service brakes: hydraulic: anti-lock was received. When the service dealer was called to schedule the recall repair, the service dealer informed the contact, there would be charges for replacing the accumulator plus labor costs. The manufacturer requested the receipts to be sent for review for possible reimbursement. Updated 01/10/07. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2006
“A loud clunking noise could be heard when traveling over uneven road surfaces or on right hand turns. After completing a right turn, the driver side front wheel was completely dislodged and folded backinto the wheel well. The lower control arm was fractured where the ball joint was seated, allowing the ball joint to come away from the lower control arm. The driver side drive shaft was dislodged from the transmission. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated recall work was performed on the vehicle prior to the contact being aware of the recall. The manufacturer was contacted about reimbursement which they denied because the recall work was not performed at an authorized dealership. The NHTSA recall # 96v099000 concerning the service brakes: hydraulic: antilock.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated there is a vibration in the front end and the brake pedal is pulsating. This has persisted for 3 years. The tires were replaced and realigned numerous times to correct the vibration, however the problem still occurs. The brakes were replaced 3 times, although the pulsating is currently evident. The vibration occurs around 30 mph. When the vehicle speed increases, the vibration is less noticeable. The manufacturer has not been contacted. *nm”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2006
“Dt: the consumer stated that after smelling gas, he took the vehicle to a mechanic. The mechanic told the consumer to start the vehicle. He then told the consumer to shut the vehicle off. The mechanic suggested that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The fuel rail had been replaced at this time. NHTSA campaign id # is 00v268000 did not include the consumers VIN. *nm (12/08/05) *sc”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2005
“Dt: the contact owns a 1991 dodge caravan. The contact received NHTSA recall campaign 96v229000. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. While her husband was driving the steering wheel came off. Fortunately, it did not result in an accident. This happened on august 13, 2005. The contact was uncertain of exactly why the steering wheel detached. But it did cause the contact to lose control of the vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2005
“Dt: the contact stated the function pressure switch in the ABS system needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle did not have any braking capability. The service dealer claimed ABS brakes needed to be replaced. The service dealer attempted to the repair the problem, but did not succeed. There was a recall on the ABS piston pump and motor assembly. The recall was serviced on may 16, 2005, but did not resolve the braking problem. *ak updated 3/3/2006 - another dealer replaced the pressure switch and the problem has not recurred. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 36 of these complaints and injuries in 32 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 11 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE STRUT TO THE BODY AND THE REAR LIFTGATE CAN ACCUMULATE FATIGUE DAMAGE IF THREE FACTORS COMBINE. IF THE BOLT IS LOOSE, THE GAS STRUT IS OVER-PRESSURIZED, AND THE FREQUENCY OF OPENING AND CLOSING CYCLES IS HIGHER THAN FOR THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER, THE BOLT CAN FAIL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR LOOSE FASTENERS, IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE, THE STRUT (AND INTEGRAL BOLTS) WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE BOLT SHOWS EVIDENCE OF TORQUE, THE BOLT WILL BE REMOVED, LARGER WASHERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING WASHER AND THE BOLT WILL BE REINSTALLED AND HAND TIGHTENED TO THE TARGET TORQUED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. THE CENTER REAR SEAT, RIGHT OUTBOARD SIDE, SAFETY BELT ANCHOR HOOK CAN BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE BODY ANCHOR POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ANCHOR HOOK RETAINING CLIP WITH A REVISED PROFILE CLIP AND A COVER PLATE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. COVERS ON THE SOLID STALK MOUNTED SEAT BELT BUCKLES CAN BECOME DISLODGED CAUSING THE RELEASE BUTTON TO STICK INSIDE THE COVER. THE BUCKLE WOULD THEN BE ONLY PARTIALLY LATCHED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COVER RETAINING CLIP TO THE STALK MOUNTED BUCKLE COVER TO PREVENT DISLOCATION OF THE BUCKLE COVER.
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ARMATURE CRACKS IN THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT AREA. ANY STEERING WHEELS SHOWING CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IN THE EVENT CRACKING OCCURS.
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HIGH PRESSURE HOSE MAY LEAK OR DETACH AT ITS CRIMPED END FITTING RESULTING IN THE DISCHARGE OF HYDRAULIC FLUID.
Remedy: REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WITH A HOSE OF DIFFERENT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITHOUT REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.
Remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES IN OCTOBER 1995.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITH REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.
Remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES IN MARCH 1996.
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HIGH PRESSURE PUMP MAY BE POROUS WHICH WILL RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE PUMP AND HIGH PRESSURE HOSE IF THE LAST SIX DIGITS OF THE BAR CODE LABEL ON THE PUMP ARE BETWEEN 052300 AND 059262.
INCORRECT TURN SIGNAL FLASHER INHIBITS INDICATION OF SIGNAL LAMP OUTAGE.
Remedy: REPLACE TURN SIGNAL FLASHER WITH PROPER FLASHER.
THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES IF NECESSARY. ALSO THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS WILL ALSO BE REIMBURSED FOR PREVIOUS ABS COMPONENT REPAIR COSTS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LEFT HAND WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT DRIVE ARM WAS NOT MECHANICALLY STAKED TO THE PIVOT SHAFT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT HAND SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT ASSEMBLY.
How other years compare
Check your exact Caravan by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Dodge Caravan reliable?
NHTSA has 617 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Dodge Caravan. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Dodge Caravan problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 118,773 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Dodge Caravan have open recalls?
11 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.