Carlexica

1990 Dodge Grand Caravan: problems, recalls and reliability

3 recalls and 55 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (51% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2008

3
recalls
55
owner complaints
2
fire reports
173,178
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Grand Caravan years (#31 of 31 by complaints, age-adjusted)Problems tend to appear late (median 173,178 mi)Weak spot: power train (51%)2 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)51% · 27 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)21% · 11 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)6% · 3 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)6% · 3 complaints
Seat Belts4% · 2 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)4% · 2 complaints
Threaded composite block failed on car jack while jacking up right front portion of mini van while operator was servicing right front tire. Defect caused complete and immediate failure of jack and car falling to garage floor.*akOwner report · Equipment · Jul 2002
Consumer was driving along and right side back pushed out window and shattered it. Also, air conditioning was running at time. Dealers had no response to how it could have happened.*akOwner report · Visibility · Mar 2001
Fuel rail was leaking. Mech said this was extremely dangerous-could have caused fire.vehicle too old for recent recall, which covers vehicles from 1995-2000, but has the same problem.paid $630.76 on 1/13/01 for new fuel rail and o-rings. Mech said today (3/30/02) that my car had same problem that he had recently fixed on recalled vehicle. *akOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
This is the second time that the door has fallen out of its' track. Mechanics at my shop can't figure out what is causing it to do this. Suggested I contact dodge to see if this is a common problem or if it is just an anomoly of my van. They can't even tell if something is worn out and requiring replacement. *akOwner report · Structure · Jun 2000
Original transmission failed at 66,000 miles. I am the third owner. I was told that dodge was having trouble, but figured that the problem was solved with the replacement of the original transmission. I was told that I had a version # 6 solenoid & computer. It was recommended that I update to a version # 10. The cost to repair is $ 1,900. I am just finding out that dodge is still having problems with this 1990 transmission. Thank you for your help. Leroy j. Hersh. *akOwner report · Power Train · Mar 2000
A faulty ultradrive transmission caused the consumer vehicle to shudder/vibrate and loose all transmission gears while driving. NlmOwner report · Power Train · Mar 2000
The transmission would not shift up after stopping. The vehicle went in to have the transmission rebuilt and our mechanic has discovered that there is quite a waiting list for the case because there seems to be a problem with internal cracks on this case. Most mechanics don't even want to work on them. I have been told by one mechanic that they work on these transmissions more than any others. *akOwner report · Power Train · Feb 2000
Fuel rail has two metal/metal joints that spray gas on the the engine when the weather is cold. After the metal tube fitting warms up the leak stops. The fuel rail has to be replaced every two to three years. The only detection is when gas sprays on the engine. *akOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 1999
Transmission went into "limp in" mode(2nd gear only) this is the second time that this happened. The first time was at about 45,000 miles. The dealer replaced the transmission at no cost at that time. Now, this time I paid for the repair since I no longer have a warranty in effect. What, if any, is my next step to recovering some of my repair expense?Owner report · Power Train · Jun 1999
This is seconed transmission for this vehicle, was not told that this was a reacouring problem in this vehicle ! Please do something to stop this from happening to others!Owner report · Power Train · Jun 1999

When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 3 campaigns

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK95I001003 · Mar 1995

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 STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING OCTOBER 1995.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK95I001007 · Mar 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 JUNE 1996.

SUSPENSION08E033000 · Apr 2008

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Drive type4x2

How other years compare

Check your exact Grand Caravan by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?

NHTSA has 55 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most complained-about area is power train (51% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 173,178 miles or less.

Does the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan have open recalls?

3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock. 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.