VehicleVerdict

1985 Dodge Caravan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1985 Dodge Caravan is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 6 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 85 owner complaints run below the Caravan median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (14), engine (9), and suspension (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

85

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

7

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Caravan years?

Caravan NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted2,178 complaints1984: 26 complaints1985: 85 complaints1986: 55 complaints1987: 83 complaints1988: 135 complaints1989: 236 complaints1990: 341 complaints1991: 773 complaints1992: 1,126 complaints1993: 1,229 complaints1994: 836 complaints1995: 656 complaints1996: 2,178 complaints1997: 1,028 complaints1998: 840 complaints1999: 745 complaints2000: 613 complaints2001: 341 complaints2002: 326 complaints2003: 252 complaints2004: 83 complaints2005: 691 complaints2006: 231 complaints2007: 115 complaints2008: 421 complaints2009: 175 complaints2010: 257 complaints2011: 112 complaints2012: 116 complaints2013: 34 complaints2014: 27 complaints2015: 29 complaints2016: 42 complaints2017: 18 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 4 complaints
Caravan NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caravan years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Dodge Caravan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1416%
Suspension911%
Engine911%
Transmission89%
Latches & Locks78%
Seat Belts67%
Electrical System67%
Brakes67%
Speed Control45%
Steering45%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Fuel System34%
Other22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Seats11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 1985 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

95I001004Latches & LocksMarch 27, 1995 · 411,678 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING NOVEMBER 1995.

95I001008Latches & LocksMarch 27, 1995 · 1,262,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES DURING JULY 1996.

85V164000Visibility & WipersDecember 11, 1985 · 10,800 units

Defect

VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL SUNSCREEN REAR GLASS WHICH HAS LESS THAN 70 PERCENT LUMINOUS TRANSMITTANCE AND DOES NOT HAVE A PASSENGER SIDE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 111, REAR VIEW MIRRORS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE DRIVERS OF THESE VANS DO NOT HAVE THE MINIMUM FIELD OF VISION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 111. WITHOUT THIS MINIMUM FIELD OF VISION THE DRIVER CANNOT MANEUVER HIS VEHICLE SAFELY AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL PASSENGER SIDE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR.

85V053000BrakesMay 1, 1985 · 264,000 units

Defect

ROADWAY STONES MAY BECOME LODGED IN THE HEIGHT SENSING BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO FAIL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: PROPORTIONING VALVE MALFUNCTION RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING HARD BRAKING WITH A LIGHT LOAD AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

CLEAR PROPORTIONING VALVE OF STONES AND INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER TO PREVENT STONES FROM ENTERING.

84V150000Fuel SystemNovember 26, 1984 · 82,500 units

Defect

THE METAL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE MAY CRACK AT THE FUEL PUMP END DUE TO VIBRATION. THE CRACK MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. (THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE CONNECTS THE FUEL PUMP TO THE FUEL FILTER.)

Remedy

A FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES, FREE OF CHARGE. THIS WILL RESTRICT TUBE VIBRATION AND PREVENT CRACKS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY DODGE CARAVAN MINIVAN IS ON HIGH . WHEN I DRIVE IT IT WILL REMAIN ONE SPEED UNTIL I PUT THE BRAKE ON. I KNOW THESE CARS WERE RECALLED. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND OF MY INVESTMENT. THE DOOR PANEL LIGHTS ALSO GET EXTREMELY HOT. THEY HAVE BURNT HOLES IN THEMSELVES AND HOLES ON MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 13, 1999

“MY DODGE CARAVAN MINIVAN IS ON HIGH . WHEN I DRIVE IT IT WILL REMAIN ONE SPEED UNTIL I PUT THE BRAKE ON. I KNOW THESE CARS WERE RECALLED. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND OF MY INVESTMENT. THE DOOR PANEL LIGHTS ALSO GET EXTREMELY HOT. THEY HAVE BURNT HOLES IN THEMSELVES AND HOLES ON MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 13, 1999

“WHERE STRUT ATTACHES TO BODY/CHASSIS, PLASTIC IS RIPPING THROUGH AND REAR SHOCKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“REAR HATCH LATCH FAILED, CAUSING HATCH DOOR TO POP OPEN 3 TIMES, ONCE WITH KIDS IN THE REAR, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 55MPH. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · January 26, 1995

1985 Dodge Caravan — common questions

Is the 1985 Dodge Caravan reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 85 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Caravan year, with 6 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1985 Caravan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (14 complaints), engine (9 complaints), suspension (9 complaints).

Does the 1985 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Dodge Caravan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Dodge Caravan under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Caravan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Caravan years to avoid are 1996, 1993, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1994, 1991, 1999, 2005, 1995, 2000, 2008. The cleanest record among Caravan years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.