VehicleVerdict

1987 Dodge Caravan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1987 Dodge Caravan sits mid-pack among Caravan years: 83 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 231, with 3 recalls and 8 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 14 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across latches & locks (15), engine (13), and body & structure (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

83

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

8

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

14

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Caravan years?

Caravan NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 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, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caravan years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Dodge Caravan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Latches & Locks1518%
Engine1316%
Body & Structure1012%
Seats810%
Transmission78%
Seat Belts67%
Electrical System45%
Other45%
Brakes34%
Steering34%
Lighting22%
Suspension22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Speed Control22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Fuel System11%

Does the 1987 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

3 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“REAR HATCH-LATCH WILL NOT LATCH AT ALL WHEN CLOSED CAUSING STORAGE ITEMS FOR FALL OUT WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · March 3, 1995

“ENGINE: WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF SOUNDS LIKE IT IS STILL RUNNING. WENT TO SHUT OFF AND COULD NOT GET VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. SOMEONE CAME AND SHUT OFF, AND THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 12, 1997 · fire

“THOMAS SCHULER:ABOVE NO: REAR LIFTGATE CAME OPEN UPON REAR IMPACT; 6 AND 4 YEAR OLD OCCUPANTS WERE EJECTED OUT OF REAR DOOR; 6 YEAR OLD KILLED; SPEED 60 MPH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 12, 1992 · crash

“DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE WIHTOUT ANY WARNING, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO FALL BACKWARDS AND LOSE CONTROL WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats

“VEHICLE WAS IN PARK POSITION ON A SLIGHT SLANT LEFT IDLING FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES WHEN IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

1987 Dodge Caravan — common questions

Is the 1987 Dodge Caravan reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 83 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Caravan year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1987 Caravan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are latches & locks (15 complaints), engine (13 complaints), body & structure (10 complaints).

Does the 1987 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Dodge Caravan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Dodge Caravan under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 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.