VehicleVerdict

2001 Dodge Caravan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2001 Dodge Caravan sits mid-pack among Caravan years: 341 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 230, with 10 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (43), electrical system (39), and steering (33), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

341

NHTSA complaints

10

Recalls

2

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

16

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Caravan years?

See all Caravan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Dodge Caravan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags4313%
Electrical System3911%
Steering3310%
Lighting329%
Suspension329%
Visibility & Wipers206%
Transmission196%
Engine185%
Brakes165%
Fuel System144%
Body & Structure144%
Seat Belts124%
Other124%
Latches & Locks93%
Speed Control82%
Tires & Wheels72%
Seats62%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%
Child Seat31%

Does the 2001 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

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

10E034000OtherAugust 10, 2010 · 6,686 units

Defect

CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.

Consequence

IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.

08E048000LightingAugust 8, 2008 · 11,534 units

Defect

EAGLE EYES IS RECALLING 11,534 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. CS090-B001L AND CS090-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOWER BEAM PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.

08E039000LightingJune 10, 2008 · 2,520 units

Defect

MAXZONE IS RECALLING 2,520 HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 3341103L-AS AND 334-1103R-AS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2001-2007 DODGE CARAVAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: 1-888-286-1188 (WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, AZ, MT, WY, UT, CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, AR, LA, AK, HI) 1-877-253-8930 (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE, WV, VA) 1-800-859-4755 (NC, SC, GA, FL, TN, AL, MS) 1-866-783-6858 (ND, SD, NE, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, OH, KY).

06E022000BrakesMarch 13, 2006 · 7,440 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

04V531000Electrical SystemNovember 2, 2004 · 238,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A SPEAKER FIRE.

Remedy

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.

03E053000Fuel SystemOctober 24, 2003 · 68,563 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, MODELS WIX FILTER PART NUMBERS 33576, 33577, 33734; NAPA FILTER PART NUMBERS 3576, 3577, 3734; AND CARQUEST FILTER PART NUMBERS 86576, 86577, 86734 USED ON 1996-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE CARAVAN, AND PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VEHICLES, CAN CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LEAK.

Consequence

A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Remedy

WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WIX AT 704-864-6711.

03E045000OtherSeptember 26, 2003 · 45,870 units

Defect

AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER MAY EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION OF THE QUICK CONNECTOR EITHER BLOCKING FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE OR CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE COULD STALL. ALSO, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 LONG WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18230 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, 0251, OR 0304. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 2001-2004 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 28871 AND DATE CODE 0249. THESE PART NUMBERS AND DATE CODES APPEAR ON THE GOLD-TONE FILTER. DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO ISOLATE AND RETURN AFFECTED INVENTORY. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER SERVICED ON ONE OF THE APPLICABLE VEHICLES AFTER SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 SHOULD RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF THE FUEL FILTER THAT WAS INSTALLED IS ONE THAT IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. IF SO, THE OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THE FILTER REPLACED. TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND PLUS THE COST OF POSTAGE, OWNERS SHOULD CUT THE CONNECTORS FROM THE HOSES, RINSE THE CONNECTORS AND RETURN THEM TOGETHER WITH PROOF OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR, TO INTERCONTINENTAL AT INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS, INC., P.O. BOX 861, MAHWAH, NJ 07430, ATTN: FUEL FILTER RECALL. INTERCONTINENTAL WILL MAIL A FULL REFUND TO THE OWNER.

03V094000Body & StructureMarch 7, 2003 · 3,674 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

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.

01I003000Latches & LocksMay 31, 2001 · 105,484 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2001 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER, CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, AND DODGE CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN MINI VANS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY OPTION. THE SLIDING DOOR LATCHES ON THESE VEHICLES COULD RELEASE DURING CERTAIN SEVERE ACCIDENT CONDITIONS THAT INVOLVE THE SLIDING DOOR.

Consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW THE SLIDING DOOR TO PARTIALLY OPEN.

Remedy

DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH SLIDING DOOR KEY CYLINDER-TO-BELL CRANK LINKS ON THE SLIDING DOORS FREE OF CHARGE (PARTS AND LABOR). DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SLIDING DOOR KEY CYLINDER-TO-BELL CRANK LINKS. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

01V152000SuspensionMay 8, 2001 · 41,587 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT BOLT COULD FRACTURE.

Consequence

IF THE BOLT FRACTURES, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CROSSMEMBER, CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT, CONSUMER COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE ON TIME AND CRASH INTO REAR OF OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 28, 2001 · crash

PULLED VEHICLE OUT OF GARAGE AND SHORTLY AFTER FIRE STARTED TO COME UP OUT OF THE DASH. COMPLETE LOSS. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT TO TRY TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT IT SPREAD IN A MATTER OF MINUTES.. THIS WAS NOT MY CAR BUT MY MOTHER IN LAWS. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 25, 2014 · fire

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE HAS DECREASED IN BRIGHTNESS. THE PROBLEM IS NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT. THERE IS A RESISTANCE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AND WHEN BACKING. THE RUBBER GASKETS CONTINUE TO FALL FROM THE SLIDING PASSENGER DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 4, 2002

THE HEADLIGHTS ON OUR 2001 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ALTERNATE WORKING SO ONLY ONE IS ON AT A TIME. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY BOTH WILL WORK FOR A DAY OR SO THEN IT WILL GO BACK TO JUST ONE WORKING. THIS MAKES IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT AND WE HAVE GOTTEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE AND GIVEN A WARNING. I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 4, 2008

WE GOT INTO OUR 2001 DODGE CARAVAN AND STARTED TO DRIVE IT AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUSPENSION. I PULLED THE VAN OVER AND NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT WAS UP THROUGH INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT! I BELIEVE THE HOUSING IS RUSTED THROUGH, WHICH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 1, 2013

2001 Dodge Caravan — common questions

Is the 2001 Dodge Caravan reliable?

It is close to typical for the Caravan: 341 NHTSA complaints, 10 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2001 Caravan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (43 complaints), electrical system (39 complaints), steering (33 complaints).

Does the 2001 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Dodge Caravan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Dodge Caravan under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.