VehicleVerdict

1990 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan is among the quieter years of the Grand Caravan on NHTSA's books: 69 complaints (81% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 27 reports (39% of the total).

69

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Grand Caravan years?

See all Grand Caravan years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2739%
Fuel System1116%
Brakes812%
Body & Structure69%
Seat Belts57%
Engine46%
Other34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Speed Control11%
Lighting11%
Suspension11%

Does the 1990 Dodge Grand 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.

95I001003Latches & LocksMarch 27, 1995 · 72,845 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 STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING OCTOBER 1995.

95I001007Latches & LocksMarch 27, 1995 · 360,000 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 IN JUNE 1996.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 30, 1999

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. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 21, 1999 · fire

ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS; WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AND MAKING A QUICK STOP THE PEDAL TRAVELS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBROAD AND THE VAN CONTINUES TO TRAVEL. THIS HAPPENS ON ANY TYPE OF ROAD SURFACE. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED TWICE, VACCUM BOOSTER AND ALL MOVING PARTS OF THE BRAKES, INCLUDING THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 6, 1995

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 25, 2000

THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. DRIVER'S LATCHING PLATE COVER IS CRACKED & NOT WORKING. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER & INFORMED NORMAL WEAR/TEAR & NOT A RECALL ISSUE. ALSO, BRAKE ROTORS WERE FLAKING & NEEDED REPLACING. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 17, 1997

1990 Dodge Grand Caravan — common questions

Is the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 69 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Grand Caravan year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1990 Grand Caravan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (27 complaints), fuel system (11 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).

Does the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Grand Caravan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Caravan years to avoid are 2008, 1996, 2005, 2010, 2016, 1997, 2011, 2012, 2009, 1998, 2013, 1999, 2000, 1993, 1991. The cleanest record among Grand Caravan years belongs to 1986.

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.