VehicleVerdict

1987 Plymouth CARAVELLE problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1987 Plymouth CARAVELLE — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other CARAVELLE years?

CARAVELLE NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted4 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 3 complaints1988: 4 complaints
CARAVELLE NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CARAVELLE years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Plymouth CARAVELLE problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System133%
Fuel System133%
Transmission133%

Does the 1987 Plymouth CARAVELLE have recalls?

2 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.

88V105000Fuel SystemJuly 1, 1988 · 580,000 units

Defect

FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN DRIVE, IT STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING PRESSED. CONSUMER HAD TO CONSTANTLY KEEP THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED SINCE MID DECEMBER 2003.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 23, 2003

“CAR WOULD NOT START. SOUNDED LIKE FUEL WAS NOT GOING THROUGH. CONSUMER REPLACED FUEL SYSTEM, AND PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 16, 2000

“CAR WOULD NOT START. SOUNDED LIKE FUEL WAS NOT GOING THROUGH. CONSUMER REPLACED FUEL SYSTEM, AND PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 16, 2000

1987 Plymouth CARAVELLE — common questions

Is the 1987 Plymouth CARAVELLE reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1987 Plymouth CARAVELLE have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Plymouth CARAVELLE. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Plymouth CARAVELLE under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.