VehicleVerdict

1988 Plymouth CARAVELLE problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1988 Plymouth CARAVELLE — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other CARAVELLE years?

CARAVELLE NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted4 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 3 complaints1988: 4 complaints
CARAVELLE NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CARAVELLE years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Plymouth CARAVELLE problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine125%
Steering125%
Tires & Wheels125%
Transmission125%

Does the 1988 Plymouth CARAVELLE have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 PLYMOUTH CARAVELLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMP AND SMELLED RUBBER. SHE PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR KUMHO TIRE WAS FLAT AND HAD BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRE SIZE WAS 1857R14-88T, WHICH WAS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE DROP DOWN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 6, 2007

“STEERING COLUMN BROKE LOOSE AND STEERING DROPPED DOWN IN LAP. TURNED OFF CAR, AND CAUSED CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE BRAKES. *AK THE CONSUMER SAYS MODELS OF SIMILAR MAKE AND YEAR HAD BEEN RECALLED AND THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED TOO. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 3, 2001

1988 Plymouth CARAVELLE — common questions

Is the 1988 Plymouth CARAVELLE reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1988 Plymouth CARAVELLE have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 Plymouth CARAVELLE. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 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.