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1985 Dodge CaravanProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 49 owner complaints about the 1985 Dodge Caravan, most often about the structure. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

79
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years74% below the Caravan median · #26 of 32 years by complaints
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints4915 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem13Structure

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 17, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 Dodge Caravan has problems

49 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure132
Engine and engine cooling81
Latches/locks/linkages71
Power train60
Seat belts52
Electrical system52
Vehicle speed control41
Suspension40
Visibility30
7 other systems153

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1985 Dodge Caravan recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Best & worst years

1985 vs. every other Caravan year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Caravan median. How we score

'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
7 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 Dodge Caravan, and the recalls they led to.

  1. UNDERDASH FIRESEA90011 · closed Feb 28, 1991
    No recall
  2. SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILSEA90030 · closed Sep 24, 1990
    No recall
  3. TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILUREEA91010 · closed Dec 31, 1991
    No recall
  4. LIFTGATE LATCHESEA94005 · closed Oct 25, 1995
    No recall
  5. BROKEN DRIVERS SEATPE88095 · closed Feb 15, 1989
    No recall
  6. UNDERDASH FIRESPE89170 · closed Feb 23, 1990
    No recall
  7. SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILUREPE90030 · closed May 31, 1990
    No recall
In owners' words

What Caravan owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER EXPERIENCES FAILURE OF HYDRAULIC CYLINDER STRUT LIFT, WHEN WON'T STAY UP AND WILL DECEND UNEXPECTEDLY, WITHOUT WARNING. TT
Complaint 963133 · Apr 5, 1995
HATCHBACK WINDOW IS RUSTING AROUND THE EDGE, AND THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP. THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE HATCHBACK WINDOW. *AK
Complaint 831706 · Apr 7, 1999
MY DODGE CARAVAN MINIVAN IS ON HIGH. WHEN I DRIVE IT IT WILL REMAIN ONE SPEED UNTIL I PUT THE BRAKE ON. I KNOW THESE CARS WERE RECALLED. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND OF MY INVESTMENT. THE DOOR PANEL LIGHTS ALSO GET EXTREMELY HOT. THEY HAVE BURNT HOLES IN THEMSELVES AND HOLES ON MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS.
Complaint 710042 · Aug 16, 1999

Own a 1985 Caravan?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.