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1986 Dodge CaravanProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 49 owner complaints about the 1986 Dodge Caravan, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

80
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years75% below the Caravan median · #28 of 32 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints4914 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem14Structure

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 11, 2001. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 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
Structure142
Latches/locks/linkages123
Seat belts51
Engine and engine cooling51
Equipment20
Tires20
Electrical system22
Fuel system, gasoline20
Visibility10
6 other systems62

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

1 recall

1986 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

1986 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
8 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 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
  8. REAR SEAT STRUCTURE FAILSPE90079 · closed Oct 2, 1990
    No recall
In owners' words

What Caravan owners report

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

RIGHT-SIDED ELECTRICAL SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WHEN ACTIVATED FOR EXITING VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Complaint 960998 · Mar 3, 1995
WHILE TRUNK LID WAS OPENED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION TRUNK LID DROPPED, CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER. PLEASED PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Complaint 865416 · Jul 14, 2000

Own a 1986 Caravan?

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