Menu

1988 Dodge CaravanProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 103 owner complaints about the 1988 Dodge Caravan, most often about the latches/locks/linkages. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

70
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years56% below the Caravan median · #21 of 32 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10315 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem23Latches/locks/linkages

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 16, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Dodge Caravan has problems

103 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
Latches/locks/linkages230
Structure203
Engine and engine cooling152
Steering81
Electrical system72
Equipment70
Fuel system, gasoline61
Exterior lighting60
Seat belts50
8 other systems253

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

2 recalls

1988 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.

–no report yet

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 88V-107 · Jul 1, 1988 · 4,000 vehicles

Risk. FUEL COULD LEAK AT THE TANK SEAM WHICH, IN PRESENCE OFAN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

1988 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 1988 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. UNDERDASH FIRESPE89170 · closed Feb 23, 1990
    No recall
  6. SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILUREPE90030 · closed May 31, 1990
    No recall
  7. REAR SEAT STRUCTURE FAILSPE90079 · closed Oct 2, 1990
    No recall
  8. REAR WIPER SWITCH/FIRESPE91062 · closed Jul 31, 1991
    No recall
In owners' words

What Caravan owners report

Recent latches/locks/linkages complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CHRYSLER HAS TAKEN AN EXCESSIVE PERIOD OF TIME TO CORRECT PROBLEM WITH THE LATCH, CALLED MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD IT COULD BE UNTIL 7/96 FOR PART TO BE READY. *SLC
Complaint 974138 · Oct 30, 1995
WHILE DRIVING NOTICED RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM REAR, INDICATING LIFTGATE WAS LOOSE, FINALLY HAD TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE LATCH MECHANISM AT OWN EXPENSE. TT
Complaint 962609 · Mar 27, 1995
WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT LIFTGATE LATCH FAILURE, WHEN SUDDENLY LATCH DISENGAGES, ONCE THIS HAPPENS IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO LOCK. TT
Complaint 961952 · Mar 15, 1995

Own a 1988 Caravan?

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