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1994 Dodge CaravanProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 644 owner complaints about the 1994 Dodge Caravan, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

24
CarFlaw IndexYear to avoid3.2× the Caravan median · #4 of 32 years by complaints
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints644159 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage105kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 14, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1994 Dodge Caravan has problems

644 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
Power train1116
Air bags9454
Structure7812
Engine and engine cooling661
Latches/locks/linkages575
Service brakes, hydraulic569
Visibility430
Steering383
Electrical system363
17 other systems17929

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

3 recalls

1994 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

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 00V-305 · Oct 12, 2000 · 679,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THE STEERING WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN, LOSS OF CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments

Recall 99V-213 · Sep 2, 1999 · 1,318,189 vehicles

Risk. PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR IF THE BOLTS BREAK ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL SUDDENLY.

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

1994 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
NHTSA crash tests

1994 Dodge Caravan safety ratings

1994 Dodge Caravan in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
8 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1994 Dodge Caravan, and the recalls they led to.

  1. STEERING COLUMN SEPARATIONDP03002 · closed Jul 22, 2003
    No recall
  2. DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSORDP96014 · still open
    Open
  3. LIFTGATE LATCHESEA94005 · closed Oct 25, 1995
    No recall
  4. INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTSEA98006 · closed May 24, 1999
    Led to recall 99V-113
  5. SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATIONPE96008 · closed Jun 28, 1996
    No recall
  6. INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTSPE97046 · closed Feb 27, 1998
    No recall
  7. AIR BAG CIRCUIT/WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORPE97049 · closed Mar 17, 1998
    No recall
  8. STEERING WHEEL SEPARATIONRQ00011 · closed Apr 1, 2002
    Led to recall 00V-305
In owners' words

What Caravan owners report

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

LACKS POWER, WANTS TO STALL LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING ANY FUEL, HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS PARTS INCLUDING WHAT WAS LISTED ON THE DIAGNOSTIC SCANS, CLUNKING NOISE UNDER VAN. NOTHING SEEMS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HAVE SPENT OVER $600 IN PARTS ALONE, NOT COUNTING LABOR. *NM
Complaint 10130729 · Jul 31, 2005 · 114,000 miles
DT: CONSUMER STATES HIS 1994 DODGE CARAVAN THAT HE PURCHASED USED ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS IMMEDIATELY. THE TRANSMISSION WILL POP OUT OF GEAR WHEN IT IS HOT. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE SHUT OFF AND THEN IT WILL START AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, SEPTEMBER 2004, HE TOOK THE…
Complaint 10128573 · Jul 13, 2005 · 44,900 miles
HAVE A 1994 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. ALREADY REPLACED ONE TRANSMISSION AND I AM LOOKING AT REPLACING ANOTHER. TOLD BY TRANSMISSION MECHANICS AND OTHERS THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR FAILURE AND THAT THE COMPANY KNOWINGLY INSTALL SUCH EQUIPMENT AT THE CONSUMER'S ULTIMATE EXPENSE.…
Complaint 10056378 · Feb 2, 2004

Own a 1994 Caravan?

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