- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1985 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 49 complaints about the 1985 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (18) and the engine & cooling (6). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 3 fires and 6 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in April 2008 for the suspension. For comparison, the 1984 has 18 and the 1986 has 49.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Caravan year, for its age
#3 most complained-about 1985 vehicle
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 6
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 6
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1985 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of all 49 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1985 Dodge Caravan recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Vehicle description: light duty passenger minivans with remote release. This is not a safety recall. There has been no determination that a safety defect exists with the minivan latches. Chrysler is conducting a service campaign to replace the liftgate latch assembly of the affected minivans. In a collision, the rear liftgate latch assembly could open.
- The risk
- If the liftgate latch opens, occupants can be ejected resulting in significantly increased risk of injury or death.
- The fix
- Chrysler dealers will replace the liftgate latch with a new stronger latch assembly without charge. Chrysler began notifying owners of these vehicles during july 1996.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: light duty passenger minivans without remote release. This is not a safety recall. There has been no determination that a safety defect exists with the minivan latches. Chrysler is conducting a service campaign to replace the liftgate latch assembly of the affected minivans. In a collision, the rear liftgate latch assembly could open.
- The risk
- If the liftgate latch opens, occupants can be ejected resulting in significantly increased risk of injury or death.
- The fix
- Chrysler dealers will replace the liftgate latch with a new stronger latch assembly without charge. Chrysler began notifying owners during november 1995.
- The problem
- Vans equipped with the optional sunscreen rear glass which has less than 70 percent luminous transmittance and does not have a passenger side outside rearview mirror are not in compliance with fmvss 111, rear view mirrors. Consequence of defect: the drivers of these vans do not have the minimum field of vision required by fmvss 111. Without this minimum field of vision the driver cannot maneuver his vehicle safely and may cause an accident.
- The fix
- Install passenger side outside rearview mirror.
- The problem
- Roadway stones may become lodged in the height sensing brake proportioning valve. This may cause the proportioning valve to fail. Consequence of defect: proportioning valve malfunction results in increased stopping distances during hard braking with a light load and may cause an accident.
- The fix
- Clear proportioning valve of stones and install a protective cover to prevent stones from entering.
- The problem
- The metal fuel supply tube may crack at the fuel pump end due to vibration. The crack may result in fuel leakage. (The fuel supply tube connects the fuel pump to the fuel filter.)
- The fix
- A fuel tube retaining clip assembly will be installed on all involved vehicles, free of charge. This will restrict tube vibration and prevent cracks.
What owners say
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49 complaints about the 1985 Dodge Caravan
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
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.
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
While driving 70 mph the hood flew up into the windshield. *Ak
Cable that holds the spare tire rusted and broke. Manufacturer will be notified. *Ak
Left inner tie-rod end failed, causing wheels to come off in two different directions.
Plastic window latch cracked/came off while driving 55 mph.
Vehicle running on its own compression even though the ignition key had been turned off. *Ak
BRAKES PULSATED DUE TO WARPED BRAKE ROTORS. *AK
EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE RUSTED.
Was driving home the coil spring broke and rubbed on the passenger side tire, causing the tire to blow out . *Ak
While accelerating at 55 mph, suddenly received no acceleration, gas pedal dropped to floor, black smoke came from rear exhaust, dealer called it phantom/ghost problem, common to this vehicle; dealer cannot duplicate problem, happens at continued high speed. *Ak
Front passenger's lap/shoulder belt retracted and locked up and could not get child out of the seat, had to cut seat belt to get child out. *Ak
Vehicle was left in an idle position in park, jumped out gear, rolled backwards into another yard, hitting steps. *Ak
Seat belt attachment failed (attorney for client)
Driver seatback broke after being hit from behide while sitting at a light. *Ak
Seat belt broke loose from its attachment to the floor in accident, resulting in injury. (Attorney for client) *dh
Retractor on the driver side failed to lock up during a rear end collision. *Ak
The car was parked and for no reason it was on firer. The insurance agent said it was fuel line failur*ake.
BALL JOINTS FAILED.
While driving smelled an odor, saw a glow under dashboard followed by sparks coming out of the heater vent (heater was not on ). *Sd
REAR DOOR LATCH UNLOCKS ON ITS OWN.
Electrical wiring to door locks & to power windows breaks making them non functional.Tt bundle of wires to door from main body they flex each time the door is open there are three broken wires rendering power locks and power window inoperable.*Jb
Emergency parking brake did not hold vehicle while parked, vehicle rollaway. Tt
Where strut attaches to body/chassis, plastic is ripping through and rear shocks have been replaced. Please describe details. Tt
Dodge Caravan: every year compared
All Caravan years1985 Dodge Caravan vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Dodge Caravan | 49 | 6 | A | |
| 1985 Dodge 600 | 2 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 1985 Dodge Aries | 2 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 1985 Dodge Charger | 2 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 1985 Dodge D150 | 2 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1985 Dodge B150 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1985 Dodge Colt | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1985 Dodge Colt Vista | 1 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1985 Dodge Caravan
Does the 1985 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1985 Dodge Caravan: suspension (April 2008); latch (March 1995); lock (March 1995); exterior (December 1985) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Dodge Caravan?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (18), engine & cooling (6), seats & seat belts (5).
How many complaints has the 1985 Dodge Caravan had?
49 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 11, 1995 and the latest on December 17, 1999. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 6 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1985 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 83 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Dodge Caravan year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Caravan years have the most complaints?
1996 (1,402), 1993 (962), 1992 (929). See every Dodge Caravan year compared.
What should I do if my 1985 Dodge Caravan has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data