- 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
1986 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 49 complaints about the 1986 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (26) and the seats & seat belts (6). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 2 fires and 7 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in April 2008 for the suspension. For comparison, the 1985 has 49 and the 1987 has 72.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Caravan year, for its age
#7 most complained-about 1986 vehicle
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 6
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 7
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1986 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of all 49 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1986 Dodge Caravan recalls 4
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
- First rear seats were installed with an incorrect left side seat riser which causes failure to comply with the seat and seat belt loading requirements of fmvss 207, seating systems. Consequence of defect: if an accident occurred, the seats may become detached, causing serious injuries to its occupants.
- The fix
- REPLACE INCORRECT SEAT RISERS.
What owners say
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49 complaints about the 1986 Dodge Caravan
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 55mph on highway and heard a noise, he was able to control vehicle, and pull over to shoulder, he noticed that left rear tire tread had separated. *Ak the correct tire size is firestone dayton thorobred steel p235/75 r15 m/s.*Jb
While trunk lid was opened without any indication trunk lid dropped, causing injury to consumer. Pleased provide further information.*Ak
Vehicle proceeding down freeway-left rear tire disintagrated. When tire blew-the tire components completly tore off the fuel filler inlet hose, at the fuel tank, causing entire contents of fuel tank to pour onto roadway. This is a sixteen passenger church van. Fuel did not ignite. If it would have, it would have been a fatal situation- person filling this form our is j.P. Sarver- chief of police- hastings police dept. (616) 945-5744, Who is also an accident scene reconstructionists. *Ak
Corrosion within the engine at the firewall, causing ground straps to separate, and resulting in fuel spraying onto the engine compartment. Also, gas was coming from the fuel filter. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details. *Ak
Rear fishtales when brakes are moderately applied.Loss of control of vehicle is imminent in wet weather.
PLASTIC CAN'T BE USED FOR RADIATORS!
Egr valve keeps melting in the exhaust system. Repairs were made and problem still occurred. Dealer was contacted, and stated it could be fuel laying in the system, problem cannot be duplicated. *Ak
Transaxle failure caused vehicle to lockup twice.
SERPENTINE BELT FAILED.
The prop rod for the hood came loose and fell on the owner's head. Mechanic syas may have been faulty. *Ak
ENGINE DIESELS AND RADIATOR BURST.
While driving vehicle suddenly stalled, then white smoke came from under hood, heard explosion, then black smoke poured from engine, flames engulfed vehicle totally, no injuries. *Ak
Poor seat and shoulder belt performance, the latch on the driver's side would not release, the consumer had to cut the seat belt in order to get out. *Ak
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR INOPERATIVE.
Vehicle stalled, causing accident. (Ohio state police report)
DIFFICULTY GETTING REPAIRS DONE, RECALL #6404.
While driving down the road the drivers seat broke in half and the driver fell back and ended up in the rear seat. Please describe. *Ak
Electrical system fire caused by the rubbing of the emergency braking into the wiring harness. Tt
Rear hydraulic lifts do not work in cold weather. Tt *jb
Clips that attach rear door latch are coming off doors. Tt
Vehicle was parked in gear, parked on flat surface rolled and down enbankment and hit a tree, impact 6:00 position. Tt
The rear lift gate hydralic hinges do not work and will not hold up the back; have been replaced 3 times. *Ak
Hood flew open while driving on hwy, loss of visibility. Tt
REAR LIFTGATE OPENED BY ITSELF. TT
Driver's side seat belt will not retract into position. Tt
Dodge Caravan: every year compared
All Caravan years1986 Dodge Caravan vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 Dodge Caravan | 49 | 4 | A | |
| 1986 Dodge Colt | 22 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1986 Dodge 600 | 6 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 1986 Dodge Colt Vista | 4 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1986 Dodge Aries | 3 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1986 Dodge D150 | 3 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1986 Dodge B200 | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1986 Dodge B Series | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1986 Dodge B250 | 1 | 0 | B | 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 1986 Dodge Caravan
Does the 1986 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1986 Dodge Caravan: suspension (April 2008); latch (March 1995); lock (March 1995); seats (January 1986). 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 1986 Dodge Caravan?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (26), seats & seat belts (6), engine & cooling (5).
How many complaints has the 1986 Dodge Caravan had?
49 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 12, 1995 and the latest on July 11, 2001. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 7 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1986 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 85 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 1986 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