- 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
1987 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 72 complaints about the 1987 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (23) and the seats & seat belts (11). Those complaints describe 10 crashes, 6 fires, 16 injuries and 3 deaths. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in April 2008 for the suspension. For comparison, the 1986 has 49 and the 1988 has 107.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Caravan year, for its age
#6 most complained-about 1987 vehicle
- Complaints
- 72
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 10
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 16
- Deaths
- 3
Most common 1987 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of all 72 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1987 Dodge Caravan recalls 3
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.
What owners say
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72 complaints about the 1987 Dodge Caravan
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
In 1997 I purchased two kelly springfield tires. On june 14, 2002 the tread on one of them peeled off. The dealer replaced it (with some additional cost). On june 23, 2003 the tread on the other tire peeled off. I replaced it at a location some 300 miles from home but was not able to keep the bad tire. I believe there may have been a notice of recall on these tires, but I did not receive one. Goodyear no longer sells this tire. Also the manufacturer, goodyear, was not able to give me any refund because I did not have the bad tire to show them. I did have the receipt for the replacement tire.*Ak
Tire carrier rusted, causing spare tire to fall off under the van, and bounce all over the highway. Dealership and the manufacturer were contacted about the problem, but were unwilling to repair problem. *Ak *ml
I have replaced this engine twice and now I am on the third time .I do not have the money to keep replace engine in cars or vans. It is my impression that the dodge company stands by their products of excellent . But guess I was wrong , I will tell all my friend not to buy dodge cars and vans. If you can help me please let me know . Thank you
Driver's seatback broke wihtout any warning, causing the consumer to fall backwards and lose control which could have resulted in an accident.
In extreme cold condition vehicle slowed to 25 mph and would go no faster. Manufacturer said the gas line was freezing near the carborator due to condensation and freezing, known problem and a fix is available. Dealer would not pay for fix, saying it was not a saftey issue therefore no recall had been issued. If this problem only occurs in extreme cold where a breakdown or complete shutdown of the engine would occur, people could freeze to death due to walking for help or staying in car with no source of heat. ...
Read the full complaint
Also, travel on highways or interstate at a maximum speed of 25 mph to get to a place for help (especially in the west) is very dangerous. Problem should have been a recall item long ago.
Vehicle was in park position on a slight slant left idling for about 2 minutes when it jumped out of gear, causing the vehicle to roll back which could have resulted in an accident. *Ak
Vehicle not able to be controlled on highway due to poor stability.
Engine stalls in warm weather and sometimes will just cut off at any speed.
Vehicle throttle stuck while driving at highway speeds. Sticks during long hot trips with constant highway speeds and remains stuck until the engin cools completely. Does not stick on short drives.
Engine: when turning the vehicle off sounds like it is still running. Went to shut off and could not get vehicle to shut off. Someone came and shut off, and the vehicle burst into flames. *Ak
While driving vehicle w/cruise control on, vehicle stalled; all lights failed. Got to side of road ,popped hood; flames shot up & out; fire started behind battery cable. Fire dept arrived to put flames out; said it was electrical wiring problem. Vehicle at dealer's. *Ak
Electrical short, the circuit fuse that goes to the wiring overcharges, causing battery to overcharge and lose power. *Ak
Upon starting, left engine running, then walked away a few minutes, upon returning opened door and found black smoke coming from behind steering wheel near ignition on dash area, then fire started to spread thoughout engine compartment, vehicle was totalled. *Ak
Steering: was driving down the street and made a turn went to turn steering rack and the steering wheel came right off, have not taken vehicle in for repair yet. *Ak
DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT OF TRANSMISSION.
Motor mount came off, engine fell on top of left drive shaft, causing it to brake and damage to transmission.
LIFTGATE SUPPORTS FAIL TO SUPPORT LIFTGATE.
Back far right seat belt will not retract and is too short, will not fit over the top part of body.*Ak
THE CABLE BROKE AND THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF.*AK
Shoulder harness failed to retract, causing it to lock in position. *Ak
Drivers seat back breaks at lower right joint, causing driver to fall backwards.
Front seat driver's and passenger's manual window (handles) stick could result in entrapment upon emergency exit. *Ak
Engine failed due to broken motor mounts/ axle leaks oil. *Sd
ENGINE FAILED TWICE. *DSH
The drivers side seatback collapsed when the vehicle was hit in the rear. Please describe. *Ak
Dodge Caravan: every year compared
All Caravan years1987 Dodge Caravan vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Dodge Caravan | 72 | 3 | B | |
| 1987 Dodge Colt | 28 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1987 Dodge Aries | 9 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1987 Dodge 600 | 6 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1987 Dodge B250 | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1987 Dodge B150 | 2 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1987 Dodge Colt Vista | 1 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1987 Dodge D Series(light) | 1 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1987 Dodge D150 | 1 | 2 | D | 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 1987 Dodge Caravan
Does the 1987 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1987 Dodge Caravan: suspension (April 2008); latch (March 1995); lock (March 1995). 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 1987 Dodge Caravan?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (23), seats & seat belts (11), engine & cooling (10).
How many complaints has the 1987 Dodge Caravan had?
72 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 23, 1994 and the latest on July 2, 2003. Of these, 10 describe a crash and 6 a fire, and together they report 16 injuries and 3 deaths.
Is the 1987 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 67 out of 100 (grade B: 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 1987 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