- 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
1988 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 107 complaints about the 1988 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (43) and the engine & cooling (14). Those complaints describe 5 crashes, 6 fires, 4 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in April 2008 for the suspension. For comparison, the 1987 has 72 and the 1989 has 194.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Caravan year, for its age
#4 most complained-about 1988 vehicle
- Complaints
- 107
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 5
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 4
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 1988 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of all 107 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1988 Dodge Caravan recalls 5
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
- Fuel tanks may be constructed of improper material.
- The risk
- Fuel could leak at the tank seam which, in presence ofan ignition source, could result in a fire.
- The fix
- REPLACE SUSPECT FUEL TANKS.
- The problem
- Fuel tanks may have been damaged during tank manufacture.
- The risk
- This could result in fuel leakage with the potential fora fire.
- The fix
- REPLACE FUEL TANKS AS NECESSARY.
What owners say
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107 complaints about the 1988 Dodge Caravan
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.
While the vehicle was parked consumer noticed that fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. It was taken to a garage for inspection, and mechanic determined that the motor mount broke. The mechanic replaced the motor mount but a year later the problem recurred but this time when the motor mount broke it also damaged the oil pan. *Ak *nm
SAFETY CONCERN OF CABLES FOR SPARE TIRES.*AK *JB
Car was parked in driveway approximately 82 degrees, with all windows rolled down, cargo door side window shattered without warning.*Ak.*Jb
Front doors are separating from hinges. This is causing doors to be out of alignment. Doors will either lock or unlock upon being closed. Owner knew of problem prior to purchasing. Mechanic indicated vehicle not safe to drive.*Ak
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
While sitting at a light gas started to pour out of vehicle onto ground. Consumer felt this was dangerous in hot vehicle and could easily start a fire.*Ak the rubber cap on gasoline tubing failed, causing rapid fuel flow on ground under vehicle.*Jb
I beleve the (front sway bar ) should never break under normal driving conditions. *Ak
While driving about 70 mph right rear tire tread in center was completely gone, shattering lens on rear tail light. Seconds prior to incident, consumer heard loud explosion, but tire didn't blowout. P205/70r14 with 20,000 miles, after market. *Ak
The first car paint was recalled and second paint job was done wrong. No safety defect listed. *Ak
The cap over then end of the 5/16 inch diameter tube for draining the fuel tank deteriorated to the point that gas was leaking from the tube when the fuel tank was full. The rubber on the cap was cracked and mushy. This not only allowed the fuel to leak out, but also allowed water to rust the fuel line that was under the drain cap. Other rubber components in the fuel system appear to be in good condition. Therefore, I suspect that this drain cap is manufactured from inferior rubber. The dealer said the...
Read the full complaint
manufacurer does not have this cap in their parts system so I had to be creative in blocking the drain pipe. I have retained the old cap if you would desire to inspect it. According to the shop manual that I purchased, all 1988 chrysler cars have a similar drain cap on the fuel tank. The leak from the drain tube was big enough to leave a 10 inch wide puddle of gasoline on my garage floor. My concerns are not only with fire safety, but also with the environmental impact. You may want to forward this concern with your friends in the epa. Thank you. *Ak
The headlights on my 1988 dodge caravan are becomming opaque. I only see a glow on the road ahead. I understand that this is a common problem. I was told by a delership parts person the cause is water condensing on the inside of the headlight's lense, and leaving a calcium deposit when the headlamps are turned on, causing evaporatoration of the moisture. Not all cars have this problem. I feel that this problem is the result of a poorly designed lense unit. Other headlight lense units do not have this problem. This is a potential safety problem due to poor illumination of the road ahead. I would like to have my head light units replaced by dodge at their cost.
The paint on the top and the hood of the van has been deteriorating for a number of years. I have contacted the dealer and the chrysler company a number of times over the years regarding this problem- to no avail. I have aalso noticed a number of other v
Due to harmonic imbalance of engine, air conditioner and alternator fail
PCV VALVE FAILS WEEKLY.*ET
POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED. YH
Consumer has experienced a problem with fuel line. While vehicle was parked in the garage, noticed that fuel was leaking. When the consumer started the vehicle to check the source of the leak, the vehicle caught in flames. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted. *Ak
Consumer was driving on the street at approximately 25 mph, normal road condition, when the cable which holds spare tire underneath vehicle broke, causing vehicle to be lifted while driving, which may have caused an accident. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time.
The headlights do not put out proper lighting because water has gotten into the area. The dealer is aware of the problem. Owner replaced the light bulbs and drained out most of the water, but the headlights remain very hazy, causing poor visibility. *Ak
Engine cam bolt sheared off, causing premature wear/lockup of the camshaft.
Serpentine belt failed, causing vehicle to stall. Also replaced rack and pinion steering/ steering pump/water pump/ motor mounts and engine valves. In addition, vehicle shakes at 60 mph. In addition, abs brakes failed/replaced. *Ak
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO RELEASE.
POWER WINDOW GEAR FAILS CONTINUALLY.
Left engine mount is seperating from body structure; appears not to be welded to the body.
While stopped experienced spare tire carrier failure; when spare tire cable rusted though, causing spare tire to drop onto roadway. *Ak
Upon turning the ignition there is a electrical short blowing the fuse, resulting in the brake light not illuminating when the brake pedal is applied.
Dodge Caravan: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 929 | 11 | F |
| 1991 | 623 | 11 | F |
| 1990 | 283 | 6 | C |
| 1989 | 194 | 5 | C |
| 1988 | 107 | 5 | B |
| 1987 | 72 | 3 | B |
| 1986 | 49 | 4 | A |
| 1985 | 49 | 6 | A |
| 1984 | 18 | 6 | A |
1988 Dodge Caravan vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Dodge Caravan | 107 | 5 | B | |
| 1988 Dodge Colt | 25 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1988 Dodge Aries | 11 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1988 Dodge D150 | 5 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1988 Dodge B350 | 3 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1988 Dodge D100 | 3 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1988 Dodge D250 | 3 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1988 Dodge B Series | 2 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1988 Dodge B250 | 2 | 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 1988 Dodge Caravan
Does the 1988 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1988 Dodge Caravan: suspension (April 2008); latch (March 1995); lock (March 1995); tank assembly (July 1988) 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 1988 Dodge Caravan?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (43), engine & cooling (14), steering (8).
How many complaints has the 1988 Dodge Caravan had?
107 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 1, 1994 and the latest on August 16, 2004. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 6 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 1988 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 70 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 1988 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