- The problem
- Vehicle description: mini vans. The bolts used to attach the strut to the body and the rear liftgate can accumulate fatigue damage if three factors combine. If the bolt is loose, the gas strut is over-pressurized, and the frequency of opening and closing cycles is higher than for the average customer, the bolt can fail.
- The risk
- Personal injury could occur if the bolts break allowing the liftgate to fall suddenly.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect for loose fasteners, if the fasteners are loose, the strut (and integral bolts) will be replaced. If the bolt shows evidence of torque, the bolt will be removed, larger washers will replace the existing washer and the bolt will be reinstalled and hand tightened to the target torqued.
Vehicle safety record
1991 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 623 complaints about the 1991 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (209) and the body, doors & structure (113). Those complaints describe 36 crashes, 14 fires, 36 injuries and 2 deaths. It is covered by 11 recalls, the latest in September 1999 for the hinge and attachments. For comparison, the 1990 has 283 and the 1992 has 929.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Caravan year, for its age
#1 most complained-about 1991 vehicle
- Complaints
- 623
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes
- 36
- Fires
- 14
- Injuries
- 36
- Deaths
- 2
Most common 1991 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of all 623 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1991 Dodge Caravan recalls 11
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: minivans. The left hand windshield wiper pivot drive arm was not mechanically staked to the pivot shaft.
- The risk
- This could allow the drive arm to disengage from the shaft leading to a loss of wiper function. The driver's visibility would be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the left hand side windshield wiper pivot assembly.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger mini-vans. The center rear seat, right outboard side, safety belt anchor hook can become unattached from the body anchor position.
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the anchor hook retaining clip with a revised profile clip and a cover plate.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger mini-vans. Covers on the solid stalk mounted seat belt buckles can become dislodged causing the release button to stick inside the cover. The buckle would then be only partially latched.
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a cover retaining clip to the stalk mounted buckle cover to prevent dislocation of the buckle cover.
- The problem
- The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
- The 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for armature cracks in the center hub attachment area. Any steering wheels showing cracks will be replaced. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation in the event cracking occurs.
- The problem
- The abs hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear causing pump-motor deterioration.
- The risk
- If this condition occurs, the abs function could be lost and reduced power assist would be experienced during vehicle braking increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- The fix
- Dealers will test the vehicle's anti-lock brake system and repair the vehicles if necessary. Also the warranty on all abs components will be extended to 10 years or 100,000 miles (except for the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump-motor assembly which will have a lifetime coverage). Owners will also be reimbursed for previous abs component repair costs.
- 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 in march 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 of these vehicles in october 1995.
- The problem
- The anti-lock brake system high pressure pump may be porous which will result in brake fluid leakage.
- The risk
- Fluid leakage eventually causes the loss of both theanti-lock brake system and hydraulic assist for the brake system, resulting inincreased likelihood of brake lockup and increased stopping distances, whichcould result in a vehicle accident.
- The fix
- Replace the abs high pressure pump and high pressure hose if the last six digits of the bar code label on the pump are between 052300 and 059262.
- The problem
- The anti-lock brake system high pressure hose may leak or detach at its crimped end fitting resulting in the discharge of hydraulic fluid.
- The risk
- Fluid discharge eventually causes the loss of both theanti-lock brake system and hydraulic assist for the brake system, resulting inincreased likelihood of brake lockup and increased stopping distances, whichcould result in a vehicle accident.
- The fix
- Replace the abs high pressure hose with a hose of different design and construction.
- The problem
- Incorrect turn signal flasher inhibits indication of signal lamp outage.
- The risk
- Inoperative turn signal lamps would not inform driverthat a lamp was out, or warn other drivers of intent to turn, creating a riskof accident; vehicle does not comply with fmvss 108.
- The fix
- Replace turn signal flasher with proper flasher.
What owners say
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623 complaints about the 1991 Dodge Caravan
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 25.
Started missing at frist, then a no start. I've changed the timing chain, crank sensor, camshaft sensor, coil pack. Tried a new ecm. There's voltage to the coil pack, but no spark. I've checked wiring circuit, and auto shut down relay .
Tl* the contact owns a 1991 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the front brake calipers malfunctioned and made the vehicle difficult to move. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the hydraulic control unit that houses the brake actuator piston and the pump motor assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the nhtsa campaign number 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic) although the recall indicated that the part would have a life time coverage. The failure mileage was 87,000.
1991 Dodge caravan. Consumer writes in regards to anti lock brake system recall and seeks reimbursement for repairs. *Smd the consumer stated he paid for the repairs on april 20, 2006 and was charged $376.73, Even though a recall had been issued. The consumer experienced abs problems again in december 2013. The consumer stated the recall letter stated if the problem occurred again, chrysler would cover any repairs. The dealer informed the consumer, he had to pay $112 for a diagnostic test, to see if the problem...
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would be covered, under the recall. The dealer then informed the consumer, they didn't have the equipment to test his vehicle, due to the age. However, a few days later, the dealer informed the consumer, they had the equipment, but it would cost $336. The consumer declined the test. Also, the transmission, starter, fuel pump, ignition coil blocks , serpentine belt, pulleys, power steering pump, and radiator were all replaced. *Jb updated 04/16/14
The drivers side airbag deployed while I was driving down the road, my arm is swollen, burned, and bruised. My nose and head have hurt for the last four days. *Tr
A loud clunking noise could be heard when traveling over uneven road surfaces or on right hand turns. After completing a right turn, the driver side front wheel was completely dislodged and folded backinto the wheel well. The lower control arm was fractured where the ball joint was seated, allowing the ball joint to come away from the lower control arm. The driver side drive shaft was dislodged from the transmission. *Tr
1991 Dodge caravan with abs failure problems**cc a recall was issued after the consumer had the first repair done. The consumer is requesting reimbursement. *Jb
Dt*: the contact stated recall # 96v099000 for the service brakes: hydraulic: anti-lock was received. When the service dealer was called to schedule the recall repair, the service dealer informed the contact, there would be charges for replacing the accumulator plus labor costs. The manufacturer requested the receipts to be sent for review for possible reimbursement. Updated 01/10/07. *Jb
Hello below is a copy of text on your recall site with details of this recall comments I make are below that.. Make : dodge model : grand caravan year : 1991 manufacturer : chrysler corporation nhtsa campaign id number : 96v099000 mfg's report date : apr 19, 1996 component: service brakes, hydraulic:antilock potential number of units affected : 321000 summary: the abs hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear causing pump-motor deterioration. Consequence: if this...
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condition occurs, the abs function could be lost and reduced power assist would be experienced during vehicle braking increasing the potential for a vehicle accident. Remedy: dealers will test the vehicle's anti-lock brake system and repair the vehicles if necessary. (Except for the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump-motor assembly which will have a lifetime coverage). The thing I find here is the term regarding piston assembly when I took my van in due to failure only the piston assembly was replaced it should be revised to include the whole unit because a accumulator made of cast iron that is connected to the unit is never replaced rust keeps entering the unit from this accumulator being it is made of a rusting metal and just keeps making the unit fail this is my second repair in 2yrs and the rust is now getting into the lines causing the rear wheels to lock in wet weather all the parts stores that even carry the unit which is few sell it as a complete unit not in pieces such as with other master cly. 'S without abs I find cast iron a poor choice for a air tank of a air pump which by nature injects air into the metal cast iron tank stainless steel would been a better choice if it would meet the tank pressures. I am seeking replacement of the entire brake system since it is now a total loss due to the rust and prefer non abs if that's able . *Nm
Dt*: the contact stated recall work was performed on the vehicle prior to the contact being aware of the recall. The manufacturer was contacted about reimbursement which they denied because the recall work was not performed at an authorized dealership. The nhtsa recall # 96v099000 concerning the service brakes: hydraulic: antilock.
Dt*: the contact stated there is a vibration in the front end and the brake pedal is pulsating. This has persisted for 3 years. The tires were replaced and realigned numerous times to correct the vibration, however the problem still occurs. The brakes were replaced 3 times, although the pulsating is currently evident. The vibration occurs around 30 mph. When the vehicle speed increases, the vibration is less noticeable. The manufacturer has not been contacted. *Nm
Dt: the consumer stated that after smelling gas, he took the vehicle to a mechanic. The mechanic told the consumer to start the vehicle. He then told the consumer to shut the vehicle off. The mechanic suggested that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The fuel rail had been replaced at this time. Nhtsa campaign id # is 00v268000 did not include the consumers vin. *Nm (12/08/05) *sc
Dt: the contact stated the function pressure switch in the abs system needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle did not have any braking capability. The service dealer claimed abs brakes needed to be replaced. The service dealer attempted to the repair the problem, but did not succeed. There was a recall on the abs piston pump and motor assembly. The recall was serviced on may 16, 2005, but did not resolve the braking problem. *Ak updated 3/3/2006 - another dealer replaced the pressure switch and the problem has not recurred. *Nm
Dt: the contact owns a 1991 dodge caravan. The contact received nhtsa recall campaign 96v229000. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. While her husband was driving the steering wheel came off. Fortunately, it did not result in an accident. This happened on august 13, 2005. The contact was uncertain of exactly why the steering wheel detached. But it did cause the contact to lose control of the vehicle. *Ak
1991 Dodge grand caravan experienced abs failure.*Mr abs light illuminated. This was the second time the abs failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they didn't have the part to repair it yet. *Nm
While driving 55 mph vehicle stalled. Driver was able to restart vehicle, an dtook it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced and replaced it three times. *Ak
Consumer was driving 60 mph and transmission locked into low, causing driver to injure his back. Consumer had to replace the transmission on three separate occasions. Consumer was very upset. *Ak *tc
Problems with the anti lock brake equipment on 1991 dodge caravan.*Mr the vehicle abs light illuminated while driving. The consumer has had multiple problems with the vehicle abs system since 1997. In march, 2004 the dealer replaced the hydraulic system. *Nm
This vehicle has the same problem as stated in nhtsa recall 96v099000 concerning abs brake failure. The abs hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear, causing pump-motor deterioration. Dealership indicated sorry this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *Ak
Offer made to the consumer for dodge to inspect her vehicle relative to the anti lock braking system. (Nar) *ph *cb
1991 Dodge caravan 3.3 Liter engine. Problems caused by oil pan clearance to the ground cause possible damage to the oil pan in a bottom out situation if the damage goes unnoticed it could lead to a possible fire situation due to oil deposits on the lower side of the van . Possible solution to this problem would be a more compact oil pan that is farther from the ground .There noted problems with this model caravan insufficient back up lights cause problems backing up the vehicle in the evening hours in low light...
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situations . Blinker switch failed due to poris plastic cause the blinker switch to break off at the stearing colum . Other complaints : both passanger and driver side doors weak hinges cause hazardus separation of the hindge from the door itself could cause the door to simply fall off the car .*Ak
1991 Dodge caravan 3.3 Liter engine problems caused by oil pan clearance to the ground cause possible damage to the oil pan in a bottom out situation if the damage goes unnoticed it could lead to a possable fire situation due to oil deposits on the lower side of the van . Possible solution to this problem would be a more compact oil pan that is farther from the ground . *Ak other noted problems with this model caravan insofent back up lights cause problems backing up the veicle in the evening hours in low light...
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situations . Blinker switch failer due to poris plastic cause the blinker switch to break off at the stearing colum . Other complaints : both passanger and driver side doors weak hinges cause hazardus separation of the hindge from the door itself could cause the door to simply fall off the car .
Recall 96v099000 concerning abs brake failure. Vehicle was repaired under the recall. 30,000 Miles later brakes failed again. Dealer did a diagnostic test, and determined that the parts that were repaired under the recall failed, causing the vehicle to lose brake power. Dealer would not do any repairs until consumer agreed to pay for them. *Ak
Consumer complained about transmission problem. Transmission stopped, and would not pull or go into gear. Consumer had vehicle towed to a dealer, who replaced the defective transmission with another one, which worked fine until recently when problem recurred. Also, consumer was told by dealer that transmission had a malfunction within for years. Consumer could not afford to purchase another transmission, but felt that dodge should help him since they were aware of the problem with the 1991 transmission. *Ak
PAINT PEELING FROM HORIZONTAL SURFACES.
Upon starting vehicle anti lock brake light would illuminate, and would stay on the remainder of the time that vehicle would be running. Also, brake fluid leaked. Took vehicle to dealership, but the problems were not resolved.*Ak
Dodge Caravan: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 493 | 4 | F |
| 1994 | 667 | 5 | F |
| 1993 | 962 | 10 | F |
| 1992 | 929 | 11 | F |
| 1991 | 623 | 11 | F |
| 1990 | 283 | 6 | C |
| 1989 | 194 | 5 | C |
| 1988 | 107 | 5 | B |
| 1987 | 72 | 3 | B |
1991 Dodge Caravan vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 Dodge Caravan | 623 | 11 | F | |
| 1991 Dodge Grand Caravan | 129 | 8 | A | Compare |
| 1991 Dodge Dakota | 128 | 5 | B | Compare |
| 1991 Dodge Dynasty | 109 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 1991 Dodge Monaco | 37 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 1991 Dodge Colt | 22 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1991 Dodge Daytona | 14 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 1991 Dodge Dodge Truck | 11 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1991 Dodge B250 | 6 | 0 | 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 1991 Dodge Caravan
Does the 1991 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 1991 Dodge Caravan: hinge and attachments (September 1999); linkages (July 1999); anchorage (September 1997); buckle assembly (September 1997) 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 1991 Dodge Caravan?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (209), body, doors & structure (113), seats & seat belts (101).
How many complaints has the 1991 Dodge Caravan had?
623 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 7, 1994 and the latest on April 5, 2017. Of these, 36 describe a crash and 14 a fire, and together they report 36 injuries and 2 deaths.
Is the 1991 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 16 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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 1991 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