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Vehicle safety record

1993 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 962 complaints about the 1993 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (322) and the seats & seat belts (148). Those complaints describe 68 crashes, 7 fires, 84 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in October 2000 for the steering wheel / handle bar. For comparison, the 1992 has 929 and the 1994 has 667.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Caravan year, for its age

#2 most complained-about 1993 vehicle

Complaints
962
Recalls
10
Crashes
68
Fires
7
Injuries
84
Deaths
1

Most common 1993 Dodge Caravan problems

Share of all 962 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1993 Dodge Caravan recalls 10

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

Steering wheel / handle bar

00V305000679,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with 2-spoke luxury wheels manufactured july 1992 through june 1993; or equipped with 4-spoke sport wheels manufactured from july 1992 through september 1993. 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 cracks and any wheels with cracks will be replaced. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation in the event cracking occurs.

Structure: hinge and attachments

99V2130001,318,189 vehicles affected

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.

Visibility: linkages

99V189000828,559 vehicles affected

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.

Air bags

99V113000736,824 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: mini vans. The wiring that initiates the driver and/or passenger air bag could electrically short circuit to ground. A short circuit to ground that exists immediately after turning the ignition key to the "on" or "start" position can cause the air bag(s) to inadvertently deploy.
The risk
Inadvertent air bag deployment can injure a front seat occupant.
The fix
Dealers will perform an electronic diagnostic check. Any short circuits identified in either the driver's or passenger side air bag initiator wire circuit will be repaired.

Seat belts: anchorage

97V1490001,100,000 vehicles affected

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.

Seat belts: buckle assembly

97V1480001,100,000 vehicles affected

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.

Service brakes: antilock / traction control / electronic limited slip

96V099000321,000 vehicles affected

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.

Latches / locks / linkages: lock

95I0010051,342,202 vehicles affected

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 will replace the liftgate latch with a new stronger latch assembly without charge. Chrysler began notifying owners during december 1995.

Latches / locks / linkages: lock

95I00100166,407 vehicles affected

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 beginning september 1995.

Wheels: lugs / nuts / bolts / studs

93V098000600 vehicles affected

The problem
The 15 inch wheels have malformed lug nut seat configuration which causes poor nut-to-wheel contact and centering of the wheel during installation.
The risk
Poor nut-to-wheel contact during installation can lead topossible loss of a wheel, resulting in loss of vehicle control and an accident.
The fix
The road and spare wheels with the malformed lug nut seat configuration will be replaced.

What owners say

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962 complaints about the 1993 Dodge Caravan

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 39.

Brakes

Tie rods went in the front. Brake pads had to be replaced. Then driving on the highway during rush hour traffic I lost the brakes. Pulled over and called to have the car towed in. Mechanic said the master cylinder needed replacement but because abs brakes, a new cylinder cannot be found. Dodge stopped making them because they were faulty.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10993867
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the abs and brake lights illuminated. In addition, the brake pedal traveled to the floor when it was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who checked the diagnostic trouble codes. The codes were cleared and the dealer performed a modulator circuit test and additional testing. If the resistance was below 5 ohms, the cab abs module, dual pressure switch, and the accumulator may need to be rechecked or the parts may need to be replaced. The...

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dealer was unable to determine if the manufacturer would be able to supply the parts to repair the vehicle. The dealer would not release the vehicle until it got repaired due to the failures with the brake system. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and nhtsa action number: ea94028 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10861566
Other & unknown

I just found out, that a recall that was suppose to be replaced years ago, as not replaced, just looked at. The abs on this van is known to be defective, and has a lifetime warranty on the van. I contacted dodge, and they refuse to fix it, and tell me they cant diagnois it because they dont have a tool. With is bs. They offer to buy the van at below market value, like 1/3 of what its worth. This is a low mileage, special equipment handi cap van, worth atleast 6k... They offer 1951. I im mostly upset because upon...

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the original recall, it was not replaced, and was left alone with the original defected part. I think that is fraud, and against what a recall is about. Plese check into this, or advise what can be done.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10781710
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the brake pedal had to be depressed firmly in order to stop the vehicle and the abs warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the abs pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10638194
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving at unknown speed, the brakes failed making it extremely difficult to stop the vehicle. The brake light illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the brake system needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 169,000. Updated 10/23/2014*lj updated 05/21/2015 *js

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10632551
Driver assistanceBrakes

When driving the vehicle, at random times the abs system warning lights turn on and then I have no brakes. I have taken it to several repair shops, seen various mechanics and dealerships and it continues to be a serious problem. No one has been able to solve or fix the problem. As a senior citizen, I am not in a position to purchase a newer vehicle, thus I continue to drive this vehicle. I am afraid that I may not be as fortunate when the brakes go out again. *Tr

Filed Incident Electronic stability control (ESC) · Service brakesNHTSA 10614880
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. The contact was driving 40 mph when the abs and the brake lights illuminated. The contact pressed the brake pedal but the vehicle did not respond until the pedal reached the floorboard. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle and the brakes worked normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where he found that nhtsa campaign: 96v099000 service brakes, hydraulic was the cause of the failure. The recall repair had been previously done on the vehicle. The vehicle not not be inspected or repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10543437
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the brakes failed when applied. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the brake assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10535116
Body, doors & structure

The paint job is defective. The paint has peeled and the van is rusting. *Tr

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10448097
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated until completely failing. The contact stated that the dealer repaired the failure previously but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 32,000 and the current mileage was 40,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10406813
Brakes

I own a 1993 dodge grand caravan.. I discovered a factory recall through odi pertaining to the specific named vehicle concerning service brakes,hydraulic : antilock brakes that specify summary. Consequence .Remedy and notes; stating that if there are any existing problems with the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump motor assembly that there exists a lifetime coverage to the owner of said vehicle. In short . Chrysler -dodge and or any local vehicle dealerships representing said manufacturer will not honor...

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this recall. What is the solution now ? Does the national highway traffic safety administration have the solution to enforcing the manufacturer and /or a local dealership representing said manufacturer to repair a factory defect. Nhtsa campaign id # 96v099000 as per odi print out from website. Does this recall apply to my vehicle and or all dodge grand caravans of this manufacturer dates or not ? Is this recall notification valid and if so is it enforceable. I am tired of driving with unsafe brakes in m y vehicle that are caused by a manufactures design defects. I recently found out about this recall in july or august of 2010. Please help me . Thank you *tr

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10361249
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. The contact received repairs to the vehicle under nhtsa campaign id number: 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock). Three years later, the brake warning light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the abs system was repaired. The failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was 109,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10332508
Brakes

Tl*the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. When the contact started the ignition, the anti-lock brake system warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The indicator remained lit until the engine was turned off. In addition, the contact experienced extreme difficulty coming to a complete stop and the stopping distance of the vehicle increased. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and they stated that the failure was related to the abs hydraulic control unit. ...

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Through research, the technician discovered nhtsa campaign id number 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic:anti-lock). The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for another defect. The manufacturer was considering including the recent failure in the recall; however, the repair was denied in accordance with the free recall remedy. The failure mileage was 148,000 and current mileage was 149,338.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10257603
Brakes

Tl*the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. While driving less than 50 mph, the abs warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and the electric pump continued to cycle. The brakes hardened and failed. The contact had to use both feet and massive force in order to depress the brake pedal and stop the vehicle. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock), although the failures were identical. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 119,000 and current mileage was 139,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10250513
Brakes

Tl*the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. While driving 15 mph, the contact experienced abs failure and took the vehicle to the dealer. They informed him of the repair cost, but the contact could not afford it at the time. He later discovered a recall for the same failure, but the dealer stated that the recall expired and refused to make the repair. The manufacturer has not provided any assistance. The contact believes that the recall should be honored and his vehicle should be repaired for free. The recall number was unknown. The failure mileage was 135,000 and current mileage was 142,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10216367
Brakes

Reference: nhtsa campaign id number: 96v099000. I never received a recall notice from dodge/chrysler about this defect. Nevertheless, by coincidence on 03/05/1998 I brought the 1993 dodge caravan to an authorized dealer complaining about the abs not working correctly. The dealer did not apply the recall remedy and claimed that the abs was operating normally. Documentation available.*Ak on april 20, 2007 I brought the vehicle to an independent auto center again complaining about the abs not working...

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correctly. They diagnosed the problem as being a defective brake actuator piston assembly, and informed me about the referenced recall campaign. On june 6, 2007 I brought the vehicle to the tate dealership and the defect was remedied in accordance with the referenced campaign. I then telephoned chrysler to be reimbursed for the previous abs diagnostic expense and chrysler refused the reimbursement because the diagnosis was not performed at an authorized dealer. The reimbursement provision of the referenced campaign does not require that any previous abs expense had to be incurred at an authorized dealer in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10194244
Brakes

I have a 93 dodge caravan se and I heard some noise coming from the abs which I was told it was normal for anti- lock brakes. I've had the van for less than a year. I was driving home from the bank with 4 out of the 7 children I have when the abs stopped working which made it completely hard to stop. I almost ran into several people while trying to get my children home safely. I took the vehicle to the dealer because I was told that there was a recall on the accumulator. Now the story has changed and they said only the pump was recalled. So the abs is not fixed. I feel that it is very dangerous for that vehicle to be on the road with the abs system failing while driving 60 to 70 mph. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10181484
Brakes

Tl*- the contact received 96v099000 recall for anti lock brakes on 04/19/1996. On 12/18/01 he had the vehicle serviced under the recall. The contact stated that brakes failed again on 12/2006, and he had to wait 1 month before parts came in. He was informed by the service manager of wester vw dodge that they were going out of business. Although, the dealership ordered the parts they told the contact that the parts were going to another dealership. The contact stated that the other dealership called...

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and told him c that the repairs were done, and that only 1 part was covered by the recall. The dealership stated that the contact has to pay over $900.00 To have the brake repairs done the contact stated that the repairs were part of the recall, and did not understand why he has to pay for the recall work. *Ak the consumer was informed only certain parts were covered under recall. Updated 02/22/07.*Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10178106
Brakes

Tl* - the contact's 1992 dodge caravan, has been effected by safety campaign 96v099000. The contact has been to the dealership and contacted chrysler daimler and, was told that he is responsible for the repairs on his car. Although the repairs all fall under the safety campaign, the dealership will not honor it because his car exceeds the 100,000 mile warranty. There is an exception in the campaign for two of the components involved that have a lifetime warranty but, the dealership is denying this warranty to the vehicle owner.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10177119
BrakesVisibility & wipersSeats & seat belts

Consumer complaint concerning the safety recall on 1993 caravan. *Ts the consumer noticed that the brakes were not stopping the vehicle adequately. The consumer was informed about a recall when the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The consumer was never notified of any of the recall on the vehicle (wiper pivot recall, belt buckle clip recall, lift gate support recall). Oct 12 the parts to repair the brakes still wernt available. The consumer got thew car back n nov 14, after six weeks. *Nm

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Visibility · Seat beltsNHTSA 10177487
Brakes

Dt*: the contact stated that both the abs warning light and parking light illuminated before the power brakes failed. This occurred while backing up at 2 mph. The problem has also occurred at 60 mph. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer and the manufacturer was notified. The service dealer informed the contact that there was a recall # 96v099000, for the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock, for years 1991-1993. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10175903
BrakesBody, doors & structure

Dt*: the contact stated that there were brake problems at various speeds. Prior to the problem there was extended stopping distance and brake light illuminated under normal braking conditions. Nature of failure worsened over time. Campaign id # 96v099000 was observed online by the contact pertaining to service brakes, hydraulic, antilock. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was included in the recall however the dealer stated that the piston was covered under the recall and there were other repairs that needed to be done to the brake system not covered under recall. The vehicle was not serviced yet. The rear hatch struts were replaced

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · StructureNHTSA 10172195
Brakes

I have a 93 dodge caravan cargo van under the abs recall and I cannot find a dealer who is willing to rectify this situation. I will probably have to take matters into my own hands and start contacting the local news people to make this problem aware to all people who have any recall on their vehicles and the lack of willingness to fix these recalls from the dealerships. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10158239
Seats & seat beltsCrash1 injury

Dt*: the contact stated while involved in a crash at 35mph, the belt positioning booster seat did not hold the child to the vehicle seat. The child had enough slack from the seat belt, causing the child's face to hit the back of the front passenger seat. The child received injuries to the face and also received internal injuries. The child seat was century, model # 214495 manufactured 9-21-2004. After the accident, the child seat was discarded. The police were present at the scene and provided a written report.

Filed Incident Seat belts · Child seatNHTSA 10154284
Brakes

Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to apply brake pressure the antilock brakes failed without warning. This occurred on a normal road during normal braking. The vehicle was slowly driven home. Two days later the vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. Upon inspection, the dealership determined the hydraulic lines between the brake pump and abs system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified however, no repairs have been made.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10149953

Dodge Caravan: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
1997720154537AirbagsF
19961,402185747AirbagsF
19954934558Transmission & drivetrainF
19946675937Body, doors & structureF
199396210687BrakesF
1992929114813BrakesF
1991623113614BrakesF
19902836127Body, doors & structureC
198919451213Body, doors & structureC
All Caravan years

1993 Dodge Caravan vs rivals

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.

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Questions about the 1993 Dodge Caravan

Does the 1993 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 1993 Dodge Caravan: steering wheel / handle bar (October 2000); hinge and attachments (September 1999); linkages (July 1999); air bags (May 1999) 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 1993 Dodge Caravan?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (322), seats & seat belts (148), body, doors & structure (103).

How many complaints has the 1993 Dodge Caravan had?

962 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 26, 1994 and the latest on June 8, 2017. Of these, 68 describe a crash and 7 a fire, and together they report 84 injuries and 1 death.

Is the 1993 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 9 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 1993 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

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