- The problem
- Curt mfg is recalling certain class 3 receiver hitches, p/n 13347, sold as aftermarket equipment for use on 1997-2007 chrysler town and country vans, 1996-2007 dodge caravans, and 1996-2004 plymouth voyager vans. When the hitch is loaded to the maximum rating, the hitch may fracture or break at the bend location where the main body of the hitch meets the hitch muffler strap.
- The risk
- If the area in question fractures or breaks, this could cause an unstable driving condition, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- Curt mfg will notify owners of record and will replace the hitch free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during august 2010. Owners may contact curt mfg at 1-715-831-8713.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 641 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (142) and the transmission & drivetrain (103). Those complaints describe 46 crashes, 23 fires, 37 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 14 recalls, the latest in August 2010 for the equipment. For comparison, the 1997 has 720 and the 1999 has 555.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Caravan year, for its age
#7 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 641
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes
- 46
- Fires
- 23
- Injuries
- 37
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 1998 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of all 641 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Dodge Caravan recalls 14
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
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp inc., Identified as dot-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and foreign vehicles may not break into small pieces as expected of tempered glass and fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 205, "Glazing materials."
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
- The fix
- Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their customer's glass. Wholesale customers can contact safelite's wholesale division, service autoglass toll free at 1-888-246-6298. The recall began on january 15, 2008.
- The problem
- Certain airtex fuel pump modules, p/nos. E7089m, e7094m, e7113m, and e7129m, manufactured between june 1 and september 24, 2006. These fuel pump modules were sold as aftermarket for use in certain daimlerchrysler vehicles listed above. Silicone material used in manufacture of the flapper valve was out-of-specification, leading to excess swell of the flapper valve restricting the flow of fuel to the fuel pump module.
- The risk
- Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Airtex will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact airtex toll-free at 1-866-867-3759.
- The problem
- Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo usa at 909-468-3688.
- The problem
- Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When subject to very cold temperatures, an internal seal in the master cylinder could lose flexibility and may cause brake fluid to leak.
- The risk
- Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Affinia (brake parts, inc.) Will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
- The problem
- On certain minivans, the driver's air bag may become disabled due to a failure of the clockspring, which is located in the hub of the steering wheel.
- The risk
- This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable amount of time.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all covered vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. For those vehicles with more than 70,000 miles, daimlerchrysler will offer an extended lifetime warranty under which it will replace the clockspring at no charge if it fails. Daimlerchrysler will also reimburse owners who have paid to have the clockspring replaced on their vehicles. The recall began on october 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- Certain aftermarket replacement fuel filters, models wix filter part numbers 33576, 33577, 33734; napa filter part numbers 3576, 3577, 3734; and carquest filter part numbers 86576, 86577, 86734 used on 1996-2000 daimlerchrysler town & country, dodge caravan, and plymouth voyager vehicles, can cause the fuel lines to leak.
- The risk
- A possible fire can occur in the presence of an ignition source.
- The fix
- Wix will notify its customers and replace the fuel filters free of charge. Note: this does not involve any products manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corp. Nor any dailmerchrysler dealers. Owner notification is expected to begin during november 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact wix at 704-864-6711.
- The problem
- Aftermarket replacement fuel filters manufactured between september 17, 2002, and january 20, 2003, sold under the brand names listed above. The filter may experience malfunction of the quick connector either blocking fuel flow to the engine or causing a fuel leak. This does not involve any products manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corp. Nor any dailmerchrysler dealers.
- The risk
- If this condition occurred while the vehicle is in motion, the engine could stall. Also, in the presence of an ignition source, the fuel leak could result in a vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Aftermarket replacement fuel filters for 1995-2000 short wheelbase chrysler town & country, plymouth voyager and dodge caravan minivans part no. 18232 And date code 0237, 0249, or 0252. Replacement fuel filters for 1995-2000 long wheelbase chrysler town & country, plymouth voyager and dodge caravan minivans part no. 18230 And date code 0237, 0249, 0251, or 0304. Replacement fuel filters for 2001-2004 chrysler town & country, plymouth voyager and dodge caravan minivans part no. 28871 And date code 0249. These part numbers and date codes appear on the gold-tone filter. Distributors and retailers will be notified to isolate and return affected inventory. Owners who have had the fuel filter serviced on one of the applicable vehicles after september 17, 2002 should return their vehicle to the service facility to be inspected to see if the fuel filter that was installed is one that is involved in the recall. If so, the owners should have the filter replaced. To receive a full refund plus the cost of postage, owners should cut the connectors from the hoses, rinse the connectors and return them together with proof of the amount paid for the replacement part and labor, to intercontinental at intercontinental auto parts, inc., P.O. Box 861, mahwah, nj 07430, attn: fuel filter recall. Intercontinental will mail a full refund to the owner.
- The problem
- On certain mini vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
- The risk
- This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable amount of time.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. An extended lifetime warranty will also be placed on this component for all affected vehicles, regardless of mileage. Daimlerchrysler will also reimburse owners who have paid to have the clockspring replaced on their vehicles. Owner notification began november 18, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the trim with foam blockers and inspect and replace all 3rd row seat belt assemblies. Owner notification began june 3, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: mini vans built with 3.3L and 3.8L engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. Fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail could result, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
- The risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a seal on the vehicle fuel rails to prevent external leakage of fuel from the fuel rail crossover tube, should the existing o-rings continue to degrade. Owner notification began on january 25, 2002. Due to the large quantity of vehicles involved in this campaign, the owner notification will be phased over the next several months. However, if a vehicle is leaking fuel from the o-rings, the vehicle should be taken into a dealer to have this repaired as soon as possible. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger minivans equipped with integrated child seats. The shoulder harness restraint webbing was incorrectly routed around the metal reinforcement bar on these seats.
- The risk
- The child seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a collision.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the routing of the shoulder belt webbing and any found incorrect will be properly routed.
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641 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Caravan
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 26.
Airbag light on no turn signals and no reverse lights due to failed airbag clockspring
Tl* the contact owned a 1998 dodge caravan. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact's vehicle crashed into a second vehicle. The front end was severely damaged. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. The passenger side air bag deployed although no passenger was present in the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The driver sustained a head laceration above the right eye, a concussion, a bruised heart and lung, left knee laceration, and chest bruises from the seat belts. Also, both wrists and elbows were injured. A police report was filed. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 135,000.
The indicator lamp air bag is on continuously. I drive a vehicle all the time, and my trip 50% highway and 50% city.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. While driving various speeds, the power steering seized without warning. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired several times, but the failure was persistent. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. The contact stated that when driving on wet roads, the power brakes and steering failed. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 11v139000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. ..Updated 05/20/15 *bf updated 11/19/15*js
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. While driving approximately 25 mph, the driver and passenger side air bags deployed independently. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
I was backing out of a parking space in 2012, when the brakes completely failed, I had to put my vehicle into gear in order for it to stop. Even though I was only going 5 mph or less, I was on a downhill slope. There wasn't an accident nor any damage, so I don't have that to report. The van was taken to towbin dodge in henderson, nv that weekend I believe and I was told that the recall defect had been fixed. However, the horn, airbag light and abs still do not work. My vin #[[redacted]], my question is this....
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If the recall problem is still defective even though it's been repaired, what am I supposed to do? Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
I am the second owner of a 1998 dodge caravan and bought a carfax report when purchasing which was clean showing no accidents, no problems. The one recall alert on this year and model was taken care of previously. The car has generally been dependable, other than ongoing problems with the instrument cluster which fails intermittently and all the panel lights go off. On january 6th, 2015 I was shopping not far from home and upon exiting the store parking lot to leave (2-3 mph) turning the wheel normally while ...
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backing up from my space, the entire steering wheel just fell into my hands leaving it attached by only a few wires. There was no prior warning of the upcoming failure, no shaking, no wobble, nothing.I am a senior and was in the car alone. Luckily, some strangers helped push me back into parking space by holding and turning the steering wheel in place, as it would not snap back in. The tow truck driver stated that in his career he had never seen this, my experienced mechanic said the same. The car is currently in the shop. The entire column has to be replaced, the clock spring, etc. And even with used parts it will be costly. I live in the la area with a lot of traffic on every street. What frightens me is that I would likely have been killed had this happened while driving, and especially since I had first planned on going to a mall via freeway. This was a tragic accident waiting to happen. How many more of these steering wheels have fallen off unreported? How many more are ready to occur to some unlucky driver? *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. While driving 40 mph over a puddle, the serpentine time belt detached from the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.
The los angeles cbs affiliate station aired a story about chrysler vehicles year 2007 to 2012 that were being investigated for a potential recall. The problem is a faulty tipm, also known as a powertrain control module. Vehicle owners report instrument panel problems, gauges not working, airbag not working, windshield wipers operating without being turned on, problems starting the vehicle, and so on. I have a 1998 dodge grand caravan with many of these same problems/symptoms. I spent $212 on inspection and...
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diagnosis fees. Pep boys told me that the problem was the powertrain control module and it would take a prohibitively high price to replace. My vehicle has recently experienced problems similar to the ones described above: fuel gauge not consistently showing the correct amount of fuel in the tank; the airbag and horn not working; the wipers occasionally operate without being turned on; the power door locks do not work properly when vehicle is being locked & unlocked with the key; the heater operates without being turned on, and so on. I was wondering if this information can be used sent to the manufacturer or compared in information submitted by other chrysler owners. The powertrain control module is a durable part, it should operate well for the life of the vehicle. I'm wondering if there is any investigation going on which may lead to a recall. Thank you for your attention. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph the engine stalled. The instrument panel was inoperable the fuel gauge was inaccurate. The contact could not restart the vehicle and the instrument panel lights were blinking on and off. The contact also stated that the vehicle was towed four times to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure was 99,000. Updated 09/15/14*lj
Only a block or 2 from home, doing 20 mph there was the smell of smoke then flames shot out from under the drivers seat. We bailed from the van and before 911 could be called the van was engulfed in flames. A total loss. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. The contact was traveling 5 mph when the serpentine belt became detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The failure recurred several times. The failure mileage was 119,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.
I have a 98 dodge caravan it has no dash lights parking lights or horn. I have no idea what it could be. *Tr
The belt keeps slipping off on my dodge caravan. This has been continual. The forums are full of these complaints. It is the serpentine belt. I have been back and forth to the mechanic. They try everything, but when it is wet, it comes off. I even try not to drive in rain, but after the rains, I drive a short distance and its off again., I called the dealership that seems to take no responsibility for this. This is really dangerous, as it is very hard to turn the wheel. Fortunately so far, I have not been going at speed during these incidents. I had the tensioners tightened again last month, and its off again. *Tr
Driving during heavy rain/snow or going through standing water, the serpentine belt slips off of the pulleys. This leads to a loss of power steering, power brakes and engine cooling. Mileage and date are approximate. Multiple occurrences. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle swerved to the right lane independently. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered corrosion throughout the frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000. *Tr
Major concern is about the strut housing roughing out been looking this up and from 97 to 2000 maybe a bit longer this has been a major issue that chrysler need to address. I know they don't want the responsibility of the matter ,but some one could get hurt from this.I just found out about this and have been searching all the information I can find on this issue.This is faulty design of chrysler,they made tons of money selling the vans,even after this started to happen they still didnt change the design.Well I have to have mine done but in the mean time I better not get hurt from one letting loose. I survived cancer not to die from a auto accident do to a so so good design. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the vehicle lost power and became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose a failure. The failure recurred frequently however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and offered no additional assistance. The failure mileage was 155,000 and the current mileage was 157,000.
Horn stopped working. Horn fuse is good. Air bag warning light came on and has stayed on. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. The contact stated that a fire began on top of the fuel tank after refueling and the vehicle exploded. The contact was able to exit the vehicle prior to the explosion and stated that there were no fuel system failures prior to the explosion. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. The vin was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. While the vehicle was being inspected at an independent mechanic for a brake repair, the technician stated that the front driver side strut tower was corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
1998 Dodge caravan strut towers rusting through. Dodge said its a cosmetic repair. I bought this van used and the drivers side strut is now made my van dangerous to drive because the drivers side is now resting on strut. The seller will not let me return it. *Tr
Four cooper futura 2000 lte p205/70r14 tires (dot u9ke xad3906) were replaced onto my minivan wheels on 4/4/2011 after sitting for 16 months in protective bags in my garage. They are touring tires and were swapped out for the cold weather tires that had been on the van for the previous 16 months. On 4/5/2001 the two rear tires lost their bead within 50 miles of being reinstalled. This is perhaps only the third time being put on their wheels. Upon inspection by a qualified tire installer it was determined...
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that both beads had failed. The first failure occurred after driving 25 highway miles. At which time the tires was replaced with a new tire. The second failure occurred after the 25 mile return trip during a turn from the expressway exit. Both tires were determined to have failed for the same reason by the aforementioned installer. The tires were purchased on 5/24/2007 at pepboys auto store 0289 5630 s. Westnedge ave., Portange , mi 49002. *Tr
Dodge Caravan: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 256 | 10 | C |
| 2001 | 257 | 10 | C |
| 2000 | 494 | 13 | F |
| 1999 | 555 | 14 | F |
| 1998 | 641 | 14 | F |
| 1997 | 720 | 15 | F |
| 1996 | 1,402 | 18 | F |
| 1995 | 493 | 4 | F |
| 1994 | 667 | 5 | F |
1998 Dodge Caravan vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 641 | 14 | F | |
| 1998 Dodge Durango | 976 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan | 571 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Dakota | 557 | 12 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Intrepid | 376 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Neon | 351 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Avenger | 58 | 6 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Dodge Truck | 28 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge B Series | 18 | 0 | F | 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 1998 Dodge Caravan
Does the 1998 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 1998 Dodge Caravan: equipment (August 2010); headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); glass, side / rear (December 2007) 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 1998 Dodge Caravan?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (142), transmission & drivetrain (103), airbags (98).
How many complaints has the 1998 Dodge Caravan had?
641 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 21, 1997 and the latest on April 13, 2019. Of these, 46 describe a crash and 23 a fire, and together they report 37 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 1998 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 15 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 1998 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