Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Vehicle safety record

2001 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 257 complaints about the 2001 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (43) and the lights (32). Those complaints describe 9 crashes, 3 fires, 15 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in August 2010 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2000 has 494 and the 2002 has 256.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Caravan year, for its age

#33 most complained-about 2001 vehicle

Complaints
257
Recalls
10
Crashes
9
Fires
3
Injuries
15
Deaths
1

Most common 2001 Dodge Caravan problems

Share of all 257 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2001 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

Equipment

10E0340006,686 vehicles affected

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.

Exterior lighting: headlights

08E04800011,534 vehicles affected

The problem
Eagle eyes is recalling 11,534 headlamp assemblies, p/nos. Cs090-b001l and cs090-b001r, sold for use as replacement equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the lower beam photometry requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Eagle eyes will notify owners and offer replacement headlamps free of charge. The recall began on september 30, 2008. Owners may contact eagle eyes at 1-800-568-1098.

Exterior lighting: headlights

08E0390002,520 vehicles affected

The problem
Maxzone is recalling 2,520 headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 3341103L-as and 334-1103r-as sold for use as aftermarket equipment for 2001-2007 dodge caravan passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on june 16, 2008. Owners may contact maxzone at the following locations: 1-888-286-1188 (wa, or, ca, id, nv, az, mt, wy, ut, co, ks, nm, ok, tx, ar, la, ak, hi) 1-877-253-8930 (me, nh, vt, ma, ct, ri, ny, nj, pa, md, de, wv, va) 1-800-859-4755 (nc, sc, ga, fl, tn, al, ms) 1-866-783-6858 (nd, sd, ne, mn, ia, mo, wi, il, mi, in, oh, ky).

Service brakes

06E0220007,440 vehicles affected

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.

Equipment: radio / tape deck / cd etc.

04V531000238,000 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain mini vans, condensation from the instrument panel air conditioning ducts may drop through vent holes in the top of the radio and result in a short circuit that subsequently sends direct current to the rear speakers.
The risk
THIS COULD RESULT IN A SPEAKER FIRE.
The fix
Dealers will add a special tape to the top of the radio to prevent the potential of water intrusion. The recall began on january 31, 2005. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel system

03E05300068,563 vehicles affected

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.

Equipment

03E04500045,870 vehicles affected

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.

Structure

03V0940003,674 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
The risk
This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. 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 southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

Latch

01I003000105,484 vehicles affected

The problem
This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 2001 plymouth voyager, chrysler town & country, and dodge caravan/grand caravan mini vans that are not equipped with the remote keyless entry option. The sliding door latches on these vehicles could release during certain severe accident conditions that involve the sliding door.
The risk
This could allow the sliding door to partially open.
The fix
Dealer will replace both sliding door key cylinder-to-bell crank links on the sliding doors free of charge (parts and labor). Daimlerchrysler has decided to conduct a service campaign to replace the sliding door key cylinder-to-bell crank links. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403, concerning this program.

Suspension: lower arm

01V15200041,587 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: minivans. The lower control arm pivot bolt could fracture.
The risk
If the bolt fractures, the lower control arm could separate from the crossmember, causing a loss of vehicle control.
The fix
Dealers will replace the left and right lower control arm bolts and nuts. Owner notification began april 30, 2001. 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.

What owners say

Be the first Caravan owner to share.

Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now

257 complaints about the 2001 Dodge Caravan

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 11.

Lights

There is no incident, however I would like to report a manufacturer problem. Many manufacturers put vehicles on the market with front headlights that are too bright and not aimed properly. See [[redacted]] There are regulations for the lumens of headlights and system of reflectors, but I assume manufacturers are not be watched for violations. Where I live, in Sarasota, FL, I am blinded by all the vehicle lights at night because lights appear to be on bright when they aren't. Something is very wrong. I don't...

Read the full complaint

think everyone is having aftermarket LED lights installed. I think they are coming from the manufacturers that way. Can you help? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11645503
Lights

.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11524026
SteeringWheels & tiresFuel system

I need to know it my vehicle has any recalls I'm having some major safety concerns about it.

Filed Incident Steering · Wheels · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11220203
Acceleration & cruise control

After the engine warms up and at speeds around 45-50 the acceleration sticks as if the cruise control is on. The only way to stop it is to put the car in neutral then drive,or shut the engine off. I disconnected the servo to the cruise control to eliminate the cruise as the cause. The problem is intermittent but occurs often.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11090763
Fuel system

Fuel rail is leaking gasoline. There is a pressure damper that is on the rail that is non serviceable and it is leaking fuel onto rail that is causing the smell to enter the cabin. Dealer says fuel rail needs to be replaced to effect proper repair. Fuel leaks any time engine is running.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11083356
Steering1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge caravan sport. While attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly locked and causing the steering wheel to make a popping noise. The steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to use excessive force to move the steering wheel. Suddenly, the steering wheel did a hard release and returned to normal. The hard release caused the contact to receive injuries to the hand, wrist, and arm. Medical attention was needed. The failure recurred. The contact did not...

Read the full complaint

take the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the there was no recall for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11000002
Other & unknown

I was rolling my driver's side window up (electric window), it got half way up and it shattered all over me. I was literally picking glass out of my legs from this window

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10995790
Suspension

The rear axels bend around back wheels also front makes a noise when you hit a bump

Filed Incident Suspension · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10948896
Seats & seat beltsCrash3 injuries

Tl* the contact owned a 2001 dodge caravan. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed. The second row driver's side seat belt fractured. The contact sustained injuries to the head, chest, and ankle. The front passenger received a sprained ankle and the other occupant received a broken wrist, broken sternum, and a cracked pelvis/hip. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vin and failure mileage were unknown.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10910658
Steering

Steering wheel becomes so tight and cant even move when ever the outside temperatures fall below 50degrees. It takes at least 15 min to become normal. Fuel levels are normal in my van.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10808343
AirbagsAcceleration & cruise controlElectrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge caravan. The contact stated the air bags warning indicator was illuminated, and the horn and cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.

Filed Incident Air bags · Vehicle speed control · Electrical systemNHTSA 10695173
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, the cruise control button was inadvertently engaged due to it being to close to the horn. As a result, the contact stated that the vehicle became stuck at a certain speed, which caused him to drive above speed limits. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 195,000.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10690943
Lights

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the headlights failed and an unknown light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed the front modular needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000. The vin was unavailable.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10653515
Electrical systemBody, doors & structureEngine & coolingFire

Pulled vehicle out of garage and shortly after fire started to come up out of the dash. Complete loss. Called fire department to try to put the fire out but it spread in a matter of minutes.. This was not my car but my mother in laws. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · EngineNHTSA 10653375
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. Immediately after, the vehicle decelerated and before coming to a complete stop the engine light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in recall nhtsa campaign id number: 03e045000 (equipment). The approximate failure was 135,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10632528
Fuel system

I driving down street my van just die on me in middle of traffic. I try to give gas and it die on me again, I so scared . I have my kids in my van. *Tr updated 12/5/2014 *js

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10592573
AirbagsAcceleration & cruise controlElectrical system

Air bag warning light is on constantly. Horn will not work .Cruise control will not work. *Tr

Filed Incident Air bags · Vehicle speed control · Electrical systemNHTSA 10554071
Seats & seat beltsCrash

Got rear ended and seat broke sending driver across van with seat belt in tac. *Tr

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 10550427
Visibility & wipersBody, doors & structure

I went to the store today, driving down a busy road at about 45 mph, my drivers side vent window suddenly came loose! I looked in the rear view mirror to see what was going on, too late! It flew into opposing traffic and shattered all over the road. The glue that holds the "hinge" to the glass is barely there. Obviously, the glue did not hold to a painted surface. *Tr

Filed Incident Visibility · StructureNHTSA 10535887
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while starting the ignition, the air bag warning indicator continuously illuminated. In addition, the horn would not sound upon activation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10534498
Suspension

We got into our 2001 dodge caravan and started to drive it and noticed that there was a rattling noise in the front passenger side of the suspension. I pulled the van over and noticed the passenger side strut was up through into the engine compartment! I believe the housing is rusted through, which allowed the strut to poke all the way out. *Tr

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10522777
Driver assistance

The vehicle was registering multiple codes in the odbii system. Of which one was a open injector circuit. Vehicle would stall and run rough. On further investigation the fuel injector wiring harness that was routed directly above exhaust manifold had the insulation melted causing multiple fuel and emission control wires to be shorted. A search for the fuel wiring harness at multiple salvage yards showed the exact same condition to exist on 4 of 5 vehicles. One can speculate the routing of the harness over the exhaust manifold combined with substandard wire insulation caused the insulation to melt. *Tr

Filed Incident Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 10475580
Wheels & tires

We purchased 4 bridgestone insignia se200 tires in may 2009. Thus far 3 have failed. First, mechanic noted when we took vehicle in for routine balance and rotation. Second, driver noted vibration on highway. Tire replaced 6/4/12. 3Rd, driver noted front end pulling, subsequently extreme vibration on highway. Vehicle parked at airport for 3 days; upon return, tire was flat with a section bulged and separated. *Tr

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10475263
AirbagsAcceleration & cruise controlElectrical system

Driver's side air bag, the horn and the cruise control do not work. It is quite obvious that these defects are caused by a defective clock spring. This was a matter of recall for the dodge caravan and grand caravan, plymouth voyager and grand voyager and chrysler town and country from the 1996-2000 model years. Our car is 2001 model and is not in a recall list, but it is quite obvious to me that the defect was not fixed in 2001 year models. Am I alone complaining about this unfixed problem? [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Air bags · Vehicle speed control · Electrical systemNHTSA 10474081
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge caravan sport. The contact was driving 40 mph when the driver side sliding door failed to lock. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed the vin failed to qualify for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 01i003000(latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 123,000 and the current mileage was 124,000.

Filed Incident Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 10455691

Dodge Caravan: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20055379190Body, doors & structureF
200465823Fuel systemA
20031959135SteeringC
2002256101611AirbagsC
20012571093AirbagsC
200049413655Transmission & drivetrainF
1999555144612AirbagsF
1998641144623Engine & coolingF
1997720154537AirbagsF
All Caravan years

2001 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.

Own a 2001 Dodge Caravan? Share your experience.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

Questions about the 2001 Dodge Caravan

Does the 2001 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2001 Dodge Caravan: equipment (August 2010); headlights (August 2008); headlights (June 2008); service brakes, hydraulic (March 2006) 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 2001 Dodge Caravan?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (43), lights (32), suspension (32).

How many complaints has the 2001 Dodge Caravan had?

257 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 11, 2001 and the latest on February 28, 2025. Of these, 9 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 15 injuries and 1 death.

Is the 2001 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 42 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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 2001 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

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience