- 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
2004 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (18) and the brakes (8). Those complaints describe 2 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in August 2010 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2003 has 195 and the 2005 has 537.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Caravan year, for its age
#138 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 65
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of all 65 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Dodge Caravan recalls 8
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
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 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 equipped with 3.3 Or 3.8L v-6 engine, the upper power steering cooler hose may split and cause a fluid leak.
- The risk
- Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the upper power steering cooler hose. This recall began on september 27, 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.
What owners say
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65 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Caravan
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
Hello, After installing 4 new tires on my van I immediately noticed a jerk my vehicle was experiencing at highway speeds. mostly when turning , changing lanes or moving the steering wheel like adjusting lane positions. I had double checked the tire air pressure and lug nuts, even added extra 5 lbs. to the tires but still has this strange feel when driving. I am returning the tires for an exchange tomorrow, I do not trust these tires, makes me very nervous to drive with them at higher speeds, my alignment is perfect as I had that checked at purchase also (lifetime vehicle alignments)
The vehicle was stationary. I was leaving work, when I sat in the driver's seat the seat broke and fell back. The broken part is actually the frame of the seat, not the tilt mechanism. The tubulation that comprised the seat frame catastrophically broke adjacent to the weldment. This part should never fail.
FUEL LEAKING FROM TOP OF FUEL TANK
Engine often hesitates after you have driven a few blocks after refueling. This form asks for a single specific date but this problem has happened every few weeks for the last year or so. Depending upon the traffic situation when the hesitation occurs, and accident could easily occur. My mechanic says that the liquid/vapor separator valve on the gas tank is not operating properly. This valve is a part of the tank and cannot be replaced as a separate item, so the cost of the repair is substantial. A brief search on the internet indicates that many other owners of dodge caravans manufactured between about 2004 and 2007 are reporting this same problem.
2004 Dodge caravan. Consumer writes in regards to fuel tank extended warranty coverage that applies to vehicle stalling after refueling. *Smd the consumer stated the vehicle began stalling shortly after it was purchased and has since continued. The stalling occurred at highway speeds and while making left turns. Also, the check engine light illuminated. The dealer replaced the egr sensor.*Jb
Intermittent horn turning on. Clockspring was replaced along with front control module. They think hornpad is at fault and will further short clockspring and front control module
The airbag warning light is illuminated due to a malfunctioning clockspring. This disables the airbag system. This was recalled on earlier model caravans but has not been completed on 2001 and newer models which have the same issue. The light has been illuminated since vehicle purchase and has had inactive airbags. Recently, while turning the steering wheel hard during a power steering reservoir replacement, the air bag light began to turn on and off clearly due to shorted wiring at the clockspring terminals.
As I went to stop the front wheels slid like they were on ice. I was on a public rd. [Black top] I hit the car in front of me.
I purchased my vehicle in the fall of 2013 and am starting to come to the conclusion that every time I fill my gas tank up my vehicle shuts off! Today I filled up my gas tank. My children were in the back seat and when I pulled out into the highway the van shut off and the steering wheel locked up! I had no control over the vehicle. This seems to be a common problem with these vans and something needs to be done before someone gets hurt! I can't fill my gas tank up because of this issue. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there was a leak in the fuel pump due to corrosion. As a result, the fuel pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,755.
When I changed my vehicle battery to a new one the gas only drops to a half a tank its will not go down to empty but my low fuel light works still my gas gauge does not. How do I fix it or reset it. *Tr
Every time vehicle is fueled up, the vehicle putters and shuts off, causing all power steering to lock up while driving. Occurs the first couple miles. *Tr
My first gas tank fill after purchasing the used vehicle resulted with constant stalling for the next 1/2 mile. This has been going on for the last 4 years. I do not overfill the tank. The vehicle now stalls about 80% of the time after I fill the tank. After about 6/10th of a mile ,the problem corrects itself. One time I come very close to having an accident when after leaving the gas station I was going down a hill and had to make a right turn at an intersection, the vehicle stalled out & I had to put the gear...
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selector in neutral to try to restart the vehicle while it was moving & making a right turn at the same time ! I am now forced to park the car for a few minutes after fill up before I can safely take it back on the roadway. This is an ongoing problem for the 2004 -2007 chrysler & dodge minivans. I have viewed many complaints on line about the same issue. Does someone have to give up their life before a recall is issued? There is a defective valve in the gas tanks & the tanks have to be replaced ! *Tr
Not 100% but probably 40% - 60% of the time I refuel - especially a full tank - the car will tend to hesitate and stall within the first 90 seconds of getting back on the road. Seems like it has not done it a lot lately but I just had some work done by the local dodge dealer including new wires and plugs. When I left the dealership it ran fine. I put in probably 3/4 tank of gas in it and it began hesitating and stalling worse than it had in some time. The weather was also quite a bit cooler than it had been in 6...
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months. I also read an article in usa today about this issue which I have been experiencing since 2007 when I purchased the car used. I have had the dealer look at it in the past and the could identify nothing specific. Figured I would register the complaint since I heard others were having the same issue. *Tr
2004 Dodge caravan. Consumer writes in regards to gas gauge problems. *Smd the consumer also stated the vehicle is leaking gas.*Jb
Passenger side sliding door keeps coming off track for no apparent reason. Just operating the door causes this to happen, and it has happened while vehicle is in motion too, which can be very dangerous, because our vehicle is modified by braun for handicap accessibility. There is a metal ramp which will come down if the door opens. *Tr
As mentioned by several other postings, the caravan engine will stall out after the gas tank is filled. This happens almost every time the vehicle is fueled. It will stall out within a few minutes of driving after leaving the gas station. It has stalled out in traffic, at stop lights, and now I avoid traveling on the roadway for several minutes after fueling if possible, choosing instead to travel through parking lots or back roads before entering any main arteries. A service repairman at the dealership said he...
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had never heard of such a thing and had no idea what the problem could be. Another mechanic mentioned it might be a valve in the top of the tank that is defective but the only repair is to replace the whole gas tank as the part is not a separate piece. Based on my own online research, I think this is a defect with this make and model. *Tr
I was traveling on the freeway at speed or slightly above when my gas light went on and the van started to sputter. Then the engine light went on and my speed decreased to appx 40 mph. I immediately got to the side of the road during rush hour and cars speeding by me. It was extremely dangerous and scary. A police officer stopped to assist me and try to get me towed. I made it to the next gas station. I added gas and oil. However, due to the fact that it was shaking and not able to make it above 40 mph, I...
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decided to have it towed home until a decision could be made about what to do. The next morning we towed to our mechanic and it was discovered that the engine dropped. The bolts that held it in failed. I am lucky. Now we have the engine back up in place and are determining what else is broken due to this failure. *Tr
I originally filed a complaint against the pad manufacturer but it seems to be the composite piston in the caliper that is intermittently causing the brakes to overheat. The pedal travel goes to zero and the brake is locked. This is a manufactures defect and a hazard. It would be easy for these brakes to fail in highway conditions and have the grease melt out of the bearings from the heat and brake fluid to boil. This car has been garaged its entire life and maintained. It is chrysler that in the interest of profit created a safety hazard. *Tr
After fueling the vehicle stalls numberious times in traffic causing a hazzard. This would be exceptabe however there seem to be many of the vehicle that does the same thing see http://forum.Chryslerminivan.Net *tt .
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle stalled as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 101,224. The vin was not available.
I replaced the brakes on my 2004 dodge caravan with duralast brakes from auto zone. There is a severe problem with the tolerances on the pads. I have been installing brakes for 50 years. There is a sever defect with these replacement parts. The pads will not allow the caliper to retract the pads wedge against the rotor-disc. They caused a vehicle fire from the extreme heat. I contacted auto zone and installed another set . This time it caused the brake on the opposite side to overheat. I got a third set this time...
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I measured the pads with a vernier caliper accurate to 1/1000 inch and they varied by a 1/10 of an inch which is outrageous. That just accounts for unacceptable measurements and not special or orientational defects which I suspect exist but have no exact pattern to compare. These brakes are an extreme hazard. *Tr
I had my tires rotated at costco where they were purchased in 2012. In the spring of 2013, I was going to put new brakes on the rear of my 2004 minivan, and could not get two of the lug nuts off. So I just put it off for a while. On july 30, 2013, I went out to get in my van and had a flat tire on that same wheel. I attempted to remove the tire and two of the stud bolts broke. I removed the rest of the lugnuts and took the tire to be repaired at costco. On the 31st, I took my van to an auto repair shop and told...
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them of the problem, so I wanted them to put new brakes on and replace the wheel studs. As they were doing the repair, two more of the studs broke. This is now 4 wheel studs on the same wheel. None of the lug nuts were removable from these bolts. I thought that costco had overtightened the lug nuts. After looking online and seeing that so many people have had the same problem, I am wondering if the bolts are defective. In 50 years of driving cars and repairing a lot of them myself, I have never had a broken wheel stud. I am thankful this did not happen on the road somewhere in the middle of nowhere. If these bolts are defective, how strong are they when I am driving at a high speed on the freeway. *Tr
Mysteriously my headlights stopped working last night. Had to drive home in the dark which was very dangerous. As well as my windshield washer fluid pump will not turn on. This seems to be a recurring problem with this make and year. Why hasn't dodge done a recall it seems to be the problem is far too widespread and common in these vans. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge caravan. The contact stated that over the course of five years, whenever he filled the fuel tank the vehicle would stall immediately after. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on three different occasions but the no cause for the failure was determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 91,000.
Dodge Caravan: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 302 | 2 | C |
| 2007 | 82 | 4 | A |
| 2006 | 173 | 6 | C |
| 2005 | 537 | 9 | F |
| 2004 | 65 | 8 | A |
| 2003 | 195 | 9 | C |
| 2002 | 256 | 10 | C |
| 2001 | 257 | 10 | C |
| 2000 | 494 | 13 | F |
2004 Dodge Caravan vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Dodge Caravan | 65 | 8 | A | |
| 2004 Dodge Ram | 1,157 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Durango | 1,115 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 | 582 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 | 214 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 206 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Stratus | 144 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Intrepid | 129 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan | 116 | 3 | A | 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 2004 Dodge Caravan
Does the 2004 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2004 Dodge Caravan: equipment (August 2010); headlights (August 2008); headlights (June 2008); 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 2004 Dodge Caravan?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (18), brakes (8), electrical system (8).
How many complaints has the 2004 Dodge Caravan had?
65 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 18, 2004 and the latest on September 9, 2026. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 82 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Dodge Caravan year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Caravan years have the most complaints?
1996 (1,402), 1993 (962), 1992 (929). See every Dodge Caravan year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 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