1998 Dodge Caravan Problems and Recalls (618 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 1998 Dodge Caravan is Engine (19% of 618 owner reports). There are 14 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Engine — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 618 complaints · 14 recalls

What problems show up on the 1998 Dodge Caravan?

116 of 618 filings named Engine (19% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Transmission / driveline (90 reports).

There are 14 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Fuel system, Seat belts, Airbags, Lights, and Glass / wipers / cameras. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 1997 has 708 reports on file; this year has 618. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 1998 Dodge Caravan

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 14 campaigns on file below.
  2. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  3. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  4. Airbags. Confirm the airbag light behaves normally and that open airbag recalls are closed.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Engine. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Engine 116 complaints · 18.8% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 45
  • Fires 23
  • Injuries 37
  • Deaths 1
Compare with 1997 →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Engine (ENGINE) appears in 116 of 618 owner complaints (18.8%) in this vehicle snapshot. Engine (ENGINE): 116 complaints, 18.8% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 9 fire reports 116 · 18.8% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 90 complaints, 14.6% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 5 crash reports 1 fire reports 90 · 14.6% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 71 complaints, 11.5% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 20 crash reports 71 · 11.5% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 39 complaints, 6.3% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 2 fire reports 39 · 6.3% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 35 complaints, 5.7% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 4 fire reports 35 · 5.7% Steering (STEERING): 31 complaints, 5.0% of reports Steering (STEERING) 1 crash reports 31 · 5.0% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 30 complaints, 4.8% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 30 · 4.8% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 29 complaints, 4.7% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 4 crash reports 1 fire reports 29 · 4.7% Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING): 28 complaints, 4.5% of reports Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 2 fire reports 28 · 4.5% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 465 complaints, 75.2% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 36 crash reports 20 fire reports 465 · 75.2% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Engine (ENGINE) 116 18.8% 0 crashes · 9 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 90 14.6% 5 crashes · 1 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 71 11.5% 20 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 39 6.3% 0 crashes · 2 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 35 5.7% 0 crashes · 4 fires
Steering (STEERING) 31 5.0% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 30 4.8% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 29 4.7% 4 crashes · 1 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 28 4.5% 0 crashes · 2 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 465 75.2% 36 crashes · 20 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 1997; the first recall shown was reported in Dec 1997. 1997-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 1998-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 1998-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 1998-Q3: 11 owner reports 11 1998-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 1999-Q1: 25 owner reports 25 1999-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 1999-Q3: 25 owner reports 25 1999-Q4: 10 owner reports 10 2000-Q1: 14 owner reports 14 2000-Q2: 16 owner reports 16 2000-Q3: 9 owner reports 9 2000-Q4: 23 owner reports 23 2001-Q1: 24 owner reports 24 2001-Q2: 20 owner reports 20 2001-Q3: 12 owner reports 12 2001-Q4: 15 owner reports 15 2002-Q1: 29 owner reports 29 2002-Q2: 25 owner reports 25 2002-Q3: 26 owner reports 26 2002-Q4: 23 owner reports 23 2003-Q1: 22 owner reports 22 2003-Q2: 29 owner reports 29 2003-Q3: 26 owner reports 26 2003-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2004-Q1: 20 owner reports 20 2004-Q2: 18 owner reports 18 2004-Q3: 21 owner reports 21 2004-Q4: 23 owner reports 23 2005-Q1: 10 owner reports 10 2005-Q2: 7 owner reports 7 2005-Q3: 6 owner reports 6 2005-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2006-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2006-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2006-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2006-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2007-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2007-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2007-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2007-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2008-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2008-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2008-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2009-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2009-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2009-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2009-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2010-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2010-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2010-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2011-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2011-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2011-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2012-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2013-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2013-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2014-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2014-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2014-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2015-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2015-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2016-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2016-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2019-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Jan 1997 Apr 2019 Recall campaign 97V231000 ◆ Recall campaign 97V231000 Recall campaign 00V268000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V268000 Recall campaign 02V076000 ◆ Recall campaign 02V076000 Recall campaign 02V293000 ◆ Recall campaign 02V293000 Recall campaign 03E045000 ◆ Recall campaign 03E045000 Recall campaign 03E053000 ◆ Recall campaign 03E053000 Recall campaign 04V480000 ◆ Recall campaign 04V480000 Recall campaign 06E022000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E022000 Recall campaign 06E023000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E023000 Recall campaign 06E091000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E091000 Recall campaign 07E104000 ◆ Recall campaign 07E104000 Recall campaign 09E012000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E012000 Recall campaign 09E025000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E025000 Recall campaign 10E034000 ◆ Recall campaign 10E034000 Investigation PE99010 ● Investigation PE99010 Investigation EA99013 ● Investigation EA99013 Investigation RQ00008 ● Investigation RQ00008 Investigation EA01007 ● Investigation EA01007 Investigation PE02004 ● Investigation PE02004 Investigation RQ04001 ● Investigation RQ04001 Investigation EA04013 ● Investigation EA04013
  • Campaign 00V268000 was reported 758 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 02V076000 was reported 1,131 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 02V293000 was reported 2,116 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06E023000 was reported 2,597 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06E091000 was reported 2,999 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 07E104000 was reported 3,402 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 09E025000 was reported 3,752 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
1997-Q1 Owner reports 1
1998-Q1 Owner reports 1
1998-Q2 Owner reports 4
1998-Q3 Owner reports 11
1998-Q4 Owner reports 9
1999-Q1 Owner reports 25
1999-Q2 Owner reports 9
1999-Q3 Owner reports 25
1999-Q4 Owner reports 10
2000-Q1 Owner reports 14
2000-Q2 Owner reports 16
2000-Q3 Owner reports 9
2000-Q4 Owner reports 23
2001-Q1 Owner reports 24
2001-Q2 Owner reports 20
2001-Q3 Owner reports 12
2001-Q4 Owner reports 15
2002-Q1 Owner reports 29
2002-Q2 Owner reports 25
2002-Q3 Owner reports 26
2002-Q4 Owner reports 23
2003-Q1 Owner reports 22
2003-Q2 Owner reports 29
2003-Q3 Owner reports 26
2003-Q4 Owner reports 16
2004-Q1 Owner reports 20
2004-Q2 Owner reports 18
2004-Q3 Owner reports 21
2004-Q4 Owner reports 23
2005-Q1 Owner reports 10
2005-Q2 Owner reports 7
2005-Q3 Owner reports 6
2005-Q4 Owner reports 5
2006-Q1 Owner reports 3
2006-Q2 Owner reports 4
2006-Q3 Owner reports 1
2006-Q4 Owner reports 4
2007-Q1 Owner reports 8
2007-Q2 Owner reports 6
2007-Q3 Owner reports 3
2007-Q4 Owner reports 3
2008-Q1 Owner reports 2
2008-Q2 Owner reports 3
2008-Q3 Owner reports 2
2009-Q1 Owner reports 2
2009-Q2 Owner reports 1
2009-Q3 Owner reports 3
2009-Q4 Owner reports 2
2010-Q1 Owner reports 4
2010-Q2 Owner reports 5
2010-Q4 Owner reports 2
2011-Q1 Owner reports 2
2011-Q2 Owner reports 1
2011-Q3 Owner reports 3
2012-Q3 Owner reports 1
2013-Q2 Owner reports 2
2013-Q4 Owner reports 1
2014-Q1 Owner reports 2
2014-Q2 Owner reports 1
2014-Q3 Owner reports 3
2015-Q1 Owner reports 4
2015-Q2 Owner reports 1
2016-Q1 Owner reports 1
2016-Q4 Owner reports 1
2017-Q4 Owner reports 1
2018-Q4 Owner reports 1
2019-Q2 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 97V231000
Recall campaign 1 00V268000
Recall campaign 1 02V076000
Recall campaign 1 02V293000
Recall campaign 1 03E045000
Recall campaign 1 03E053000
Recall campaign 1 04V480000
Recall campaign 1 06E022000
Recall campaign 1 06E023000
Recall campaign 1 06E091000
Recall campaign 1 07E104000
Recall campaign 1 09E012000
Recall campaign 1 09E025000
Recall campaign 1 10E034000
Defect investigation 1 PE99010
Defect investigation 1 EA99013
Defect investigation 1 RQ00008
Defect investigation 1 EA01007
Defect investigation 1 PE02004
Defect investigation 1 RQ04001
Defect investigation 1 EA04013
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (14)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Fuel system, Seat belts, Airbags, Lights, and Glass / wipers / cameras.

  1. Recall campaign 00V268000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 02V076000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    Consequence:
    IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 02V293000

    Airbags

    Report date
    Component:
    Airbags (AIR BAGS)
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 03E045000

    Safety recall 03E045000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 03E053000

    Safety recall 03E053000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 04V480000

    Safety recall 04V480000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 06E022000

    Safety recall 06E022000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 06E023000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 06E091000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 07E104000

    Glass / wipers / cameras

    Report date
    Component:
    Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
    Consequence:
    IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 09E012000

    Safety recall 09E012000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 09E025000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 10E034000

    Safety recall 10E034000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 97V231000

    Safety recall 97V231000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    THE CHILD SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROUTING OF THE SHOULDER BELT WEBBING AND ANY FOUND INCORRECT WILL BE PROPERLY ROUTED.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 10 of 618 complaints · page 1 of 25
2019-04-13Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
NHTSA ODI 11196029
CrashFireInjuryDeath
AIRBAG LIGHT ON NO TURN SIGNALS AND NO REVERSE LIGHTS DUE TO FAILED AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING
2018-12-10Airbags (AIR BAGS)
NHTSA ODI 11160520
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2017-12-03Airbags (AIR BAGS)
NHTSA ODI 11052123
CrashFireInjuryDeath
THE INDICATOR LAMP AIR BAG IS ON CONTINUOUSLY. I DRIVE A VEHICLE ALL THE TIME, AND MY TRIP 50% HIGHWAY AND 50% CITY.
2016-10-18Engine (ENGINE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 10917173
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2016-01-12Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
NHTSA ODI 10819663
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2015-04-02Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 10703316
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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
2015-01-21Airbags (AIR BAGS)
NHTSA ODI 10676972
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2015-01-15Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 10672754
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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 #[XXX], MY QUESTION IS THIS. 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
2015-01-08Steering (STEERING)
NHTSA ODI 10671050
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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 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
2015-01-05Engine (ENGINE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 10670100
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 1998 Dodge Caravan?

Owners named Engine most often — 116 of 618 reports (19%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 1998 Dodge Caravan?

NHTSA lists 14 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Fuel system, Seat belts, Airbags, Lights, and Glass / wipers / cameras. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 1998 Dodge Caravan?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources