Model year guide

1987 Dodge Caravan

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Dodge Caravan is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1987 Dodge Caravan — representative photo
Representative photo

1987 Dodge Caravan at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints86
Combined18–22 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1987 Dodge Caravan recalls 3

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #08E033000 · 14/04/2008

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock NHTSA Campaign #95I001004 · 27/03/1995

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITHOUT REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.

Fix: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING NOVEMBER 1995.

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch NHTSA Campaign #95I001008 · 27/03/1995

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITH REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.

Fix: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES DURING JULY 1996.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1987 Dodge Caravan common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

1987 Dodge Caravan MPG & running costs

Combined18–22 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,475
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicle 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,375 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 8 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1987 Dodge Caravan costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,375
Fuel only$17,375
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1987 Dodge Caravan vehicles on record

Other Dodge Caravan model years

1987 Dodge Caravan — frequently asked questions

Does the 1987 Dodge Caravan have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1987 Dodge Caravan. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Dodge Caravan?

Across all 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are latches/locks/linkages, engine and engine cooling, structure.

What gas mileage does the 1987 Dodge Caravan get?

The 1987 Dodge Caravan has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (8 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.