1990 Dodge Caravan
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Dodge Caravan is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1990 Dodge Caravan at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1990 Dodge Caravan recalls 6
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.
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 STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING OCTOBER 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 IN JUNE 1996.
INBOARD FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY STRAPS CAN SUFFER FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE STRAP NEAR ITS ANCHOR POSITION.
Fix: REPLACE FATIGUED STRAPS OR RETROFIT STRAPS WITH A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AND REMOVAL OF AN ANTIROTATION TAB TO PREVENT FATIGUE FAILURE.
INCORRECT SCREWS MAY HAVE BEEN USED IN INSTALLING THE LOAD SENSING BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO ITS BRACKET CAUSING THE CLAMPING LOAD TO BE LESS THAN INTENDED.
Fix: REPLACE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO BRACKET SCREWS WITH PROPER LENGTH SCREWS.
THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
Fix: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
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.
1990 Dodge Caravan common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 333 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1990 Dodge Caravan MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 7 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 1990 Dodge Caravan costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1990 Dodge Caravan. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 6
REAR SEAT ANCHORAGES Closed
NHTSA #PE95014 · Seat Belts · opened Feb 1995 · closed Jul 1995LIFTGATE LATCHES Closed
LIFTGATE LATCHES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE FAILED IN LOW AND MODERATE SPEED IMPACTS RESULTING IN OCCUPANT EJECTIONS, INJURIES, AND FATALITIES. THERE ARE TWO FAILURE MODES ASSOCIATED WITH LATCH FAILURE: FORK BOLT-DETENT LEVER BYPASS, AND INERTIAL UNLATCHING. NHTSA ANALYSES OF CHRYSLER AND PEER MINIVANS TOOK THE FORM OF STATIC AND DYNAMIC CRASH TESTING, ENGINEERING EVALUATIONS, COMPLAINT AND FIELD ANALYSES, AND REAL…
NHTSA #EA94005 · Structure · opened Jan 1994 · closed Oct 1995R/HTCHBCK HYDR.CYLIN.FAILS Closed
NHTSA #PE92027 · Structure · opened Mar 1992 · closed Jun 1992REAR WIPER SWITCH/FIRES Closed
NHTSA #PE91062 · Equipment · opened Mar 1991 · closed Jul 1991SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE91026 · Seat Belts · opened Jan 1991 · closed May 1991TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #EA91010 · Power Train · opened Dec 1990 · closed Dec 1991An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 29
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 29.
Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for the model year are no l…
Bulletin 23-014-15 · Equipment · Apr 2015SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
Bulletin 0800600REV · Electrical System · Dec 2000SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
Bulletin 2300800B · Seats · Nov 2000SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
Bulletin 230800 · Seats · Mar 2000THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT
Bulletin 080600 · Electrical System · Feb 2000SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS
Bulletin 233599REVA · Structure · Oct 1999INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
Bulletin 233599 · Seats · Sep 1999THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT
Bulletin 210599A · Power Train · Sep 1999CONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. *TT
Bulletin 210699 · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 1999SUBJECT REGARDING REUSABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT
Bulletin 210599 · Power Train · Mar 1999Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CARAVAN. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 5
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1990 Dodge Caravan. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Seats And Restraints
CONTINUED FLEXING OF THE INBOARD FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY STRAPS CAN RESULT IN EVENTUAL STRAP FAILURE NEAR THE ANCHOR LOCATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE INCREASED RISK OF FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT INJURY DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: STRAPS WILL BE INSPECTED AND REINFORCED OR REPLACED WITH A STRENGTHENED VERSION AS REQUIRED.
Transport Canada #1991065 · Apr 1991Emissions
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1105 - evaporative emissions. Defective evaporative canister.
Transport Canada #1991023 · Feb 1991Lights And Instruments
NOTE: VEHICLES LOCATED IN ONTARIO, QUEBEC, NEW BRUNSWICK, NOVA SCOTIA, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND AND NEWFOUNDLAND. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING DUE TO CORROSION FAILURE OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE. CORRECTION: DRL MODULE WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE HAVING ADDITIONAL POTTING MATERIAL THAT COVERS ALL PREVIOUSLY EXPOSED COMPONENTS.
Transport Canada #1991008 · Jan 1991Brakes
THE BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED TO ITS BRACKET WITH LONGER THAN SPECIFIED FASTENERS RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLAMPING LOADS. AN INSECURE PROPORTIONING VALVE COULD CREATE THE POSSIBILITY OF REAR WHEEL LOCK-UP ON BRAKE APPLICATION. CORRECTION: BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO BRACKET SCREWS WILL BE REPLACED WITH PROPER LENGTH FASTENERS.
Transport Canada #1990131 · Aug 1990Engine
ON VEHICLES WITH 2.2 LITRE OR 2.5 LITRE EFI(NON-TURBO) ENGINE, THE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY LEAK OIL CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: VALVE COVER GASKET WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED COVER AND RTV SEALANT APPLIED IN PLACE OF THE GASKET.
Transport Canada #1989178 · Dec 1989Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan is a series of minivans manufactured by Chrysler from the 1984 through 2020 model years. The Dodge version of the Chrysler minivans was marketed as both a passenger van and a cargo van. For 1987, the model line was joined by the long-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan. Produced in five generations across 36 model years, the Dodge Caravan is the second longest-lived Dodge nameplate. Initially marketed as the Dodge counterpart of the Plymouth Voyager, the Caravan was later slotted between the Voyager and the Chrysler Town & Country. Following the demise of Plymouth, the model line became the lowest-price Chrysler minivan, ultimately slotted below the Chrysler Pacifica.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.