1991 Dodge Caravan
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1991 Dodge Caravan is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 5 on record.
1991 Dodge Caravan at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1991 Dodge Caravan recalls 11
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE STRUT TO THE BODY AND THE REAR LIFTGATE CAN ACCUMULATE FATIGUE DAMAGE IF THREE FACTORS COMBINE. IF THE BOLT IS LOOSE, THE GAS STRUT IS OVER-PRESSURIZED, AND THE FREQUENCY OF OPENING AND CLOSING CYCLES IS HIGHER THAN FOR THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER, THE BOLT CAN FAIL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR LOOSE FASTENERS, IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE, THE STRUT (AND INTEGRAL BOLTS) WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE BOLT SHOWS EVIDENCE OF TORQUE, THE BOLT WILL BE REMOVED, LARGER WASHERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING WASHER AND THE BOLT WILL BE REINSTALLED AND HAND TIGHTENED TO THE TARGET TO…
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LEFT HAND WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT DRIVE ARM WAS NOT MECHANICALLY STAKED TO THE PIVOT SHAFT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT HAND SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT ASSEMBLY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. COVERS ON THE SOLID STALK MOUNTED SEAT BELT BUCKLES CAN BECOME DISLODGED CAUSING THE RELEASE BUTTON TO STICK INSIDE THE COVER. THE BUCKLE WOULD THEN BE ONLY PARTIALLY LATCHED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COVER RETAINING CLIP TO THE STALK MOUNTED BUCKLE COVER TO PREVENT DISLOCATION OF THE BUCKLE COVER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. THE CENTER REAR SEAT, RIGHT OUTBOARD SIDE, SAFETY BELT ANCHOR HOOK CAN BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE BODY ANCHOR POSITION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ANCHOR HOOK RETAINING CLIP WITH A REVISED PROFILE CLIP AND A COVER PLATE.
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ARMATURE CRACKS IN THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT AREA. ANY STEERING WHEELS SHOWING CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IN THE EVENT CRACKING OCCURS.
THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES IF NECESSARY. ALSO THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS …
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 OF THESE VEHICLES IN 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 MARCH 1996.
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HIGH PRESSURE PUMP MAY BE POROUS WHICH WILL RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Fix: REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE PUMP AND HIGH PRESSURE HOSE IF THE LAST SIX DIGITS OF THE BAR CODE LABEL ON THE PUMP ARE BETWEEN 052300 AND 059262.
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HIGH PRESSURE HOSE MAY LEAK OR DETACH AT ITS CRIMPED END FITTING RESULTING IN THE DISCHARGE OF HYDRAULIC FLUID.
Fix: REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WITH A HOSE OF DIFFERENT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.
INCORRECT TURN SIGNAL FLASHER INHIBITS INDICATION OF SIGNAL LAMP OUTAGE.
Fix: REPLACE TURN SIGNAL FLASHER WITH PROPER FLASHER.
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.
1991 Dodge Caravan common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 719 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1991 Dodge Caravan MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 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 1991 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 1991 Dodge Caravan — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 12
REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT Closed
ON MAY 7, 1997, CHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL 436,000 1992 DODGE CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER/GRAND VOYAGER AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 97V-079. ODI HAD INVESTIGATION THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT PROBLEM FOR 1991-1993 CHRYSLER MINIVANS IN PE 96-035 AND EA96-027. AT THE TIME OF CLOSING EA96-027 ON MAY 16, 1997, A SAFETY RELATED DE…
NHTSA #RQ99004 · Structure · opened Apr 1999 · closed Jan 2000SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FAILURES Closed
NHTSA #EA97005 · Seat Belts · opened Apr 1997 · closed Dec 1997ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE Closed
THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEAR RESULTING IN SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.
NHTSA #EA96027 · Structure · opened Oct 1996 · closed May 1997INCONSISTENT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE Closed
safety belt buckle hosing slips down, pinching the red release button.owners report having trouble opening and closing them many allege belt unlatches while driving because of the release buttom
NHTSA #EA96016 · Seat Belts · opened Jun 1996 · closed Dec 1997THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE POSITION Closed
UNCONTROLLED ENGINE SPEED CONDITION RESULTS FRO THROTTLE SHAFT BINDING
NHTSA #PE96036 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened May 1996 · closed Oct 1996ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE Closed
THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFT GATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEER RESULTING IN THE SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.
NHTSA #PE96035 · Structure · opened May 1996 · closed Oct 1996SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION Closed
NHTSA #PE96008 · Seat Belts · opened Jan 1996 · closed Jun 1996STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION Closed
AFTER AN EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS, CHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED THE DEFECT AS A FATIGUE FAILURE, ORIGINATION IN THE HEAT AFFECTED REGION OF THE "PROJECTION WELDS" OF THE STEERING WHEEL "HUB" TO STEERING WHEEL "ARMATURE" ATTACHMENT. THE HUB IS THE PORTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY THAT CONNECTS IT TO THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND IS ATTACHED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY BY 4 WELDS. IF CR…
NHTSA #EA95029 · Steering · opened Sep 1995 · closed Nov 1996ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS Closed
NHTSA #EA94028 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jul 1994 · closed Jun 1996ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS Closed
NHTSA #PE94024 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Mar 1994 · closed Jul 1994LIFTGATE 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 1995MELTED THROTTLE CABLES Closed
NHTSA #PE93056 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jun 1993 · closed Sep 1993An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 40
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 40.
SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
Bulletin 0801001 · Electrical System · May 2001SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
Bulletin 0800600REV · Electrical System · Dec 2000SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
Bulletin 2300800B · Seats · Nov 2000SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT
Bulletin 082700 · Air Bags · Sep 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 2000DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT
Bulletin 083799 · Air Bags · Nov 1999SUBJECT 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 1999Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CARAVAN. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 7
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1991 Dodge Caravan. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Visual System
On certain vehicles, the left hand windshield wiper pivot drive arm was not mechanically staked to the pivot shaft. This may allow the drive arm to disengage from the shaft and lead to a loss of wiper function. Correction: The left windshield wiper pivot assembly will be replaced with one that incorporates an improved mechanical connection of the drive link to the pivot shaft.
Transport Canada #1999145 · Jul 1999Seats And Restraints
The first row rear seat outboard side seat belt anchor hook can become unattached from the body anchor position. Also, the covers on solid stalk mounted seat belt buckles may become dislodged. Should a cover become dislodged, the release button may stick inside the cover creating the potential for the buckle to become partially latched. In the event of a vehicle crash, either o…
Transport Canada #1997162 · Sep 1997Structure
A combination of no bolt torque, high pressure in the strut and a severe duty cycle can create the potential for the liftgate strut attaching bolts to separate. This could result in injury to persons standing under the liftgate at the time of failure. Correction: Liftgate struts will be inspected for loose fasteners. If fasteners are loose, the strut (and integral bolts) will b…
Transport Canada #1997104 · May 1997Steering
The steering wheel armature stamping may crack and separate from the centre hub of the steering column. This could adversely affect steering control and result in a possible crash without prior warning. Correction: Steering wheels exhibiting cracks will be replaced. All other involved vehicles will have a anti-separation plate installed to prevent separation of the steering whe…
Transport Canada #1996198 · Dec 1996Brakes
Note: Vehicles equipped with Bendix-10 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Vehicles with ABS brakes may experience premature actuator piston seal wear in the ABS hydraulic control unit and/or actuator pump motor deterioration. If this occurs, the ABS function may be lost and reduced power assist may be experienced during vehicle braking. Correction: Vehicles with ABS malfunction will b…
Transport Canada #1996063 · Apr 1996Brakes
On certain vehicles equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), the high pressure hose may leak or detach due to inadequate crimping of the hose-to-end fittings. This condition could result in loss of brake power assist and a possible increase in stopping distances. Correction:(526) ABS high pressure hose will be replaced with a hose of different design and construction. (52…
Transport Canada #1991157 · Nov 1991Source: 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.