1993 Dodge Caravan
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1993 Dodge Caravan is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 7 on record.
1993 Dodge Caravan at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1993 Dodge Caravan recalls 10
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH 2-SPOKE LUXURY WHEELS MANUFACTURED JULY 1992 THROUGH JUNE 1993; OR EQUIPPED WITH 4-SPOKE SPORT WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1992 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1993. 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 CRACKS AND ANY WHEELS WITH CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IN THE EVENT CRACKING OCCURS.
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: MINI VANS. THE WIRING THAT INITIATES THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD ELECTRICALLY SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND. A SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND THAT EXISTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "ON" OR "START" POSITION CAN CAUSE THE AIR BAG(S) TO INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. ANY SHORT CIRCUITS IDENTIFIED IN EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INITIATOR WIRE CIRCUIT WILL BE REPAIRED.
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 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 BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 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 WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING DECEMBER 1995.
THE 15 INCH WHEELS HAVE MALFORMED LUG NUT SEAT CONFIGURATION WHICH CAUSES POOR NUT-TO-WHEEL CONTACT AND CENTERING OF THE WHEEL DURING INSTALLATION.
Fix: THE ROAD AND SPARE WHEELS WITH THE MALFORMED LUG NUT SEAT CONFIGURATION WILL BE REPLACED.
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.
1993 Dodge Caravan common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 1,140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1993 Dodge Caravan safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1993 Dodge Caravan. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1993 Dodge Caravan MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 10 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 1993 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 1993 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
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION Closed
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSA FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE "DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM" ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION. IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR § 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, E…
NHTSA #DP03002 · Steering · opened May 2003 · closed Jul 2003STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION Closed
NHTSA #RQ00011 · Steering · opened May 2000 · closed Apr 2002REAR 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 2000FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER Closed
ALLEGED FAILURES OF WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS
NHTSA #EA97020 · Visibility · opened Sep 1997 · closed Jul 1999SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FAILURES Closed
NHTSA #EA97005 · Seat Belts · opened Apr 1997 · closed Dec 1997WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE Closed
ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WHILE IN USE
NHTSA #PE97013 · Visibility · opened Apr 1997 · closed Sep 1997WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE Closed
CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON 1989 AND LATER CHRYSLER MODELS WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPIRIT/ACCLAIM: DYNASTY/NEW YORKER/LANDAU; LANCE/LEBARON; SHADOW/SUNDANCE; CARAVAN/VOYAGER. HOWEVER, BASED ON ODI'S COMPLAINT RECORDS, ONLY CERTAIN MINIVANS WILL BE INVESTIGATED
NHTSA #DP97001 · Visibility · opened Mar 1997 · closed Apr 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 1997ALLEGED 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 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 1994An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 56
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 56.
Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Bulletin R2118796A · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2016Child 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 2015FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
Bulletin 1802002 · Jun 2002SUBJECT 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 1999Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CARAVAN FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 6
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1993 Dodge Caravan. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Steering
On certain vehicles, there is a potential on high metrage vehicles for the steering wheel armature stamping to crack and separate from the center hub attachment of the steering wheel. This could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected for armature cracks in the center hub attachment area. Steering wheels exhibiting cracks…
Transport Canada #2000256 · Oct 2000Visual 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 1997Brakes
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 1996Suspension
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 15" STAMPED ROAD WHEELS OR SPARE WHEEL MAY HAVE A MISFORMED WHEEL LUG NUT SEAT CONFIGURATION. THIS COULD CAUSE A REDUCED NUT TO WHEEL CONTACT AREA AND LIMIT THE WHEEL SELF CENTERING CAPABILITY DURING INSTALLATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOOSENING OF THE WHEEL LUG NUTS AND POSSIBLE WHEEL LOSS. CORRECTION: SUSPECT WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED AND INSTALLED WITH NE…
Transport Canada #1993086 · Jun 1993Source: 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.