1994 Dodge Caravan
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Dodge Caravan is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.
1994 Dodge Caravan at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1994 Dodge Caravan recalls 5
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: 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: 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.
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.
1994 Dodge Caravan common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 772 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1994 Dodge Caravan safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1994 Dodge Caravan. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1994 Dodge Caravan MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 13 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 1994 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 1994 Dodge Caravan — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 8
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 2002INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS Closed
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE FRONT AIR BAG (S) DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY--IN MOST CASES WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA #EA98006 · Air Bags · opened Feb 1998 · closed May 1999AIR BAG CIRCUIT/WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR Closed
NHTSA #PE97049 · Visibility · opened Nov 1997 · closed Mar 1998INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS Closed
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY (IN MOST CASES WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE).
NHTSA #PE97046 · Air Bags · opened Oct 1997 · closed Feb 1998DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR Closed
CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO "AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY." NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997. CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE "AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS" FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990…
NHTSA #DP96014 · Air Bags · opened Nov 1996 · closed Jul 1997SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION Closed
NHTSA #PE96008 · Seat Belts · opened Jan 1996 · closed Jun 1996LIFTGATE 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 1995An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 57
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 57.
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 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1994 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 2000Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, an intermittent short circuit in the air bag initiator wire that occurs between 1.5 to 1.7 seconds after vehicle start-up (or "key on") may lead to an inadvertent air bag deployment. This short is caused by an unprotected metal sharp edge where the clockspring wire passes through the lower instrument panel. Correction: An electrical diagnostic check will be…
Transport Canada #1999104 · May 1999Structure
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 1997Source: 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.