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1991 Dodge Caravan problems

The most common problem on the 1991 Dodge Caravan is brakes, typically around 107,545 miles. It has 7.1 times the complaints of a typical Caravan model year.

Typical year7.1x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
616
Recalls
9
Service bulletins
40
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
17-20mpg

The worst 1991 Dodge Caravan problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Dodge Caravan

ABS 144Brake failure 53Seat belt 33Transmission failure 16Door locks 13Loss of power 10Wipers 9Fire or smoke 7Power steering loss 7Stalling 7Fuel leak 6Grinding brakes 5Headlights 5

Recalls 9

Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachmentsReported September 2, 1999 · 1,318,189 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Personal injury could occur if the bolts break allowing the liftgate to fall suddenly.
Remedy
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 torqued.

Recall number 99V213000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkagesReported July 16, 1999 · 828,559 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: minivans. The left hand windshield wiper pivot drive arm was not mechanically staked to the pivot shaft.
Risk
This could allow the drive arm to disengage from the shaft leading to a loss of wiper function. The driver's visibility would be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left hand side windshield wiper pivot assembly.

Recall number 99V189000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: buckle assemblyReported September 9, 1997 · 1,100,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install a cover retaining clip to the stalk mounted buckle cover to prevent dislocation of the buckle cover.

Recall number 97V148000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported September 9, 1997 · 1,100,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger mini-vans. The center rear seat, right outboard side, safety belt anchor hook can become unattached from the body anchor position.
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the anchor hook retaining clip with a revised profile clip and a cover plate.

Recall number 97V149000 · Recall details

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported November 18, 1996 · 675,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
Risk
If the steering wheel separates from the center hub attachment to the steering column, loss of control can occur increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 96V229000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported June 13, 1996 · 321,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The ABS hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear causing pump-motor deterioration.
Risk
If this condition occurs, the ABS function could be lost and reduced power assist would be experienced during vehicle braking increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
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 will also be reimbursed for previous ABS component repair costs.

Recall number 96V099000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported March 10, 1992 · 10,492 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The anti-lock brake system high pressure pump may be porous which will result in brake fluid leakage.
Risk
Fluid leakage eventually causes the loss of both theanti-lock brake system and hydraulic assist for the brake system, resulting inincreased likelihood of brake lockup and increased stopping distances, whichcould result in a vehicle accident.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 92V030000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported November 1, 1991 · 80,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The anti-lock brake system high pressure hose may leak or detach at its crimped end fitting resulting in the discharge of hydraulic fluid.
Risk
Fluid discharge eventually causes the loss of both theanti-lock brake system and hydraulic assist for the brake system, resulting inincreased likelihood of brake lockup and increased stopping distances, whichcould result in a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Replace the ABS high pressure hose with a hose of different design and construction.

Recall number 91V191000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unitReported March 11, 1991 · 1,300 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Incorrect turn signal flasher inhibits indication of signal lamp outage.
Risk
Inoperative turn signal lamps would not inform driverthat a lamp was out, or warn other drivers of intent to turn, creating a riskof accident; vehicle does not comply with fmvss 108.
Remedy
Replace turn signal flasher with proper flasher.

Recall number 91V041000 · Recall details

See all 9 recalls for the 1991 Dodge Caravan

Defect investigations

Rear liftgate supportOpened April 19, 1999, still open

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 defect trend had not been identified on the 1991 and 1993 models.since the closing of ea96-027, odi has received 34 complaints of rear liftgate support attaching bolt failures, including ten injuries, on the subjecet vehicles.it is recommended that a recall query be opened to determine the scope of liftgate support failures on the subject vehicles.closing note: on july 19, 1999, damilerchrysler agreed to recall 1991, 1993, and 1994 model year vehicles to remedy rear liftgate supports; safety recall 99v‑213.it is recommended that rq99-004 be closed.

RQ99004

Safety belt anchorage failuresOpened April 10, 1997, closed December 23, 1997

There is no summary currently available

EA97005

Alleged rear liftgate support failureOpened October 31, 1996, closed May 16, 1997

The retainer bolt of the rear liftgate support cylinders may shear resulting in sudden collapse of the rear hatch door.

EA96027

Inconsistent safety belt buckleOpened June 28, 1996, closed December 17, 1997

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

EA96016

Throttle will not return to the positionOpened May 14, 1996, closed October 31, 1996

Uncontrolled engine speed condition results fro throttle shaft binding

PE96036

Alleged rear liftgate support failureOpened May 6, 1996, closed October 31, 1996

The retainer bolt of the rear lift gate support cylinders may sheer resulting in the sudden collapse of the rear hatch door.

PE96035

Safety blt latch operationOpened January 25, 1996, closed June 28, 1996

There is no summary currently available

PE96008

Steering wheel separationOpened September 26, 1995, closed November 13, 1996

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 cracks develop in the heat affected region of the welds and propagate through the steering wheel armature to each of the welds, the steering wheel can separate from the hub.this is a slow progressive failure which normally occurs at high mileage.in some cases complainants have reported a looseness or wobbling of the steering wheel prior to separation.to remedy this defect, chrysler will inspect the steering wheels of the affected vehicles for cracks in the hub area.if any cracks are found, the steering wheel will be replaced.all other vehicles will have reinforcing plates installed which would prevent a steering wheel separation should cracking occur.

EA95029

Abs braking system failsOpened July 29, 1994, closed June 24, 1996

There is no summary currently available

EA94028

Abs braking system failsOpened March 7, 1994, closed July 29, 1994

There is no summary currently available

PE94024

Liftgate latchesOpened January 31, 1994, closed October 25, 1995

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.the federal safety agency analyses of chrysler and peer minivans took the form of static and dynamic crash testing, engineering evaluations, complaint and field analyses, and real world data analyses.a technical report discussing these analyses can be found in the engineering analysis technical report in the public viewing file.chrysler has advised the federal safety agency that it will conduct a campaign to replace the latches on all the subject vehicles.the chrysler campaign will consist of notification letters to all owners; free replacement of all latches with stronger, safer latches regardless of the age of the minivans; national advertising to promote customer awareness of the campaign; quarterly reports regarding campaign completion rates; as well as additional measures to ensure a high completion rate, above and beyond the actions that normally would be taken in a formal safety recall.these include follow up written and telephonic notifications to owners who do not bring their vehicles in for corrective action.the federal safety agency firmly believes that the crash performance of the latches on these minivans raises serious safety concerns, and that the campaign addresses these concerns.the chrysler corrective action will increase the strength of the liftgate latches and decrease the potential for inertial unlatching, thereby reducing the risk of crash-related openings of the liftgate and possible occupant ejection through the liftgate opening.owners of chrysler minivans will get a stronger, safer latch free of charge at the earliest possible time, without the need for further technical investigation and complex and time-consuming litigation with an uncertain outcome.based on the above, odi is closing this investigation.

EA94005

Melted throttle cablesOpened June 9, 1993, closed September 14, 1993

There is no summary currently available

PE93056

Window shatteringOpened June 8, 1992, closed October 9, 1992

There is no summary currently available

PE92053

Safety blt anchorage brksOpened March 11, 1992, closed July 20, 1992

There is no summary currently available

PE92028

Braking performance lossOpened July 5, 1991, closed November 26, 1991

Abs system leaks are alleged by consumers which result in complete brakefailure. Severre leaking occurs while the vehicle sits for several hoursresulting in complete loss of fluid. Leaks are appearing in both the highand low pressure lines possibly due to a faulty seal or coupling. Onecomplaint alleges fluid being forced out of brake reservoir when engine isstarted, possible pointing to a faulty check valve in the accumulator.

PE91094

Abs control failureOpened June 28, 1991, closed October 23, 1991

There is no summary currently available

PE91093

Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Dodge Caravan 40

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 40 bulletins for the 1991 Dodge Caravan

1991 Dodge Caravan fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cylFWD182320
3.0L 6‑cylFWD1721-2219
3.3L 6‑cylFWD162118
3.3L 6‑cyl4WD152017

What 1991 Dodge Caravan owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 5, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · TN

Started missing at frist, then a no start. I've changed the timing chain, crank sensor, camshaft sensor, coil pack. Tried a new ECM. There's voltage to the coil pack, but no spark. I've checked wiring circuit, and auto shut down relay .

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Brakes · 87,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 1991 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the front brake calipers malfunctioned and made the vehicle difficult to move. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the hydraulic control unit that houses the brake actuator piston and the pump motor assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the federal safety agency campaign number 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic) although the recall indicated that the part would have a life time coverage. The failure mileage was 87,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · NV

1991 dodge caravan. Consumer writes in regards to anti lock brake system recall and seeks reimbursement for repairs. *smd the consumer stated he paid for the repairs on april 20, 2006 and was charged $376.73, even though a recall had been issued. The consumer experienced ABS problems again in december 2013. The consumer stated the recall letter stated if the problem occurred again, chrysler would cover any repairs. The dealer informed the consumer, he had to pay $112 for a diagnostic test, to see if the problem would be covered, under the recall. The dealer then informed the consumer, they didn't have the equipment to test his vehicle, due to the age. However, a few days later, the dealer informed the consumer, they had the equipment, but it would cost $336. The consumer declined the test. Also, the transmission, starter, fuel pump, ignition coil blocks , serpentine belt, pulleys, power steering pump, and radiator were all replaced. *jb updated 04/16/14

Filed Apr 16, 2008 · Airbags · AL · 1 injury

The drivers side airbag deployed while I was driving down the road, my arm is swollen, burned, and bruised. My nose and head have hurt for the last four days.

Filed Aug 4, 2007 · Suspension · 87,311 miles · NJ

A loud clunking noise could be heard when traveling over uneven road surfaces or on right hand turns. After completing a right turn, the driver side front wheel was completely dislodged and folded backinto the wheel well. The lower control arm was fractured where the ball joint was seated, allowing the ball joint to come away from the lower control arm. The driver side drive shaft was dislodged from the transmission.

Filed Feb 5, 2007 · Brakes · 49,091 miles · FL

1991 dodge caravan with ABS failure problems**cc a recall was issued after the consumer had the first repair done. The consumer is requesting reimbursement.

Filed Nov 21, 2006 · Brakes · 145,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated recall # 96v099000 for the service brakes: hydraulic: anti-lock was received. When the service dealer was called to schedule the recall repair, the service dealer informed the contact, there would be charges for replacing the accumulator plus labor costs. The manufacturer requested the receipts to be sent for review for possible reimbursement. Updated 01/10/07.

Filed Mar 20, 2006 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · IL

Hello below is a copy of text on your recall site with details of this recall comments I make are below that.. Make : dodge model : grand caravan year : 1991 manufacturer : chrysler corporation the federal safety agency campaign id number : 96v099000 mfg's report date : apr 19, 1996 component: service brakes, hydraulic:antilock potential number of units affected : 321000 summary: the ABS hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear causing pump-motor deterioration. Consequence: if this condition occurs, the ABS function could be lost and reduced power assist would be experienced during vehicle braking increasing the potential for a vehicle accident. Remedy: dealers will test the vehicle's anti-lock brake system and repair the vehicles if necessary. (except for the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump-motor assembly which will have a lifetime coverage). The thing I find here is the term regarding piston assembly when I took my van in due to failure only the piston assembly was replaced it should be revised to include the whole unit because a accumulator made of cast iron that is connected to the unit is never replaced rust keeps entering the unit from this accumulator being it is made of a rusting metal and just keeps making the unit fail this is my second repair in 2yrs and the rust is now getting into the lines causing the rear wheels to lock in wet weather all the parts stores that even carry the unit which is few sell it as a complete unit not in pieces such as with other master cly. 's without ABS I find cast iron a poor choice for a air tank of a air pump which by nature injects air into the metal cast iron tank stainless steel would been a better choice if it would meet the tank pressures. I am seeking replacement of the entire brake system since it is now a total loss due to the rust and prefer non ABS if that's able .

Filed Mar 20, 2006 · Brakes · 180,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated recall work was performed on the vehicle prior to the contact being aware of the recall. The manufacturer was contacted about reimbursement which they denied because the recall work was not performed at an authorized dealership. The federal safety agency recall # 96v099000 concerning the service brakes: hydraulic: antilock.

Filed Jan 13, 2006 · Brakes, Suspension · 133,000 miles · WA

Dt*: the contact stated there is a vibration in the front end and the brake pedal is pulsating. This has persisted for 3 years. The tires were replaced and realigned numerous times to correct the vibration, however the problem still occurs. The brakes were replaced 3 times, although the pulsating is currently evident. The vibration occurs around 30 MPH. When the vehicle speed increases, the vibration is less noticeable. The manufacturer has not been contacted.

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Questions about the 1991 Dodge Caravan

Is the 1991 Dodge Caravan reliable?

Owners have filed 616 complaints about the 1991 Dodge Caravan, 7.1 times a typical Caravan model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1991 Dodge Caravan?

Brakes, with 216 complaints, typically around 107,545 miles. Next is seat belts (89).

How many recalls does the 1991 Dodge Caravan have?

9 recalls, covering structure, visibility and seat belts.

Was there a recall on the 1991 Dodge Caravan brakes?

Yes, 3 recalls: 96V099000, 92V030000, 91V191000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Caravan have bad brakes?

The Dodge Caravan model years with the most brakes complaints are 1993 (336 complaints), 1992 (271 complaints) and 1991 (216 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Dodge Caravan get?

Official estimates for the 1991 Dodge Caravan range from 17 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 23 highway.

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