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2001 Dodge Caravan problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Dodge Caravan is airbags, typically around 60,000 miles. It has 3.0 times the complaints of a typical Caravan model year.

Year to avoid3.0x the typical complaints
Year score
35/100
Owner complaints
257
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
134
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
17-19mpg

The worst 2001 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 2001 Dodge Caravan

Airbag light 29Headlights 29Adaptive cruise 8Ball joint 8Brake failure 6Check engine light 6Transmission failure 6Grinding brakes 5Power windows 5Stalling 5Wipers 5

Recalls 3

Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/cd etc.Reported November 2, 2004 · 238,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain mini vans, condensation from the instrument panel air conditioning ducts may drop through vent holes in the top of the radio and result in a short circuit that subsequently sends direct current to the rear speakers.
Risk
This could result in a speaker fire.
Remedy
Dealers will add a special tape to the top of the radio to prevent the potential of water intrusion. The recall began on january 31, 2005. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 04V531000 · Recall details

StructureReported March 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
Risk
This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1‑800‑745‑6096.

Recall number 03V094000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: control arm: lower armReported May 8, 2001 · 41,587 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: minivans. The lower control arm pivot bolt could fracture.
Risk
If the bolt fractures, the lower control arm could separate from the crossmember, causing a loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right lower control arm bolts and nuts. Owner notification began april 30, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 01V152000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2001 Dodge Caravan

Defect investigations

Headlight malfunctionOpened June 1, 2005, closed May 2, 2006

Owner reports indicate allegations of improper headlight operation of one or both headlights.some report intermittent outage or dimming.many report that the condition is random; it sometimes does not repeat and lasts for a very short duration. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report for additional information.

EA05009

Headlight malfunctionOpened February 2, 2005, closed June 1, 2005

The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation after receiving reports from consumers that their headlights would malfunction in various ways from flickering to complete non-illumination.headlight operation is monitored by the vehicle's body control module (bcm) and front control module (fcm).odi is upgrading this preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis (ea05-009) to further examine the issue.

PE05004

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Dodge Caravan 134

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

See all 134 bulletins for the 2001 Dodge Caravan

2001 Dodge Caravan fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD182219
3.3L 6‑cylFWD162218
3.8L 6‑cylFWD162218
3.8L 6‑cyl4WD152117-18

What 2001 Dodge Caravan owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 28, 2025 · Lights · FL

There is no incident, however I would like to report a manufacturer problem. Many manufacturers put vehicles on the market with front headlights that are too bright and not aimed properly. See [XXX] There are regulations for the lumens of headlights and system of reflectors, but I assume manufacturers are not be watched for violations. Where I live, in Sarasota, FL, I am blinded by all the vehicle lights at night because lights appear to be on bright when they aren't. Something is very wrong. I don't think everyone is having aftermarket LED lights installed. I think they are coming from the manufacturers that way. Can you help? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 26, 2023 · Lights · MD

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Filed Jun 14, 2019 · Fuel system, Steering · 213,000 miles · PA

I need to know it my vehicle has any recalls I'm having some major safety concerns about it.

Filed Apr 28, 2018 · Acceleration · 44,900 miles · FL

After the engine warms up and at speeds around 45-50 the acceleration sticks as if the cruise control is on. The only way to stop it is to put the car in neutral then drive,or shut the engine off. I disconnected the servo to the cruise control to eliminate the cruise as the cause. The problem is intermittent but occurs often.

Filed Apr 5, 2018 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · WI

Fuel rail is leaking gasoline. There is a pressure damper that is on the rail that is non serviceable and it is leaking fuel onto rail that is causing the smell to enter the cabin. Dealer says fuel rail needs to be replaced to effect proper repair. Fuel leaks any time engine is running.

Filed Jun 19, 2017 · Steering · 102,000 miles · CA · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge caravan sport. While attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly locked and causing the steering wheel to make a popping noise. The steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to use excessive force to move the steering wheel. Suddenly, the steering wheel did a hard release and returned to normal. The hard release caused the contact to receive injuries to the hand, wrist, and arm. Medical attention was needed. The failure recurred. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the there was no recall for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2017 · FL

I was rolling my driver's side window up (electric window), it got half way up and it shattered all over me. I was literally picking glass out of my legs from this window

Filed Feb 1, 2017 · Suspension · 2,500 miles · WV

The rear axels bend around back wheels also front makes a noise when you hit a bump

Filed Sep 29, 2016 · Seat belts · MO · crash · 3 injuries

Tl* the contact owned a 2001 dodge caravan. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed. The second row driver's side seat belt fractured. The contact sustained injuries to the head, chest, and ankle. The front passenger received a sprained ankle and the other occupant received a broken wrist, broken sternum, and a cracked pelvis/hip. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.

Filed Dec 4, 2015 · Steering · PA

Steering wheel becomes so tight and cant even move when ever the outside temperatures fall below 50degrees. It takes at least 15 min to become normal. Fuel levels are normal in my van.

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Questions about the 2001 Dodge Caravan

Is the 2001 Dodge Caravan reliable?

Owners have filed 257 complaints about the 2001 Dodge Caravan, 3.0 times a typical Caravan model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2001 Dodge Caravan year score?

The 2001 Dodge Caravan scores 35 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Caravan: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Dodge Caravan?

Airbags, with 43 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles. Next is lights (32).

How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Caravan have?

3 recalls, covering equipment, structure and suspension.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Dodge Caravan get?

Official estimates for the 2001 Dodge Caravan range from 17 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 22 highway.

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