1989 Dodge Caravan
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 18 |
| 1985 | 49 |
| 1986 | 49 |
| 1987 | 69 |
| 1988 | 103 |
| 1989 | 191 |
| 1990 | 278 |
| 1991 | 617 |
| 1992 | 913 |
| 1993 | 949 |
| 1994 | 644 |
| 1995 | 489 |
| 1996 | 1403 |
| 1997 | 714 |
| 1998 | 629 |
| 1999 | 555 |
| 2000 | 470 |
| 2001 | 257 |
| 2002 | 245 |
| 2003 | 195 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 537 |
| 2006 | 173 |
| 2007 | 81 |
| 2008 | 302 |
| 2009 | 118 |
| 2010 | 172 |
| 2011 | 78 |
| 2012 | 87 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 36 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
23% of complaints: power train — 44 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY AFTER A NEW ONE WAS INSTALLED, INITIALLY THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE BREAKAGE OF TWO AXLES, MAIN AXLE, VAC PINION AND BOTH FRONT BEARINGS (R4761821-AA TRANSMISSION-41T 2100 2001). NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20020925
13% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
EA94-005 ACTIVE, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO IMPACT AT 6:00 POSITION, VEHICLE WAS AT COMPLETE STOP, REAR LIFTGATE LATCH CAME OPEN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950307
REAR LATCH GATE CAME OPEN. OWNER DOES NOT HAVE VEHICLE. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950303
7% of complaints: structure — 14 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SLIDING DOOR WILL SLIP IF AJAR. OWNER IDENTIFIES SEVERAL INJURIES TO FINGERS AND OTHER PARTS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950404
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
MOTOR MOUNTS SHATTERED. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20020925
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTING
UNDERDASH FIRES
THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
Campaign 89V237000 — check if this car was fixed
UNDERDASH FIRES
REAR SEAT STRUCTURE FAILS
TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
REAR WIPER SWITCH/FIRES
INBOARD FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY STRAPS CAN SUFFER FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE STRAP NEAR ITS ANCHOR POSITION.
Remedy: REPLACE FATIGUED STRAPS OR RETROFIT STRAPS WITH A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AND REMOVAL OF AN ANTIROTATION TAB TO PREVENT FATIGUE FAILURE.
Campaign 91V053000 — check if this car was fixed
R/HTCHBCK HYDR.CYLIN.FAILS
LIFTGATE LATCHES
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. CHRYSL
Remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING NOVEMBER 1995.
Campaign 95I001004 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES DURING JULY 1996.
Campaign 95I001008 — check if this car was fixed
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WIT
Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 08E033000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Dodge Caravan — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V237000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V053000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95I001004 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95I001008 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Dodge Caravan reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Dodge Caravan is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Dodge Caravan?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Dodge Caravan have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.