1994 Dodge Caravan
This year had more than double the complaints 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 | 72 |
| 1988 | 107 |
| 1989 | 194 |
| 1990 | 283 |
| 1991 | 623 |
| 1992 | 923 |
| 1993 | 955 |
| 1994 | 661 |
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
18% of complaints: power train — 117 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH FIRE INJURY14% of complaints: air bags — 95 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIIVNG AT 35-40 MPH THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20021001
NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED AT TIME OF CRASH. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CRASH SCENE AND THE INTERIOR OF THE CARAVAN.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020826
UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH AT APPROX. 10 MPH, 2:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, DRIVERS/PASSENGERS AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, RESULTING IN INJURY. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950103
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
13% of complaints: structure — 83 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and door.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AS I SLOWLY WAS TURNING THE CAR TO PARK IN A PARKING LOT IN VIENNA VA SHOPPING CENTER, THE VAN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND STOPPED WHEN IT CRASHED INTO HANDICAP PARKING POLE MARKER ( NO DAMAGE).
NHTSA ODI report, 20140921
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 75 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and belts and associated pulleys.
FIRE11% of complaints: service brakes — 71 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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 OF THESE VEHICLES BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1995.
Campaign 95I001001 — 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 WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING DECEMBER 1995.
Campaign 95I001005 — check if this car was fixed
SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION
DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
AIR BAG CIRCUIT/WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
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 TUR
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 99V113000 — check if this car was fixed
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 O
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 W
Campaign 99V213000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
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.
Remedy: 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 TH
Campaign 00V305000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Dodge Caravan — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (117 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (95 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (83 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95I001001 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95I001005 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V113000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V213000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V305000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1994 Dodge Caravan reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Dodge Caravan is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Dodge Caravan?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Dodge Caravan have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.