1990 Dodge Caravan
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Caravan › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Dodge Caravan. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1990 Dodge Caravan. Newest first.
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 with incorrect nuts are: k7147, k7329, k8683, and 104353. these parts were made for use on the various vehicles listed above.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The nuts included in the packaging for these ball joint assemblies are missing the intended prevailing torque (self-locking) feature. if the incorrect nut was to become loose, the joining members may loosen leading to a separation of the ball joint. this may result in loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the liftgate latch opens, occupants can be ejected resulting in significantly increased risk of injury or death.
Remedy
Chrysler dealers will replace the liftgate latch with a stronger latch assembly without charge. chrysler began notifying owners during october 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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the liftgate latch opens, occupants can be ejected resulting in significantly increased risk of injury or death.
Remedy
Chrysler dealers will replace the liftgate latch with a new stronger latch assembly without charge. chrysler began notifying owners of these vehicles in june 1996.
Inboard front seat belt buckle assembly straps can suffer fatigue failure of the strap near its anchor position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fatigue failure of safety belts in a sudden stop oraccident condition results in increased likelihood of injury to seat occupant.
Remedy
Replace fatigued straps or retrofit straps with a reinforcement plate and removal of an antirotation tab to prevent fatigue failure.
Incorrect screws may have been used in installing the load sensing brake proportioning valve to its bracket causing the clamping load to be less than intended.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in inconsistent front to rear brakebalance with potential for rear brake skid under heavy braking conditions.
Remedy
Replace proportioning valve to bracket screws with proper length screws.
The engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The leakage of oil in the engine compartment could causea fire.
Remedy
Replace gasket cover with revised cover, and rtv sealant will be applied in place of a gasket.
Owner complaints
278 complaints13 involved a crash7 involved a fire10 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 dodge caravan. the contact stated that the vehicle would fail to stop intermittently when the brake pedal was depressed. in addition, the brake warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel during the failures. the dealer replaced the brake pump at the cost of…
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 dodge caravan. the contact stated that the vehicle would fail to stop intermittently when the brake pedal was depressed. in addition, the brake warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel during the failures. the dealer replaced the brake pump at the cost of over $400. she called the manufacturer in reference to nhtsa campaign ID number 90v145000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:differential proportional valve), but was denied reimbursement for being verbally abusive to the representative. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 141,000 and current mileage was 165,124.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I started noticing a slight grinding noise 1 week before the failure. It only happened when it was cold and only when turning left. I thought it could be a bad u-joint. On the morning of 2-16-07 8:15 am I was turning left at an intersection when the transmission gave out. It chewed up one of the…
I started noticing a slight grinding noise 1 week before the failure. It only happened when it was cold and only when turning left. I thought it could be a bad u-joint. On the morning of 2-16-07 8:15 am I was turning left at an intersection when the transmission gave out. It chewed up one of the bearings (which a mechanic later told me was notorious for going out) and dropped them all over the road. I was caught in the middle of the intersection with no way to go anywhere, blocking traffic. This could have resulted in a major accident. I was also unable to leave the vehicle on the side of the road which had an incline to it. The transmission was no longer attached to the drivetrain and putting the transmission in park had no effect. I had to push the vehicle into someone's driveway and leave it there with a rock in front of the wheel. I did have the emergency brake on but I was not going to totally trust it to keep the van stationary. This IS the second transmission that has been put into the van. It IS a 1990 with only 87000 original miles. I am the second owner and only put 2000-3000 miles a year on this van. The second transmission has less than 25000 miles on it. *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Exterior lighting › Headlights
Driving in a heavy rain storm pulled over and stopped saw what looked like steam coming from the motor. it was daylight out did not notice that headlights didn't work just the running lights till a few hours later. after having heater on headlights will come on but smell what seems like wires…
Driving in a heavy rain storm pulled over and stopped saw what looked like steam coming from the motor. it was daylight out did not notice that headlights didn't work just the running lights till a few hours later. after having heater on headlights will come on but smell what seems like wires burning and the speaker on the front passenger side makes a cackling noise. otherwise you have to hold the highbeam switch to have headlights on.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer states that when starting the vehicle it would smell like gas.*ak
- Seat belts › Front
The consumer believes the vehicle's seat belts were not properly designed for a person 5'4". the dealer was notified. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I own a 1990 dodge grand caravan with the motor. One morning on my way to work the accelerator stuck open. I pulled over to investigate and removed the air cleaner cover and map sensor to see what why the throttle was stuck open. I found a square piece of plastic that looks like a little table…
I own a 1990 dodge grand caravan with the motor. One morning on my way to work the accelerator stuck open. I pulled over to investigate and removed the air cleaner cover and map sensor to see what why the throttle was stuck open. I found a square piece of plastic that looks like a little table with a hole in the top. I wanted to find out how it got there so I took the air cleaner out and found that it IS supposed to hold the crankcase ventilation filter in the bottom of the canister. The bad thing about this IS that I was on icy roads and the only way I could control the vehicle was to shut the engine off and coast into a driveway. I also remembered this happening to the 1991 plymouth grand voyager that I used to own. These vehicles were purchased used and therefore, I suspect that at one time someone has ran these without a filter in place. The big question IS, of all these vans on the road, how many have been run without a filter. I had owned each of these at least six months before this happened. I feel that anything in the airflow path on a vehicle should be secured so there IS no way it can be drawn into the engine. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Power train › Automatic transmission · Structure › Body
I am the original owner of the vehicle. at 48,000 miles the transmission failed. it was replaced by the dealer, glenn e. Thomas dodge in signal hill. thereafter, every 15,000 to 25,000 miles or so, the transmission has failed, probably 5 times now; the computer for the trans has failed twice…
I am the original owner of the vehicle. at 48,000 miles the transmission failed. it was replaced by the dealer, glenn e. Thomas dodge in signal hill. thereafter, every 15,000 to 25,000 miles or so, the transmission has failed, probably 5 times now; the computer for the trans has failed twice, the motor computer failed 2 times, the power windows broke off their tracks, the sliding door jammed shut and wouldn't align. now the paint job on my white 1990 dodge grand caravan (with wood trim) IS peeling off, mostly on the roof (where it IS almost completely gone, down to the primer, rusting through to the roof metal) and on the hood and front quarter panels. the paint was not properly applied to the primer undercoat or the primer was not properly applied so as to adhere to the top color coat. I have seen many other caravan's of the same model with their paint completely or partially peeled off as I have driven around. it IS a very obvious defect of the paint--there are no other vehicles out there with this kind of paint flaking and peeling problem to this extent. the plastic coating on the wood trim IS all flaking and peeling off as well. it makes the car look "shaggy!" what a mess. This car really needs a paint job to be paid for by the manufacturer. I have paid out thousands of dollars for transmissions to be replaced. I am on a three-year warranty with dodge for the transmission and on my third transmission failure under that warranty! the overdrive unit IS fully defective and the company will not undertake to fix it. the car will fail and the trans will just spin without engaging any forward gear or it will not shift into third or overdrive. the speed sensor unit IS also defective and frequently needs to be replaced. what a mess of a transmission! I have it regularly serviced and I don't drive it hard or abuse the trans. help.
- Structure › Body
Paint on 1990 dodge caravan IS peeling off.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Fuel rail leaking while driving, vehicle taken to a repair shop. Dealer and manufacturer notified and informed vehicle was not cover under that recall. Provide further information. Ts
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failed. *yh
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Fuel rail IS leaking oil onto motor, and could cause and fire. Cause unknown. Dealer notified. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving 70 mph vehicle shifted into another gear/ started jerking, and locked in park. please add vin. *Ak
- Tires › Sidewall
The metal tire belts came thru the sidewalls, letting the air out. took back to goodyear dealer and they said that it was underinflated. not so! Had 3 tires all fail like this. Dealer said they would sell me the replacement tire, but they don't make this tire anymore. wonder why? one tire even lost a section of the tread, ala firestone tires.*ak (dot number: mkka33hr18 tiresize: 195/75/r14)
- Power train › Driveline
Front end locked up after snap ring broke while consumer was driving. Contacted dealer. *ak
- Suspension › Front
Front end locked up after snap ring in vhicle broke. Contaccted dealer. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I know of 3 other family's that have the same yr., make & model of van with the same transmission problem. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
This seems to be a real problem and something needs to be done . I feel that dodge should be held responsible for these transmissions considering that they know the are bad . People shouldnot have to go to court for dodge to pay up.there should be a national recall as there are several reports on file .the transmissions lock-up without warning and can be a major cause of an accident. Then what will be done?*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Fuel was leaking from the fuel rail. dealer determined that the o-rings failed at the fuel rail connections allowing fuel to leak onto the engine. this could have resulted in a fire. this problem was found on other chrysler vehicles. reference nhtsa campaign ID number 98v184000.*ak
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Steering lock up and pulled all the to left and couldn't turn it at all. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle was in the parking lot and consumer inserted key inside of vehicle, and key started vehicle first time. next time ignition switch had play. she contacted dealership because key couldn't come out of ignition switch.*aki
- Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift
Consumer had used jack that came equipped with vehicle several times, and it failed and collapsed while consumer was using it. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Tires
The firestone tire problem seems to be happening to my tires. had one tire loose tread last year and now another tire IS starting to do the same thing. the steel wire of the belt IS coming thru the side wall.*ak (tiresize: 195/75/14)( dot number: tire size: 195/75/14 )
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My 3.0 l 4-speed automatic 1990 dodge caravan recently began having trouble shifting into overdrive. it shifts into 1ST, 2ND, then 3RD, but as it trys to shift into overdrive it bucks three times than abruptly shifts into second gear surging the passangers forward. I must then shut off the van…
My 3.0 l 4-speed automatic 1990 dodge caravan recently began having trouble shifting into overdrive. it shifts into 1ST, 2ND, then 3RD, but as it trys to shift into overdrive it bucks three times than abruptly shifts into second gear surging the passangers forward. I must then shut off the van and restart it for it to be drivable. I normally don't take this type of action but through my research have found numerous other similar complaints on this vehicle's transmission. when I found an article in consumer reports (october 1999) where this same thing happened to another individual I decided to take action.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Paint peeled off also. No safety defect listed in summary. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear seat anchorages
There is no summary currently available
- Liftgate latches
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…
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 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 nhtsa 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.nhtsa 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.
- R/htchbck hydr.cylin.fails
There is no summary currently available
- Rear wiper switch/fires
There is no summary currently available
- Seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
- Trans park system failure
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10150552Child 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 longer supported with OEM retrofit kits. NOTE: Dealers are encouraged to honor any customers? request for the installation of the Child Seat Tether Anchors and Dealer reimbursement will be made by FCA US LLC regardless of vehicle age or mileage. See the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual and/or Warranty Bulletin D-08-33 for reimbursement detail.
- 6089028Information on 41te/42le service information. *Nlm
- 6088988Concerns with 41te/42le transaxle shudder during an emcc (electronically modulated converter clutch) shift. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 607963Information on child seat tether anchors.
- 607959This bulletin announces the availability and installation of a resuable automatic transmission oil pan gasket.
- 605014Conditions with intermittent loss of speed control.
- 604696Subject regarding reusable automatic transmission oil pan gasket.
- 604364Service and parts information on 1999 running changes to transmission range sensor (trs)
- 600862Information on installation of radio transmitting equipment.
- 600751Subject on delayed transaxle engagement.
- 52963Various car owner's have expressed interest in using engine coolants made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
- 51993Vehicle shudder during torque converter emcc (lock up) operation/diagnostic trouble code 38.
- 51978Vehicles with 3.0L engines - intake valve deposits - driveway die out, rough idle, lack of power, sags or hesitation.
- 51942Difficult to clean light colored "chalky" residue from plastic body components that are molded in black.
- 46371Bulletin supersedes technical service bulletin 08-16-95, dated apr. 14, 1995. If the vehicle operator **repeatedly** presses and releases the set button with their foot off of the accelerator (a 'lift foot set' to begin speed control operation), the vehicle may accelerate and exceed the desired set speed by up to 5 mph (8 km/h) and then decelerate to less than the desired set speed before finally achieving the desired set speed.
- 43055Unknown
- 41049Cruise control overshoot/undershoot during initial set speed selection.
- 39974Harsh transaxle shifts. *T2W
- 39541Revised sliding door center and lower track over-travel stops.
- 39258Harsh transaxle shifts.
- 39058Manual transaxle locked in neutral or locked in reverse.
- 39050Rough idle/start up die out following cold engine start up.
- 39009Improved transmission shift quality.
Every Dodge Caravan model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.