Model year record

1989 Dodge Caravan

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 236 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 91V053000

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
640,000
Reported to NHTSA
1991-04-10
Owners notified
1991-05-29

Defect description

INBOARD FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY STRAPS CAN SUFFER FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE STRAP NEAR ITS ANCHOR POSITION.

Safety risk

FATIGUE FAILURE OF SAFETY BELTS IN A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT CONDITION RESULTS IN INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE FATIGUED STRAPS OR RETROFIT STRAPS WITH A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AND REMOVAL OF AN ANTIROTATION TAB TO PREVENT FATIGUE FAILURE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 89V237000

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
634,000
Reported to NHTSA
1989-12-27
Owners notified
1990-02-21

Defect description

THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

Safety risk

THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Power train: automatic transmission44
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock25
Engine and engine cooling: engine15
Structure: body: door15
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline11
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate10
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut8
Electrical system: ignition6
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components6
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly5
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack4
Seat belts: front: anchorage4
Seat belts: front: retractor4
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments4
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system3
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner3
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch3230,000 mi
Visibility: windshield3
Electrical system: starter assembly2
Engine and engine cooling2
Power train2
Power train: manual transmission2
Seat belts2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor2
Structure: body: tailgate2
Structure: body: trunk lid2
Tires2
Unknown or other2
Vehicle speed control2
Electrical system: wiring1
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger1
Equipment adaptive/mobility1
Exterior lighting: headlights1
Exterior lighting: turn signal1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1
Fuel system, other: fuel injection system1141,083 mi
Interior lighting1
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch1
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable1
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch1
Power train: axle assembly1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Seats1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments1
Structure: frame and members1
Suspension: front: macpherson strut1
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire1
Visibility: glass, side/rear1
Visibility: power window devices and controls1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1

The 1988 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1990 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.