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Dodge Caravan — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Dodge Caravan model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
24
Years to Avoid
1996
Best Years
2007, 2004, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984
2007Best Year
115 complaints4 recalls1 invest.33 TSBs
2006
231 complaints6 recalls5 invest.42 TSBs
2005
691 complaints9 recalls7 invest.83 TSBs
2004Best Year
84 complaints8 recalls1 invest.69 TSBs
2003
252 complaints9 recalls1 invest.70 TSBs
2002
326 complaints10 recalls5 invest.101 TSBs
2001
341 complaints10 recalls2 invest.134 TSBs
2000
613 complaints13 recalls3 invest.71 TSBs
1999
745 complaints14 recalls6 invest.104 TSBs
1998
840 complaints14 recalls7 invest.118 TSBs
1997
1,028 complaints15 recalls7 invest.136 TSBs
1996Avoid
2,178 complaints18 recalls14 invest.138 TSBs
1995
656 complaints4 recalls6 invest.63 TSBs
1994
836 complaints5 recalls8 invest.56 TSBs
1993
1,229 complaints10 recalls13 invest.54 TSBs
1992
1,126 complaints11 recalls14 invest.46 TSBs
1991
773 complaints11 recalls16 invest.40 TSBs
1990
341 complaints6 recalls6 invest.29 TSBs
1989
236 complaints5 recalls10 invest.24 TSBs
1988Best Year
135 complaints5 recalls8 invest.1 TSBs
1987Best Year
83 complaints3 recalls8 invest.1 TSBs
1986Best Year
55 complaints4 recalls8 invest.
1985Best Year
85 complaints6 recalls7 invest.
1984Best Year
26 complaints6 recalls7 invest.

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Dodge Caravan Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 1996 Dodge Caravan is the most problematic year, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Dodge Caravan, consider the 2007, 2004, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

24 model years analyzed