1985 Dodge Caravan Problems
- Complaints
- 49filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 17 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Dodge Caravan (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 1985 Dodge Caravan. The part named most often is body and structure, with 13 complaints (27% of the total), followed by engine cooling (8) and latches, locks and linkages (7). Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Body and structure complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure13 27%
- Engine cooling8 16%
- Brakes5 10%
- Electrical system5 10%
- Seat belts5 10%
- Suspension4 8.2%
- Vehicle speed control4 8.2%
- Equipment3 6.1%
Also reported: Steering (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Fuel system (2), Seats (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “My Dodge Caravan minivan is on high . When I drive it it will remain one speed until I put the brake on. I know these cars were recalled. I would like a refund of my investment. The door panel lights also get extremely hot. They have burnt holes in themselves and holes on my personal belongings.”
NHTSA complaint #710042, filed 1999-08Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Dodge Caravan version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 85V164000Dec 11, 1985Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › ExteriorCovers: Dodge Caravan 1984–1985, Plymouth Voyager 1984–1985, Dodge Mini RAM Van 1984–1985
Vans equipped with the optional sunscreen rear glass which has less than 70 percent luminous transmittance and does not have a passenger side outside rearview mirror are not in compliance with fmvss 111, rear view mirrors. Consequence of defect: the drivers…
- 85V053000May 1, 1985Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Differential proportional valveCovers: Dodge Caravan 1984–1985, Plymouth Voyager 1984–1985, Dodge Mini RAM Van 1984–1985
Roadway stones may become lodged in the height sensing brake proportioning valve. This may cause the proportioning valve to fail. Consequence of defect: proportioning valve malfunction results in increased stopping distances during hard braking with a light…
- 84V150000Nov 26, 1984Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Dodge Caravan 1984–1985, Plymouth Voyager 1984–1985
The metal fuel supply tube may crack at the fuel pump end due to vibration. The crack may result in fuel leakage. (the fuel supply tube connects the fuel pump to the fuel filter.)
Recall details for the 1985 Dodge Caravan → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA94005Liftgate latchesClosed · Jan 31, 1994
- EA90030Spare tire carrier failsClosed · May 31, 1990
- EA90011Underdash firesClosed · Feb 23, 1990
- PE90030Spare tire carrier failureClosed · Jan 9, 1990
- PE89170Underdash firesClosed · Sep 26, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Dodge Caravan.
Other model years of the Dodge Caravan
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 23 | 46,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2014 | 20 | 57,192 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2013 | 30 | 48,000 | 0 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 87 | 51,500 | 0 | — | — | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 78 | 65,000 | 0 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 172 | 51,500 | 2 | — | — | 93 · More | Stable |
| 2009 | 118 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 58 · Typical | Stable |
| 2008 | 302 | 65,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 81 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 173 | 58,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 537 | 64,826 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 65 | 70,850 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 195 | 40,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 245 | 52,500 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 257 | 54,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 470 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 555 | 84,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 629 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 714 | 94,500 | 7 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 1,403 | 96,000 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 489 | 87,829 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 644 | 102,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 949 | 130,000 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 913 | 145,000 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 617 | 118,772 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 278 | 140,500 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 191 | 185,542 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 103 | 122,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 69 | 117,500 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 49 | — | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 49 | — | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 18 | — | 3 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
All Dodge Caravan model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Dodge Caravan have?
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 1985 Dodge Caravan as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Dodge Caravan is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 13 complaints (27% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 8.
Has the 1985 Dodge Caravan been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Dodge Caravan get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Dodge Caravan (Caravan/Ram Van 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 17 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.