1986 Dodge Caravan Problems
- Complaints
- 49filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Dodge Caravan (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 1986 Dodge Caravan. The part named most often is body and structure, with 14 complaints (29% of the total), followed by latches, locks and linkages (12) and engine cooling (5). Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Body and structure 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 structure14 29%
- Engine cooling5 10%
- Seat belts5 10%
- Electrical system2 4.1%
- Equipment2 4.1%
- Fuel system2 4.1%
- Tires2 4.1%
- Brakes1 2.0%
- Seats1 2.0%
Also reported: Steering (1), Suspension (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Latches, locks and linkages: “While driving, when hit bump, tailgate disengages and sometimes fly up, dealer's replaced bolts which tend to loosen and has caused electric short in wiper sys.”
NHTSA complaint #962093, filed 1995-03Engine cooling: “Egr valve keeps melting in the exhaust system. Repairs were made and problem still occurred. Dealer was contacted, and stated it could be fuel laying in the system, problem cannot be duplicated.”
NHTSA complaint #830309, filed 1998-11Complaints 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 1986 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 | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Caravan/Ram Van 2WD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
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
- 86V010000Jan 23, 1986SeatsCovers: Dodge Caravan 1986, Plymouth Voyager 1986
First rear seats were installed with an incorrect left side seat riser which causes failure to comply with the seat and seat belt loading requirements of fmvss 207, seating systems. Consequence of defect: if an accident occurred, the seats may become…
Recall details for the 1986 Dodge Caravan → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA94005Liftgate latchesClosed · Jan 31, 1994
- EA90030Spare tire carrier failsClosed · May 31, 1990
- PE90079Rear seat structure failsClosed · May 7, 1990
- EA90011Underdash firesClosed · Feb 23, 1990
- PE90030Spare tire carrier failureClosed · Jan 9, 1990
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 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 1986 Dodge Caravan have?
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 1986 Dodge Caravan as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Dodge Caravan is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 14 complaints (29% of the total), followed by latches, locks and linkages with 12.
Has the 1986 Dodge Caravan been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Dodge Caravan get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Dodge Caravan (Caravan/Ram Van 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 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.