1988 Dodge Caravan Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 103 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1988 Dodge Caravan, 7% of the 103 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Upon turning the ignition there is a electrical short blowing the fuse, resulting in the brake light not illuminating when the brake pedal is applied.”
NHTSA complaint #813766, filed 1997-07“While parking, noticed smoke coming from driver's side rear quarter panel, within 2 minutes flames were about 10 ft tall; caused by faulty wiring harness.”
NHTSA complaint #984532, filed 1996-07Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 4 | 17% |
| 2014 | 7 | 35% |
| 2013 | 15 | 50% |
| 2012 | 47 | 54% |
| 2011 | 54 | 69% |
| 2010 | 79 | 46% |
| 2009 | 72 | 61% |
| 2008 | 162 | 54% |
| 2007 | 9 | 11% |
| 2006 | 30 | 17% |
| 2005 | 123 | 23% |
| 2004 | 8 | 12% |
| 2003 | 29 | 15% |
| 2002 | 33 | 13% |
| 2001 | 29 | 11% |
| 2000 | 33 | 7% |
| 1999 | 64 | 12% |
| 1998 | 68 | 11% |
| 1997 | 96 | 13% |
| 1996 | 213 | 15% |
| 1995 | 40 | 8% |
| 1994 | 36 | 6% |
| 1993 | 44 | 5% |
| 1992 | 35 | 4% |
| 1991 | 19 | 3% |
| 1990 | 14 | 5% |
| 1989 | 15 | 8% |
| 1988 | 7 | 7% |
| 1987 | 4 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1985 | 5 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1988 Dodge Caravan
23 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology