1988 Dodge Caravan Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 15%of 103 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1988 Dodge Caravan, 15% of the 103 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Four times while drivng vehicle and making a left hand turn the inner cv joint busted open and made operation of vehicle completely impossible. The entire left front axle was replaced 4 times during a 6 month period in mar of 96/jun of 96 and twice in aug of 96. At same time of axle replacement a motor mount had to be replaced also.”
NHTSA complaint #810385, filed 1997-03“Power steering failure; also replaced sepentine belt/rack and pinion steering/water pump. In addition, vehicle stalls when exiting highway after driving 55-60 MPH; rear hatch often falls down and shifting difficulty when parked on incline.”
NHTSA complaint #517571, filed 1997-06“Serpentine belt failed, causing vehicle to stall. Also replaced rack and pinion steering/ steering pump/water pump/ motor mounts and engine valves. In addition, vehicle shakes at 60 MPH. In addition, ABS brakes failed/replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #517688, filed 1997-12Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 9 | 5% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 7% |
| 2006 | 13 | 8% |
| 2005 | 14 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 17 | 9% |
| 2002 | 19 | 8% |
| 2001 | 16 | 6% |
| 2000 | 61 | 13% |
| 1999 | 102 | 18% |
| 1998 | 135 | 21% |
| 1997 | 123 | 17% |
| 1996 | 215 | 15% |
| 1995 | 67 | 14% |
| 1994 | 66 | 10% |
| 1993 | 86 | 9% |
| 1992 | 62 | 7% |
| 1991 | 41 | 7% |
| 1990 | 21 | 8% |
| 1989 | 26 | 14% |
| 1988 | 15 | 15% |
| 1987 | 10 | 14% |
| 1986 | 5 | 10% |
| 1985 | 8 | 16% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1988 Dodge Caravan
23 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 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 27, 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