1988 Dodge Caravan Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%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 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1988 Dodge Caravan, 6% of the 103 complaints for this model year.
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.
“The headlights on my 1988 Dodge Caravan are becomming opaque. I only see a glow on the road ahead. I understand that this is a common problem. I was told by a delership parts person the cause is water condensing on the inside of the headlight's lense, and leaving a calcium deposit when the headlamps are turned on, causing evaporatoration of the moisture. Not all cars have this problem. I feel that this problem is the result of a poorly designed lense unit. Other headlight lense units do not have this problem. This is a potential safety problem due to poor illumination of the road ahead. …”
NHTSA complaint #722707, filed 2000-05“The headlight lenses of vehicle were made from plastic. After sometime in the sun the lenses faded to a yellow color, not allowing enough light for safe visibility, consumer has purchased new hologen bulbs for vehicle, new bulbs don't work. Yellow film will not disappear.”
NHTSA complaint #809467, filed 1997-04“The headlights do not put out proper lighting because water has gotten into the area. The dealer is aware of the problem. Owner replaced the light bulbs and drained out most of the water, but the headlights remain very hazy, causing poor visibility.”
NHTSA complaint #823889, filed 1998-06“Headlight lenses made of plastic after dark, the lights do not shine far enough ahead for consumer to see or drive safely. Consumer replaced them with new hologen bulbs, still not enough light to drive safely.”
NHTSA complaint #809464, filed 1997-02Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 6% |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 16 | 9% |
| 2005 | 90 | 17% |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 15 | 6% |
| 2001 | 30 | 12% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 16 | 3% |
| 1998 | 31 | 5% |
| 1997 | 20 | 3% |
| 1996 | 43 | 3% |
| 1995 | 6 | 1% |
| 1994 | 8 | 1% |
| 1993 | 19 | 2% |
| 1992 | 8 | 1% |
| 1991 | 5 | 1% |
| 1990 | 5 | 2% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 6 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1988 Dodge Caravan
23 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEquipment
7 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 31, 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