1989 Dodge Caravan Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 14%of 191 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 26 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1989 Dodge Caravan, 14% of the 191 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We were driving on rt 1 in smrna delaware and it felt like the engine lost compression. I pulled to the side of the road turned off the van got out and saw fire under the hood. This incident happened on 3/17/2002 at 8/30 pm within minutes the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #759811, filed 2002-03“There is a technical service bulletin out on this issue(#18-31-90, NHTSA item # sb022436). It reads as follows: start-stall and/or decel dieout during low speed maneuvers-repair involves replacement of origingal engine controller(smec) with revised unit-all 1989/90 Dodge caravans. Our van did this on several occasions before it finnally died on the highway. It was a lucky thing that we were only going about 30 MPH at the time and had a place to pull over. When we took it in for a diagnostic they told us the engine controller had failed and it would be $400 to replace it, money we didn't have. …”
NHTSA complaint #714578, filed 1999-11“Consumer received NHTSA recall 89v237000. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, as well as made several appointments to get his car serviced. However, to this day his car has still not been serviced.”
NHTSA complaint #10103209, filed 2004-12“When traveling vehicle stalled/cut off and caught on fire in the engine compartment. The cause of the problem has yet to be determined. Vehicle was totaled. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #857975, filed 2000-03“Valve cover gasket just started leaking 1 week after we purchased the van. 2. Transmission went out on sept. 24, 1999 2nd time in less than a year. The whole thing needs replacing once again.”
NHTSA complaint #714884, filed 1999-11Related recalls
- 89V237000Dec 27, 1989The engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.Covers: Dodge Caravan 1989–1990, Plymouth Voyager 1989–1990, Dodge Shadow 1989–1990 +12 more
Engine 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 1989 Dodge Caravan
48 complaintsBody and structure
41 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
28 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 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