1992 Dodge Caravan Problems

What owners report

Complaints on this model year center on the antilock brake system, which owners describe failing over time and often recurring after recall work; many of these reports come in at higher mileages. Seat belt buckles and rear middle-row anchorages, plus windshield wiper pivot arms and liftgate struts, are the other recurring themes, several tied to recalls that some owners say did not resolve the symptom.

1. 1
   Brakes

   ABS warning light and loss of brake assist

   • 236 complaints (26%)
   • median 146,040 mi at 14.6 yrs old (21 state mileage)
   • 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2017

   Owners describe the ABS warning light coming on while driving, followed by a stiff or hard brake pedal and longer stopping distance; some report having to press the pedal repeatedly with heavy force to stop. Many say a dealer replaced the ABS hydraulic pump or pump motor, and some report the same symptoms returning after the repair. Several note the work was tied to recall 96V099000, and some say the recall repair was refused or charged for. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 68,000 to roughly 279,000 miles, with many reports above 100,000 miles.

   Recall 96V099000

   What to check: Ask whether recall 96V099000 was completed and whether the pump, motor and related valves were replaced; have a shop check the ABS warning light, brake fluid level and for leaks before driving.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “1992 Dodge Caravan with bendix 10 ABS, recently purchased from private party. 11/16/04 took vehicle to service department of maroone Dodge; ABS warning light on, fluid being ejected from brake fluid reservoir. *jbwas advised that a recall had been issued on problem but not performed. Left vehicle for recall service. 11/30/04 I was told the vehicle was ready and went to the dealer. I was told I had to pay the bill of $1,108.67 before inspecting the vehicle, which I did. I have the parts replaced. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10108479, filed 2005-02, 115,777 miles

   “Dodge has varying recall 96v099000 on hydraulic boast ABS system: unlimited on boast pump, 100,000 mi on accumulator and transducer valves. Dodge replaces pump and warn that pump will fail. If failed accumulator and transducers are not replaced: cost $850. System will suffer integral failure. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**765657”

   NHTSA complaint #10007343, filed 2002-08, 151,270 miles
2. 2
   Seat belts

   Seat belt buckles pop open and rear anchorage lets go

   • 129 complaints (14%)
   • typically at 5.0 yrs old
   • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2002

   Complaints describe the rear middle-row seat belt anchorage releasing or coming loose while the belt is worn, and buckles on the driver and passenger side that jam or come undone during driving or short stops. Some owners link the anchorage problem to recall 97V149000 and buckle covers to 97V148000, with one saying the dealer agreed to replace the anchorage without charge. Mostly reported on vehicles already several years old, with mileage not stated in many of the complaints.

   Recall 97V149000Recall 97V148000

   What to check: Test every belt position, especially the rear middle-row, by latching and tugging firmly, and ask whether the seat belt recalls were performed.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Ea-96-005, the vehicle's rear middle right side seatbelt anchorage comes loose when wearing the seat belt, will not protect an occupant in case of an accident. Also, experiences seat belt buckle problems with the passenger's and driver's side seat belts which get jammed and come undone when wearing the seat belt.”

   NHTSA complaint #812017, filed 1997-05

   “Owner states that her seat belt in the middle rear will not hold. She also notes that upon putting seat belts on the spring clip which holds belt to the floor becomes undone. Owner has not taken vehicle to dealers.”

   NHTSA complaint #811213, filed 1997-04
3. 3
   Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

   Windshield wiper pivot arm fails or wipers stop

   Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints

   Owners report wiper arms making noise, disengaging from the vehicle, sticking in the up position, or stopping altogether, sometimes after the pivot arm had already been replaced under recall 99V189000. A few complaints mention the washer failing first, and one says the vehicle was excluded from the recall based on its VIN. Reported on vehicles of varying age, with little mileage information given in the complaints.

   Recall 99V189000

   What to check: Run the wipers at all speeds and check whether the pivot arm was staked under recall 99V189000; confirm the VIN is covered.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Consumer states that the pivot arm had to be replaced one year ago unde recall 99 v 189 000. Consumer states that windshield wiper was stuck in the up position with the motor running.”

   NHTSA complaint #10029569, filed 2003-07, 130,000 miles

   “First, windshield wiper fluid would not spray. Then, after about 3 months later windshield wipers stopped working. Automatic locks lock everything but the side door, this has to be manually locked, master key would unlock driver and passenger doors, but not side and rear doors.”

   NHTSA complaint #884445, filed 2001-03
4. 4
   Body and structure

   Liftgate struts and latch fail

   • 77 complaints (8%)
   • median 170,000 mi at 12.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2004

   Complaints describe liftgate support struts tearing away from the body or breaking at the bolt, and the rear hatch latch releasing so the hatch opens while driving. Some owners say the hatch had already been repaired under recall 97V079000, or were told their vehicle or part was not covered. Reported on vehicles generally over a decade old; mileage is not stated in most of these complaints.

   Recall 97V079000

   What to check: Open and close the liftgate several times, check the strut mounting bolts for looseness or cracks, and confirm the latch holds shut; ask about recall 97V079000 history.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While driving 65 MPH, the rear hatch latch snapped. This caused the hatch to open and it was hard for the consumer to close the hatch. The dealer had previously repaired the original hatchback latch per recall#97v079000.”

   NHTSA complaint #10071998, filed 2004-06, 170,000 miles

   “Recall # 97v079000 structure: door assembly: while van was being serviced for air conditioner and other problems, dealer forgot to perform recall work. This was the second time that owner brought this ot delaer's attention. The last time van was taken to dealership was on august 8, 1999. Please provide any further information.”

   NHTSA complaint #855087, filed 2000-01

Buying note. Check that the ABS and seat belt recalls were completed and inspect the brake system, belts and wiper linkage before buying, since owners often report the same symptoms returning after repairs. Parts availability and repair cost for the older ABS unit are worth factoring in.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.