1994 Dodge Caravan Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 9%of 644 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 151,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1994 Dodge Caravan, 9% of the 644 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 151,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I tried to open the hood of my minivan and the release broke off. The release was on the inside of the 1994 Dodge minivan and I don't know what caused it to break off. I've checked the safety defect notifications for 1994 Dodge minivans and could not find any other mentions of failure of the hand release for the vehicles' hoods.”
NHTSA complaint #10216220, filed 2008-01, 235,000 miles“Driver side door opened while rounding a bend causing me to almost fall out of the vehicle. If it hadn't been for the seat belt I would have fallen out. After the door opened I swerved loosing control however there wasn't an on coming vehicle at the time. From the force of the door swinging open both of the joints broke off and the service man at our local dealer informed us that he sees many of these problems on the 1994/1995 models. I had all of the recalls done to date including the rear latch that I never had a problem with. I have also had to replace the 02 sensor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10007041, filed 2000-10, 67,000 miles“Transmission is leaking fluid since purchase from axle seal transfer case. Front right strut assembly makes exstreme noises over bumps and sharp curves. Engine has developed a leak. Left driver side door can not be opened with key. Suspect flood damage due to a reoccurring odor from heater vents. We have contacted dealer more than three times and were given a Dodge ! Dealer has changed the buisness name and states has no longer an obligation to honor these problems which we encountered under warranty! …”
NHTSA complaint #716950, filed 2000-01“The latch assembly at the rear of the door is jammed so that the door will not close. I have managed to get it back into the right position on two other occassions by prying it into place (no, I did not bend it or alter it in any way). This time, however, it simply won't close. The loop is up. This is particularly troublesome as the problem occured when I was shopping. I had to take my wife and two children home with the door being held shut by a seat belt. I don't believe a door latch of this age should fail. It is fully lubricated.”
NHTSA complaint #743419, filed 2001-04“Driver side door opened while rounding a bend causing me to almost fall out of the vehicle, if it hadn't been for the seat belt I would have fallen out. After the door opened I swerved losing control however ther wasn't an on coming vehicle at the time.from the force of the door swinging open both of the joints broke off and the service man at our local dealer informed us that he sees many of these problems on the 1994/1995 models. I had all of the recalls done to date including the rear latch, that I never had a problem with . I have also had to replace the 02 sensor. …”
NHTSA complaint #734346, filed 2000-10Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 16 | 9% |
| 2005 | 203 | 38% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 5 | 1% |
| 1997 | 10 | 1% |
| 1996 | 61 | 4% |
| 1995 | 22 | 5% |
| 1994 | 57 | 9% |
| 1993 | 30 | 3% |
| 1992 | 36 | 4% |
| 1991 | 39 | 6% |
| 1990 | 48 | 17% |
| 1989 | 28 | 15% |
| 1988 | 23 | 22% |
| 1987 | 15 | 22% |
| 1986 | 12 | 24% |
| 1985 | 7 | 14% |
| 1984 | 6 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1994 Dodge Caravan
111 complaintsAir bags
94 complaintsBody and structure
78 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaintsSteering
38 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsEquipment
34 complaintsSeat belts
31 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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