1998 Dodge Caravan Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 99about this part
- Share
- 16%of 629 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,450miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 99 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Dodge Caravan, 16% of the 629 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,450 miles. 23 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1998 Dodge Caravan has a failed clockspring, which has caused the airbag light to stay on and the horn and cruise control to not work. I understand that my van is not in the original recall for the clockspring because of the manufacture date, which is to late. The bill for the repairs is approx $210.00 (currently at the dealship). Please include all 1998 caravans in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10056390, filed 2004-02, 90,000 miles“Air bag light will not go off. Lost use of horn. Replaced transmission in february 2003, this car is terrible. Mechanic advised me that the clock spring is off, suggested I take it to the dealer. I will do so and am purchasing a new car. Do not feel safe riding with kids in car.”
NHTSA complaint #10060848, filed 2004-03, 77,950 miles“My 98 Dodge Caravan had a failed clockspring, which caused the airbag, horn, and cruise control to not function. Chrysler has a recall on a failed clockspring for 96-98 Dodge caravans, and clearly states on its website it will reimburse customers for repairs to the clockspring. However, when I brought mine in for repair, and on subsequent phone calls and letters written to chrysler, they indicate that my build date was not included in the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10049359, filed 2003-12, 94,469 miles“While driving between 35-45 MPH, going around a curb, the back of the van skidded. This resulted in the vehicle going over a hill, and impacting a tree head on. Upon impact, only passenger's air bag deployed. Also, the seat belt failed to retract. Driver sustained I facial injuries. Vehicle was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10110888, filed 2005-02, 100,000 miles“Due to the failure of the clock spring assembly. The horn became inoperable and the air bag light illuminate on the the dash board. Although the consumer's vehicle exhibited symptoms of recall 02v-293000, the vehicle was not included due to VIN. The consumer paid to have the clockspring replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10089266, filed 2004-09, 65,616 milesRelated recalls
- 04V480000Oct 6, 2004On certain minivans, the driver's air bag may become disabled due to a failure of the clockspring, which is located in the hub of the steering wheel.Covers: Dodge Caravan 1998–2000, Plymouth Voyager 1998–2000, Dodge Grand Caravan 1998–2000 +2 more
- 02V293000Nov 7, 2002On certain mini vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.Covers: Dodge Caravan 1996–1998, Chrysler Town And Country 1996–1998, Plymouth Voyager 1996–1998 +2 more
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 5% |
| 2013 | 2 | 7% |
| 2012 | 4 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% |
| 2010 | 17 | 10% |
| 2009 | 26 | 22% |
| 2008 | 42 | 14% |
| 2007 | 8 | 10% |
| 2006 | 27 | 16% |
| 2005 | 49 | 9% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% |
| 2002 | 59 | 24% |
| 2001 | 43 | 17% |
| 2000 | 69 | 15% |
| 1999 | 119 | 21% |
| 1998 | 99 | 16% |
| 1997 | 152 | 21% |
| 1996 | 251 | 18% |
| 1995 | 67 | 14% |
| 1994 | 94 | 15% |
| 1993 | 34 | 4% |
| 1992 | 30 | 3% |
| 1991 | 12 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge Caravan
135 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsElectrical system
68 complaintsBrakes
48 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsFuel system
41 complaintsSuspension
37 complaintsVehicle speed control
33 complaintsExterior lighting
31 complaintsEquipment
28 complaintsBody and structure
26 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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