1998 Dodge Caravan Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 68about this part
- Share
- 11%of 629 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,929miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 68 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Dodge Caravan, 11% of the 629 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,929 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The los angeles cbs affiliate station aired a story about chrysler vehicles year 2007 to 2012 that were being investigated for a potential recall. The problem is a faulty tipm, also known as a powertrain control module. Vehicle owners report instrument panel problems, gauges not working, airbag not working, windshield wipers operating without being turned on, problems starting the vehicle, and so on. I have a 1998 Dodge grand Caravan with many of these same problems/symptoms. I spent $212 on inspection and diagnosis fees. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629002, filed 2014-08, 116,850 miles“On my wife's 1998 Dodge Caravan, the idler serpentine belt tensioner arm completely broke off causing alot of noise under the hood, loss of power steering, and loss of alternator battery recharge. It also caused some damage to the other pulleys. I've owned many cars and this has never happened on other makes. This is a safety hazard that can leave anybody in the middle of no where.”
NHTSA complaint #10025938, filed 2003-07, 91,929 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“I have a 1998 Dodge Caravan that the gauges do not register october of last year, the lights, horn, turn signals and accessories still work, on the caution panel the ABS light stays on, the Dodge dealer(ozark, alabama) has replaced the vehicle computer, and electrical block under the hood it works for about two months then go dead again.”
NHTSA complaint #10160076, filed 2006-06, 65,400 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 4 | 17% |
| 2014 | 7 | 35% |
| 2013 | 15 | 50% |
| 2012 | 47 | 54% |
| 2011 | 54 | 69% |
| 2010 | 79 | 46% |
| 2009 | 72 | 61% |
| 2008 | 162 | 54% |
| 2007 | 9 | 11% |
| 2006 | 30 | 17% |
| 2005 | 123 | 23% |
| 2004 | 8 | 12% |
| 2003 | 29 | 15% |
| 2002 | 33 | 13% |
| 2001 | 29 | 11% |
| 2000 | 33 | 7% |
| 1999 | 64 | 12% |
| 1998 | 68 | 11% |
| 1997 | 96 | 13% |
| 1996 | 213 | 15% |
| 1995 | 40 | 8% |
| 1994 | 36 | 6% |
| 1993 | 44 | 5% |
| 1992 | 35 | 4% |
| 1991 | 19 | 3% |
| 1990 | 14 | 5% |
| 1989 | 15 | 8% |
| 1988 | 7 | 7% |
| 1987 | 4 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1985 | 5 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge Caravan
135 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsAir bags
99 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 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