1998 Dodge Caravan Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 3%of 629 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1998 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the 629 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 miles. 2 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.
“My A/C stopped working right after my 3 year 36 mile warranty ran out. Dealer said it was the evaporator coil. Costs me $400. Right now my A/C just quit. My van has 58,000 miles on it. I go through belts like crazy. My mechanic can't figure it out. And other mechanics say it's an epidemic with caravans. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10071150, filed 2004-01, 45,000 miles“5 batteries since purchased new. Three were noted as having leaked battery acid. In may/june 2003, the wiring harnesses (main ones) had been eaten by battery acid causing all sorts of electrical problems. The harnesses are routed under the battery pan. Stupid placement. Dealer spliced wires together to get it running at his cost, at my insistence. Van continues to start inconsistently. Horn doesn't work since dealer spliced wires. Turn ignition key - click, repeat 10-20 times, starter will catch on one. Design defect is routing of harnesses and lack of shield to protect them.”
NHTSA complaint #10070424, filed 2004-01, 59,000 miles“I only have 35,000 miles on this car and of course the warranty is expired. And all of a sudden, the car acts like it has 135,000 miles on it. This has already cost me over $200 to repair brakes because of rotors, not bad brakes. Now I need $1000 head gasket work. Starter only seems to start when it wants to. Very temporamental. What is going on here that a 35,000 mile car would have so much wrong so soon. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #770248, filed 2002-11“We own a century model 100297 carseat. The shoulder harness latches in the back on a metal clip. I have on one occassion actually pulled the shoulder harness to adjust and had the harness come right through the seat. It came off of the metal latch behind the seat. Upon closer inspection of this latch, I do not see what is preventing the should harness straps from coming off the metal clip at any given time..especially in an accident. Please let me know if there is a way to ensure that they won't. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #704243, filed 1999-03“Ltr on behalf of (in) re 2 known defects (seat belt latches & gear shift interlock) in Dodge caravans requesting an investigation into possible safety recall fm owner of a 1998 Dodge Caravan. The consumer found the generation 3 seat belt latches have been known to unbuckle, on some vehicles, while the vehicle was in motion. The consumer stated he didn't experience the incident with his vehicle, but it was scary to think that it has been known to happen. The vehicle was not built with a gear shift interlock. …”
NHTSA complaint #10320883, filed 2010-03Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 13% |
| 2014 | 2 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 17% |
| 2012 | 8 | 9% |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% |
| 2010 | 18 | 10% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 4% |
| 2007 | 5 | 6% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 12 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 13 | 5% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 13 | 2% |
| 1998 | 21 | 3% |
| 1997 | 29 | 4% |
| 1996 | 80 | 6% |
| 1995 | 14 | 3% |
| 1994 | 20 | 3% |
| 1993 | 13 | 1% |
| 1992 | 11 | 1% |
| 1991 | 8 | 1% |
| 1990 | 4 | 1% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge Caravan
135 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsAir bags
99 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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