1998 Dodge Caravan Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 629 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the seats of the 1998 Dodge Caravan, 2% of the 629 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,500 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Only a block or 2 from home, doing 20 MPH there was the smell of smoke then flames shot out from under the drivers seat. We bailed from the van and before 911 could be called the van was engulfed in flames. A total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10617741, filed 2014-07, 16,000 miles“I have a 1998 Dodge grand Caravan we have had the steering rac replaced twice. We also have constant alignment problems what we are wondering has there ever been reports on the front seats (drivers seat) separating as this is what happened 8/3/03 the welding has seperated and the support bar has snapped completely apart we have never seen anything like it.”
NHTSA complaint #10030798, filed 2003-08“My Caravan has bench seats that do not have headrests, but do have attachment points for the headrests. I have recently noticed (2 or 3 weeks ago) that my daughter's head extends above the top of the seat. In the event of a collision, her head would snap back over the top of the seat. This could cause a serious injury. I called the dealership and found that, when I bought my van, headrests were considered accessories, but are now standard equipment. I believe that they are now standard equipment because chrysler realized its potential liability. The approximate cost of 4 headrests is $800. …”
NHTSA complaint #746864, filed 2001-06“The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that his vehicle was rear ended by an ambulance. The crash caused him to lie flat on his back and the seat to bend backwards. The vehicle was destroyed. He attempted to pull the seat upright, but could not because the seat failed in the downward position. The contact sustained a concussion, nerve damage to the lower back, walking immobility, and shooting pains up and down his left side. A police report was filed. The manufacturer stated that unless he has the damaged seat to be repaired, they have no words or assistance for him. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197076, filed 2007-07, 165,000 miles“While driving front driver's seat collapsed forward. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the seat needed to be replaced. But this vehicle was not an recall, and warranty expired.”
NHTSA complaint #10092006, filed 2004-09Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 7 | 3% |
| 2001 | 6 | 2% |
| 2000 | 18 | 4% |
| 1999 | 9 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 2% |
| 1997 | 12 | 2% |
| 1996 | 23 | 2% |
| 1995 | 22 | 5% |
| 1994 | 19 | 3% |
| 1993 | 31 | 3% |
| 1992 | 20 | 2% |
| 1991 | 14 | 2% |
| 1990 | 5 | 2% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
| 1987 | 7 | 10% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 1 | 2% |
| 1984 | 3 | 17% |
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