1998 Dodge Caravan Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 4%of 629 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Dodge Caravan, 4% of the 629 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1998 Dodge Caravan strut tower is rusting through on passenger side. We had taken the vehicle in for front brake servicing and the mechanic informed us of the strut issue. He said this could cause steering and brake failure. If the problem is not corrected and the tower collapses while driving we will loose control of the steering and possible brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10290447, filed 2009-10, 128,000 miles“I took my vehicle in for an inspection and the mechanic informed me that the upper strut towers on my 19998 Dodge Caravan are rusting through causing possible steering and brake failure. I was told if the problem is not corrected and the tower collapses while drive I will loose total control of steering and possible brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10260698, filed 2009-03, 170,000 miles“My 1998 Dodge Caravan (current mileage 108,000 miles) has severe corrosion around the top to the driver's side strut tower. It was first noticed by a mechanic last summer, but has since accelerated quickly and looks like a safety risk should the tower collapse into the engine compartment. I am concerned about any sudden failure. There is very mild corrosion in the same top area of the other strut tower. I was told by a Dodge dealer in st. Paul that chrysler was covering all or portions of select tower repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10146984, filed 2006-01, 95,000 miles“Dt: air conditioning light is blinking; engine check and air bag light is on, nothing on the dash (speedometer etc) does not work. Door locks do not work; it's like it all went out at once.”
NHTSA complaint #10120105, filed 2005-05, 135,000 miles“I own a 1998 Dodge Caravan 3.3l and less than 55,000 miles, the tensioner pulley went out of alignment, the bolt holding the tensioner in place was sheared in half, the belt fell off, and the steering locked up immediately. Thank god this happen in the shopping mall parking lot and not on freeway, the van be impossible to control! Have the van towed to c&m auto service, have the serpentine belt, the serpentine belt tensioner replaced and re-align the tensioner. The belt/pulley design on this van is flawed and a major safety hazard! …”
NHTSA complaint #10100917, filed 2004-12, 54,223 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 13% |
| 2014 | 3 | 15% |
| 2013 | 2 | 7% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 3% |
| 2007 | 6 | 7% |
| 2006 | 8 | 5% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 30 | 6% |
| 1999 | 27 | 5% |
| 1998 | 26 | 4% |
| 1997 | 21 | 3% |
| 1996 | 58 | 4% |
| 1995 | 41 | 8% |
| 1994 | 78 | 12% |
| 1993 | 82 | 9% |
| 1992 | 81 | 9% |
| 1991 | 80 | 13% |
| 1990 | 57 | 21% |
| 1989 | 41 | 21% |
| 1988 | 20 | 19% |
| 1987 | 10 | 14% |
| 1986 | 14 | 29% |
| 1985 | 13 | 27% |
| 1984 | 5 | 28% |
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 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