1990 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems
- Complaints
- 55filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 173,178miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan most often describe transmission failures, including repeat replacements, and sudden shifting problems such as downshifts, lurching, or gear loss while driving. Fuel leaks from the rail, injectors, or lines are also frequently reported, sometimes with gasoline spraying onto a hot engine. Most reports do not list mileage, and the texts that mention it describe transmission failures at about 45,000 to 122,000 miles.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission failures and repeat replacements
- 22 complaints (40%)
- median 173,178 mi at 14.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2008
Owners describe transmissions that failed, were rebuilt or replaced, and then failed again, in some cases on the replacement unit. Some say the dealer covered a replacement under warranty, and the next failure was at the owner's expense. Some owners say a dealer or transmission shop described the problem as common for this transmission, and a controller or solenoid update or replacement was recommended. Mileage is missing from most of these reports, but the texts mention transmission failures at about 45,000 to 122,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for the full transmission repair history, including any rebuilds, replacements, and solenoid or controller updates, and whether the warranty covered them.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission went into limp in mode(2nd gear only) this is the second time that this happened. The first time was at about 45,000 miles. The dealer replaced the transmission at no cost at that time. Now, this time I paid for the repair since I no longer have a warranty in effect. What, if any, is my next step to recovering some of my repair expense?”
NHTSA complaint #714002, filed 1999-10“The transmission would not shift up after stopping. The vehicle went in to have the transmission rebuilt and our mechanic has discovered that there is quite a waiting list for the case because there seems to be a problem with internal cracks on this case. Most mechanics don't even want to work on them. I have been told by one mechanic that they work on these transmissions more than any others.”
NHTSA complaint #720846, filed 2000-03 - Transmission and drivetrain
Sudden downshifts, lurching, or gear loss
- 10 complaints (18%)
- typically at 9.8 yrs old
- filed 1996–2002
Owners describe the transmission suddenly dropping into a low gear on the highway, locking up or jerking at speed, or going into a limited second-gear mode. Others report lurching, shuddering, losing gears, or a transmission that would not shift up or come out of second gear at higher speeds. Some owners say the dealer declined to repair the problem or that it returned after a rebuild. These reports do not list mileage, though a complaint mentions an earlier episode at about 45,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the transmission has ever reset itself, entered limp mode, or made sudden downshifts, and have the stored transmission fault codes read before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Automatic transmission failure premature and sudden. Van suddenly without cause downshifts to low gear. Van also upshifts surging forward. Dealer explains that the transmission assembly and transmission controller needs replacement. Dealer charges almost $1800.00 for repair that the service manager acknowledges is a common defect in the 604 transmission. The dealer is charging us a cost of $800 for this known defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #710852, filed 1999-09“While driving on highway transmission dropped into a low gear and had to be reset by restarting vehicle. Transmission was replaced and the second transmission has the same problem. Dealer has been contacted, transmission needs to be replaced again.”
NHTSA complaint #858282, filed 2000-03 - Fuel system
Fuel leaks from rail, injectors, or lines
- 11 complaints (20%)
- median 170,000 mi at 15.3 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1997–2007
Owners describe fuel rails, injectors, or lines that leak gasoline, sometimes spraying it onto the hot engine or leaking more in cold weather. Some say the rail was replaced and the leak returned, and that the dealer described problems with this assembly in other vehicles or said parts were back-ordered. Complaints also describe a suspected fuel line rupture, with the engine shutting down and flames reported, and some mention a recall covering other model years. Mileage is mostly not listed, and where it is, the miles are above 170,000.
What to check: Check the fuel rail, injectors, and lines for gasoline odor, seepage, or wet spots, and ask whether any recall or service campaign on the fuel rail was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Fuel rail failed while driving the van. I started to smell raw gasoline in the closed cabin, I was about to pass my mechanics shop, so I pulled in to see where the smell was coming from. My mechanic and I were both surprised to see the fuel rail had failed in two places, at the same time!!!, causing the raw gasoline to be sprayed all over the hot engine, (3.3l). I am surprised at how many complaints there already are here on this data base about this very same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10180665, filed 2007-01, 186,000 miles“Fuel rail was leaking. Mech said this was extremely dangerous-could have caused fire.vehicle too old for recent recall, which covers vehicles from 1995-2000, but has the same problem.paid $630.76 on 1/13/01 for new fuel rail and o-rings. Mech said today (3/30/02) that my car had same problem that he had recently fixed on recalled vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #760001, filed 2002-03
Buying note. Someone considering this model year may want a pre-purchase inspection that tests shift behavior, checks the transmission service history, and looks closely for fuel odor or seepage around the rail and injectors. Asking whether any fuel system recall or service campaign was completed can help a buyer weigh these reports.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 31 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 55 consumer complaints for the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan. 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 173,178 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system11 20%
- Brakes5 9.1%
- Body and structure5 9.1%
- Seat belts4 7.3%
- Engine cooling3 5.5%
- Other or unknown2 3.6%
- Equipment1 1.8%
- Exterior lighting1 1.8%
Also reported: Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Original transmission failed at 66,000 miles. I am the third owner. I was told that Dodge was having trouble, but figured that the problem was solved with the replacement of the original transmission. I was told that I had a version # 6 solenoid & computer. It was recommended that I update to a version # 10. The cost to repair is $ 1,900. I am just finding out that Dodge is still having problems with this 1990 transmission. Thank you for your help. Leroy j. Hersh.”
NHTSA complaint #720329, filed 2000-03Fuel system: “Car kind of sputtered and then continually running good. As if it all of a sudden was short on gas. Happened a couple of times before the engine died. This happened twice. Once in wisc., luckily only a few blocks from a Dodge dealership. They replaced the fuel pump. Again in arkansas, had the fuel pump replaced by an independent on a sunday. Still had problems. Would run a few block and die. About 4-5 times. Waited until monday when Dodge dealership opened, took it to them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10229439, filed 2008-06, 173,178 milesBrakes: “Abs brake problems; when applying the brakes and making a quick stop the pedal travels all the way to the floorbroad and the van continues to travel. This happens on any type of road surface. The master cylinder was replaced twice, vaccum booster and all moving parts of the brakes, including the rear brake drums and shoes were also replaced. Owner continues to experience a problem with the ABS.”
NHTSA complaint #824987, filed 1998-07Body and structure: “This is the second time that the door has fallen out of its' track. Mechanics at my shop can't figure out what is causing it to do this. Suggested I contact Dodge to see if this is a common problem or if it is just an anomoly of my van. They can't even tell if something is worn out and requiring replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #724520, filed 2000-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 154,000 and 186,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Other model years of the Dodge Grand Caravan
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 20 | 40,500 | 1 | 4 | 20 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 245 | 50,226 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 271 | 53,000 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 28 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 414 | 63,103 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 1,002 | 65,965 | 6 | 4 | 20 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 281 | 70,000 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 18 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 359 | 62,000 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 472 | 86,065 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 584 | 92,000 | 6 | 4 | 20 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 530 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 20 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 870 | 75,000 | 6 | — | 19 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 544 | 75,000 | 7 | — | — | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 1,293 | 70,185 | 8 | — | — | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 182 | 71,725 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 284 | 60,022 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 995 | 65,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 116 | 83,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 219 | 49,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 290 | 48,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 298 | 62,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 442 | 79,890 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 432 | 87,435 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 559 | 90,200 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 583 | 102,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 1,157 | 99,675 | 9 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 108 | 126,202 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 199 | 120,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 289 | 136,972 | 7 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 255 | 161,500 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 129 | 154,033 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 55 | 173,178 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 24 | 145,896 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 10 | 126,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge Grand Caravan model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Owners of this 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan most often describe transmission failures, including repeat replacements, and sudden shifting problems such as downshifts, lurching, or gear loss while driving. The issues reported most often: Transmission failures and repeat replacements; Sudden downshifts, lurching, or gear loss; Fuel leaks from rail, injectors, or lines.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan have?
NHTSA recorded 55 consumer complaints for the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 27 complaints (49% of the total), followed by fuel system with 11.
Has the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 173,178 miles and the middle half falls between 154,000 and 186,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.