1998 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems
- Complaints
- 559filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 90,200miles, 215 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the serpentine belt coming off or shredding, air bag warning lights with a dead horn and cruise control, and transmission failures. Many reports arrive between roughly 50,000 and 150,000 miles, and belt problems are frequently tied to wet weather or puddles. Cooling fan and instrument-cluster faults also recur, usually as intermittent problems that are hard to duplicate.
- Engine cooling
Serpentine belt slips off or shreds
- 69 complaints (12%)
- median 85,500 mi at 7.7 yrs old (40 state mileage)
- filed 1999–2017
Complaints describe the serpentine belt coming off, shredding, or being thrown repeatedly, often while driving in rain or after passing through a puddle. Losing the belt takes out power steering, the alternator, and the water pump, so owners report hard steering, a battery light, and overheating. Several say the dealer replaced the belt, tensioner, or a retaining bracket and the problem returned. Spread from about 10,000 to 225,000 miles, with many reports in the 40,000-65,000 mile range and a clear link to wet weather.
What to check: Inspect the belt and tensioner for glazing, fraying, or misalignment, and ask whether a belt shield or retaining bracket was ever installed. A test drive in the rain is worth doing if you can.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan the serpentine belt came off during my evacuation from hurricane gustav it happen in the middle of a bridge at night is the 6th time that this occur I just had this replace how come there has not been a recall to solve this before someone die.”
NHTSA complaint #10241209, filed 2008-09, 74,200 miles“My 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan (which I purchased new) had thrown its' serpentine-belt 4 times (approximately every 10,000 miles- it now has approximately 50,000 miles on the odometer). The danger/hazard in this circumstance is that power-steering, water-pump, alternator, & possibly oil-pump are driven by this belt! Dodge has replaced the belt, tensioner, tensioner-mount bracket successively: I.e.- belt at 1st incident, tensioner at 2nd, bracket at 3rd. Now it has occurred again & they wish to charge for all the aforementioned. …”
NHTSA complaint #10052886, filed 2004-01, 10,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag light on, horn and cruise control dead
- 86 complaints (15%)
- median 90,700 mi at 6.5 yrs old (28 state mileage)
- 23 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2020
Owners report the air bag warning light coming on and staying on, frequently along with a non-working horn and cruise control. Several say a dealer diagnosed the clockspring in the steering wheel as the cause; some note their vehicle was outside the scope of the clockspring recalls by VIN. A few complaints describe air bags not deploying in a collision. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 90,000 miles, though some appear at higher mileage.
Recall 04V480000Recall 02V293000
What to check: Turn the key to on and confirm the air bag light cycles off, then test the horn and cruise control. Ask whether the clockspring was replaced and whether the recalls for it were ever performed on this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I approached a red light hit the brakes. The car did not stop. I hit two cars and the median. The passenger air bag deployed nut not the driver side. I had major injuries including broken ankle, hand, ribs and breathing. I spent 3 months in the hospital.”
NHTSA complaint #10712116, filed 2015-04, 195,000 miles“The air bag light stays on and the horn and cruise don't work. They replaced the clock spring a few years ago but I wasn't having any problems then but I am now.”
NHTSA complaint #10161271, filed 2006-07, 85,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slips, sticks in gear, or fails
- 69 complaints (12%)
- median 76,250 mi at 6.4 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,070 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 1997–2007
Complaints describe uneven or delayed shifting, the van revving before engaging a higher gear, and sometimes dropping into neutral while driving. Others report total failure, with fluid on the ground and, in a few cases, a rod through the case or a broken differential pin. Owners say repair estimates were high enough that some chose not to fix the van. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 80,000 miles, with some failures at higher mileage.
What to check: Check the transmission fluid level and color, and drive at both city and highway speeds watching for delayed or harsh shifts. Ask for any transmission service or rebuild records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have experienced transmission problems with uneven shifting from the beginning of ownership of this Grand Caravan. The engine would rev up to a higher RPM than it should have before shifting into higher gear. Initially we were told that the car would adjust to the driver and thus accepted the explanation. There have been at least two different recent occurrences, when in gear, the car did not engage and seemed to be stuck in neutral. …”
NHTSA complaint #10039510, filed 2003-09, 65,800 miles“Transmission failure. The transmission in my 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan began to slip and stay in second gear around 50k miles. I had it diagnosed by the dealer and the cost of repair is more than I could ever afford. I have taken it to two other mechanics and there is not much variation in price. Generally the cost is going to be from $16,000 to $2,400. I cannot afford a new car either. I am reading all of the complaints about this, so why hasn't there been a recall? …”
NHTSA complaint #10039529, filed 2003-09, 57,796 miles - Electrical system
Dashboard gauges and warning lights quit
- 48 complaints (9%)
- median 104,338 mi at 9.5 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- filed 1999–2022
Complaints describe all instrument cluster gauges and warning lights stopping at once, sometimes with the speedometer, odometer, horn, or cruise control also failing. Many say the problem is intermittent and returns after a restart, and dealers often could not reproduce it or found a stored communication fault. Owners frequently report paying for parts without a lasting fix. Mostly reported between about 100,000 and 165,000 miles, often becoming more frequent over time.
What to check: Start the van and watch whether every gauge sweeps and settles, then note any warning lights that stay on. Ask whether the cluster or a control module was ever replaced for this symptom.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After having my transmission replace I noticed everything on my dash was dead, my ABS and alarm set light would come on. It only stayed that way for a few minutes and then everything would come back on, but then the problem only got worse. I would try to start the van but when I did it would shut back off because my dash gauges were not working and my ABS light was on. I have 3 kids and I depend on my van for transportation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10239449, filed 2008-08, 120,200 miles“1998 Dodge Grand Caravan - when new, recalled for safety belt repair/replacement and air bag clock switch replacement. For about the past 2 years, the interior light switch and instrument panel lights switch from dim to light with a clicking sound but has not been a problem I feel needed immediate addressing. More recently, rear air vents blow cold/warm/hot air when A/C is turned on. However, front vents blow ice cold air. Rear air vents function differently each time we start the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162130, filed 2006-07, 46,500 miles - Engine cooling
Radiator fan relay or fan failure and overheating
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the engine running hot or overheating, sometimes while idling, with the cooling fans not coming on. Several point to the radiator fan relay as the cause, and one report describes the radiator cap releasing and causing burns. Other complaints describe coolant leaks from the rear head gasket that required replacement. Mostly reported in the 55,000-125,000 mile range, often while idling or in hot weather.
What to check: Let the van idle with the A/C on and confirm both cooling fans spin up; ask whether the fan relay has been replaced. Check for coolant residue around the engine and under the front of the vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased my 1998 Grand Caravan in october of 2003. I love this vehicle, it has everything I want and need. I purchased the same type of vehicle after the other one was totaled by a deer. Could you please tell me why there is no recall on the air conditioner? I replaced the evaporator in my other van and this one needs the same thing done to it. This vehicle was purchased in the cooler month, but now that it reaches 100 degrees here in florida, I need an air conditioner that works. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080642, filed 2004-07, 98,356 miles“Dear NHTSA: iam posting the exact problem as listed under your defects page for my specific vehicle: make : Dodge model : Grand Caravan year : 1998 manufacturer : daimlerchrysler corporation ervice bulletin num : 98771 date of bulletin: may 01, 1998 NHTSA item number: 601474 component: engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan summary: the radiator fan relay may not turn on the radiator cooling fans, causing engine to overheat. ================ this problem happened to me a little over a year ago. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098100, filed 2004-11, 86,455 miles
Buying note. These vans are old enough that condition and records matter more than mileage, so check the belt drive, transmission shifting, cooling fans, and instrument cluster before buying. Confirm whether the air bag clockspring recalls were ever performed on the specific vehicle.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 559 consumer complaints for the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. 215 of the complaints include a mileage, and 9% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 90,200 miles. Of all complaints, 41 involved a crash, 20 a fire, 35 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 11 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.
- Engine cooling129 23%
- Air bags104 19%
- Electrical system79 14%
- Suspension51 9.1%
- Brakes44 7.9%
- Body and structure27 4.8%
- Vehicle speed control27 4.8%
- Fuel system25 4.5%
- Steering23 4.1%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (22), Seat belts (19), Other or unknown (16), Equipment (13), Seats (13), Tires (13), Exterior lighting (12), Engine (5), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Wheels (3), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The van started having problems last week.it does not want to go into first gear after reverse or after stopping. I have been told the the differential pin is broken and will take anywhere from $1700 to $2300 to repair. I am trying to get chrysler to cover the cost of this as it is a known problem with these vans. I will never buy another Dodge again.”
NHTSA complaint #10069767, filed 2004-01, 78,027 milesAir bags: “My airbag deployed while pulling away from my children's school without any warning. The airbag light never came on and I never received a recall letter. It busted up my steering wheel and dash board. I let my insurance co. Look at it and an investigator from daimler-chrysler came out and took pictures of it. There was and is no damage to my vehicle. I was told that I would receive copies of everything, but instead was sent a letter from the manufacturer denying responsibility. The letter stated that my airbag light had been on for a long time. This is not true. …”
NHTSA complaint #10013686, filed 2003-03, 98,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan was stopped at a light, when I went to move forward, it clunked, and did not move for 1-2 seconds, then jumped forward. Took to tranny shop and was told I will need a new transmission. The shop indicated the transmission was not completely damaged at the time, but recommends that it be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10175442, filed 2006-12, 83,988 milesElectrical system: “When my van is in stop and go traffic the radiator fan fails to turn on to cool the engine to help it cool. Also it overheats at random in hot weather. My van uses a lot of coolant/antifreeze because of this. I have had the radiator replaced and pretty much everything else that is associated with the cooling system in an effort to fix this, but to no avail. Because of this I don't drive much as if it overheats I am stranded.”
NHTSA complaint #10479211, filed 2012-10, 140,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
9% of the 215 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 67,000 and 120,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Caravan · sedan FWD | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V480000Oct 6, 2004Air bagsCovers: Dodge Grand Caravan 1998–2000, Caravan 1998–2000, Plymouth Voyager 1998–2000 +2 more
On certain minivans, the driver's air bag may become disabled due to a failure of the clockspring, which is located in the hub of the steering wheel.
- 02V293000Nov 7, 2002Air bags › FrontalCovers: Dodge Grand Caravan 1996–1998, Caravan 1996–1998, Chrysler Town And Country 1996–1998 +2 more
On certain mini vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
- 00V268000Sep 13, 2000Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection systemCovers: Dodge Grand Caravan 1996–2000, Caravan 1996–2000, Chrysler Town And Country 1996–2000 +2 more
Vehicle description: mini vans built with 3.3l and 3.8l engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. Fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail could result, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
- 97V231000Dec 15, 1997Child seatCovers: Dodge Grand Caravan 1998, Plymouth Voyager 1998, Chrysler Town And Country 1998 +2 more
Vehicle description: passenger minivans equipped with integrated child seats. The shoulder harness restraint webbing was incorrectly routed around the metal reinforcement bar on these seats.
Recall details for the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 11 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, 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 platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, 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 platforms, if the…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use 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, 2019Body and structure. Use 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 parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use 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 parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Engine cooling. Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and…
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 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Owners of this model year most often write about the serpentine belt coming off or shredding, air bag warning lights with a dead horn and cruise control, and transmission failures. The issues reported most often: Serpentine belt slips off or shreds; Air bag light on, horn and cruise control dead; Transmission slips, sticks in gear, or fails.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan have?
NHTSA recorded 559 consumer complaints for the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 129 complaints (23% of the total), followed by air bags with 104.
Has the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan reported?
Among the 215 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 90,200 miles and the middle half falls between 67,000 and 120,000 miles; 9% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
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.