1998 Dodge Grand Caravan Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 79about this part
- Share
- 14%of 559 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,700miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 79 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan, 14% of the 559 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,700 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Sometimes when I start my van, it will start and immediately shuts off, no matter how many time you try, the ABS, and alarm dash light stay on. If you tap on the dash or wait a while the van starts normal. Also all the gauges sometimes stop working while I'm driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10283946, filed 2009-09, 150,000 miles“On 3 occasions recently all the dashboard gauges stopped working while I was driving the vehicle. The gauges resumed either on their own after a few moments or after stopping and restarting the van. Dealer could not recreate the problem and the diagnostic code only said that communication had been lost. The technician claimed that he could not find similar issues in his database, but from this website I see there are many others who have experienced this problem. There does not appear to be sure-fire fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10381134, filed 2011-02, 144,000 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“Randomly will start up and immediately shut down. After 3 times, will not start. Have had it taken to 4 different mechanics over the last 18 months. 2 were Dodge dealerships. One dealership replaced the starter for $440. The next dealership (I was out of town for christmas, so couldn't return to first dealership) replaced the power train control module for $800. Still have had the problem. The message board is full of people with the same problem and dealers replacing the same parts that I have had replaced and still not getting fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10246825, filed 2008-10, 134,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, 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…
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4 | 20% |
| 2019 | 58 | 24% |
| 2018 | 92 | 34% |
| 2017 | 144 | 35% |
| 2016 | 314 | 31% |
| 2015 | 38 | 14% |
| 2014 | 128 | 36% |
| 2013 | 256 | 54% |
| 2012 | 337 | 58% |
| 2011 | 332 | 63% |
| 2010 | 550 | 63% |
| 2009 | 334 | 61% |
| 2008 | 815 | 63% |
| 2007 | 30 | 16% |
| 2006 | 38 | 13% |
| 2005 | 259 | 26% |
| 2004 | 13 | 11% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 38 | 13% |
| 2001 | 37 | 12% |
| 2000 | 34 | 8% |
| 1999 | 62 | 14% |
| 1998 | 79 | 14% |
| 1997 | 104 | 18% |
| 1996 | 197 | 17% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
| 1994 | 9 | 5% |
| 1993 | 6 | 2% |
| 1992 | 7 | 3% |
| 1991 | 6 | 5% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
129 complaintsAir bags
104 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
81 complaintsSuspension
51 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsSeat belts
19 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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