1985 Dodge Caravan problems
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Common 1985 Dodge Caravan problems
The Dodge Caravan, introduced in 1984, quickly gained popularity as a family-friendly minivan. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. This article will focus on the 1985 Dodge Caravan, highlighting its common issues based on complaints from owners.
- Engine Stalling: Some 1985 Dodge Caravan owners have experienced engine stalling caused by a dirty throttle body. This issue is often characterized by low engine idle while the van is warmed up, causing the oil light to flash and stay on. Cleaning the throttle body usually corrects this issue.
These problems, while not exhaustive, provide a snapshot of common issues that 1985 Dodge Caravan owners have faced. It is essential to perform regular maintenance and address any issues promptly to ensure the longevity and safety of the vehicle.
What is the most common problem with the Dodge Caravan?
Here are the most common Dodge Grand Caravan repair problems.
- #1: Power Window Motor and Switches May Fail. ...
- #2: Underbody Coolant Leaks From Rear Heat/AC. ...
- #3: Shifting Harshness and Shuddering Issue. ...
- #4: Key May Not Start Car or Release From Ignition. ...
- #5: Noise in Front Suspension. ...
- Consider An Extended Warranty.
Are Dodge Caravans known for transmission problems?
Dodge Grand Caravan Common Problems
A common problem customers experience with their Dodge Grand Caravan is delayed transmission engagement and hard shifting when driving.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Dodge Caravan have?
96 hp
The base 2.2L was borrowed from the Chrysler K-cars, and produced 96 hp (72 kW) horsepower. The higher performance fuel-injected version of the 2.2L engine later offered in the Chrysler K-cars was never offered in the Caravan, and the 2-bbl version would remain the base power plant until mid-1987.
Is used Dodge Caravan a good car?
Although there are some troublesome years for the Dodge Caravan, it's generally a dependable vehicle option if you're interested in a minivan. Some of the newest versions even prove more reliable as they age, a massive bonus for those behind the wheel.
What is the most common problem with the Dodge Caravan?
Some of the top Dodge Grand Caravan problems include shifting issues, a faulty Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), and engine troubles.
Is Dodge Caravan a reliable car?
Although there are some troublesome years for the Dodge Caravan, it's generally a dependable vehicle option if you're interested in a minivan. Some of the newest versions even prove more reliable as they age, a massive bonus for those behind the wheel.
What are the best years for the Dodge Caravan?
According to carcomplaints.com, some of the best years for the Dodge Caravan include:
- 2020.
- 2007.
- 2019.
- 2010.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Dodge Caravan have?
96 hp
The base 2.2L was borrowed from the Chrysler K-cars, and produced 96 hp (72 kW) horsepower. The higher performance fuel-injected version of the 2.2L engine later offered in the Chrysler K-cars was never offered in the Caravan, and the 2-bbl version would remain the base power plant until mid-1987.
1985 Dodge Caravan car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Caravan problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Dodge Caravan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1985 Dodge Caravan
The NHTSA has received 82 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Dodge Caravan. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1985 Dodge Caravan vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-22
- VIN: 2B4FK41G5FR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-13
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: MY DODGE CARAVAN MINIVAN IS ON HIGH . WHEN I DRIVE IT IT WILL REMAIN ONE SPEED UNTIL I PUT THE BRAKE ON. I KNOW THESE CARS WERE RECALLED. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND OF MY INVESTMENT. THE DOOR PANEL LIGHTS ALSO GET EXTREMELY HOT. THEY HAVE BURNT HOLES IN THEMSELVES AND HOLES ON MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-12
- VIN: 2B4FK51G0FR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HATCHBACK WINDOW IS RUSTING AROUND THE EDGE, AND THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP. THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE HATCHBACK WINDOW. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-13
- VIN: 284FK41C3FR
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE HOOD FLEW UP INTO THE WINDSHIELD. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-04
- VIN: 2B4SK51G8FR
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CABLE THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE RUSTED AND BROKE. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
- VIN: 2B4FK41G8FR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: LEFT INNER TIE-ROD END FAILED, CAUSING WHEELS TO COME OFF IN TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-20
- VIN: 2B4FK51GOFR
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: PLASTIC WINDOW LATCH CRACKED/CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE RUNNING ON ITS OWN COMPRESSION EVEN THOUGH THE IGNITION KEY HAD BEEN TURNED OFF. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-01
- VIN: 2B4GH2536SR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES PULSATED DUE TO WARPED BRAKE ROTORS. *AK
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-10
- VIN: 2B4FK21CXFR
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE RUSTED.
SUSPENSION,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B6FK63G6FR
- Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES
- Summary: WAS DRIVING HOME THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND RUBBED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE, CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT . *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-12-15
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE ACCELERATING AT 55 MPH, SUDDENLY RECEIVED NO ACCELERATION, GAS PEDAL DROPPED TO FLOOR, BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM REAR EXHAUST, DEALER CALLED IT PHANTOM/GHOST PROBLEM, COMMON TO THIS VEHICLE; DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM, HAPPENS AT CONTINUED HIGH SPEED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: 2B4SK41G7SR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER'S LAP/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTED AND LOCKED UP AND COULD NOT GET CHILD OUT OF THE SEAT, HAD TO CUT SEAT BELT TO GET CHILD OUT. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-24
- VIN: 2B4FK41C3FR
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN AN IDLE POSITION IN PARK, JUMPED OUT GEAR, ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER YARD, HITTING STEPS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-29
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT FAILED (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER SEATBACK BROKE AFTER BEING HIT FROM BEHIDE WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-11
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BROKE LOOSE FROM ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE FLOOR IN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *DH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE CAR WAS PARKED AND FOR NO REASON IT WAS ON FIRER. THE INSURANCE AGENT SAID IT WAS FUEL LINE FAILUR*AKE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2B7EK13C1FR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RETRACTOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE FAILED TO LOCK UP DURING A REAR END COLLISION. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE CAR WAS PARKED AND FOR NO REASON IT WAS ON FIRER. THE INSURANCE AGENT SAID IT WAS FUEL LINE FAILUR*AKE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2B7EK13C1FR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RETRACTOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE FAILED TO LOCK UP DURING A REAR END COLLISION. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-29
- VIN: 1B3BD49D1FF
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER EXPANSION VALVES FAILED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-29
- VIN: 1B3BD49D1FF
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-31
- VIN: 1B3BD49D1FF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONTROL ARM FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-23
- VIN: 1B3BD49D1FF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SHOCKS FAILED.
1985 Dodge Caravan recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1985 Dodge Caravan.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITHOUT REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.
- Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS DURING NOVEMBER 1995.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITH REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.
- Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE LATCH OPENS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE EJECTED RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH WITH A NEW STRONGER LATCH ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. CHRYSLER BEGAN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES DURING JULY 1996.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
- Summary: VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL SUNSCREEN REAR GLASS WHICH HAS LESS THAN 70 PERCENT LUMINOUS TRANSMITTANCE AND DOES NOT HAVE A PASSENGER SIDE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 111, REAR VIEW MIRRORS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE DRIVERS OF THESE VANS DO NOT HAVE THE MINIMUM FIELD OF VISION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 111. WITHOUT THIS MINIMUM FIELD OF VISION THE DRIVER CANNOT MANEUVER HIS VEHICLE SAFELY AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL PASSENGER SIDE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
- Summary: ROADWAY STONES MAY BECOME LODGED IN THE HEIGHT SENSING BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO FAIL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: PROPORTIONING VALVE MALFUNCTION RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING HARD BRAKING WITH A LIGHT LOAD AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: CLEAR PROPORTIONING VALVE OF STONES AND INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER TO PREVENT STONES FROM ENTERING.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE METAL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE MAY CRACK AT THE FUEL PUMP END DUE TO VIBRATION. THE CRACK MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. (THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE CONNECTS THE FUEL PUMP TO THE FUEL FILTER.)
- Remedy: A FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES, FREE OF CHARGE. THIS WILL RESTRICT TUBE VIBRATION AND PREVENT CRACKS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Dodge Caravan problems:
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