1988 Dodge Caravan problems
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Common 1988 Dodge Caravan problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Dodge Caravan 1988, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Engine Stalling and Misfires: Owners have reported instances where the engine abruptly stops while driving, displaying the traction control light before stalling. This problem is often accompanied by a loss of power steering, engine misfires, starter issues, excessive oil consumption, and the check engine light turning on. Some have also experienced issues with the power locks and electrical failures leading to stalling, even at highway speeds.
- Transmission Shifting Issues: Many owners have complained about shifting problems, especially when going uphill at low speeds. The transmission may downshift unexpectedly after pressing the gas pedal, making it difficult to maintain a constant speed. Shifting issues can also cause shuddering, stalling on the last downshift while slowing down, occasional harsh upshifts, and lugging in high gear.
- Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Malfunctions: Some units from the 2011 model year have experienced problems with the TIPM. Symptoms include difficulty starting the minivan, random opening of windows and doors, and occasional failure to start. While temporary solutions have been shared online, they often provide short-lived relief, with the vehicle eventually becoming unresponsive.
- Electrical Problems: The 1988 Dodge Caravan has been associated with various electrical issues, including power lock failures and stalling due to faulty voltage regulator chips. Consumers have reported that the stock headlights are dimmer than standard, requiring the replacement of bulbs with higher wattage and the regulator chip to prevent electrical failures.
These common problems reported by owners of the Dodge Caravan 1988 highlight significant issues with engine performance, transmission functionality, electrical systems, and overall reliability. Addressing these issues promptly and with the necessary repairs can help maintain the vehicle's safety and performance standards.
What year is the most reliable Dodge Caravan?
The Dodge Grand Caravans with the best reliability are the 2020, 2007, and 2010 models. Some of the top Dodge Grand Caravan problems include shifting issues, a faulty Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), and engine troubles.
What is the problem of Dodge Grand Caravan?
Dodge Grand Caravan Common Problems
The current Dodge Grand Caravan generation debuted for 2008. Since then, drivers have complained about a number of frequent issues, including premature brake wear, engine stalling, hard gear changes, transmission failure, and faulty air conditioning.
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.
How many miles will a Dodge Caravan last?
Typically, a Dodge Grand Caravan will survive 200,000-300,000 miles with excellent care, which places high mileage for the vehicle around the 200,000-mile mark and good mileage at 150,000 miles. Anything better than these numbers is a testament to your effort.
What year is the most reliable Dodge Caravan?
The Dodge Grand Caravans with the best reliability are the 2020, 2007, and 2010 models. Some of the top Dodge Grand Caravan problems include shifting issues, a faulty Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), and engine troubles.
What is the problem of Dodge Grand Caravan?
Dodge Grand Caravan Common Problems
The current Dodge Grand Caravan generation debuted for 2008. Since then, drivers have complained about a number of frequent issues, including premature brake wear, engine stalling, hard gear changes, transmission failure, and faulty air conditioning.
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.
How many miles will a Dodge Caravan last?
Typically, a Dodge Grand Caravan will survive 200,000-300,000 miles with excellent care, which places high mileage for the vehicle around the 200,000-mile mark and good mileage at 150,000 miles. Anything better than these numbers is a testament to your effort.
1988 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:
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Dodge Caravan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Dodge Caravan
The NHTSA has received 125 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Dodge Caravan. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Dodge Caravan vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-29
- VIN: 2B4FK41K2JR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT BROKE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE MOTOR MOUNT BUT A YEAR LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED BUT THIS TIME WHEN THE MOTOR MOUNT BROKE IT ALSO DAMAGED THE OIL PAN. *AK *NM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: SAFETY CONCERN OF CABLES FOR SPARE TIRES.*AK *JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-03
- VIN: 2B4FK5136JR
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY APPROXIMATELY 82 DEGREES, WITH ALL WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, CARGO DOOR SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING.*AK.*JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B4FK403XJX
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT DOORS ARE SEPARATING FROM HINGES. THIS IS CAUSING DOORS TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT. DOORS WILL EITHER LOCK OR UNLOCK UPON BEING CLOSED. OWNER KNEW OF PROBLEM PRIOR TO PURCHASING. MECHANIC INDICATED VEHICLE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2B4FK5132JR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-04
- VIN: 2B4FK41K1JR
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT GAS STARTED TO POUR OUT OF VEHICLE ONTO GROUND. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS DANGEROUS IN HOT VEHICLE AND COULD EASILY START A FIRE.*AK THE RUBBER CAP ON GASOLINE TUBING FAILED, CAUSING RAPID FUEL FLOW ON GROUND UNDER VEHICLE.*JB
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-16
- VIN: 1B4FK5034JX
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I BELEVE THE (FRONT SWAY BAR ) SHOULD NEVER BREAK UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-27
- VIN: 2B4FK5134JR
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD IN CENTER WAS COMPLETELY GONE, SHATTERING LENS ON REAR TAIL LIGHT. SECONDS PRIOR TO INCIDENT, CONSUMER HEARD LOUD EXPLOSION, BUT TIRE DIDN'T BLOWOUT. P205/70R14 WITH 20,000 MILES, AFTER MARKET. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK41K1JR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE FIRST CAR PAINT WAS RECALLED AND SECOND PAINT JOB WAS DONE WRONG. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-01
- VIN: 2B4FK4131JR
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE CAP OVER THEN END OF THE 5/16 INCH DIAMETER TUBE FOR DRAINING THE FUEL TANK DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT GAS WAS LEAKING FROM THE TUBE WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THE RUBBER ON THE CAP WAS CRACKED AND MUSHY. THIS NOT ONLY ALLOWED THE FUEL TO LEAK OUT, BUT ALSO ALLOWED WATER TO RUST THE FUEL LINE THAT WAS UNDER THE DRAIN CAP. OTHER RUBBER COMPONENTS IN THE FUEL SYSTEM APPEAR TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION. THEREFORE, I SUSPECT THAT THIS DRAIN CAP IS MANUFACTURED FROM INFERIOR RUBBER. THE DEALER SAID THE MANUFACURER DOES NOT HAVE THIS CAP IN THEIR PARTS SYSTEM SO I HAD TO BE CREATIVE IN BLOCKING THE DRAIN PIPE. I HAVE RETAINED THE OLD CAP IF YOU WOULD DESIRE TO INSPECT IT. ACCORDING TO THE SHOP MANUAL THAT I PURCHASED, ALL 1988 CHRYSLER CARS HAVE A SIMILAR DRAIN CAP ON THE FUEL TANK. THE LEAK FROM THE DRAIN TUBE WAS BIG ENOUGH TO LEAVE A 10 INCH WIDE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. MY CONCERNS ARE NOT ONLY WITH FIRE SAFETY, BUT ALSO WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. YOU MAY WANT TO FORWARD THIS CONCERN WITH YOUR FRIENDS IN THE EPA. THANK YOU. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 1988 DODGE CARAVAN ARE BECOMMING OPAQUE. I ONLY SEE A GLOW ON THE ROAD AHEAD. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY A DELERSHIP PARTS PERSON THE CAUSE IS WATER CONDENSING ON THE INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT'S LENSE, AND LEAVING A CALCIUM DEPOSIT WHEN THE HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON, CAUSING EVAPORATORATION OF THE MOISTURE. NOT ALL CARS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM IS THE RESULT OF A POORLY DESIGNED LENSE UNIT. OTHER HEADLIGHT LENSE UNITS DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY PROBLEM DUE TO POOR ILLUMINATION OF THE ROAD AHEAD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY HEAD LIGHT UNITS REPLACED BY DODGE AT THEIR COST.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-01-01
- VIN: 1B4FK4030JX
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE PAINT ON THE TOP AND THE HOOD OF THE VAN HAS BEEN DETERIORATING FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE CHRYSLER COMPANY A NUMBER OF TIMES OVER THE YEARS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM- TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE AALSO NOTICED A NUMBER OF OTHER V
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- VIN: 2B4FK21K6JR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: DUE TO HARMONIC IMBALANCE OF ENGINE, AIR CONDITIONER AND ALTERNATOR FAIL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5135JR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PCV VALVE FAILS WEEKLY.*ET
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5135JR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: HIGH PRESSURE HOSES BEGAN TO LEAK CAUSING RAPID PUMP FAILURE REPAIRED ONCE FAILED AGAIN.*ET
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5135JR
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT SUSPENSION WHEEL BEARINGS AND BALL JOINTS FAILED CAUSING MODERATE VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 AND BECOMES SEVERE ABOVE 74 MPH. *ET
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5135JR
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONING H BLOCK VALVE AND COMPRESSOR FAILED. *ET
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5135JR
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM/SENSORS FAILED.*ET
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5135JR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5135JR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED. YH
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5135JR
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FAILED. YH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5135JR
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED. YH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5135JR
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED. YH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 184FK5036JX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH FUEL LINE. WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING. WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE TO CHECK THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT IN FLAMES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-21
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, NORMAL ROAD CONDITION, WHEN THE CABLE WHICH HOLDS SPARE TIRE UNDERNEATH VEHICLE BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE LIFTED WHILE DRIVING, WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME.
1988 Dodge Caravan recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1988 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: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: 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: FUEL TANKS MAY BE CONSTRUCTED OF IMPROPER MATERIAL.
- Consequence: FUEL COULD LEAK AT THE TANK SEAM WHICH, IN PRESENCE OFAN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE SUSPECT FUEL TANKS.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: FUEL TANKS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING TANK MANUFACTURE.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WITH THE POTENTIAL FORA FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANKS AS NECESSARY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Dodge Caravan problems:
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