1989 Dodge Caravan problems
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Common 1989 Dodge Caravan problems
The 1989 Dodge Caravan, being a vehicle from the late 1980s, has its fair share of common problems reported by its owners. Here are some of the most common issues found in the 1989 Dodge Caravan:
- Front Suspension Noises: Many 1989 Dodge Caravan owners have heard odd noises coming from their minivan’s front suspension. In most cases, worn sway bar bushings or sway bar end links produced rattling or clunking sounds during low-speed driving. Some owners heard clunking noises when going over bumps, while others noticed loud clunking noises when they were slowing down, going over speed bumps, or turning.
- Power Door Lock Failure: Power door lock failure is a common problem in the 1989 Dodge Caravan. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out door lock actuators, broken wiring, or a faulty control module.
- Oil Leaks: Oil leaks are a common problem in the 1989 Dodge Caravan, especially in models with high mileage. The most common sources of oil leaks are the front crankshaft seal and the valve cover gaskets.
- Engine Problems: Some 1989 Dodge Caravan owners have reported engine problems, including sudden stalling while driving, loss of power steering, engine misfires, and excessive oil consumption. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or a malfunctioning fuel pump.
It is important to note that not all 1989 Dodge Caravans will experience these problems, and many vehicles from this model year are still on the road today with few or no issues. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider having any used 1989 Dodge Caravan inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing.
What year is the most reliable Dodge Caravan?
There are a couple of excellent choices for the Dodge Caravan. We recommend the 2007, 2010, 2019, and 2020 selections. We hope this information is helpful! It might feel overwhelming to select the best year for the Caravan, so our knowledge should make the process much easier.
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.
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 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?
There are a couple of excellent choices for the Dodge Caravan. We recommend the 2007, 2010, 2019, and 2020 selections. We hope this information is helpful! It might feel overwhelming to select the best year for the Caravan, so our knowledge should make the process much easier.
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.
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 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.
1989 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:
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Dodge Caravan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Dodge Caravan
The NHTSA has received 230 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Dodge Caravan. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Dodge Caravan vehicles.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-04
- VIN: 1B4FK4435KX
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THERE HAS DEVELOPED AN UNUSUAL AND UNSAFE CONDITION IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK MECHANISM THAT ON A REGULAR BASIS CAUSES THE DOOR TO LOCK BY ITSELF WHEREBY IT IS UNABLE TO BE UNLOCKED BY ANY MEANS FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IS FROM THE OUTSIDE BY USE OF THE KEY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 89V237000. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AS WELL AS MADE SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS TO GET HIS CAR SERVICED. HOWEVER, TO THIS DAY HIS CAR HAS STILL NOT BEEN SERVICED.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-15
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND WITH NO WARNING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. CONSUMER HAS MADE CONTACT WITH DEALER. *AK *NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-24
- VIN: 2B4FK45J6KR
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: FUEL INJECTOR LEAK SPRAYS HIGH PRESSURE GASOLINE ON TOP OF INTAKE MANIFOLD. LARGE AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE LEAK FROM INJECTOR ONTO HOT COMPONENTS OF ENGINE. LEAKAGE INCREASES DRAMATICALLY WITH DECREASE IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. INJECTOR: BENDIX DEKA 4418213
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: AB4FK553XK5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MOTOR MOUNTS SHATTERED. NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-24
- VIN: AB4FK553XK5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY AFTER A NEW ONE WAS INSTALLED, INITIALLY THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE BREAKAGE OF TWO AXLES, MAIN AXLE, VAC PINION AND BOTH FRONT BEARINGS (R4761821-AA TRANSMISSION-41T 2100 2001). NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-03
- VIN: 2B4FK553XKR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT, WATER PUMP, OIL SEAL, CRANKSHAFT AND VALVE GASKET WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TEMPERATURE WAS HIGH DUE TO RADIATOR HOSE FAILURE. *YH
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-15
- VIN: 2B4FK553XKR
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TWO FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED. *YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
- VIN: 2B4FK553XKR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES AND CALIPERS WERE REPLACED. *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-28
- VIN: 2B4FK553XKR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. *YH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-21
- VIN: 2B4FK553XKR
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED. *YH *CB
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-01
- VIN: 1B4FK5434KX
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: WIRE STRAND THAT HOLDS SPARE TIRE ONTO VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE, IT SNAPPED, CAUSING SPARE TIRE TO FALL OFF.*AK JLG
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2B4FK25K8KR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK45K1KR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VIBRATION CAUSING BODY OF DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO CRACK . BOLTS THAT HOLD LOCKING MECHANISM HAD EXPANDED, AND THEY FELL INSIDE OF DOOR. DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2B4FK45KXKR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WE WERE DRIVING ON RT 1 IN SMRNA DELAWARE AND IT FELT LIKE THE ENGINE LOST COMPRESSION. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURNED OFF THE VAN GOT OUT AND SAW FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 3/17/2002 AT 8/30 PM WITHIN MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1B4FK44435K
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 20 MPH PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATBELT DID NOT HOLD PASSENGER WHEN VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT SPRING INSIDE OF THE MECHANISM BROKE, THIS SPRING STOPPED SEATBELT FROM COMING OUT OF SEATBELT RETRACTOR IN COLLISION. PASSENGER WAS THROWN AGAINST WINDSHIELD, AND INJURED NECK AND HEAD. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-20
- VIN: 2B4FK4532KR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE BACK DOOR IS OPENED COULD BE PLACING ANYTHING INSIDE OF VEHICLE, BUT IT WILL BE DROPING DOWN ON CONSUMER'S HEAD. DEALER HAD TRIED TO FIX PROBLEM, BUT STILL PROBLEM CONTINUED JUST LIKE MENTIONED IN RECALL 95 I 001 008. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4GP44ROWR
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT NEARLY BRIGHT ENOUGH AND ARE AN UNSAFELY DESIGNED. *AK
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-06-01
- VIN: 2B4FK45K4KR
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUNK DOOR, WHEN OPENING WILL NOT STAY IN UP POSITION, WILL SLAM SHUT. ALSO WHEN VEHICLE PUT IN DRIVE, IT WILL NOT TAKE OFF. CONSUMER HAS TO DRIVE IT IN D1 CONSTANTLY, WHEN SHE DRIVES IT IN D2 VEHICLE WILL STALL. *AK *SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-11
- VIN: 2B4FK45J6KR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE RIGHT LIFT ON THE TAILGATE IS TEARING THE BODY MATERIAL AND LEAVING JAGGED METAL EXPOSED. I HAVE TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE NO LIABILITY IN THIS MATTER AND THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED BEFORE.*AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2B4FK5537KR
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD BUT, DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO WRITE. IT IS THE PAINT & THE AIR CONDITIONER. IT HAS BEEN TOLD TO ME THAT IN 89 VEHICLES DID NOT RECEIVE PRIMER AND THEREFORE CAUSED PAINT TO CHIP. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS BUT TO PASSIFY ME THEY WOULD ALLOW 200 TO SPOT PAINT MY VAN AND I WOULD PAY 200 AT MAACO. NOT THERE DEALERSHIP SHOP BUT MAACO AND TO ONLY ALLOW SPOT PAINTING. I HAD ALREADY PAID TO HAVE THE HOOD AND FRONT FENDERS PAINTED BECAUSE IT WAS SO BAD AND THE ROOF IS NOW HORRIBLE! I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND FEEL IT IS ONLY RIGHT THEY PAINT THE VAN AND GET IT OVER WITH! I HAVE COMPLAINED FOR THE PAST FIVE OR MORE YEARS ABOUT THE VAN STALLING OUT IF I USE MY AIR CONDITIONER BUT NONE OF THE DODGE DEALERS CAN OR WILL FIND ANY PROBLEM SO I SUFFER IN THE HEAT. IF I USE THE A/C AND WHEN I REACH MY DESTINATION AND SHUT IT OFF EVEN IF I LET IT SIT OVERNIGHT THE VAN WILL STALL OUT.PLEASE FORWARD TO PROPER PEOPLE AND LET ME KNOW IF ANYTHING WILL BE DONE ABOUT THESE TWO PROBLEMS. I AM NOT TRYING TO MAKE MONEY ONLY WANT COMFORT . I PLAN ON BUYING ANOTHER DODGE PROBABLY IN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE YEARS AS OTHER THAN THE AFORE MENTIONED IRRATATIONS I HAVE ENJOYED MY VAN AND GOTTEN A LOT OF USE OUT OF IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT!*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-26
- VIN: 1P3ES46C5YD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHYWAY AND HEARD A BIG BOOMING SOUND. SHE PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER, AND NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN TRAVELING VEHICLE STALLED/CUT OFF AND CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED. YH
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HINGE MOUNTS FAILED. YH
1989 Dodge Caravan recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1989 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: INBOARD FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY STRAPS CAN SUFFER FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE STRAP NEAR ITS ANCHOR POSITION.
- Consequence: FATIGUE FAILURE OF SAFETY BELTS IN A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT CONDITION RESULTS IN INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANT.
- Remedy: REPLACE FATIGUED STRAPS OR RETROFIT STRAPS WITH A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AND REMOVAL OF AN ANTIROTATION TAB TO PREVENT FATIGUE FAILURE.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
- Consequence: THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Dodge Caravan problems:
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