1988 Dodge Grand caravan problems

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1988 Dodge Grand caravan

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Common 1988 Dodge Grand caravan problems

The 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan is known for a few common problems, primarily related to transmission, engine performance, and electrical issues.

  • Engine Performance Problems: The 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan can experience engine performance issues, such as a loss of power when climbing hills.
  • Electrical Issues: The 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan can also have electrical problems, such as the instrument panel and radio only having half the lighting they should, making it difficult to see the speedometer, temperature, and oil level gauges. This issue can be caused by loose wires or a factor of the vehicle's age, and pulling and checking fuses may not resolve the problem.

These common problems in the 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan can significantly impact the vehicle's performance and safety. It is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the vehicle's safe operation.

1988 Dodge Grand caravan engine

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.

What was the best year for the Dodge Grand 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.

Is Dodge Grand Caravan a reliable car?

The Dodge Grand Caravan Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 8 for minivans. The average annual repair cost is $673 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Grand Caravan.

How many miles does a Dodge Grand Caravan usually 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 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 Dodge Grand Caravan a reliable car?

The Dodge Grand Caravan is a reliable minivan with a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal. The Dodge Grand Caravans with the best reliability are the 2020, 2007, and 2010 models.

Is Dodge Grand Caravan expensive to maintain?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Dodge Grand Caravan is $673, compared to an average of $647 for minivans and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

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.

1988 Dodge Grand caravan car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Grand caravan problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Latches/locks/linkages problems
  • Power train problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Dodge Grand caravan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Dodge Grand caravan complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Dodge Grand caravan.

2006-10-27

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-10-27
  • VIN: 2B4GP2438WR
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN LIGHT RAIN, MY SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF AGAIN. THIS BELT CONTROLS THE POWER STEERING, ETC. IT ALMOST CAUSED A SEVERE WRECK. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH DODGE GRAND CARAVANS OF THE LATE 90'S AND EARLY 2000'S. IT IS VERY UNSAFE. WE HAVE HAD THE TENSIONER REPLACED, INSTALLED A SNOW SHIELD, ETC. TO TRY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, ALL TO NO AVAIL. THE BELT HAS COME OFF 4 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR, EVEN IN VERY LIGHT RAIN AND VERY SHALLOW PUDDLES. *NM
2001-11-11

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-11-06
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WHILE REAR ENDING A VEHICLE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DID NOT CATCH CAUSING CONSUMER TO SUSTAIN INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK AND RIGHT KNEE. *JG
2001-11-11

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-11-06
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WHILE REAR ENDING A VEHICLE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DID NOT CATCH CAUSING CONSUMER TO SUSTAIN INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK AND RIGHT KNEE. *JG
2000-11-13

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1B4FK5030JX
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: THE DOOR LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE DO NOT WORK, CONSUMER CAN NOT GET THE LEFT FRONT DOOR TO LATCH, THE SLIDING DOOR AND PASSENGER FRONT DOOR HANDLES WILL OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE BUT NOT FROM THE INSIDE. *SLC
1999-03-05

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-05
  • VIN: 1B4FK5035JX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE BAKERSFIELD DODGE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY DO NOT PROVIDE ANY REPAIR TO ANY VEHICLE THAT IS MADE BEFORE 1990
1998-02-03

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: DRIVERS SIDE RUBBER DOOR SEALS DETERIORATED.
1997-11-25

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED. NLM
1997-11-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCING ENGINE PROBLEMS WHICH INCLUDED VALVE GUIDE, TIMING CHAIN AND HEAD GASKET FAILURES. NLM
1997-07-09

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: 95I- 001000; OWNER HAS TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES WITH NO PERMANENT SOLUTION. *AK
1997-02-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BOTH FRONT ROTORS BROKE DURING HEAVY BRAKING. *AK
1997-02-07

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-01
  • VIN: 1B4FK4038JX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION MOUNT BROKE.
1996-08-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-04
  • VIN: 1B4FK4032JX
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE CALIPERS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO SMOKE.

1988 Dodge Grand caravan recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1988 Dodge Grand caravan.

2008-04-14
  • 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.
1995-03-27
  • 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.
1995-03-27
  • 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1988 Dodge Grand caravan problems:

1988 Dodge Grand Caravan Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1988 Dodge Grand Caravan Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/dodge/grand_caravan/1988/

Faults: Fuel Pump went out at around 80k miles. The engine blew at around 110k miles. Gone through 6 batteries so far. Driver's side CV joint replaced at ...

momentary power steering loss | The Chrysler Minivan Fan Club ...
momentary power steering loss | The Chrysler Minivan Fan Club ...
https://www.chryslerminivan.net/threads/momentary-power-steering-loss.77641/

Oct 4, 2014 ... Maybe the engine is momentary trying to stall? 2006 Dodge Caravan SXT, 3.3, 104,000 mi, 4/17/2014 2003 Dodge Grand ... 1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van ...

Dodge Grand Caravan - newprotest.org
Dodge Grand Caravan - newprotest.org
https://newprotest.org/categories.pl?caravan

Mar 27, 2011 ... In addition to the transmission issues that Dodge Caravans are known to have, having the instrument cluster go out is another common problem ...

Dodge Grand Caravan Questions - How do I know if it is really the ...
Dodge Grand Caravan Questions - How do I know if it is really the ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t12693_ds601606

Jul 19, 2014 ... ... common problem no pressure at fuel rail could ... problem, so started troubleshooting. Car ... going thru the same issue - 88 dodge grand caravan ...

1996 Dodge Grand Caravan - stalls while driving but starts right ...
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan - stalls while driving but starts right ...
https://repairpal.com/stalls-while-driving-but-starts-right-back-up-744

Sep 11, 2009 ... The idle control system could have a problem, your engine could have a vacuum leak, if the engine runs a little rough a cylinder may nit be ...

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1988 Dodge Grand caravan photo