1985 Plymouth Caravelle problems
The Plymouth Caravelle is a mid-size sedan that was introduced by Plymouth as a 1983 Canadian model. The Caravelle came to the United States in 1985 to replace the Chrysler E-Class. It was essentially identical to the concurrent Dodge 600. It was replaced by the Plymouth Acclaim in 1989. The Caravelle was Plymouth's first front wheel drive mid-size sedan.
The name of the vehicle was inspired by the word Caravel, a 15th-century sailing ship used by the Portuguese; the ship was noted for its speed and agility.
United States
For 1985, the Chrysler brand dropped its unsuccessful entry-level variant of the E platform, the Chrysler E-Class (the idea of a more mainstream Chrysler was not well received by consumers). Even though the Dodge 600 was mainstream, Dodges were not generally sold with Chryslers, so rather than only having the upscale New Yorker on Chrysler-Plymouth dealer lots, the former E-Class was given a new grille and rebranded as a Plymouth and thus the U.S. Caravelle was created. This model was slotted between the compact Reliant K and the large rear-wheel drive Gran Fury.
For its first year the Caravelle came in one trim level with a number of standard features, the Caravelle SE. These standard features including: AM/FM stereo, power windows, power locks, power adjustable mirrors, deck lid release, cruise control, air conditioning, and a 50/50 split front bench seat, with dual recliners. For 1986, the Caravelle was given a facelift, which rounded many of the sharp angles, giving it a more aerodynamic appearance. Also from 1986 onward, a base model was offered, without some of the standard features of the "SE". The Caravelle continued in the U.S. until 1988, when it was replaced by the new A body Acclaim for 1989. Unlike the identical Canadian Caravelle, a 2-door coupe model was never offered in the U.S.
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Common 1985 Plymouth Caravelle problems
The Plymouth Caravelle, produced in 1985, was a mid-size, six-passenger sedan based on the Chrysler K-car platform. It was offered in two trim levels: base and SE, with only the SE available in 1985. While the car was equipped with various features, it also had some common problems that owners reported.
- Engine and Turbo Issues: Several owners of the 1985 Plymouth Caravelle have reported engine problems, particularly with the turbocharged version. One owner mentioned that the turbo never worked, and the engine was barely functional.
- Suspension and Brakes: The suspension of the 1985 Plymouth Caravelle was reported to be worn out, leading to a less than desirable driving experience. The brakes were also described as terrible, with one owner struggling to start the car during a major blizzard and having a harrowing drive home with poor brakes and nearly bald tires.
- Computer Issues: Some owners reported computer issues with the 1985 Plymouth Caravelle. One owner mentioned a problem where the car would rev high upon starting and not adjust down, indicating a possible issue with the engine control unit (ECU) or other electronic systems.
- Ride and Handling: The ride and handling of the 1985 Plymouth Caravelle were described as poor, both in comparison to modern standards and to other cars available at the time. The K-car platform, which the Caravelle was based on, was known for its unrefined handling and noisy ride.
- Mechanical Issues: Despite being relatively inexpensive cars, the 1985 Plymouth Caravelle and other K-cars were known to have various mechanical issues. One owner mentioned that all the K-cars they owned, including the Caravelle, had problems to varying degrees, with even the most reliable one (the LeBaron) having its share of mechanical issues.
In summary, the 1985 Plymouth Caravelle, while equipped with various features, suffered from several common problems, including engine and turbo issues, worn-out suspension and poor brakes, computer problems, poor ride and handling, and various mechanical issues. These problems may have contributed to the car's low sales and its eventual replacement by the Plymouth Acclaim in 1989.
1985 Plymouth Caravelle car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Caravelle problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Plymouth Caravelle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Plymouth Caravelle complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Plymouth Caravelle.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CARBURETOR KEEPS FAILING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL, AND WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS. DEALER WILL PROVIDE A REBUILT CARBURETOR. BUT WILL ONLY GUARANTEE IT FOR 3 MONTHS. *AK
1985 Plymouth Caravelle recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 Plymouth Caravelle.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.
- Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL HOSE ROUTED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE REGULATOR MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED HOSE CLAMP. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE FUEL HOSE COULD LEAK AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: REPOSITION AND TIGHTEN TO THE PROPER TORQUE LEVEL OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMP.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Plymouth Caravelle problems:
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