1986 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 1986 Plymouth Caravelle problems
The Plymouth Caravelle, introduced in 1983, was a mid-size sedan based on the Chrysler K-LeBaron coupe and was not sold in the US along with the sedan.
One common problem reported by owners of the Plymouth Caravelle is engine issues. The engine in the Caravelle was known to have a turbo, but it often did not work, and the engine itself was barely functional.
Another issue reported by owners of the Plymouth Caravelle is suspension and brake problems. The suspension in the Caravelle was known to be worn out, and the brakes were often in poor shape, leading to potentially dangerous driving conditions.
The Caravelle was also known for its interior materials, which were often inexpensive and of low quality. The car's noisy ride and unrefined handling were also criticized, particularly by modern-day standards.
Despite these issues, the Plymouth Caravelle was known for its reliability and sturdiness, and it was a popular choice for consumers looking for a mid-size sedan. However, the car's lack of style and performance may have contributed to its eventual discontinuation in 1988.
In summary, the Plymouth Caravelle was a mid-size sedan known for its reliability and sturdiness, but it was also plagued by engine issues, suspension and brake problems, low-quality interior materials, and a lack of style and performance. Despite these issues, the car was a popular choice for consumers looking for a mid-size sedan, but it was ultimately discontinued in 1988.
1986 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:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Plymouth Caravelle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Plymouth Caravelle complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Plymouth Caravelle.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-01
- VIN: 1YVGD31C6K5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE PLASTIC IN SIDE BUCKLE HAS BROKE CAN NOT LATCH SEAT. TT
1986 Plymouth Caravelle recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 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: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: A SERVICE REPLACEMENT DRIVERS SEAT CUSHION (MANUAL SEAT TYPE) MAY CONTAIN WRONG CUSHION WITH A BRACE THAT COULD INTERFERE WITH POWER SEAT ADJUSTER MECHANISM AND CAUSE STRESS ON THE FRAME.
- Consequence: SEAT FRAME COULD FRACTURE AND RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTREARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT BACK.
- Remedy: REPLACE FRAME WITH PROPER POWER SEAT FRAME.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Plymouth Caravelle problems:
Plymouth Caravelle Reviews - Carsurvey.org
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