1987 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 1987 Plymouth Caravelle problems
The Plymouth Caravelle, introduced in 1985 as an extended K-car platform, was not a popular choice among consumers due to its mediocre performance, tacky design, and unreliability. This article will highlight some of the common problems reported by the owners of the 1987 Plymouth Caravelle, based on the search results.
- Engine Issues: The 2.2-liter turbo engine in the 1987 Plymouth Caravelle was known to have issues with torque steer, causing the car to change lanes when shifting from first to second gear.
- Computer Issues: Some owners reported a computer issue where the engine would rev too high at startup and not adjust down, causing the car to be difficult to drive.
- Interior and Exterior Quality: The interior of the Caravelle featured cushy Simu-Velour™ upholstery, but the quality of the materials used in the car was not up to par with its competitors, such as the Buick Century and Olds Ciera.
- Ride and Handling: The Caravelle's K-car roots were evident in its ride and handling, with a noisy ride and unrefined handling being common complaints from owners.
- Fuel System Issues: Some owners reported issues with the fuel system, including a faulty fuel pump and clogged fuel filters, causing the car to stall while driving.
In summary, the 1987 Plymouth Caravelle was plagued with a variety of issues, including engine problems, computer issues, poor interior and exterior quality, unrefined ride and handling, and fuel system problems. These issues likely contributed to the car's poor sales and lack of value retention over the years.
1987 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:
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Plymouth Caravelle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Plymouth Caravelle complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Plymouth Caravelle.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-23
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN DRIVE, IT STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING PRESSED. CONSUMER HAD TO CONSTANTLY KEEP THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED SINCE MID DECEMBER 2003.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-16
- VIN: 1P3BJ36K9HC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR WOULD NOT START. SOUNDED LIKE FUEL WAS NOT GOING THROUGH. CONSUMER REPLACED FUEL SYSTEM, AND PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. *AK
1987 Plymouth Caravelle recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Plymouth Caravelle problems:
Junkyard Find: 1987 Plymouth Caravelle | The Truth About Cars
May 7, 2015 ... The “extended” K-car chassis was known as the E Platform and included the Dodge 600 ( we've seen one in this series), the Chrysler E-Class ( we' ...
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Mar 25, 2021 ... I was going to go with the dealers suggestion when I noticed my 1987 Plymouth Caravelle 2.2 had the same part number on the computer so I just ...
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Oct 14, 2009 ... The only Chrysler that has blown a cam end seal on me was my turd mobile (1987 Plymouth Caravelle). That car was the slowest POS that I have ...
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Jan 15, 2017 ... I can't even count how many of these cars fried the Engine Control Modules, up in NE Ohio, where moisture is a common problem year round. And ...
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Jan 8, 2015 ... ... 1987 Plymouth Caravelle that had such serious problems at such low miles. Save Share. Like · G · Gary Irwin. 112 posts · Joined 2011.
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